A Homeowner's Guide to Troubleshooting Toilet Flapper Problems

A toilet that continues to run after the tank has filled with water isn't exactly a plumbing emergency, but it sure can be an annoyance. A running toilet also wastes precious water and increases your water bill. If you're tired of jiggling the toilet handle every few minutes and don't want to waste water, consider these tips for troubleshooting toilet flapper problems. 

Adjusting the Chain and Flapper

When you flush the toilet, a chain attached to the flush lever lifts the toilet flapper to release water into the toilet bowl. A properly functioning flapper will fall flush back into place on the valve seat when the flush is complete, and the tank refills with water.

Problems with the chain can prevent correct operation. If the chain is too long, it may lodge between the flapper and valve seat, which results in the handle-jiggling troubleshooting technique. Shorten the chain distance to the flapper one or two links. You may need a pair of needle-nose pliers to make the job easier.If the flapper doesn't fall flush on the valve seat, you may need to adjust the flapper at the hooks. If the flapper is off center, try rotating the flush stem a hair.

Mineral Deposits

Mineral deposits on the flapper or valve seat can cause water seepage into the bowl. If your toilet runs every 10 or 15 minutes, this may be the problem. Turn off the water at the water valve behind the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain the tank. Gently clean the flapper and valve seat with an old toothbrush or scouring pad.

Worn Flapper

Inspect the flapper for signs of wear. If the toilet flapper is more than five years old or there are signs of wear, it's better to just replace the entire flush valve assembly. However, dealing with toilet problems involves water, which can quickly turn into a mess. You may want to contact a plumbing professional.

If you need assistance troubleshooting toilet flapper problems or other plumbing issues, contact the plumbing pros at Air Assurance today. We've proudly served residents of the greater Tulsa metropolitan area for 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Anna Yunak/Shutterstock”

Troubleshooting Your Toilet to Avoid Common Problems

To solve serious plumbing problems affecting your toilet like a clogged sewer pipe or water leaks from burst supply lines, you'll need the help of a professional plumber. If you'd rather fix minor problems yourself, try troubleshooting your toilet using these tips before calling in the pros.

Shocking Shower Scalds

If you're tired of those mid-shower scalds that occur when someone flushes, it's possible to make them less traumatic. You just need to slow the flush rate on every toilet by turning the shutoff valve until it's about half a turn from being fully closed.

Endless Running

Wasteful, non-stop running is a sign that the flapper valve isn't going back into place properly when the tank refills. A build-up of scale that needs to be cleaned off the valve seat can cause this, as can a chain that's too short. To lengthen the chain, just unhook it and reattach it a few links farther down.

Eerie Moaning

If you hear strange moaning noises coming from the bathroom at night and you're on municipal water, you're being warned that the ball cock inside the tank is worn. At night when everyone's sleeping, municipal water pressure rises and makes the worn ball cock vibrate and moan.

Ghostly Flushing

Phantom flushes can occur when the tank's flapper valve becomes worn and starts allowing water to seep out. When the bowl fills up, the toilet will flush on its own. If you decide to install a new valve to solve the problem, make sure the replacement is identical to the old one.

Double Flushing

When a toilet flushes twice and you've pressed the lever only once, the tank's water level is too high. To stop this waste of water, you'll need to keep adjusting the fill valve float until the repeat flushing stops.

Noisy Tank Refills

If the sound of rushing water is excessively loud when the tank refills after a flush, it's easily fixed. Simply turn the shutoff valve slowly to gradually reduce the fill rate until the noise volume drops sufficiently.

For expert help troubleshooting your toilet problems, contact the Tulsa area plumbing pros at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Africa Studio/Shutterstock”

Tips for Selecting the Best Showerhead for Your Broken Arrow Home

A refreshing shower is probably an important part of your morning routine. If your shower isn’t performing the way you’d like, you can end up starting every day on a sour note. If it’s time for an upgrade, it’s worth doing your research to make sure you’re selecting the best showerhead for your needs.

