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7 things to never put down your garbage disposal

You’re preparing a meal fit for kings and queens. The menu calls for a Caesar salad with hardboiled eggs, chopped vegetables, bacon-wrapped filets, and more. Chopping away at everything, it all falls and gathers in your kitchen sink.

No worries. That’s what a garbage disposal is for, right?

Wrong.

While the word “garbage” tends to lead you to think the metal blades and powerful engine can consume anything, it’s been given with simple ease, that’s not entirely the case.

Having a damaged garbage disposal can cause many plumbing problems along the way, thanks to damaged blades, clogs, etc.

A lot of this “garbage” is popular, and you’ll still find many homeowners pushing them down the drain:

Grease and Cooking Oils
That bacon grease that’s sputtering in your pan from preparing the bacon-wrapped filet? Yeah, that should not be poured down any drain. Liquid fat, grease, and cooking oils can congeal into a disgusting mush that easily clogs your drains and coats your disposal blades. Solution: Pour into a can, let it cool, then throw it away.

Coffee Grounds
While coffee grounds don’t damage your disposal (they’re already ground up), they can damage your plumbing. The grounds can clump up, creating large clogs that not even the most robust plumbing snake can get through. But even after they’ve been removed, there will be some grounds leftover in your pipes, forever threatening more clogs. Solution: Toss them in a composting pile.

Eggshells
Whether those hardboiled eggs are cage-free, organic, brown, or white shelled, they do not belong in the kitchen sink. The eggshells can cause damage to the disposal blades. Plus, the membrane of the shell can wrap around the blades, dulling them and rendering the blades useless. Solution: Toss them in a compost pile.

Nuts and Pits
While nuts and fruit pits tend to be relatively small, they may not seem like they can do much damage to your disposal. Most likely, they don’t (unless it’s an avocado or peach pit), but as they slip through the blades, they can gather in the pipes and cause clogs. Solution: Toss them in a compost pile.

Bones
Bones can be strong and require too much force, especially from a garbage disposal. Avoid putting any bones in your sink because they can dull the blades of the disposal and may even get lodged against the blades, thus preventing the disposal from working. Solution: Toss them in the trash (make sure animals can’t get to them).

Bread
Bread, cereal, rice, oatmeal, and pasta can do some heavy damage to your disposal as well as the plumbing. Just as too many carbs can cause your waistline to expand, so can those carbs when added to water. Starchy foods like rice and pasta form a film on the blades and the pipes, causing clogs to form. Solution: Toss them in the trash.

Drain Cleaner
Most chemical drain cleaners can be corrosive to your plumbing, and the same can be said for your disposal. Plastic and metal can be damaged after many repeated uses, which can mean rust, leakage, or other issues that can be expensive to fix. Solution: Use a drain snake to remove clogs or call the experts at Michael’s Plumbing.

Being more conscious about what you put into your sink will help not only your dinner party become a success but it’ll help alleviate any plumbing concerns. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact Orlando’s Michael’s Plumbing at 407-219-9772 for fast, reliable service.

DIY Plumbing Projects Gone Wrong

It may be like watching an episode of “Home Improvement,” and Tim Taylor has once again caused some sort of do-it-yourself (DIY) catastrophe. Sometimes homeowners try to avoid paying a company to perform a task they feel they can do after watching an instructional video, but what happens when that project goes awry?

The professionals at Michael’s Plumbing are used to hearing frustrating phone calls when someone needs to fix what was supposed to have been fixed “easily.” That’s why Orlando calls their most trusted advisor! Below, we share some of the more common blunders.

Puzzle Pieces

One of the biggest DIY blunders is when you’ve taken apart a toilet, pipes, or whatever…and you just can’t remember how everything goes back together. Pipes and parts sprawled all over your floor can suddenly become overwhelming but beware of putting things together that you’re not sure are correct. Forgetting a seal or putting the wrong parts together can cause damaging leaks. If you do not have instructions, take photos of the original setup before you take it apart.

The First Step is Most Important

Before you loosened that faucet, did you remember to turn off the water? This is the most common DIY mistake, even though it’s the most basic first step. Not knowing where to find and forgetting to turn off the main water valve can make a large mess of your home, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage—definitely not worth the hassle the DIY project was intended to save. Set a reminder on your phone before starting any plumbing project to locate and turn off the main water valve. Next, make sure the pipes are completely drained before attempting to disassemble them. You can do this by running the kitchen or bathroom faucets for a short time to drain any remaining water and to check that the main valve has been properly turned off.

