6 Signs Your Home May Have a Major Plumbing Problem

September 29, 2020 - Tuesday

6 SIGNS YOUR HOME MAY HAVE A MAJOR PLUMBING PROBLEM

Have you ever been in bed and drifting off to sleep when suddenly the drip-drip of a faucet or constant sound of a running toilet lets you know you have a plumbing problem? Those are the easy signals, but how do you know you have a potential plumbing emergency when the problem doesn't make any noise? Here are 6 silent warning signs that it's time to break out your tools and deal with an issue before it becomes an emergency, or maybe you’ll choose to call us for further assistance. In that case, please know that we are here 24/7 for all your plumbing needs.

Wet Carpet

Maybe it was a simple spill that someone conveniently forgot to tell you about, but when you walk across the carpet in your socks, stocking or bare feet, the last thing you expect is a sudden squish. Certainly you’ll go through the steps of drying it out and maybe even putting a fan there to speed it up, but what if the wetness persists? At that point, you have to consider the scope of the wetness. Is it near a wall? Check the baseboards to see if they’re wet. Check the area on the other side of the wall, if possible. If it’s coming from the wall, you may have a burst or leaking pipe in the wall. Is it an isolated patch in the carpet that’s getting wet but it’s not near a wall? This is the nightmare scenario. To begin with, look up. Do you see water on the ceiling or is the paint bubbling? In that case, the problem is most likely coming from above. Is there a bathroom or laundry room upstairs? That may be the source.  Not coming from above? At that point, you may have a slab leak. Unless you have plumbing experience, it may be best to call us at that point. Tearing through walls and carpets looking for a leak could be very costly. It’s your choice, of course, but we recommend calling a professional.  

Discolored Pipes

The next time you’re poking around under the kitchen sink, take a long look at your pipes to see if there are any signs of discoloration, especially around a union. If so, it’s a strong sign there’s moisture present. This may be caused by dripping from a sink or drain line, or something more serious, such as a slow leak in the supply line. If it’s the latter, then you should definitely put this at the top of your to-do list. Plumbing supply lines are pressurized, which means that a slow leak has the potential to turn into a big mess fast!

Sewer Odor

Without getting too far into building science, a general plumbing rule of thumb is that every drain needs a trap, and every trap needs a vent. All those traps and drains are designed to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. The vents in your home should channel sewer odor up to the roof, while drain traps create a “water plug” that acts as a barrier stopping sewer odors from coming through the sink drain. If you smell sewer gas in your home, that means either a trap has run dry or a vent line has cracked. A dry trap can be fixed as easily as refilling it with water, or you may need to examine it for signs of the leak. Tracking down a cracked sewer vent can be much more difficult, as they are often enclosed in a wall, and will require a bit of drywall surgery in order to find and repair.

Weak Water Flow in Multiple Locations

A slow stream or low water pressure indicates an issue in distribution. If it’s only occurring at one location, it’s usually an issue in the faucet aerator—which is usually an easy fix. But if the water pressure is low in several spots around your home, that’s the sign of a bigger problem. In that case, you’re looking for a problem at the water main, in the hot water heater, or (worst case) an active leak in the supply line. If you’re seeing low water pressure in conjunction with some of the other items on this list, such as bubbling wall paint, it’s imperative that you take action right away.

Slow Drain

It’s no surprise that a slow drain is a sign of a problem in your plumbing. Depending on where the issue is, it may be an easily removed clog near the drain, or it could be an issue farther down the line that will require significant snaking to resolve. Luckily, a little bit of detective work should help zero in on the problem. Cleaning out a simple clog is a great DIY fix, but slow drains throughout the home are often an indicator that there may be a major issue, like tree roots, in the sewer line. If only one room has a slow drain, you are in luck. Slow-moving or stopped-up drains are very common in bathroom sinks. Fortunately, the fix is usually simple and takes only a few minutes. The problem is almost always caused by hair and gummy soap scum that get caught on the stopper or pivot rod and clogs the drain. If you remove the stopper, you can use a bent wire or clothes hanger or other similar tool to remove the hair clog, then put everything back together. If this doesn’t cure the problem, you may have to clean out the trap or trap arm or the drain opening.  If you need help with any of that, we are here 24/7, so just give us a call.

Spiking Water Bills

A sudden jump in your water bill is more than just a pain in the wallet. It’s also a sign that something has changed in your plumbing system. If you haven’t done anything to justify an increase in water usage (such as filling up a pool or watering your lawn more than usual) you should begin troubleshooting to find out if you have a leak. The most common source of the water bill jump is a constantly running toilet. Many homeowners don’t appreciate how much water a toilet uses; the toilet valve is essentially a garden hose going at full blast, and it’s not unusual for a single running toilet to waste hundreds of dollars of water. The good news is that for this problem, if you stand near the toilet, you can usually hear the water running. The most common things that cause the water to endlessly run are a misaligned adjustable float and a worn flapper. Both parts are sold at Lowe’s and The Home Depot and are fairly easy to replace. Make sure you turn off the water coming from the wall first, then flush the toilet to remove any water before attempting repairs. Here’s an excellent video from The Home Depot that is short but very easy to follow: https://youtu.be/z5324QzZB38. You can also use a towel or rags to mop up the extra water at the bottom of the tank.