Check Your Existing Hardware

Check the finish on your existing bathroom hardware before selecting a replacement. Your product won’t look natural if it has a different finish from the shower arm. Opt for something that matches what’s already there unless you plan to upgrade all fixtures in your bathroom. If you want to add other upgrades, like a handy anti-scald valve on your faucet, this is a great time.

Choose Pressure Over Volume

It’s tempting to select an oversized showerhead, imagining a luxurious experience under the broad spray. However, customers often find that they don’t feel a noticeable difference with different sizes. What’s more noticeable is the water pressure. You’ll enjoy more pressure with a smaller showerhead. When you’re selecting the best showerhead for your Broken Arrow home, go for something that’s 8-inches or smaller.

Look for the WaterSense Label

Showerheads with the WaterSense label must use 2 gallons of water per minute (gpm) or less. Standard showerheads use 2.5 gpm, so this is a noticeable difference. A WaterSense showerhead will help you save money on your water bill. The average family can save up to 2,900 gallons of water a year with this upgrade. A WaterSense showerhead can literally pay for itself.

Know When to Hire a Professional

Most homeowners can replace a showerhead themselves, but you should hire a professional if you’re making a major bathroom upgrade. Don’t attempt to replace the shower arm or any additional plumbing on your own. Done improperly, these upgrades could leave you with a hazardous leak that can lead to wall damage, mold growth and other serious problems.

For more information on selecting the best showerhead for your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We’ve proudly served the Broken Arrow area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Mikhail hoboton Popov/Shutterstock”

Tips for Tracing & Fixing Water Leaks in Your Broken Arrow Home

Fixing water leaks means finding them first. Both tasks tend to be a job for a professional plumber with the experience to know where to look and the expertise to repair the leak. However, the average homeowner can expedite the process of fixing water leaks by noting patterns of leakage that may help narrow down the cause.  Here are some common signs of leakage to look for.

Tub and Shower LeakageSigns of water escaping the tub/shower enclosure include:

• Floor material or tiles loosening

• Peeling paint and/or spots of mold or mildew

• Water stains on ceilings below

Deteriorated caulking around the enclosure frame and degraded rubber door seals and gaskets are items that may be replaced by a plumber.

Under-Sink Leaks

Evidence of water damage under sinks may originate from one of three locations:

• Rim leaks: If the rim surrounding the sink is caulked, caulking must be renewed. The plumber can also tighten sink mounting clips to pull the sink against the countertop for a better seal.

• Supply line leaks: The water line connection at the shut-off valve or the faucet may leak under pressure. A plumber will tighten the compression nut. If leakage persists, he’ll shut off the water, disassemble and coat the connection with Teflon joint sealant, then reassemble.

• Drain pipe leaks: Connections between the drain pipe and u-shaped sink trap are often seepage sites. Where tightening the slip joint connection isn’t effective, the plumber may install a new drain pipe and/or trap and seal threads with Teflon tape.

Leaky Toilet Flange

Leakage can occur at the joint between the toilet and the drain pipe installed in the floor. While minimal seepage may enter the bathroom, leakage at this joint in an upper level will stain the ceiling below. Otherwise, the first evidence may be deterioration of the wooden floor structure beneath the toilet.Removal of the toilet by a professional plumber, replacement of damaged structural components and renewal of the wax seal ring are required to resolve leakage.

Leave finding and fixing water leaks to the professionals. In greater Tulsa, contact the experts at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Steve-Cukrov/Shutterstock”

Is Your Home's Plumbing Ready for an Upgrade?

Generally, a home's plumbing system doesn't get much attention until age-related issues start to crop up. To prevent the headaches, stress and high cost of extensive and unexpected water damage, it's important to know the warning signs that can tell you a home plumbing upgrade is due.

Key Indicators of Future Plumbing Problems

If you recognize any of these telltale signs that plumbing issues are headed your way in the near future, it's wise to investigate your upgrade options now:

• Galvanized pipes: Your galvanized pipes can appear in excellent condition since the outside is treated to resist corrosion. If you've been having frequent water line blockages and experiencing reduced flow at the faucets, your pipes may be in a serious state of decay on the inside, which isn't treated.

