[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":38},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fZf2HGPvTcls3whpz_OSTRHzA16MGJuyXs1BxKs5dCvE":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Plumbing","2020-10-07","\u003Cp>Calling the pros for every plumbing issue in your home is time-consuming and costly. Now, don’t get us wrong: We love helping our Santa Fe plumbing customers with problems big and small! But if you’re feeling empowered to DIY your simple plumbing issues, we’re here to help you do that, too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>From regular maintenance to clogs to leaks, we’ve compiled 10 awesome plumbing hacks that will help you save money and headaches in the long run. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #1: The Emergency Shut-Off Valve\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Let’s say you have an overflowing toilet that just won’t stop or a busted pipe in your basement. Your first step is to shut off the water at the source! Knowing where your emergency shut-off valve is can save you some costly clean-up, water damage, and mold issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #2: Garbage Disposal 101\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Knowing how to use your garbage disposal correctly helps you avoid repairs and blockages. There are several things you should \u003Cem>never\u003C\u002Fem> put down your disposal:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Fibrous foods, like celery, asparagus, or sprouts\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Fats, oils, and greases\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Eggshells\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Coffee grinds\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Bones\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Starchy food, like peels, beans, rice, or pasta\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Non-food items\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #3: Clear the Clogs\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>While we’re talking about disposals, let’s talk about clogs. These steps can help you de-clog your disposal in record time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Turn off the power, either by unplugging or turning it off at the circuit breaker.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Inspect the disposal with a flashlight. If you see an obvious clog, clear it with any long and sturdy tool. Never use your fingers!\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>If you don’t see an obvious clog, use a sink plunger. Fill the sink with a few inches of water and start plunging.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Use a DIY drain cleaner. Mix one part baking soda to one part vinegar, and pour the solution down the drain. Wait about 30 minutes, then turn on the hot water for about 60 seconds.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Turn the power back on and test it!\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #4: Cleaning Your Disposal\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>There’s a pretty simple DIY tip for keeping your disposal blades sharp and eliminating those weird smells. Every now and then, put several ice cubes and a hunk of lemon peel down the disposal. Run it without water for about 30 seconds, then run some water and add a little dish soap. You’ll have sharpened blades and a lemony scent in less than a minute!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #5: DIY Drain Cleaner\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>We can’t stress this enough: Commercial drain cleaners are bad news for your plumbing. They’re too strong and corrode your pipes over time. A DIY cleaner is safer, cheaper, and just as easy. For major clogs, try pouring boiling water down the affected drain, followed by ½ cup baking soda. Let that sit for 5 minutes. Then, pour in a cup of vinegar and wait another 5 minutes. Flush with warm water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #6: Tackling Toilet Clogs\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Your first pro-plumber move for tackling toilet clogs is to have a plunger for every toilet in your home. When you’ve got an overflowing toilet, time is of the essence. You don’t want to be running upstairs for the only plunger in the house!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>You can also fix a clogged toilet without a plunger! Stop the flow of water by disconnecting the chain in the tank or by turning off the water at the valve at the back of the toilet. Pour hot water—the hotter the better—into the bowl. Hot water and a little soap can also help break down a clog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #7: Finding Invisible Leaks\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s the end of the month, and you’ve received a huuuuuuuge water bill you weren’t expecting. Next, you notice water damage, mold, and poor water pressure. Sounds like you might have a leak… but how can you know for sure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Finding an invisible leak can be tricky, but it’s definitely not impossible! Turn off all the taps and take a water meter reading. Wait a few hours with nobody using any water, and check the meter again. If it shows water usage, you definitely have a leak somewhere, and need to call in the pros. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Another common place for leaks? The toilet! Try putting food coloring in the tank. If there’s color in the bowl after 30 minutes, you’ve got a leak from the tank!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #8: Ultimate Shower Pressure\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Low pressure leads to longer showers, which leads to higher bills. So why not lower your bill and have better pressure—but simply cleaning your shower head? Put a small plastic bag full of white vinegar over your shower head. Secure with a rubber band and leave overnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #9: Tighten the Pipes\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Threads on your pipes get looser over time, which can lead to small leaks. For a quick DIY pipe tightener:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Turn off the water.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Unscrew the leaky pipes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Wrap a single-layer of masking tape around the threads.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Screw the pipes back together.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Ch3>Hack #10: The Leaky Faucet\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A leaky tap is the time-old plumbing nightmare. Even though it’s one of the most annoying household problems, a leaky faucet can slip to the very bottom of our to-do lists again and again and again. To stop the constant drip-drip-drip, secure a washcloth around the faucet with a rubber band. Then, when you’re ready to tackle the issue at the source, turn off the water, remove the tap body, put in a new washer or O-ring, and reassemble. Done! The same thing works for leaky pipes, but you’ll want to put a bucket underneath as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Want more Santa Fe plumbing tips?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>We love helping you with your plumbing problems, big and small. \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">Give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa> for more plumbing tips and tricks!