That’s it for this installment. Thank you for reading and here’s wishing you a trouble-free week ahead!

 

5 Things Your Plumber Wishes You Knew

 

September 18, 2020 - Friday

5 THINGS YOUR PLUMBER WISHES YOU KNEW

We know just how easy it is to mess up a plumbing system. It’s something you use multiple times every day and like everything else, these systems are subject to normal wear and tear. In addition, some people mistreat their plumbing or make small problems worse by trying to fix them themselves. We certainly enjoy our job and fixing plumbing problems; however, there are a few things we wish you knew to keep plumbing problems from getting worse.

1. YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL CAN’T PROCESS EVERYTHING

Just as with toilets, some people assume that the garbage disposal unit in your kitchen sink can dispose of anything you put down the drain. While it’s true that disposals can handle many different materials, there are a few things [such as fruit rinds] that they can’t. Also, you shouldn’t drain things like paint or oil in your sink, even if you’re simply washing a bucket; they can collect in your pipes, causing bigger problems down the road.

2. DON’T PUT ADDED WEIGHT ON FIXTURES

Fixtures are not designed to support a lot of weight. Hanging a shower caddy on your showerhead is fine, but don’t overload it. And never use your tub spout as a foot rest!

 3. YOU CAN’T JUST FLUSH ANYTHING DOWN THE TOILET

Toilets are designed for a specific purpose. Trying to flush things that don’t belong in the toilet is a great way to ruin your plumbing system. Among the things we have found in clogged toilets include baby wipes, cotton balls, cat litter, paper towels, and disposable diapers. If you have small children, grab some lid locks for your bowls to stop them from flushing toys down the toilet.

4. ONLY DIY IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING

It’s understandable that you’d want to save money by fixing your plumbing problems yourself. In fact, there are a few DIY fixes that just about anyone can learn without the help of a plumber. But if you’re not careful, you can create bigger problems that can cost more down the line. For example, it’s very easy to create a leak by overtightening metal or plastic couplings. If you’re having a plumbing problem but aren’t quite sure how to fix it, don’t risk it! Call Anthony's Plumbing to diagnose and fix the problem!

5. FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER ONCE PER YEAR

Water heaters are something a lot of homeowners tend to disregard. They’re placed somewhere maybe in your garage, and you don’t notice them much, but that doesn’t mean they are unimportant. Tap water that goes through your water heater carries a certain amount of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. After several months, these minerals start to accumulate in your tank in the form of sediment. This takes up valuable storage space and can lead to increased power consumption. Flushing your tank once every year limits these problems and can even extend your water heater’s lifespan

A RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PLUMBING COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST

Anthony’s Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company serving the Inland Empire area, as well as Los Angeles and Riverside counties, with expertise in all aspects of plumbing. We’re family-owned and many people comment when our father-son team pays a visit. We offer quality plumbing services at reasonable rates in a timely fashion. No job is too large or too small! We maintain a small fleet of well-stocked trucks and are ready to respond to all your plumbing needs 24/7.

 For more information or to get a free no-obligation estimate, you can contact us on our website [https://www.anthonyplumber.com/], message us on social media , send us an e-mail, or give us a call at (909) 823-3807.

Top Residential Plumbing Questions Answered

August 30, 2020 - Sunday

TOP RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Anyone who owns or rents a home knows what a challenge plumbing problems can be. Residential plumbing problems can be very stressful and can also be very costly if not taken care of immediately.

 

The following list includes some of the top plumbing issues commonly encountered by homeowners and their solutions so you can be ready for anything that comes your way. While many of these common at home plumbing problems can be solved through simple DIY fixes, some may need the expertise of a professional plumber. If that happens, Anthony’s Plumbing is here 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. 

Should I Turn Off The Water When I Go Away On Vacation?

Most people remember to check the stove and windows before heading out the door on vacation, but what about your water? Shutting off your water before you leave for an extended period of time is smart, but many homeowners choose not to. Keeping your water turned on always leaves the possibility open of your pipes leaking or bursting while you are gone. Though this is unlikely, even a small leak can be disastrous if you’re away from your home for days (or even weeks!). The situation you do not want is to come back home after a long trip to find your house flooded. Simply avoid this disaster situation by turning off the water before you leave for a trip. Not only will it prevent leaks and bursts, but it will give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Why Is My Toilet Forever Running?

Running toilets are not only bothersome, but they can also be expensive and cost you hundreds of dollars (if not more!) in wasted water every year. Luckily, there is often a simple fix since the problem is usually caused by a faulty flapper or floater in the toilet’s water tank. If the flapper or floater is not responsible, then it’s likely you’ll need to replace your toilet to solve the running water problem. A quick way to determine if your toilet is leaking is to flush your toilet, then allow it to fill for the next ten minutes. After that, place several drops of food coloring into the tank. Allow it to sit for about 20-30 minutes. Then, check to see if there is color in the toilet bowl. If there is, then you have a running toilet leak. If you have a leaking toilet on your hands, identifying the cause of the leak will determine the fix. If the problem is due to a faulty flapper or floater, then all you’ll need to do is adjust the hardware or purchase and install a new one from your nearest Home Depot or Lowe’s. However, if it's looking like you’ll need a toilet replacement, then you should contact us for further assistance.