Drain Cleaner is Not Your Friend

Minor clogs could potentially be an easy DIY project, but using the wrong kind of drain cleaner, or too much can be a recipe for disaster. Drain cleaners made of harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and fixtures over time, even causing build-up around those clogs you’re supposed to be removing. If you’re experiencing constant clogs, call Michael’s Plumbing for a professional evaluation of the problem and chemical-free cleaning, saving yourself from having to replace those pipes in the long run.

Too Tight is Not Good

You understand that leakage can be damaging and expensive. You also realize that to prevent those leaks, pipes, and fixtures should fit snugly. However, there is the possibility of something being too tight. Over-tightening your plumbing connections does not increase the probability of those connections being water-tight. This can damage those new fittings you just replaced. Rubber or plastic washers can easily be damaged with too much tightening, and pipe threads can be stripped. Once the connection is snug, stop.

Don’t let these easy projects cause headaches and pain in the wallet. An essential rule of thumb is if you have any apprehension over handling a project, get in touch with Orlando’s leading plumbing experts at Michael’s Plumbing by calling 407-219-9772. Let us save you a headache, heartache, and potential backache!

Plumbing 911

Five Plumbing Tips for Emergencies

1. As a homeowner, one of the first things you should know about your home is where the main water shut-off can be found. If there is a leak detected in your home, being able to turn off your home’s water can save you money. Typically, you can find the main shut-off valve on the inside perimeter of the house.

Another important set of valves you should know are isolation valves. Isolation valves are found at each plumbing fixture in your home—kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, etc. If the plumbing issue is located at a specific fixture, you can turn the water off at that fixture without turning the water off throughout the house.

2. If there is too much pressure in your water heater tank, it could be the result of a very high temperature coming into the tank. There could be improper drainage or, if there is a damaged tank, a homeowner needs to know how to turn off their water heater. Gas water heaters have a switch that you can turn to the “pilot” position.

3. While your washing machine might be a durable appliance, the hoses connected to it might not be. Most times, a homeowner will discover a crack or a bulge in the hose behind the washer. While this may not be an immediate emergency, this does demand prompt attention and timely replacement of the hoses. A leak from a washing machine’s hose could start a rust issue inside the appliance itself. Is there an atrocious stench coming from your home or backyard? You could be experiencing a sewer system backup, known as one of the absolute worst plumbing nightmares for homeowners and plumbing companies. If you have noticed an abundance of drain clogs, gurgling sounds coming from your toilet, an oppressive sewage odor, or water pooling around your basement’s floor drain, these are early warning signs of a sewer backup. This is one problem you definitely need to call the experts on, and fast!

4. Clogged toilets are no laughing matter, but it is one of the most common plumbing emergencies. Have a plunger easily accessible for all restrooms and instruct family members to avoid that particular toilet until the clog is removed. Continually flushing the toilet can only cause more issues, so avoiding that room is crucial, if possible. These types of clogs can be caused by using too much toilet paper, or it can be a sign of structural damage to the plumbing system.

Plumbing issues can be a beast you do not want to trifle with. That’s why you should rely on Orlando’s experts at Michael’s Plumbing. Schedule a routine appointment today, or call 407-219-9772 now for immediate service.

Why Does my Drinking Water Taste Salty?

Nothing is worse than expecting a refreshing drink of water, only to have it taste as salty as the ocean. Gross!

There could be several reasons why your water has that salty taste, and it could come from your water softener or water heater.

1. Many communities that thrive off the coast see this problem when saltwater has infiltrated the water source of your water softener or heater. This can be frustrating since it means you must call the public water utility company to see what’s going on with the groundwater in your community. You’ll also need to contact a reliable plumber, such as Michael’s Plumbing, to look into the pipes leading to your home to see where the problem might lead.

2. There may be iron and manganese contaminating your water source. This could produce more of a metallic taste, rather than a salty taste, to your water. Corrosive water causes corrosion and leakage within the metallic part of your water heater, which can lead to complete damage.

