[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":38},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fcy9xoVrEvMcFZGeJTO7Etzoj9wQq7tatv-gZ3Ee-_ys":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Plumbing","2020-01-06","\u003Cp>Of all our modern conveniences, indoor plumbing might be the one we most take for granted. Although we use our sinks and sewer system multiple times a day, they simply don’t require a ton of attention. And because plumbing lasts for \u003Cem>decades\u003C\u002Fem>, it’s rarely top of mind. When it is, it’s because there’s a problem: the nuisance of a clogged drain or a plugged-up toilet all the way to a disastrous sewer back-up. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Most homeowners can avoid a plumbing emergency with a little preventive care—most of which you can do yourself without involving a Santa Fe plumber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #1: Clean Every Drain Every Month\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Pipes and sewers back up when water and waste can’t flow freely, which can happen when gunk builds up on the inside of your pipes. So, you should clean your drains monthly, using an \u003Cstrong>enzyme-based\u003C\u002Fstrong> cleaner—\u003Cem>not a chemical-based one that can damage your pipes.\u003C\u002Fem> If you prefer a homemade solution, send some baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let the combination work its magic for 15 minutes or so, and then rinse with boiling water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #2: Flush Correctly\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>As in… don’t flush anything but human waste and toilet paper. No diapers, no so-called “flushable” wipes (no matter what the package says!), no feminine hygiene products, no paper towels, no kitty litter (for crying out loud), and absolutely no leftovers. (Yes, \u003Cem>really. \u003C\u002Fem>Some people use their toilet as a secondary garbage disposal, and it wreaks havoc on their sewer system.) \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #3: Never Pour Grease Down Your Kitchen Drain\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>All of your pipes eventually connect under your home at a main drain that carries everything to the sewer line. That means if you’re dumping grease down your kitchen sink, it’s going to coat not just \u003Cem>that\u003C\u002Fem> pipe, but also \u003Cem>every\u003C\u002Fem> pipe on its way to, and including, the main sewer line. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>That grease can also transform into what some people lovingly (ahem) call \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feponline.com\u002Farticles\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F25\u002Fturkey-grease-how-the-thanksgiving-feast-can-cause-environmental-havoc.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">“fatbergs”\u003C\u002Fa>—oil, grease, and other gunk that accumulates over months or years and causes sewer mayhem in individual homes and city systems. In 2018, for example, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mlive.com\u002Fnews\u002F2018\u002F09\u002Ffatberg_metro_detroit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Metro Detroit\u003C\u002Fa> public works officials removed a fatberg from a county sewer line that was 11 feet wide, 100 feet long, and 6 feet tall. “Gross,” is an understatement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Do your sewer (and city) a favor, and use paper towels to soak up grease and then toss the towels in the trash. (Not the toilet! See Tip #2.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #4: Use Your Garbage Disposal Sparingly\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Grease is one of \u003Cem>many \u003C\u002Fem>things you shouldn’t put down your kitchen sink. Pasta, rice, fibrous or starchy veggies like celery and potatoes, egg shells, and coffee grounds should also be off-limits. Think of your garbage disposal more like a “crumb dispenser” and your plumbing will be better for it. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #5: Keep Roots Away From Your Sewer Line\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, sewers back up because of what’s going on \u003Cem>inside\u003C\u002Fem> your home. But often, they back up because of what’s happening in your backyard. If you have trees or large bushes planted too close to the sewer line, their roots can push through the pipe and create a clog or cause damage. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #6: Use a Drain Guard\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>When we’re in a hurry or feeling a bit lazy, we make mistakes. Adding a simple, inexpensive drain guard to each of your sinks can keep you from sending things down the drain that don’t belong there. A drain guard in the tub can help prevent those nasty hair-plus-soap clogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #7: Set Your Water Pressure No Higher Than 80 psi\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Clogs are only one way to kill a plumbing system. The other way? Sending too much water through the pipes too quickly. Over time, water pressure that’s too high puts strain on valves, joints, and even the pipes themselves—setting you up for cracks and leaks. Pick up a water pressure gauge at the local hardware store, and if you discover your pressure is too high, call in a pro to install a regulator. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #8: Have Your Sewer Line Professionally Inspected and Cleaned Every Three Years (at least)\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you want to have total peace of mind that your sewer’s in good shape, have a Santa Fe residential plumber inspect and then snake or hydrojet it every three years or so. This is particularly important if you have lots of roots near your out-pipes (see Tip #5). \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #9: Prevent Water from Freezing in Your Pipes\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>When water freezes, it expands—and if there’s enough of it in your pipes, they could burst. \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-avoid-frozen-pipes-this-winter\">Check out the tips we shared last month\u003C\u002Fa> to avoid this major plumbing disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Pipe and Drain Care Tip #10: Replace Old Pipes\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Yes, plumbing and sewer pipes last for decades—but houses typically last much longer. If your pipes are older, consider replacing them \u003Cem>before \u003C\u002Fem>you have a problem. Typical pipe lifespans are as follows:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Brass supply pipes: 40-70 years\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Cast iron drain lines: 75-100 years\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Copper supply pipes: 50 years\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Galvanized steel supply pipes: 20-50 years\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>PEX supply lines: 25-40 years\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>PVC drain lines: Indefinite\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>If you still have lead pipes, you should have them replaced immediately.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Have questions about Santa Fe sewer maintenance?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Your home is likely the single biggest investment you have—and we’d love to help you take good care of it. If you have concerns or questions about your sewer lines or you need expert advice about any other plumbing issue—and we do mean \u003Cem>any\u003C\u002Fem>—we’re the \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">Santa Fe plumber to call.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002F10-expert-ways-to-take-care-of-pipes-and-drains.webp",5,"10-expert-ways-to-take-care-of-pipes-and-drains","","Of all our modern conveniences, indoor plumbing might be the one we most take for granted. Although we use our sinks and sewer system multiple times a day, they simply don’t require a ton of attention. And…","10 Expert Ways to Take Care of Pipes and Drains",[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",1787213982134]