Can I Use Chemicals Drain Cleaners?

A common misconception is that chemical drain cleaners are the solution to residential plumbing problems involving clogs. In fact, the idea that chemical solutions are good for drain systems is not only false, but also the most hazardous. The chemicals in chemical drain cleaner products (like Drano) can corrode the piping and increase the risk of leaks, not to mention they could have potentially dangerous reactions to other things found in the plumbing system. A clogged drain can be fixed by a DIY job with all the main plumbing tools needed readily available at your local home improvement store. If you find yourself with a clog that can be fixed without the need for professional help, there are a few different home methods you can use to fix it on our own. Or, if you plan on hiring professional service, be sure they are a reputable company trained to handle the type of clogging found in your piping.

What Can I Put In My Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals can be notorious for breaking down or clogging. This is usually due to the homeowner treating them as trash cans - which they aren’t. By putting the proper waste down, you can avoid many common issues with your garbage disposal.

What to put in a garbage disposal?

Fruit scraps & pits; Vegetable scraps; Leftovers; Ice; Small bones, like those of fish; Cooked meat

What to avoid putting in your garbage disposal:

High fibrous or “stringy” foods e.g. celery and tough vegetables; Expandable rice or bread based products; Egg shells; Animal bones and fat; Paper or plastic materials; Cooking oils and grease.

Why Is There a Sewer Smell in my Home?

If you notice a persistent sewer smell in your home, it may be due to a broken sewer line. These odors are often the clearest sign that you could have a cracked drain pipe. You should never get an odor from your drains when your household plumbing is in proper working order. If you do, you need a professional plumber to inspect further to find the cause of why toxic sewer gas is making its way into your home. If your water smells like raw sewage, mold, or even decaying fish, the most likely culprit is bacteria building up due to decaying matter in your pipes. A variety of nasty things can grow in the dark recesses of dirty plumbing, including algae, fungi, and a range of bacteria, to create a musty water smell. While hydrogen sulfide is the most common culprit, it’s best not to take any chances when it comes to bacteria in the water. Disinfecting your water system with a shock chlorination treatment will typically kill off any foul-smelling bacteria lining your pipes.

Why Is There Never Enough Hot Water?

Constantly running out of hot water can be a frustrating inconvenience. Due to the type or condition of your hot water heater, there may be several reasons for your hot water heater to run out. Your hot water heater may be too small for your needs. If this is the case, don’t run several hot water appliances at the same time. For example, refrain from turning on the dishwater at the same time you shower. This can prevent running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. There may also be trouble with the gas burner. The gas burner may be getting too little gas - or too much - and cause a limited output for your heater’s hot water. For electric water heaters, make sure the heating elements are in good condition and replace them if necessary. If you suspect a problem with your hot water heater, call us to schedule a time when we can come by to inspect it. We can also consult with you about the advantages of upgrading your current water heater and considering a tankless water heater, if you don’t already have one.

Hopefully these answers help with your common residential plumbing problems! If your home plumbing requires repairs far beyond basic DIY skill, be sure to contact us to see what kind of plumbing fix would work best for you.

Do you have a critical residential plumbing question that you need answered, but don’t see in this blog post? Contact the experts at Anthony’s Plumbing today at 909-823-3807 or visit us online at: www.AnthonyPlumber.com!

HOW A SLAB LEAK CAN INCREASE YOUR WATER BILL

Anthony's Plumbing

August 3, 2020 - Monday

HOW A SLAB LEAK CAN INCREASE YOUR WATER BILL

If your water bill is higher than normal and you don’t have frequent visitors or changes in your daily routine, it may be the case that you have a slab leak. Slab leaks happen when a water pipe breaks underneath a concrete slab of your house or the foundation of your home. Slab leaks happen for a number of reasons and they can result in some very expensive repair if not treated immediately.

 

Slab leaks can be caused by corrosion of pipes due to heat, chemicals in the soil, and electrolysis inside the pipes. The constant vibration of water pipes can also produce friction on the pipes, leading to additional wear and tear. The shifting of soils can produce undue pressure on the pipes, as well. So can faulty construction or installation of the pipes.

Pipes underneath the house often run through a slab in several places. When a leak has started, this can also affect the slab, resulting in cracks, mold, a shifting foundation, and a host of other problems.

 

It’s good to know what the signs of a possible slab leak are. If you hear running water but all the faucets are turned off, there is a good chance that you have a slab leak. A really large water bill is also a big sign. If you have mold growth that can’t be explained, that could be another sign. Wet carpets, floors, and baseboards are also something to watch out for. A foundation that seems to be shifting could be a sign of a slab leak. So can low water pressure.

 

All of these could be signs of a slab leak, or not. At Anthony’s Plumbing, we specialize in leak detection and emergency services. All of our plumbers are licensed and insured, and we have been in business for over 20 years serving the Inland Empire and much of Los Angeles and Riverside counties.