3. If your hot water has a chemical taste, this likely means there is contamination in the water source due to the discharge of waste from septic tanks into the community’s water system. If this occurs, it is imperative to contact the local water authorities to take action immediately.

4. Fine sand, gravel, or hard water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium salts tends to change the texture of your water to a more abrasive texture with a salty taste. This water also causes scum and white deposits in your water heater while also affecting your other water-using appliances.

What can you do about it?
First, discuss your issues with your local water supplier so they can help pinpoint the causes. No matter the amount of work a plumber does to your home’s system, if the problem isn’t fixed at the source, it can continue to wreak havoc on your water heater and appliances.

Then, contact the professionals at Michael’s Plumbing at 407-219-9772. We can work with you to improve the efficiency of your water softener in the best way possible, so it doesn’t affect the workings of your water heater. Some water softener systems might not work well with just any water heater because their use can affect the longevity of some parts of your water heater, such as the anode rod. 

For residents living in the local Orlando area, we can also work with you to provide a high-quality water heater to help avoid any funny tastes or smells from your home’s water. Low-quality heaters cannot sustain the abuse of abrasive water. Ensuring that you can invest in the best heater for your budget and home allows for longer-lasting, better-tasting water without the hassle.

Celebrate Earth Day and “Go Green” with these Plumbing Tips

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as a day to inspire the environmental movement and drive positive action for planet Earth. It’s a day to “Go Green” and be proactive and not reactive to the damage pollution and overuse can do to our planet. Michael’s Plumbing understands the importance of creating energy efficiency, thus saving you money.

With this in mind, we invite you to celebrate Earth Day by going green with your plumbing, and we don’t mean by having green water in your toilet.

Tip #1
Measure Your Home’s Energy Use by utilizing EnergyStar.gov’s Home Energy Yardstick. This free tool will provide a simple do-it-yourself assessment of your home’s energy use every year. It will compare your home to those in your neighborhood and similar structures.

Tip #2
Measure Your Leaks because similar to measuring your home’s energy use is measuring the leaks in your faucets. Got a leak? Think a slow drip isn’t too big of a deal? Think again. By using our Leak Calculator, you could find that each leaky faucet means a waste of $20 or more in terms of water. Not to mention the amount of energy being used to heat that water that’s dripping away.

Tip #3
Installing Energy-Efficient Appliances should be one of your first steps towards making a green home. Look for the EnergyStar symbol on potential appliances such as your dishwasher and clothing washer. These appliances can reduce water consumption and energy consumption. You can save up to 25 percent in energy costs and up to 33 percent in water consumption.

Tip #4
Installing Low-Flow Faucets can lower the amount of water used by your shower, bath and sinks by as much as 60 percent. Another option is to install a faucet flow reducer, which can fit on your already-installed faucet, thus reducing the flow of water from that faucet by as much as 40 percent.

Tip #5
Check the Efficiency of Your Water Heather by inviting a Michael’s Plumbing professional to perform routine maintenance. Maintenance can check how your water heater is functioning while also improving the efficiency of the appliance.

Tip #6
Install an On-Demand Water Heater with a tankless water heater if your current system is not able to perform efficiently. Not only is a tankless water heater efficient in terms of space usage, but it also means that the lack of a storage tank offers more than 20 percent energy efficiency. Michael’s also offers solar water heaters, taking advantage of the Central Florida sunshine by heating your water and saving you money.

Tip #7
Insulate Your Pipes to help insure consistent hot water. While most winters Florida doesn’t have to worry about freezing temperatures, thus frozen pipes, it’s still important to insulate your pipes. If a water pipe is left uninsulated, there can be a significant loss of heat as it’s traveling from the water heater to the faucet or showerhead. This just means your water heater is working harder and you’re getting more frustrated by the inconsistent temperatures.

Schedule an appointment online or call Michael’s Plumbing at 407-219-9772 to discuss how you can celebrate Earth Day in your home not just April 22, but all year-long with a greener plumbing system in your home.

Q & A: Common Plumbing Questions, Not-So-Common Answers

School taught us that there are no stupid questions. Google taught us that we can easily look up answers to those questions. However, we’re going to help you out by sharing some of the most common questions our employees at Michael’s Plumbing hear daily.