• Mixed pipe materials: If a previous owner had some of the original galvanized pipes in your home replaced with copper and the installation wasn't done properly, your plumbing system is a ticking time bomb. Galvanized steel and copper aren't compatible, and if dielectric unions weren't used to separate the two metals, the resulting chemical reaction speeds up the rate of corrosion.

• Plumbing system age. The materials used in older residential plumbing systems have an average life span of about 60 years. If your home is around that age and you're not certain if the plumbing was updated in the recent past, it's wise to schedule an inspection and talk to a licensed plumber about an upgrade before problems develop.

• Evidence of deterioration: To catch problems early, it's important to perform a periodic check of all accessible pipes in your home. Look for dried or fresh stains from water leaks around the pipes and dimpling, flaking or discoloration on the metal. Take a close look at the color of your water too. If it's yellowish-brown, it likely contains rust from corroding pipes. Other signs that point to decay are an increasing number of plumbing leaks and clogs that need repair.

To learn whether you're in need of a home plumbing upgrade, contact the Broken Arrow plumbing pros at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “valdis torms/Shutterstock”

Common Signs of Poorly Vented Plumbing Drain Lines

Poorly vented plumbing drain lines can mimic the symptoms of other drain malfunctions. Because waste water flowing through your drain pipes can alter the pressure inside your system, outside air is required to equalize the difference.

Plumbing vents are the vertical pipes that connect to your drain system and extend straight up through the attic, venting at the roof. Like any empty pipe that terminates outdoors, plumbing vents are subject to blockages from leaves, birds nests and other obstructions, as well as improper placement at construction.

Finding and fixing the problem requires working on your roof using specialized tools, so leave it to your professional plumber. Give a qualified plumbing contractor a call if you notice any of the following symptoms of poorly vented plumbing drain lines.

Slow Drains That Don’t Clear

If drain action is sluggish and plunging or other methods don't resolve a suspected clog, you may not have a blockage in the drain line after all. An obstructed vent pipe may be causing pressure that inhibits free flow through the drain system.

Unexplained Odors

Sewer smells may indicate dry drain traps under your sink. Water in these traps continuously seal out sewer gas. If any waste forms a vacuum due to inadequate venting, water may be sucked out of the traps, permeating sewer odors throughout your home.

Gurgling and Bubbling

If noises continue to emanate from drain pipes even after the sink or tub has been emptied, you may have a poorly vented plumbing drain line. The air pressure building inside poorly vented pipes can equalize by refluxing up the drains, causing gurgling or bubbling sounds.

Poor Toilet Performance

If the flushing action of your toilet seems weak and water in the bowl is slow to rise back to level, free flow through the sewer line may be inhibited by excess pressure from a blocked vent. Oftentimes, this symptom will be accompanied by bubbles surfacing in the toilet bowl even when the fixture is idle.

In Broken Arrow, contact Air Assurance for professional service to identify the causes and cures of poorly vented plumbing drain lines.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “NarisaFotoSS/Shutterstock”

Tips for Avoiding Dangerous Water Problems in Your Tulsa Home

Water is required to sustain life on earth and to maintain comfort and convenience at home. However, have you've ever stopped to wonder what to do if your tap water is discolored, odorous, or foul tasting? Here are some common water problems you may encounter at home, and what to do about them. 

Hard Water

Problem: Hard water has a much higher mineral content than soft water, which is a result of having passed through calcium and magnesium-rich deposits. The effects can include:

• Lime scale accumulation in pipes.

• Spotting on dishes.

• Filming on showers tubs.

• Dingy, scratchy clothing.

Solution: A home water softener with an ion-exchanging technology can channel water through a softener containing a sodium-based solution. Note that due to the high sodium content, this water may not be suitable for drinking or for use on lawns or houseplants.

Bad Odor and Taste

Problem: Various organic materials or sulfates can cause your water to taste moldy, fishy or musty.

Solution: You can run your water through an activated-carbon filter to solve most issues, while more extreme cases may require an oxidizing filter. If neither solution works, professional intervention may be required.