 

If you suspect a slab leak, don’t hesitate to call us today. You can’t afford to take your time when it comes to a slab leak. It’s your house and its foundation that are at stake. We’re open 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. Call us now at 909-823-3807 or see more info on our website at: https://www.anthonyplumber.com/slab_leak_detection/index.php!

Snaking vs Hydro Jetting & Your Home

Anthony's Plumbing

July 29, 2020 - Wednesday

Snaking vs Hydro Jetting & Your Home

Hi Southern California, Anthony from Anthony’s Plumbing here to talk about Snaking vs Hydro Jetting! We get a number of calls that you have a blockage of some kind and that a plunger isn’t quite working. It usually means that your blockage is solid enough that a more forceful tool is required to clean the drain. Professional Plumbers like us will use one of two solutions for blockages and pipe cleaning which are known as “hydro jetting” and “plumbing snakes”. For us to decide which method is best for you we need to assess the root cause of the problem. Once the cause has been determined we can then tell you what will be best for your particular situation. Below we explain each method so you can understand better what we are talking about.

Your Snaking vs Hydro Jetting Guide

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a very powerful tool. It’s a high-pressured hose that sends pressurized water through your pipes, attacking anything and everything that is causing your blockages. The perks of Hydro Jetting are listed below:

•  It’s Fast: It doesn’t matter how bad your clog is, the pressure of the water is a strong force and will have you unblocked and your water running in no time!

• Best Cleaner: Due to the power of the hydro jets, the water pressure will cut through anything that is blocking you, resulting in very clean pipes

• Pipe Materials: Regardless of what your pipes happen to be made of hydro jets can work through your clogs with ease

NOTE: If you have one of those older homes, you may well still have older and more fragile pipes. If this is this case the water pressure from these hoses could cause substantial damage. If fragile pipes are discovered, a plumber will most likely decide to go with the snaking method to achieve maximum results without causing you further problems.

Plumbing Snakes

Plumbing snakes (also known as plumbing augers), have been around longer that Hydro Jets and have always been recognized as an effective means of handling a clog. The snake is a steel cable with a coil at the end of it (see why it’s called a snake!); the cable is inserted into your drain lines, and the coil at the end is used to break through what is causing your obstruction while pulling it out at the same time. Below are the pros of using this method:

• Gentle: Snakes don’t have the power that hydro jets do. If your pipes are fragile this is the method you should be choosing to avoid damages

• Efficient: Even though it’s more gentle than a hydro jet, snaking your pipes is still very strong and will efficiently handle smaller to medium clogs without any issues

• Reliable: It’s reputation speaks for itself; you can’t go wrong with a snake

• Tree Roots: A snake is the only answer if you have tree roots. A hydro jet can be used afterwards should you choose, but the snake is the method you need to use in this situation.

 NOTE: The one downside to the snake method is that it only provides a temporary solution. It will break down and remove the debris, but buildup in your pipe will continue to grow which will means more clogs for you down the road. To truly rid your pipes of this issue, utilizing a hydro jet after the snake is a perfect combination.

If your plunger isn’t cutting through your blockages and/or you have any other plumbing questions, give us a call today at Anthony’s Plumbing and we’ll be pleased to send one of our knowledgeable professionals over to you right away to discuss these options with you further.

To discover more on the full range of emergency services offered by Anthony’s Plumbing, please call our offices today at 909-823-3807 or visit our website at www.anthonyplumber.com.

Before Using Liquid Drain Cleaners… Think Again

Anthony's Plumbing

July 1, 2020 - Wednesday

Before Using Liquid Drain Cleaners… Think Again

Let’s play “what if?” What if you have a drain that is slow or clogged in your kitchen or bathroom? In that case, calling a plumber might not be your first choice. Most people believe that using a commercial liquid drain cleaner you buy in the store is cheaper and requires very little effort, so why call for professional help. Actually, there are a number of reasons: your pipes, your health and the often poor performance of liquid drain cleaners, just to name a few.

Care For Your Pipes

Most liquid drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction right inside your drainpipe, often with the help of hydrochloric acid. These reactions typically generate heat, and that heat can do some irreversible damage to the pipe itself.

This is especially true if the cleaner doesn’t do a quick or complete job of dissolving the clog because the liquid chemicals will just sit on top of the clog while the chemical reaction is concentrated on one small section of the pipe.

If the pipe is plastic, the high heat could partially melt and deform the material. Metal pipes are more resilient, but the heat can weaken the metal in such a way that cracks and leaks become more likely down the line. This is especially true for older pipes.

Protect Your Health

If drain cleaning chemicals can do that kind of damage to your pipes, just imagine what they can do to you. The fumes released from the use of these products may prove irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Though not all drain cleaner formulas are the same, some may cause burns if you accidentally get them on your skin. Even worse is if you accidentally get some in your eyes, which is why it’s a good idea to always wear safety goggles and avoid splashing if you use these products.

Get Your Money’s Worth

Even if you manage to avoid damaging your pipes or compromising your health, there’s never a guarantee that a drain cleaner will be effective. The sad reality is: if the clog is caused by anything other than a simple hairball or grease buildup, the drain cleaner is unlikely to help at all.