Water heaters come in a variety of types and sizes. A traditional tank water heater can only hold so much water, so once you’ve used up what is in the tank, it takes a while for the tank to fill up and the water to heat up.

There are two other issues you might run into: the reset button could have been tripped, thus shutting off the heater, or one or both of the heating elements has stopped working. This is an easy fix by your experts from Michael’s Plumbing in Orlando.

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, hard water is simply the level of dissolved minerals (most commonly calcium and magnesium) is high. If your water system utilizes groundwater, you most likely deal with hard water issues. Heating hard water in your water heater can create solid calcium carbonate deposits, thus lowering the efficiency of your water pipes due to clogs.

The very first thing you should do if your home is experiencing a major leak is to turn off the water supply at the main shut-off valve. Next, contact Michael’s Plumbing—a major leak is not time for a do-it-yourself project. Finally, avoid any wet electrical fittings; this is another call to a professional electrician.

There could be multiple answers to this one. Are your toilets leaking? Is your water heater leaking? What about your main water pipes under your home? A call to Michael’s Plumbing will help you pinpoint the issue and then reverse the problems.

Professional plumbers advise avoiding chemical drain cleaners. Not only are they toxic, creating a risk for your children and/or pets, but they can be very harsh to your pipes. The strong chemicals will cause your pipes to deteriorate from the inside out. There is a variety of products containing less harsh ingredients that can prevent sludge from building up in your pipes. For heavy clogs, call Michael’s Plumbing for professional drain cleaning in Orlando.

Simply put, be conscious of what you put down your drain, whether it’s in your kitchen or in your bathroom. Bathroom drains tend to clog thanks to build-up of hair and residue from soaps and shampoos. Kitchen drains tend to clog thanks to build-up of grease, soap residue and organic material that homeowners think are okay to put down the drain.

While we assure you that you cannot go wrong by contacting Michael’s Plumbing or calling us at 407-219-9772 we encourage you to ask friends, family, and neighbors for their recommendation for a plumber to come to your home. Ask questions, such as information about the plumbing company’s license, insurance, credentials, service fees, etc.

Sweet Reasons for Repiping Your Home

It’s heartbreaking every time you experience leaks in your plumbing and discolored water coming from your faucets. Every little issue seems to multiply, thus causing bigger, more expensive issues in your home’s plumbing.

The professionals at Michael’s Plumbing know that Central Florida’s water supply can be hard on residential pipes—even copper pipes can break down over time. Once homeowners start experiencing multiple issues with their plumbing, it’s time to talk to the experts about repiping your home.

Homeowners should look for the following signs that repiping might be needed in their home:

The lifespan of pipes can be anywhere from 25 to 80 years, but that doesn’t mean that your pipes can’t fail before the silver anniversary of your home’s build. Signs of failing pipes can sometimes be seen when it’s too late, and sometimes that means that more damage has been caused to your home than just damaged pipes.

Repiping your home can improve the value of your home because of the improved water pressure, decreased water costs and damage that is wiped clean. A major project such as repiping your home can be a scary undertaking, but it’s not a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Costs can vary greatly, depending on the size of the home, the type of pipes, etc. We recommend homeowners look at a calculator for costs to install or replace plumbing pipes, hosted by HomeAdvisor.com. 

Unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance policies will not cover whole-home repiping; however, if you have any damage from corroded or failing pipes, that could be covered. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures for the care of your home’s pipes and plan for the potential of repiping, especially if you know your home has copper or PVC piping. If you live in an older home and are not sure what type of pipes you have, give Michael’s Plumbing a call at 407-219-9772, and our experts can come out and inspect your pipes for you.

Seven Plumbing Myths Busted

In the age of YouTube and Google, it’s easy to see why many people believe they are do-it-yourself experts. However, there is still a mystery behind the pipes of plumbing that only experts like those from Michael’s Plumbing can understand and undertake.

