Tag: plumbing

How to Get the Plumbing Ready for Thanksgiving

Tips for Preventing a Plumbing Disaster

As Thanksgiving approaches, homeowners should start preparing for the holidays by giving their plumbing a tune-up. Cooking a Thanksgiving feast and hosting guests at the house can put additional strain on the plumbing system. If there is a plumbing emergency, it could ruin the day. 

A clogged toilet could end in disaster if wastewater backs up into the home through the drains. Homeowners will surely be embarrassed if a plumbing disaster ruins Thanksgiving for everyone. This blog post shares some tips from plumbing professionals on how to get the home’s plumbing ready for Thanksgiving. 

Don’t Let a Clogged Toilet Ruin Thanksgiving

toiletPrevent clogged toilets this year by practicing proper flushing. Homeowners should be sure to unclog toilets and practice good habits to prevent clogs before guests arrive. A clogged toilet can cause a stinky, unsanitary mess that will ruin guests’ appetites this Thanksgiving. 

The best way to prevent a clogged toilet is to avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper. Even wipes advertised as flushable can build up in the sewer line and eventually cause a clog because they don’t break down as well as toilet paper. The toilet should be for flushing toilet paper only, and everything else should go in a trash can. 

A toilet that is chronically getting clogged could be caused by a clogged sewer line. Homeowners should contact a local plumbing company to help unclog toilets constantly getting clogged since it indicates an issue with the sewer line. It may be because tree roots have grown into the sewer line. 

Prevent and Repair Blocked Sewer Lines 

sewer linesProfessional plumbers have specialized tools to help them fix blocked sewer pipes. Sometimes a clog moves from the drain further down the sewer line. Tree roots can grow into the sewer line in search of water through any cracks they find. It may require inserting a camera into the pipes to locate the source of the clog. 

The sewer line needs to be unclogged as soon as possible because when the sewer is backed up, it could cause the line to burst. A burst pipe underground, especially a part of the sewer lines, will be a messy and costly problem to clean up. 

Homeowners can prevent blocked sewer lines by being mindful of what gets put in drains and flushed and having the system regularly maintained by a plumbing professional. Avoiding putting cooking grease and oil down drains and routine drain cleaning will help prevent sewer line clogs. 

Professional Methods

Drain cleaning and maintenance by professionals is vital to keeping a plumbing system in good working order. Having a professional clean and inspect drains regularly can help prevent various issues, from clogs and blockages to more serious problems like leaks and water damage.

In addition to preventing major problems, drain cleaning and maintenance can also save homeowners money in the long run by extending the life of their plumbing system. A well-maintained system will be less likely to need repairs or replacement parts, meaning they’ll save money on costly repairs.

Investing in regular drain cleaning and maintenance is a smart way to protect a home or business’s plumbing system. It’s an affordable way to prevent big problems before they start, saving homeowners money in the long run. Be sure to call a professional drain cleaning and maintenance service to keep drains clean and clear and prevent plumbing emergencies before the holidays.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions has over a decade of experience serving Walla Walla, WA, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide straightforward pricing, emergency service, and a peace of mind guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Walla Walla, WA.

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The Women Who Made Plumbing History

Women’s History Month: The Plumbing Edition

Women make up approximately 1.5% of the plumbing profession in the United States. Before the 1950s, there were barely any women plumbers at all.

Women plumbers now own their plumbing businesses and are welcome to join World Plumbing Day. Nonprofit tradeswomen organizations include Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles, Chicago Women in Trades, Tradeswomen, Inc., etc. Women’s history has helped pave the way for plumbers of all ages.

women in plumbing

The Female Plumbers Who Make A Difference

Several industries in the current workforce have been negatively impacted during the pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, both men and women have been increasingly concerned about finding a secure career.

Trades are a steady way to earn income that does not usually require a college education. Through training, students from trade schools can learn worthwhile skills that can withstand change. Certain industries such as auto repair, electrical sectors, and plumbing are unlikely to disappear in an unforeseen incident.

Women are now increasingly eager to secure a job in the trades to stay safely employed. While the profession was once entirely male, plumbing has evolved to include both sexes. One positive advancement is the inclusion of women teachers for students of all ages. Women are now part of the mentoring programs that help students around the country.

Mentoring programs are a way for students from trade schools to learn from hands-on experience. The plumbing industry currently has a mentoring program designed for girls called Tools and Tiaras. Judaline Cassidy started this program in New York to inspire girls in inner-city communities.

The majority of plumbers earn $54,023 per year. In 2021, women earned 91% of what men earned. Programs that are trying to close this gap include a variety of local unions. Women of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders, and Service Techs represent women plumbers and their best interests.

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

The Women’s Auxiliary Committee was originally a social club formed in the early 1900s. The association was known for entertaining plumber’s wives while the National Association of Plumbers had their meetings. This all changed in 1919.

In 1919 the women began to run the organization themselves, leading to meaningful activism within the plumbing industry. One of the most popular campaigns was their partnership with Texaco gas. In 1938 the auxiliary partnered with Texaco to improve sanitation and promote the upgrade in future advertising. This helped boost the industry further.

Lilian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann BaumbachLilian Ann Baumbach grew up in the plumbing business. Accompanying her father on various jobs, she decided to learn the job as a profession. After passing the official Master Plumber’s exams, she became the first licensed woman in the plumbing industry.

In 1953, the magazine Domestic Engineering publicly acknowledged her efforts. “The U.S. Has Its Lady Plumbers Too!” The article compares Ms. Baumbach to Flavia Pompeii, the character from Roman Mysteries.

Known as “The Pretty Plumber,” Lilian Ann Baumbach worked as a plumber and later as her father’s business’s service manager and treasurer. Her femininity and career helped pave the way for dozens of women to break all the stereotypes.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions is a heating, cooling, and plumbing company serving the Walla Walla Valley since 2008. They provide a worry-free process by offering straightforward pricing and free installation estimates. Call today for on-time service in Walla Walla, WA.

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