One of the greatest advantages of calling a plumber to clear a drain is the ability to diagnose the cause of the clog. If there’s a break in a pipe that’s allowing other material to push inside, or if the root cause is located deeper in your drainage system, using a liquid drain cleaner is a complete waste of money.

Try Elbow Grease

Instead of immediately reaching for the bottle of liquid chemicals, try clearing a clogged drain the old fashioned way: use a plunger. Just be sure to practice proper plunger technique for the best possible results.

If that doesn’t work, you may be able to clear the drain on your own using a plumbing snake. There are scaled-down versions that can be powered by almost any electrical drill. They aren’t quite as powerful as the ones plumbers use, but they’re more than enough for your usual hair or grease clogs. Some people have found that a wire hangar can be effective if you bend the end to create a small “L” shape and use that to pull up any hairballs that may be causing the blockage.

Do you have a clog that needs clearing? Try the plunger, the snake or the wire hangar if you’re the DIY type, but resist the urge to choose the chemical solution. If you can’t extract the obstruction on your own, relying on the expertise of your local plumbing professional is always the preferred option. If you need us, we are here 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. Call Anthony’s Plumbing at: (909) 823-3807!

Quality Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Anthony's Plumbing

June 28, 2020 - Sunday

Quality Plumbing Services You Can Trust

The average homeowner in the U.S. will call a plumber only once every three years. But when it comes to clogged drains, Fontana, CA homeowners shouldn't wait to call a professional plumber. When you wait to call a professional, a leaky pipe can quickly become a major disaster.

When dealing with broken, clogged, or leaky pipes Inland Empire homeowners deserve the most experienced plumbing services available. Anthony’s Plumbing is here to deliver.

With over 20 years of plumbing experience, Anthony’s Plumbing is the best plumbing service for broken or leaky pipes that Fontana has to offer. We also provide Rancho Cucamonga plumbing services, as well as plumbing services in Redlands, San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Highland, Riverside, Bloomington and Loma Linda. For a complete list of all the cities and areas in San Bernardino county, Los Angeles and Riverside counties that we cover, see our website for more information at: https://www.anthonyplumber.com .Whether you have a leaky pipe or a plumbing emergency, our professional plumbers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week ready to respond to your call.

At Anthony’s Plumbing, we pride ourselves on our customer service. We understand that your time is valuable, and no one has it in their busy schedule for a plumbing disaster. We dispatch our plumbers quickly to your home or business to make repairs as efficiently as possible so you can get back to your routine.

Our Plumbing Services

From plumbing repairs and installations to drain blockages, Anthony’s Plumbing is here to restore comfort to your property. Here are just a few of the professional plumbing services and repairs we offer:

Plumbing repairs and installations

Water filtration systems

Hot water heater tank safety inspections

Tankless water heater installation and repairs

Bathroom installations and repairs including showers, tubs, sinks and toilets

Hot water systems

Slab Leak Detection

Line tracing and locating

Copper and PEX Repiping

Hydro jetting

Emergency plumbing

Garbage Disposal installation and repairs

Residential and commercial plumbing

At Anthony’s Plumbing, it's our duty as experienced plumbing specialists to provide dependable and efficient solutions to any and all your plumbing issues. To learn more about our plumbing services and repairs or to schedule an appointment, contact Anthony’s Plumbing today.

Things You Should Know About Your Home Plumbing

Anthony's Plumbing

June 24, 2020 - Wednesday

Things You Should Know About Your Home Plumbing

In school, you probably learned many things that it seems like you can’t use anywhere today. Surprisingly, at times we seem uninterested in learning more about the things we really do need in our everyday life, but sometimes those things can be what matters the most.

A perfect example of something you need every day but you have probably never bothered to learn about is the toilet you probably just used this morning. Unless you don’t need your bathroom and kitchen, it’s good to know a few simple things about what you should do and should not do when using them. Your toilet, sink, shower and tub are all important parts of your household plumbing.

 Proper Care of Your Drain and Disposal Systems

First off, you should never pour grease, oil or oily water into your kitchen sink because the oil or grease can gather and eventually block your pipes. Although this will not happen immediately, and sometimes takes months to show, the oils and fats in the water will collect, and hot water alone is not enough to remove it. Sometimes, a situation like this might lead to you having to have a professional sewer line cleaning or a replacement of the whole clogged pipe. Isn’t it better to avoid spending money on things that you can avoid? It is best to dispose of that grease and oily water somewhere else, and avoid pouring it into the kitchen sink. Many people use an empty coffee can to pour used cooking oil or grease into.

 Use Garbage Disposals for the Solid Waste in Your Kitchen

Some waste should never be placed into your garbage disposal. Bones, shellfish shells, grease, metal items, paper and plastic should never be placed into your disposal. Really, only soft food items are safe. For the best long-term care of your disposal, it is best to teach your children why they should avoid inappropriate disposal of solid waste and that only waste that can be easily ground up should go into the garbage disposal. It is also recommended that you make sure there is water running in your sink whenever you turn on your disposal. Though it goes without saying, never reach into your disposal when it is running. If you hear a metal item start to grind, turn off the disposal immediately.