\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002F10-awesome-plumbing-hacks.webp",5,"10-awesome-plumbing-hacks","","Calling the pros for every plumbing issue in your home is time-consuming and costly. Now, don’t get us wrong: We love helping our Santa Fe plumbing customers with problems big and small! But if you’re feeling…","10 Awesome Plumbing Hacks",[15,23,31],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2025-04-01","\u003Cp>When faced with a clogged drain, many homeowners in Santa Fe reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But is that actually a good idea? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we get this question a lot—and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Here's what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>What Are Chemical Drain Cleaners?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>These over-the-counter products are designed to dissolve hair, grease, and other blockages in your pipes. They usually come in liquid or gel form and rely on powerful chemicals like lye or sulfuric acid to break down clogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pros\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Convenient:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Available at most stores and easy to use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fast-acting:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Can clear minor clogs in a matter of minutes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Cons (and Why We Don’t Recommend Them)\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pipe Damage:\u003C\u002Fstrong> The harsh chemicals can corrode pipes—especially older or plastic plumbing.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Health Risks:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Fumes from these cleaners can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Environmental Impact:\u003C\u002Fstrong> The chemicals are toxic and can harm local water systems.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Short-Term Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> They often don’t fully remove the blockage, leading to repeat clogs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Safer Alternatives\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Plunger:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Great for toilets and sinks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Drain Snake (Auger):\u003C\u002Fstrong> Effective for hair and small debris\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Baking Soda + Vinegar:\u003C\u002Fstrong> A non-toxic method that works for some slow drains\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>When to Call a Pro\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If your drain is still clogged after a DIY attempt—or if it keeps happening—it’s time to bring in a licensed plumber. Professional drain cleaning is safe, effective, and won’t damage your pipes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need Drain Help in Santa Fe?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>At James' Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in safe and reliable drain clearing solutions. Skip the chemicals and let us take care of your plumbing the right way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or schedule your service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fcan-i-use-chemical-drain-cleaners.jpeg",2,"can-i-use-chemical-drain-cleaners","When faced with a clogged drain, many homeowners in Santa Fe reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But is that actually a good idea? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we get this question a lot—and the…","Can I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":27,"slug":28,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":29,"title":30},"2023-03-02","\u003Cp>A clogged sewer line is a red flag for bigger problems. If left alone, a small clog grows into a big clog, and the bigger the clog, the bigger the maintenance bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Blocked sewer lines are inconvenient for many reasons. They can impede water flow, and drainage and cause nasty backups in your plumbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we deal with sewer line clogs regularly. One thing we like to share with customers is the warning signs. If you know what the symptoms of a blocked sewer line are, you can quickly diagnose the problem and call for help. Here’s what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Drains Stop Draining\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>One of the biggest indicators the sewer line is clogged is water that won’t drain. All the drains in your home eventually connect to the main sewage line. Some are connected to one another; others bypass each other to reduce contamination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you only have problems draining one drain, it might not be sewer line related. Instead, you could have a single blocked pipe. Like a shower drain clogged with hair. This is a fairly quick fix and one you may even be able to accomplish yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If all or many drains are having issues, it’s likely the sewage line. This includes flushing the toilet and draining the laundry basin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Drains Drain Slowly\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s not just a complete pause in pipe drainage that points to a sewer line problem. Slow-draining pipes are just as problematic. One bright silver lining here is that slow draining means there’s still some room for water to drain. Just not as quickly as we’d like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>You may also notice your toilet needs to be unclogged frequently. Clear pipes shouldn’t require ongoing plunger use. If you find yourself with a plunger in hand more often than not, there’s likely a sewer line blockage in the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Smells and Sounds\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Along with the obvious unmoving water, you can detect a blocked sewage line by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Strange sounds: Gurgling is the most common sound heard from pipes with blockages. This is the sound of water trying to go down and air bubbles rising. Gurgling usually means the pipe is still draining, just slowly.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Bad smells: The sewage line is named for a reason. If the line is blocked or backing up into your home, you may detect some foul smells coming up the drains.