All Plumbing, Inc.

How to Properly Dispose of Kitchen Grease

Many people think their kitchen sink and garbage disposable are unstoppable forces of machinery, but testing them against kitchen grease will quickly reveal their weaknesses. As grease goes down the drain, it starts to cool, solidifying and clinging to any debris already in the pipe until it forms an unmovable solid barrier.

To avoid a difficult plumbing repair, never dispose of kitchen grease in the sink. You can get rid of grease by putting it in a sealed container and then disposing of it in the garbage. Those with compost bins can add grease to their compost pile for an eco-friendly option. You could also consider asking local restaurants whether you can add your kitchen grease to their grease bin. Grease bin contents are generally collected and recycled into consumer products, preserving both your sink and the planet.

If your sink is suffering from a grease clog, you may need drain cleaning services from All Plumbing, Inc. We help residents in the Arlington area keep their drains clear, water mains flowing, and plumbing in working order. Call us today at (571) 482-7046 to find out more about our plumbing repair services.  

The Constant Threat Roots Pose to Your Sewer Line

When most people flush their toilet or run the sink, they are not thinking about their sewer line. However, this easy-to-overlook part of your plumbing system can unexpectedly turn your home into a disaster zone when it becomes clogged with roots. Keep reading to learn more about the damage roots can cause to your sewer line and how to respond to a sewer line backup.

Why Do Roots Love Sewer Lines?
Plants need water to survive, and when they discover a pipe full of water, they want to tap into that supply. Generally, roots invade sewer lines where there is already a crack; the plant finds the moist soil around the crack and follows the water into the pipe. Sound sewer lines will not often have root problems, but cracked sewer lines can become overgrown with roots until they are no longer able to drain water and sewage to the main line. You can’t see a root growing into your sewer line, and often won’t know there is a problem until the symptoms become evident above ground. You may notice standing water or unpleasant smells coming from sewer access points on your property. As the clog becomes worse, your toilets may stop working or overflow.

What Do I Do If My Sewer Line Backs Up?
When a sewer back-up happens, you need to call a plumber right away. The plumber can insert a camera into the line and identify the location and cause of the clog. He or she can then decide how best to clear the problem. In the case of roots, plumbers often use a plumbing snake to access your sewer line and break apart roots. They may also use hydrojetting to flush clogs out with high-pressured jets of water.

If your sewer line is backed up, call All Plumbing, Inc. of Arlington at (571) 482-7046. We can diagnose and clear your sewer problem, and we can perform sewer line repair and replacement. Customers can also ask us about drain cleaning and home plumbing services. 

How to Adjust Your Water Heater Thermostat

While hot water is a necessity in the modern home, heating that water demands a large amount of energy. You can maximize the efficiency of your water heater by adjusting its heating temperature while you are on vacation or as the ambient temperature throughout the year changes the water temperature.

Adjusting your water heater is easy. There is a knob near the bottom of the unit that allows you to control the temperature, and many water heaters feature a knob that allows you to set a vacation mode. To see how this is done, watch this short video clip.

Is your water heater functioning at its best? If you are concerned about your water heater, call Arlington’s All Plumbing, Inc. at (571) 482-7046. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services throughout Arlington, including water main repairs and hydrojetting pipe cleaning. 

Reduce Your Water Use At Home with These Useful Tips

Clean water is one of the most precious resources on the planet, but it’s easy to forget that when you can simply turn on the faucet and receive it immediately. The U.S. EPA estimates that average American household uses over 400 gallons of water per day—enough to fill a small Type 1 fire truck. Cutting down on water consumption will not only help the environment, but it will also save you some money on water utilities. Take a look at these tips for keeping your home plumbing working efficiently:

Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
As much as three-quarters of the indoor water use goes to the bathroom, so any conservation measures should start there. Conserving water can be as simple as brushing and shaving in the sink, turning off the faucet while your brush, or even installing a low-flow showerhead or aerated faucet. Installing ENERGY STAR and WaterSense labeled appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer can help you save even more on utilities.

Stay Up-to-Date on Repairs
Don’t underestimate the impact of plumbing leaks. A dripping faucet may seem like a mere annoyance, but it can waste up to 20 gallons per day. Leaky toilets are by far one of the biggest household water wasters since they can waste up 90,000 gallons of water in a month—enough to fill approximately ten tank trucks.

Consider Recycling
Avoid putting water down the drain whenever possible. So-called “grey water”—used water from sinks and other appliances—can often be reused outside or with other appliances. For example, the Aqus system allows sink grey water to be reused in the toilet, saving an average of two gallons per flush in newer toilets. Check your local city codes to determine if you can recycle grey water outdoors.

When you’re in need of plumbing repair, replacement, or installation services in the northern Virginia area, All Plumbing, Inc. of Arlington is here to provide award-winning customer care. Just call (571) 482-7046 today to schedule your service appointment.