 Tips About Your Toilet You Should Know

Depending on the public waste disposal system implemented in your area, there is some solid waste that should never be flushed through the toilet. Often in the rural areas, you will find septic tanks in many homes. Cotton, sanitary pads, diapers and thick tissue papers should not be flushed in either toilets or septic systems. These waste items might lead to blockages in both types of systems. Flushing sanitary pads and other cotton materials through the toilet can lead to clogs that affect a wide area. During the recent toilet paper outages, many people bought paper towels since that was sometimes the only thing you could find, if that. Now that things are a little more “normal,” it is best to reserve the paper towels for spills, as they were intended.

 There are several other ways of protecting your plumbing system, and you are encouraged to continue reading our blogs. If you need our drain cleaning or any of our other plumbing services, you can contact us through our website www.anthonyplumber.com or give us a call at: 909-823-3807.

RETURNING TO PUBLIC LIFE

Anthony's Plumbing

June 1, 2020 - Monday

Safety First

For many people in southern California, the thought of returning to life in public places is a bit unsettling. Many people say that one the biggest concerns to dining inside a restaurant, going to the mall or going back to work, church or school is the thought of having to use a public restroom, knowing that it’s possible that the coronavirus is lurking on every surface, just waiting for their arrival. 

In a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll last month, 78 percent said they would be uncomfortable eating at a sit-down restaurant. The results were similar whether people lived in a state that is opening up businesses or one still operating under tight restrictions.

A study published last week concluded that COVID-19 droplets from human speaking can hang in the air for at least eight minutes and on many surfaces, it can last for hours. Obviously, this is not encouraging news. If anything, COVID-19 has elevated washing your hands to a potentially life-saving act. Researchers in Wuhan, China, where COVID-19 originated last year, found that even though hospitals were able to prevent the spread of the virus beyond a patient’s room, a high concentration of viral particles remained in air samples from patient toilets. According to the Wuhan study, droplets of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, can remain airborne for up to three hours. Flushing the toilet, then, whisks viral particles into the air. A lid can help contain those particles.

Let’s just say that we’re all dedicated hand-washers now. How do we make sure we are safe in a public restroom? The fact is, “Americans have always had a fear of contamination from public restrooms,” said Soifer, a professor of social work at the University of Mississippi. “What we’re seeing now is part just heightened anxiety, but it’s also part reality-based. Public restrooms in this country generally have open toilet seats — no lids — and high-pressure flushes create a plume of droplets that extends at least six feet.”

Many businesses that don’t already have them are installing touch-free sinks, toilets and urinals in restrooms before opening their doors. McDonald’s is requiring franchisees to clean bathrooms every 30 minutes. Across the country, businesses are replacing blow dryers with paper towels, closing off urinals and sinks that now seem too close together, and removing restroom doors to create airport-style, no-touch entrances.

What if you’re just visiting the restroom to wash your hands? Do not use the hot-air hand dryer! Researchers at the University of Connecticut confirmed suspicions that these hand dryers inhale particles from the air and deposit them on your freshly washed hands. Petri dishes exposed to bathroom air for two minutes with hand dryers off grew no more than one colony of bacteria, as an example. Petri dishes exposed to hot hand-dryer air for 30 seconds grew up to 254 colonies of bacteria.

Whenever possible, look for touchless paper-towel dispensers. On your way out of the bathroom, after drying your hands, use a fresh paper towel to open the restroom door, and please don’t just drop your paper towel, allowing it to fall to the floor, after opening the door. Take it with you and drop it in the nearest garbage container.

COMMERCIAL PLUMBING CLIENTS AND CHURCH/SCHOOL ADMINSTRATORS

Anthony’s Plumbing has multiple solutions when it comes to converting your restrooms into safer spaces for your staff and visitors.

From touchless sinks, to self-flushing toilets and urinals, we can help you plan, acquire and install all the items you need for the ultimate in safety for your business, school or church restroom. Our contractor’s license allows us to make all the changes necessary to your new or existing restroom facilities. We also recommend that you install touchless paper-towel dispensers and let us know if you need help in that area. Call us today and let’s schedule a time when we can talk about your needs. Of course, time is of the essence as businesses, churches, schools and public places return to “normal,” so please know that we are here for you.

You can reach us at: 909-823-3807 or visit us online at: www.anthonyplumber.com.

People Searching For Plumbers Near Me

Anthony's Plumbing

May 18, 2020 - Monday

Plumbers Near Me

As a test, we looked at what our clients are interested in when they search for "plumbers near me" and we found the following...

Plumbers Near Me
   With over twenty years of providing plumbing services for both residential plumbing and commercial plumbing accounts, we have covered nearly every city in San Bernardino county, Riverside county and Los Angeles County. Given our fleet of service vehicles and 24/7 coverage, we are as near as your phone.

Plumbers Near Me Yelp
   We love Yelp and their record of our satisfied clients. With 229 reviews [as of today] we are closing in on five stars and in any service business that is not easy to do. Our goal is to provide the best customer service and we are striving to be the only plumbers you ever need to call as long as you have your home or business. We truly do aim to be your plumbers for life.

Plumbers Near Me 24 Hours
   We are open 24/7 for all your plumbing related needs. As an essential business, we have remained open during the coronavirus and do our very best to stay safe and to keep you safe.