With this in mind, we bring you seven plumbing myths that we’ve busted:

  1. Leaky faucets can be stopped by turning the handles as tight as possible.
    BUSTED: If your faucet is leaking, resist the urge to flex your muscles on the handles. Overtightening the faucet handles can cause damage to the faucet, which can eventually cause breakage in the pipes. Instead, turn the handles firmly until water ceases to flow. If that doesn’t work, call Michael’s Plumbing at 407-219-9772 to see how a new faucet can help stop the drip.
  2. Wipes labeled as “flushable” are safe for my toilet.
    With the increase in hygienic products, it’s easy to get lazy and wipe and toss. While we won’t disagree that these wipes can be flushed, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will go through your pipes like biodegradable toilet paper. This means the wipes can accumulate in your pipes and cause a clog. It’s best to treat any type of wipe just like other items, such as sanitary napkins, and toss them in the trash.
  3. Water pressure fluctuates often, and that’s okay.
    Fluctuating water pressure is not normal and could mean that there is a problem in your pipes. Your water pressure should stay pretty stable, but if it isn’t, contact Michael’s Plumbing to have an expert check them out.
  4. Garbage disposals can handle anything.
    Unless you have a garbage disposal made of indestructible material such as titanium, it is not equipped to handle just anything. Anything that is not a food item should never go down a garbage disposal, as well as thick, heavy food items (i.e., gravy, meats, etc.), bones, coffee grounds and grease, should be avoided. Keep water flowing and continue upkeep of your garbage disposal to prolong its life.
  5. Pipe clogs call for heavy duty chemicals.
    While clogs in your pipes can be frustrating and seem like only brute force will move them, sometimes those clogs just need that magic touch. Using harsh chemicals can not only eat away at the clog, but also eat away at your pipes. This can cause a very expensive pipe replacement project. The experts at Michael’s Plumbing can come in and unclog your pipes and provide routine maintenance to help prolong your pipes’ usefulness for years to come.
  6. Lemons can improve the smell and condition of your garbage disposal.
    While a lemon can provide an invigorating scent for a limited time, it can cause a lot more unseen damage over the years. Lemons do not clean your disposal, instead dropping a lemon in your sink can dull or even break the blades of the disposal. To remove the stench and prolong your disposal’s life, turn off your disposal and disconnect it from the power source. Then you can use warm water, soap and a brush to gently scrub the grime and gunk away.
  7. All plumbers are created equal.
    Your plumbing is essential to your home and it’s not something that should be placed in the hands of just any plumber. We urge you to keep Michael’s Plumbing in your contacts and allow us to bring quality care and products to your Orlando area home at an affordable cost.

Contact the experts at Michael’s Plumbing to learn more about how we can bust those plumbing myths and help you get the biggest bang out of your plumbing buck.

Renew Your Hot Water with a Flush and Fill

January is a time for renewal and reinvigoration. This usually encompasses your lifestyle, but it should also mean within your home. That’s why now is the perfect time to call the experts at Michael’s Plumbing and discuss how a flush and fill can benefit the health of your hot water tank.

Florida water can be harsh on pipes and appliances in your home, especially with your hot water tank, where sediment, minerals and dirt can accumulate at the bottom over time. This can cause a variety of problems that can include the efficiency of the appliance and shortening the lifespan of the water heater.

So, what is a flush and fill? It’s a lot like it sounds: A Michael’s Plumbing professional plumber will flush out your water heater to remove any mineral buildup on the inside, then refill the water tank so it’s ready to offer you hot water more efficiently.

What are some signs that your water heater needs a flush and fill?

Flush and fills are not something that can be easily done in your spare time and should only be attempted by the professionals at Michael’s Plumbing. Here are the steps a technician will take to perform a flush and fill:

  1. After turning off the power on your water heater and the gas or electricity, the technician will shut off the cold water supply to the water heater.
  2. The pressure relief valve will be opened, and a hose is hooked up to the water heater.
  3. The water tank is then drained into an appropriate drain.
  4. Once initially drained, the tank is flushed using hot water from a nearby faucet.
  5. Once complete, the water heater tank drain valve and pressure relief valve will be closed.
  6. Once the water heater tank is refilled, the water heater can be turned back on and use can resume.

Think of it like changing the oil in your car: a flush and fill is a routine maintenance to keep your water heater working in the best shape to save you money and offer more hot water throughout the day. While you don’t need to worry about doing it every 3,000 miles, it is something to do on an annual basis.

If you live in the Orlando area, give the plumbing professionals at Michael’s Plumbing a call today at 407-219-9772.

Ready to put our team of experts to the test?

Our licensed plumbers and friendly team always answer the call. To ask a question or request service, fill out our contact form or just give us a call at 407-219-9772.

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