[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fmBeyv7WogDY5Sne6jpLUn09QPLEcXd0D2o5S73u560E":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Plumbing","2022-11-02","\u003Cp>Rust is unsightly and a pain to clean. As a leading plumbing service provider in Santa Fe, our team at James Plumbing and Heating receives plenty of questions about removing rust stains from plumbing. Here we’ll talk a bit about the cause of rust, cleaning methods, and proactive solutions to avoid future rust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Here’s what you need to know to keep your sink and toilet looking their best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>What is Rust and Where Does it Come From?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Rust is caused by a chemical reaction between corroding steel, oxygen, and water. This happens when steel begins to break down due to wear or damage. The iron particles in the steel are essentially stolen by acid electrolytes in water. The result is the orange material we know as rust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Toilets and sinks aren’t made of steel, so why do they have rust stains? The brown stains come from iron in the water. The iron could be coming from old corroding pipes or simply as a mineral in your water source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When air, water, and iron come together, as we mentioned above, they form rust. So, as the water sits in your sink basin or toilet, the rust particles settle to the bottom If left long enough, they stain the white porcelain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Removing Rust Stains and Cleaning Sinks and Toilets\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Many homeowners are tempted to start pouring bleach down the toilet when rust appears. This is a bad idea. Bleach is highly corrosive and could damage your plumbing when flushed away. It could also chemically alter the rust molecules, making the stain worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Avoid harsh cleaning tools that might scratch your toilet or sink surface. The more porous the surface, the easier it stains, and the more difficult it becomes to remove those stains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Some of our go-to tricks include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cem>1. Baking Soda and Vinegar\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>This is a tried-and-true favourite of plumbers. It’s all-natural, gentle on the plumbing, and usually gets the job done. In a small dish, mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. It will fizz slightly and form a paste. Use the paste as a cleaner with a firm-bristled scrub brush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cem>2. Pumice Stone\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>That’s right. The scrubbing tool you use to treat callused feet is great for removing rust. Dampen the pumice before using, so it softens slightly and doesn’t scratch the surface of your toilet or sink. You can use this in combination with the paste mixture above or with a basic mix of 1:1 water and vinegar spray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cem>3. Salt and Lemon\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Another natural cleaning product to try in the bathroom is lemon juice and salt. This is a simple and trustworthy DIY cleaner. Mix salt and lemon juice together in a ratio of 2:1. It should create a grainy liquid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Plug the sink and pour the liquid in to soak for half an hour. Similarly, you can pour the mixture into the toilet to soak. Then scrub with a scrub brush or your pumice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Some non-natural cleaning methods to apply to rust include Borax or Barkeeper’s Friend. Both products are helpful in removing stains and bacteria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Keeping Stains Away\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Cleaning rust from the toilet and sink will give it a polished look, but how do you keep it that way? Proactive measures are important to prevent more rust from forming. While addressing plumbing issues, it’s also important to consider the overall environment in your home. In Santa Fe, alongside dealing with rust, ensuring your home remains comfortable against the heat is crucial. At James Plumbing and Heating, we not only tackle plumbing challenges but also specialize in comprehensive \u003Ca href=\"\u002F\">air conditioning services\u003C\u002Fa>. Whether you need maintenance, repair, or a new installation, our team ensures your cooling system complements a clean, rust-free home environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cem>Remove Metal Items from Tub and Sink\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>From shaving cream cans to razor blades, metal items left on sinks and shower shelves leave stains. The same is true for hair care items like hair pins and clips with metal on them. Remove these items when not in use to prevent rust development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cem>Keep Things Clean and Dry\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>The best way to keep things shiny and new is with regular cleanings. This prevents iron from settling for too long against the surface of your plumbing. Similarly, you should keep your sink and tub dry when not in use. Drying your toilet and tub might sound a bit strange, but it removes iron residue, limiting exposure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cem>Talk to a Plumber\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Depending on the age of your home and plumbing system, you might be due for an upgrade. Talk to your plumber about swapping out pipes to prevent rust in your home. Your plumber may also have some other good tips for rust prevention, like installing a water softener system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call James Plumbing and Heating Today\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and are interested in learning more about keeping rust stains out of your home, we can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:+15054737148\">Call James Plumbing and Heating\u003C\u002Fa> today for a consultation.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-remove-rust-from-bathroom-toilets-sinks.webp",4,"how-to-remove-rust-from-bathroom-toilets-sinks","","Rust is unsightly and a pain to clean. As a leading plumbing service provider in Santa Fe, our team at James Plumbing and Heating receives plenty of questions about removing rust stains from plumbing. Here…","How to Remove Rust from Bathroom Toilets & Sinks",[15,23,30],{"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":9,"slug":27,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":28,"title":29},"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","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":31,"html":32,"image":33,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":34,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":35,"title":36},"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",1787213980829]