 Plumbers Near Me Open
   That's us. Always open. Always ready to respond to your plumbing needs. We can respond now or we can schedule a time when it's best for you to have us come by. Whether you are in Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington, Highland Ranch, Chino Hills, Loma Linda, Riverside, Ontario, Upland, Moreno Valley, Montclair, San Bernardino, or anywhere in the Inland Empire or surrounding areas, we are open and ready to answer your call.

Plumbers Near Me Cheap
   It is no surprise that customers look for a cheap plumber. It really does seem like some of our competitors are trying to use their service calls to finance their summer vacation to Europe or their upgrade to a bigger boat, but we believe you shouldn't have to pay for other's excess in life. Our rates are some of the best in the industry and we offer financing [on approved credit]. We always give you a free estimate before we start service and again, we give you great rates because we want you to be happy so you will call us again when you need a plumber. Whether you need us for drain cleaning, repiping, hydro jetting, tankless water heater installation, slab leak detection, emergency plumbing, broken toilet repair or garbage disposal installation or repair, we have some of the best rates you will find in the local area.

Plumbers Near Me With Free Estimates
   The fact that people search for this tells us that some of our competitors charge for an estimate. Nobody wants that. In fact, I usually hate it when someone tells me they want me to pay them just so they can tell me how much they are going to charge me later. Usually they have to charge for estimates because that is the only money they ever make. After they give people their quote, no one wants to hire them because they are so expensive. We believe you deserve a free estimate and that that's the very best way you can make an informed choice.

Plumbers Near Me Open Today
  We're open today. We're open tomorrow and we're open the day after that. We are open every day, all day, ready to respond to all your plumbing needs.

Thank You!
   To all the clients who have called us over the years and especially for those who have called us to come back again, we are grateful to you and appreciate your trust in us. It has been our honor to serve you and we look forward to providing you the very best customer service in the years to come.

Residential Plumbing

Anthony's Plumbing

April 30, 2020 - Thursday

Residential Plumbing

For over twenty years, Anthony's Plumbing has been providing residential plumbing and rooting services throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and Riverside areas. We strive to be the best plumbers that have ever come to your home and hope that you will remember us first when you have another residential plumbing related need.

Residential Drain Cleaning

Although there are many home remedies for clearing a drain on your own, sometimes the attempt will not work because of how badly the drain is clogged. When traditional drain cleaner doesn't seem to work, and when it seems like there is no other way to fix your clogged drain and you find yourself going online to look for a plumber near me, Anthony's plumbing is the go-to source to get the problem solved. Drain cleaning is one of our specialties, whether it involves a drain snake or perhaps even hydro jetting, we are quick and efficient at fixing any plumbing problems you might have.

Residential Hydro Jetting

Not all clogs call for hydro jetting, and it’s good to know how to discern. Some clogs may be cleared using snaking, or other drain cleaning methods. If you have anything other than a minor clog, hydro jetting is generally your best bet for clearing drains.

Residential Copper Repiping

Copper re-pipes, also known as pipe replacement, are extensive plumbing repairs that require the expertise of an experienced professional. For those in the market for re-piping or pipe replacement services, Anthony's Plumbing is here to help you rejuvenate your residential plumbing system.

Residential Leak Detection

Leaky pipes are dangerous for several reasons. Water that seeps out of pipes can cause a major flood. When the flooding is over, you are left with severe damage and mold growth. Mold is toxic to humans and animals and can cause serious respiratory problems after a few weeks of heavy exposure. Along with serious health problems, wet, slippery floors can lead to falls and other issues like bacterial infections. If your pipes are leaking, it’s wise to seek an experienced leak detection service provider like Anthony's Plumbing to spot the exact location and mend the problem immediately.

Residential Water Heater Installation and Repair

Water heaters are easily forgotten, but they do make our lives easier. Every hot water heater comes with various safety features that need to be set up properly during installation, particularly if you are upgrading to a tankless water heater. For safety's sake, professional help is essential for getting your water heater installed or repaired. At Anthony's Plumbing, our experts can inspect your water heater and help you install or repair it properly in no time.

Residential Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement

With over twenty years of plumbing experience throughout the Inland Empire, Riverside County and Los Angeles County areas, we are experts at providing complete garbage disposal repairs and replacement.

Residential Toilet Installation and Replacement

Sometimes it's just old and not a good idea to try to fix, parts are hard to find. Your toilet may have hard water deposits and you end up having a clogged toilet in your home. It's just a big headache!! Our professionals have been installing toilets in local residences, giving homeowners a more stylish and functional bathroom. From simple toilet repair to new toilet installation, Anthony's Plumbing has custom solutions to meet your needs. If you purchase your own toilet from Lowe's or Home Depot, we can install it for you. Just give us a call to schedule a time you'd like us to stop by.

Residential Toilet Repair

It may come as a shock, but your toilet sees the same level of use and wear and tear as any major appliance in your home. This means that your toilet is prone to issues such as loose handles and continuously running water in your home, which may not seem like a pressing issue, but can in fact cause you to lose hundreds of dollars on your water bill if left unresolved, not to mention the problems of having a clogged toilet and not being able to flush when you need to. That's not the kind of a problem you can just walk off and leave for later. The good news is: now you know someone you can call.

