Troubleshoot a Clogged Vent Pipe Without Getting on the Roof
A normal trip to the bathroom can turn foul if you have a clogged vent pipe. A slow drain, gurgling sounds, and a nasty sewage smell can all point to a clogged vent pipe—but what does that even mean? And why are these pipes on the roof in the first place? Your vent pipe supplies air to your plumbing, allowing water to move freely through the pipes. Keeping your vent pipe clear is essential, as a clog can be hazardous. Without a way for water to move, you risk a sewage backup. If you are not sure if you have [...]
3 Pain-in-the-Drain Line Problems You Should Never Ignore
Drain lines are the network of pipes that connect to your septic tank and distribute wastewater out to the surrounding yard, away from your home. These lines can be anywhere from 30 to 150 feet long, stretching far across your backyard. When your drain lines are working properly, they pull the liquid out of your home’s septic system, allowing it to slowly percolate into the soil and evaporate through what’s called your “leach field.” Not only does this process clean the wastewater, it empties your septic tank faster than it’s filled. But when your drain lines fail, you can experience [...]
How a Whole Home Water Filtration System Can Pay for Itself
Here in Omaha, our water is generally considered safe. According to the EPA, we haven’t had a single Safe Drinking Water Act violation in many years, and our tap water is considered drinkable even without a filter. However, “safe” drinking water isn’t the same as healthy water—for your body or your pipes. And while the water here in Omaha may not contain high levels of harmful chemicals, it is known to carry trace amounts of arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, lead, and various acidic compounds. How can you keep your family healthy and your pipes protected when corrosive chemicals flow through your [...]
Got Noisy Pipes? Here’s Why
Older houses can be as noisy as they are charming! Creaky stairs, squeaky doors, and whistling windows may come with the territory, but if you’ve got noisy pipes, there can be a bigger problem just below the surface… Here’s why your noisy pipes go bump in the night—and morning and afternoon! Loose fasteners Notice a knocking sound even when no one’s at the front door? Loose pipes may be to blame! When you turn your water on and off, a powerful shock wave travels through your pipes. Known as a hydraulic shock, this wave of pressure causes your pipes to [...]
3 Serious Signs Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged
Dear Burton, I’ve noticed some strange plumbing symptoms lately—our downstairs toilets are gurgling when the dishwasher runs, and our bathtubs are taking a long time to drain. I’m nervous this could be a big issue. What should I do? - Gurgling in Gretna Dear Gurgling, One noisy toilet or slow-draining tub typically isn’t a cause for immediate concern, but you’ll want to have a plumbing service out as soon as you can. Your home plumber should perform a drain opening before the pressure damages your pipes and connection points. While a single slow drainer may not be a significant concern, [...]
5 All-Too-Common Water Pressure Issues — and How We Fix Them!
At Burton, we know water pressure problems can be frustrating. That’s why our local plumbers are highly trained on the most effective ways to diagnose and repair the water pressure issues that disrupt your home. Because your shower is your sanctuary, your kitchen is your common ground, and your home appliances keep your household running smoothly— and caring for your plumbing is our top priority. In the course of assessing, repairing, and restoring the water pressure in thousands of homes across the Greater Omaha area, we’ve come across five causes that are almost always the source of a slow or [...]
Drain Opening or Drain Cleaning: Which is Right for You?
Dear Burton, I’ve seen ads for your $93 or FREE drain opening special. Is drain opening the same as drain cleaning? - Drained and Confused Dear Drained, A lot of homeowners assume a drain cleaning and a drain opening are the same. And they do serve the same purpose— to rid your pipes of damaging debris and cantankerous clogs, thereby restoring your free-flowing plumbing. But the process and outcome of drain opening and drain cleaning are very different. Drain opening is the quickest way to open the floodgates Drain opening is a simple process that involves snaking a special [...]
7 Tips to Protect Your Plumbing From Freezing This Winter
Ahh Omaha winters… The perfect time of year for cozy fireplaces, warm scarves, hot chocolate, and taking extra precautions to protect your plumbing! If you’ve spent a winter in a snowy town, you already know just how dangerous cold weather can be for your pipes. The lower the temperature drops, the higher your risk of frozen plumbing, burst pipes, and a flooded basement, attic, or garage. But with a bit of foresight, an eye on the forecast, and these 7 handy tips, you can stop this emergency plumbing repair before it starts. Follow these 7 simple tips to keep your [...]
Omaha Area Homeowner Hacks: How to Find Your Home’s Water Shut Off Valve
If you own a home here in the Omaha metro, you don’t have to be Handy Andy, capable of fixing every leak, creak, and clog that disrupts your household. But there are a handful of homeowner hacks you absolutely need to know about to protect your home from a serious emergency situation. Today, we’ll teach you one of the most important homeowner hacks everyone should know: How to shut off the main water supply to your home! Why should every homeowner (and renters, too!) know how to turn off a water heater and how to shut off their [...]
Hunger Action Month: It’s Time for Happy Homes and Fed Families
September is Hunger Action Month— our opportunity to unite in the fight against hunger. Hunger Action Month is an initiative launched by Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation. Every September, Feeding America partners with hundreds of food banks and thousands of Americans to restock pantries nationwide, just in time for winter. At Burton, we take every opportunity we can get to serve and support this local community. And Hunger Action Month is no different. That’s why we’re bringing back our annual hunger-fighting special for the 4th year in a row: This September, a $55 Furnace Inspection and [...]
3 Savvy Homeowner Tips For Keeping a Clean Garbage Disposal
Ever notice a…. questionable… smell coming from your sink? You clean and clean, but you just can’t seem to shake the stink? Chances are, your garbage disposal more closely resembles garbage than a disposal! Prevent odors from taking over your kitchen by following these three quick disposal maintenance tips: 1. Run the disposal often, even if it’s empty Did you know the blades of your garbage disposal can rust and get stuck in place? But running your disposal for a few minutes a week with a strong flow of cold water can stop this corrosion before it starts. The cold [...]
The Best— and Worst!— Time to Flush Your Water Heater
Dear Burton, I heard that you should empty out your water heater every so often, so sediment doesn’t build up inside. Before I tackle this project myself, is there anything I need to know? New Home Newcomer Dear Newcomer, Great question. You’re right that flushing your water heater periodically reduces the gunk that collects in the bottom of your tank. Over time, sediment from your water lines can flow into the tank, settle at the bottom, and slowly block the heating elements from doing their best work. Not only does this shorten the life of your tank because it [...]