Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog

Common Summer Plumbing Problems in the Pacific Northwest

July 10th, 2023
father-and-son-barbecue

Summer is the perfect season for many fun activities we don’t do as frequently at other times of the year. Outdoor barbecues, camping, and beach trips are some things we enjoy here in the Pacific Northwest.

Summer also brings a host of plumbing issues that people don’t experience during other times of the year. Also, just having more family members at home during the day can make demands on your plumbing system that it isn’t used to.

Let’s go over four examples of summertime activities that might result in the need for drain cleaning in Olympia, WA.

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Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Pipe

June 5th, 2023

If you were to think about how much your home’s drains and sewer lines get used on a daily basis, it’ll make you wonder how they last so long without developing problems. In a year, the average family drains thousands of gallons of water, sewage, paper products, and grease through sewer pipes. All of this combines to significantly raise the risk of damage to a sewer pipe or the creation of blockages.

Homes that were built in the 1970s or earlier are particularly vulnerable to damaged sewer pipes because these were often made using cast iron. Because sewer line issues are something that no homeowner wants to ever have to deal with, it’s important to know all the warning signs that your home has a damaged sewer pipe. If you ever suspect an issue, be sure to call us for plumbing services in Lacey, WA.

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Why You Shouldn’t DIY Install A Water Heater

May 8th, 2023
Technician servicing an hot-water heater

So you want to DIY install a water heater. You’ve seen a few YouTube videos. You’ve got your eye on the model you want at the big-box hardware store. You consider yourself a fairly handy person. You’re thinking, “Why shouldn’t I install my water heater myself?” 

Well, we’re here to tell you the many reasons why DIY water heater installation is a bad idea no matter how many tutorials you’ve seen. From needing a permit to the many safety hazards, installing a water heater yourself is risky for several reasons.

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4 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

April 10th, 2023
little-boy-in-bathtub-dad-with-bubbles-on-face

There are some bathroom plumbing issues that are easy to ignore. A running toilet and a leaky faucet are some things you may be tempted to put off having fixed for as long as possible. 

However, there are some types of problems with your bathroom plumbing in Olympia, WA that shouldn’t be ignored. Unless they’re addressed soon, they can quickly become big problems. Let’s look at four of the most common bathroom plumbing problems so you’ll know which can wait and which should be fixed as soon as possible.

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Is It Time to Replace A Toilet?

March 6th, 2023
two-small-children-looking-at-toilet

There’s a reason why the toilet is commonly referred to as “the throne.” The toilet is an essential plumbing fixture in your home. You need your home’s toilets to function properly because their failure to do so can result in worst-case scenarios such as an overflowing or leaking toilet.

The nickname “throne” conveys durability and stability, but just like any other household fixture or appliance, toilets don’t last forever and will need to be replaced. The question to be answered isn’t, “Does my toilet need to be replaced,” but “When does my toilet need to be replaced.” How do you know when it’s time to take this step with your bathroom plumbing in Tumwater, WA? Let’s take a deep dive into the answer.

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The Science Behind Plumbing Services

February 6th, 2023
high pressure pipe leaking

Plumbing isn’t exactly a topic that generates a lot of excitement and discussion. In fact, plumbing is more likely to be the “butt” of jokes rather than a fascinating topic to discuss at your next social event. Have you ever thought about the science going on behind the scenes in your home’s plumbing?

When you think about it, the science behind plumbing is actually quite interesting. Chemistry is essential to making your water safe to drink. Physics is the concept behind how water moves through pipes. And engineering makes it possible for your home to tap into the Earth’s water supply. Let’s take a deep dive into which science concepts will affect your need for plumbing services in Olympia, WA.

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Kitchen and Bathroom Sink Problems That Require a Plumber

January 9th, 2023

Your home’s kitchen and bathroom sinks are the workhorses of your house. They’re used multiple times throughout the day and despite their frequency of use, they rarely give you major problems. 

Although minor problems can be fixed by savvy homeowners, it’s important to know when to call for professional plumbing services in Olympia, WA. Sometimes calling in the pros is much easier–and cheaper!–than a DIY attempt.  

We often receive service requests for bathroom and kitchen sink issues that might seem simple, but that are really only easy for someone with the skills and expertise. Here are some examples of kitchen and bathroom sink issues where it’s better to call a plumber.

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Strange Things Put Down Sinks and Garbage Disposals

December 12th, 2022

When it comes to clogged and blocked drains and garbage disposals, plumbers tend to see the same types of service requests. Soap scum in tub drains, food waste in the garbage disposal, and foreign objects down toilets are typical issues. 

Ask any plumber and they’ll probably tell you a story about a time they saw something truly strange causing a clog or blockage. Here are some examples of items that are unusual, but also somewhat common. By reading these examples you can hopefully avoid the need for plumbing repairs and garbage disposal service in your Olympia, WA home. 

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How to Tell If You Need Professional Drain Cleaning Services

November 7th, 2022

Chances are, you probably don’t think very much about the drains throughout your household. That’s alright! Not many homeowners do. However, it is important to know that if you don’t keep your drains in great shape, it can cause a number of problems for you over time.

It’s important to know when the best time is to call for professional drain cleaning services so that your drains can be as healthy and efficient as possible. Read on as we uncover the top signs that you’re in need of professional drain cleaning services.

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Yes, Your Water Heater Needs Professional Maintenance Because…

October 17th, 2022

water-heaterYou may have heard the term “hard water” before, even if you don’t know exactly what it refers to. But hard water is the reason that your water heater needs routine professional maintenance!

Why? Because hard water is water with a high level of minerals in it that turns into something called scaling, which can have a detrimental effect on the inside of your water heater tank, not to mention your whole entire plumbing system.

Scaling is a build-up of the minerals calcium, magnesium, and sometimes iron. You may see a chalky white or yellowish buildup around your faucets and drain openings–this is scaling. It’s easy enough to clean up from your sinks and bathtub, but imagine that building up inside your water heater.

Read on to learn more about this issue, and to learn just why it’s so important to have professional water heater maintenance done once a year.

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