Residential Emergency Plumbing

No one knows when plumbing emergencies will happen, but the good news is that the professionals at Anthony's Plumbing are available 24/7 to respond to any and all your plumbing needs. With over twenty years of plumbing experience, we have seen it all, and know how to fix emergencies quickly and affordably. Both residential and commercial service is available.

For reliable emergency plumbing services there’s only one place to call: the experts at Anthony's Plumbing! We’re available 24/7 to solve your emergency plumbing issues, so for a plumber you can trust, give us a call today: (909)-823-3807.

For COVID-19 Which is Better: Bar Soap or Liquid Soap?

Anthony's Plumbing

April 19, 2020 - Sunday

FOR COVID-19 WHICH IS BETTER: BAR SOAP OR LIQUID SOAP?

With the COVID-19 health advisory that we need to wash our hands regularly, which is better: bar soap or liquid soap?

“Soap and water are better because, at the end, the water rinses away all the dead stuff,” Mayo Clinic neurologist Dr. Joseph Sirven said recently, pointing out that while sanitizers can destroy bacteria and viruses, those dead pathogens don’t go anywhere unless they’re rinsed away.

Dr. Mobeen Rathore, who also serves as chair of Baptist Health’s infection control committee said, “In fact, soap and water is the preferred mechanism for washing your hands and good hygiene, over even hand sanitizers.”

It’s not that the doctors disparage antibacterial liquid soaps and sanitizers, but the physicians seem to regard those recently elusive products as a ‘plan B’ compared to washing with bar soap and warm water.

To minimize the risk of getting sick and spreading illness, it might seem like you need the strongest antibacterial hand soap you can find–but that’s not actually the case. “You don’t need antibacterial or antiseptic soap to remove COVID-19 from your skin,” Dr. Andrew Pavia, Chief, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Utah, explains. “Regular soap is great. In my house we use plain old Palmolive and Dove bar soaps to wash our hands.”

“If soap and water are not available, then you can use hand sanitizers that have at least 60 percent alcohol,” Rathore said.

So, why then is bar soap in a relatively available supply?

“It seems to be a very psychological thing, I think for sure,” said Dr. Tiffany Wells at River City OB-GYN.

“I think that people have gotten used to that type of soap in the containers,” she said, hinting at habit and convenience, “but being at home, having a bar of soap would be perfectly effective, reasonable, and typically cheaper,” Dr. Wells said, tossing in yet another virtue. “Also, less use of plastic.”

Sirven agreed about the convenience factor of portable liquid soaps.

“You can stick one in your car, stick one in your office. That you can’t easily do with a bar of soap,” he said, but maintaining that convenience doesn’t equal effectiveness. “The truth is, soap and water is still the ultimate go-to.”

Sirven went on to explain that bar soaps protect against COVID-19 because of its composition – essentially a protein surrounded by a thin layer of fat.

“You need this fat compound – that’s what the soap is – to break down that virus,” he said. “And, believe me, it will not survive that.”

Wells elaborated on that point, clarifying that in and of themselves, the antibacterial properties of some soaps have little effect on viruses.

“Antibacterial would do nothing to produce anti-viral effects. They are very different things.”

She also continued about the irony that bar soap appears to be less popular, particularly at a time of public angst about health and hygiene.

“It’s available and it’s effective,” she said, “so there’s no reason that it shouldn’t be the same level as the liquid soaps.”

What if Dr. Rathore was given a hypothetical choice? “So, let’s say you’ve got Irish Spring bar soap, dish soap, antibacterial hand soap, some Dove body wash or good old hand sanitizer. If you had all of these in front of you and you needed to wash your hands for a routine hand wash, which one would you choose?” We thought for sure he’d opt for the antibacterial liquid soap or sanitizer. He was unmoved.

“I just use soap and water,” he maintained. “In fact, the antibacterial soaps cannot even claim that they are better than the regular soaps,” Rathore asserted.

But Rathore, Wells, and Sirven all offered the caveat that while type of soap isn’t a significant factor, the time and technique one uses when washing are.

“There’s a way of washing hands which is very important,” Rathore said.

“Taking the 20 seconds, washing all surfaces, drying appropriately,” Wells added.

“You have to make sure it goes and covers your whole hand,” Sirven echoed.

The Centers for Disease Control offers this online guide to proper handwashing: [https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html]

“You can use the other things also,” Rathore refrained, “but using your regular bar of soap is just perfectly fine. It’s not that complicated.”

The Importance of Water Flow

Of course, to wash your hands effectively, it involves having a running stream of warm water so you can wash away the soap and “dead stuff.” If your sink faucet doesn’t work, if your hot water heater doesn’t work or if the drain is clogged, washing your hands becomes a challenge. That is where we come in. For over twenty years Anthony's Plumbing has been coming to customer’s homes and businesses fixing all their plumbing related needs. 

If you need us, we are here 24/7 and ready to respond to your call. You can reach us anytime at 909-823-3807. In the mean-time, be safe, stay inside as much as possible and know that we are here for you if you need us.