Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating

Food Items that Should Be Left Out of Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a convenient way to clean up after a meal, but there are certain foods that are better relegated to the trash can. Putting the wrong food items down your drain can cause clogs, backups, and damage your disposal or your plumbing. Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain—these hot liquids solidify when they cool and cause drain troubles quickly. Vegetables that are stringy or starchy should also go in the trash rather than down the drain to avoid damaging or immobilizing your disposal’s mechanism. Pastas and rice expand with water, contributing to clogged disposals and drains. Coffee grounds can become caught in your disposal’s trap, slowing down or stopping drainage from your sink. Other items to avoid putting through your disposal include eggshells, bones, and fruit rinds, seeds, or pits.

The Most Common Summer Plumbing Problems

Summer is a common time for homeowners to encounter plumbing problems and the undue stress they bring. Knowing how to handle some of the most common problems—and when it’s necessary to call in a professional plumber—can save you time and money. Take a look below at some of the most common summer plumbing problems in Berkeley and how to deal with them.

Running Toilet
If you have summertime company, your bathroom is likely to be in more demand than ever. A running toilet is not only annoying, it can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Running toilets are most often caused by defective or broken flappers, which cause the tank to continually fill and increase the risk of developing a leak. A plumber can easily evaluate and replace the flapper if needed.

Sewer Backup
Most Berkeley homes still have their original sewer lateral connections, many of which date back to the 1950s. Over time, wear and tear to sewer pipes and connections can result in seepage or overflow of wastewater onto your property and into your home. If you notice a foul odor coming from your plumbing or have found wastewater seepage, contact a plumber to determine the extent of the repairs needed.

Clogged Garbage Disposal
It’s important to remember after warm weather cookouts that not all food waste can go down the disposal. Hot grease, fats, oils, just-add-water foods (such as instant potatoes), and pastas all contribute to clogged disposals and drains. Never put corn husks or watermelon rinds down the disposal, either. If your disposal or sink drain becomes clogged, try running cold water through it to clear it. If the clog persists, have a professional plumber inspect the unit.

Are you having trouble with your plumbing, drains, or sewer? Call Albert Nahman Plumbing and Heating today at (510) 984-3207 for the plumbing expertise you need to enjoy this summer season. You can find out more about our services in Berkeley, Alameda and Contra Costa counties by clicking through our website.

Getting Your Plumbing Ready for the Summer Months

As spring transitions into summer, it’s important to prepare your plumbing for warmer weather. Taking a few simple steps can save you money, conserve resources, and ensure your home’s plumbing stays in good shape. Always contact a plumbing service promptly to repair or clean any clogged or broken pipes, drains, and hardware.

Check Your Washing Machine
Check your washer to ensure it’s in good condition, including all hoses and plumbing connections. Keep the back of your washer at least four inches from the wall to prevent kinking—and breakage—of the tubes.

Adjust Your Water Heater
Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This not only prevents scalding, but reduces the amount of energy your home uses. If you are going on vacation for more than a few days, turn the temperature dial down to low or vacation setting to further conserve power.

Replace Shower Heads
If your shower heads show mineral buildup, try soaking the fixture in vinegar overnight before scrubbing with a soft toothbrush to remove deposits. Consider replacing older shower heads with newer low-flow models to save water without sacrificing water pressure.

Inspect Your Basement and Attic
Check your basement and attic for signs of leaks or standing water, which can cause damage and promote mold and insect growth in warm weather. Check all drip pans and ductwork for condensation and call a plumber if you find signs of leaks or flooding.

Clean Gutters, Drains, and Pipes
Make sure all your home’s gutters, drains, and pipes are clear of mud, leaves, and other debris. It’s especially important to check these after spring or summer rainstorms, as debris can accumulate and clog drains quickly, leading to flooding or water backups.

At Albert Nahman Plumbing and Heating, our customers are our number one priority. Contact us today at (510) 984-3207 for the answers to your questions or to schedule a free estimate for drain cleaning, sewer inspection, plumbing repair, and more. You can get more seasonal plumbing tips for your home’s needs by through our blog.

Albert Nahman Plumbing and Heating Joins with Rebuilding Together of the East Bay

We had the opportunity to perform a volunteer sewer lateral replacement for Rebuilding Together of the East Bay on April 25, 2013. It was a wonderful experience and we were happy to make positive impact in our community! To learn more about Rebuilding Together, and see how you can help, check out their main website.

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A Look at the Baxi Luna High-Efficiency Boiler

Switching from an outdated to a high-energy boiler can translate into a major reduction in your energy bill. Our favorite high-efficiency boiler is the Baxi Luna unit. We love using this modern marvel to retrofit radiant heating systems in our clients’ homes. The Baxi Luna only heats water as it is needed, as opposed to past systems that boiled water constantly—which means significant energy savings. Watch this short video to learn more about the Baxi Luna High-Efficiency Boiler!