Bacterial Contamination

Problem: One of the most dangerous water problems may involve the coliform bacteria, a family of bacteria with such strains as E. Coli. While most are harmless, others can cause illness, particularly in those with weakened immune systems.

Solution: If you suspect bacterial contamination, consult a professional to determine the source of the issue and to implement an effective method of disinfection.

Sediment

Problem: Materials such as clay, rust or dirt may become suspended in your water supply.

Solution: A sediment filter may be your best option for this problem and can be found at most hardware or plumbing stores.

Lead

Problem: More common in older homes, lead can be found in the solder once used to seal copper piping, which is extremely hard to detect.

Solution: Have your water professionally tested, implementing solutions, such as:

• A reverse osmosis system.

• A carbon block filtration.

• A water softening system.

For more information on these solutions and other dangerous water problems, call the experts at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock”

How to Prevent Slow Water Leaks From Your Toilet Tank

When you prevent slow water leaks from your toilet, you can potentially save hundreds of gallons of water a day. A leak between the tank and bowl that keeps a toilet running continuously wastes about two gallons of water a minute. However, even silent toilet leaks are big wasters. While a leak may be caused by a hairline crack in your tank—generally, this means a new toilet is in your immediate future—in the overwhelming majority of cases, the problem is a defective fill valve or a worn tank flapper.  Contact a professional plumber and let him know what kind of problems you're experiencing. After ruling out a cracked tank, here’s how he’ll replace tank valves to prevent slow water leaks from your toilet:

• After the water supply is shut off, your plumber will flush the toilet to empty your tank. He’ll then use a sponge to soak up residual water from the tank.

• Underneath the tank, your plumber will disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve, and then remove the jamb nut securing the valve. Pulling the water supply line downward out of the fill valve, he can then remove the valve from the tank.

• With the replacement fill valve correctly positioned inside the tank, your plumber will install a new gasket at the bottom of the valve before hand-tightening the jamb nut to secure it in place. Your plumber will then reconnect your water supply line.

• The rubber flapper valve inside the tank is operated by a chain extending from the flush lever. Your plumber will remove the valve from its mounting tab on the overflow tube, and then unhook the chain from the flush lever. Afterwards, he'll install the new flapper valve on the mounting tabs before attaching the chain to the flush lever.

• After water is restored at the shut-off valve, your plumber will observe the tank refilling and check for leaks. He’ll then test the flushing action and adjust the new fill valve, if necessary, to ensure that your tank fills to the proper level.

You can schedule professional service to prevent slow water leaks from your toilet by contacting Air Assurance in the Tulsa metropolitan area today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Africa-Studio/Shutterstock”

How to Install a Perforated Sewer Drain Pipe

Your septic system is comprised of pipes leading from your home to your septic tank, solid piping leading from your tank to a field bed and a perforated sewer drain pipe for drainage. Since improper placement of this pipe can cause sewer backup or clogs, knowing how to install one properly before undertaking this project is very important.

First, if you're working on a new installation, this job is best left to a professional. New septic systems must be approved by a permit in Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas before beginning. Grading and drainage requirements are quite stringent and a plan must be submitted for approval. If you're simply replacing an existing pipe, you should be fine as long as the problem you're having is due to the pipe itself.

You should use a four-inch pipe made of rigid PVC that has appropriate drainage holes. Never use corrugated flexible piping as these can't be cleaned without damaging the pipe. Once you've dug down to the original pipe, remove it carefully. Ensure there's a layer of gravel still in place for proper drainage. If necessary, add enough gravel to level the pipe with the system piping (usually six to 12 inches deep. Then, clean the main pipe thoroughly and allow it to dry.

With the majority of holes facing down, place your sections of perforated sewer drain pipe where they'll be installed. Using PVC primer and glue, glue the individual sections together. Use a level to make sure the pipe is in line, and then attach it to the non-perforated drain pipe on the tank. Next, cover the pipe with another six inches of gravel and a barrier to prevent the finishing soil from going into your gravel.

Air Assurance can relieve your septic drainage worries and develop a plan to best suit your needs. With award-winning services provided to the greater metro and surrounding areas of Tulsa, we're the team you can count on.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”