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice these things, call a professional. The sooner your pipes get the attention they need, the less damage they incur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>The Floor Drain is Leaking Sewage\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Most homes keep the floor drain in the basement. This is a drain above the sump pump. If you notice bad smells or literal sewage rising from the floor, there’s definitely a blockage in the main sewer line. This is because the wastewater from your home has nowhere to go and is beginning to back up into the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Don’t tackle this issue on your own. There’s no quick fix for the floor drain. A plunger or auger won’t do the trick. A professional is needed to survey the pipe and see how deep the clog goes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Flushing Toilets Causes Bathtub Trouble\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Flushing the toilet should send wastewater away from the bathroom, not send it flowing into the bathtub. If you notice wastewater rising into your tub or shower, the sewer line is likely the culprit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>You may notice other areas of your home with similar problems. For example, flushing the toilet causes the basement wash basin to fill with water, or the washing machine, itself, to fill with waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Again, like the basement floor drain, the problem is that there’s nowhere for wastewater to flow. It’s forcing its way back up into your home by emptying into other drains and pipes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Even if the problem comes and goes, the blockage doesn’t. If water begins draining more freely, it’s simply flowing around the blockage. Eventually, the problem will pick up where it left off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call a Professional\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>To fix a clogged sewer line, a professional will run a camera down the line to find the blockage. Once they know where and what the blockage is, they can begin removing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>In extreme cases, some pipes may need to be replaced altogether. This is sometimes the case when corrosion has caused the pipes to cave in on themselves. This kind of blockage isn’t fixable by removing clogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and are concerned about your sewer line, James Plumbing & Heating can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:+15054737148\">Call us today\u003C\u002Fa> to learn more about our services and get rid of those nasty sewer line blockage symptoms.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-do-i-know-if-my-sewer-line-is-clogged.webp",4,"how-do-i-know-if-my-sewer-line-is-clogged","A clogged sewer line is a red flag for bigger problems. If left alone, a small clog grows into a big clog, and the bigger the clog, the bigger the maintenance bill.","How Do I Know if My Sewer Line is Clogged?",{"category":5,"date":32,"html":33,"image":34,"readingMinutes":27,"slug":35,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":36,"title":37},"2023-01-02","\u003Cp>Toilets go through a lot. It’s no surprise that eventually our toilets need to be replaced. In fact, most professionals recommend swapping out your toilet once every 10 to 15 years. It may last longer if properly maintained, but generally, you’ll need a new one eventually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>The question then stands, how do we know when it’s time for a new toilet? The answer isn’t so simple. Apart from the age of bathroom fixtures, there are other variables at work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we work with homeowners across Santa Fe. We have years of experience diagnosing toilets. Here, we’ll talk a bit about the signs of wear and tear on bathroom fixtures and when it’s time to upgrade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Puddles on the Floor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Puddles around the toilet can mean a few things. It could be that the seal at the base of the toilet needs replacing. It could also mean there’s a crack somewhere in the porcelain. If the latter, it’s a small problem that will get much bigger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Cracks are repairable sometimes, but if they are too far gone, it’s best to swap out the old one for a new toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Constantly Clogging\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re using your plunger on a regular basis, there’s something wrong. Either you’re putting way too much toilet tissue down the drain, or your toilet just isn’t flushing like it used to. A weak flush can be a sign of water pressure troubles, it can also be a sign of a malfunctioning toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Over time the mechanical components weaken. Toilets take longer to flush, leaving things behind to block the drain. Sure, we can call a professional to clear the blockage, but if it’s becoming an ongoing issue, you’ll save time and money getting a new toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>It’s Always Running\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If that annoying sound of running water in the toilet tank is ongoing, it could be time for an upgrade. Toilets run to refill the tank for the next flush. When the tank is full, the toilet should automatically reset, and the tank stops filling until the next flush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Over time, flushing takes longer, and so does the tank refill. We’ve all been there, jiggling the toilet handle to get the water to stop. In worst-case scenarios, remove the lid of the tank to flip the overflow tube and flapper back into place. Either way, this is an annoyance you shouldn’t be dealing with regularly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>It Won’t Flush\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>This is a bigger problem than the slow flush or the running toilet tank. If you go to flush and nothing happens, it’s either a super simple or super complex fix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>On the simple side, the chain connecting the overflow tube to the handle could be snapped. This requires a cheap chain replacement. No problem. On the heavier end of things, if the chain is fine and everything looks to be in working order, a non-flushing toilet means trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Flushing Multiple Times\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Ever flush your toilet, and it flushes itself a second time without your help? No, it’s not haunted, but it could be broken. If a toilet flushes on its own, the flapper may need to be replaced. It’s no longer sealing at the base of the overflow tube, which makes your toilet think you’ve hit the flush handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It could also be a crack inside the toilet tank. A small crack near the flapper is a sign of age and wear. There’s not much you can do apart from seal it up or get a new unit. A professional can look and tell you which is the best option for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Calcium in the Bowl\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Calcium buildup happens in homes with hard water. While the hard water can be fixed, there may be more to the issue than calcium in the water alone. A water softener will treat the water but not fix the toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>A good toilet flush requires water flow. Hard water could be building up under the rim because of buildup further down in the toilet. Over time, this buildup closes openings, restricting water flow. It’s tough to reach those areas, even with professional tools. If the problem has been ongoing, it might be too late to save the toilet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Contact Us for More Toilet Trade Out Info\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we know a thing or two about toilets in Santa Fe. It’s our job to keep your toilet running smoothly, so you can focus on other things in life. Forget playing DIY plumber for a malfunctioning bathroom fixture. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Call us today for an upgrade.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-know-when-its-time-for-a-new-toilet.webp","how-to-know-when-its-time-for-a-new-toilet","Toilets go through a lot. It’s no surprise that eventually our toilets need to be replaced. In fact, most professionals recommend swapping out your toilet once every 10 to 15 years. It may last longer if…","How to Know When It’s Time for a New Toilet",1787213982002]