[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$ftd44QZV8-zqMKXNKrwNpn36ZzJUD7-g0P1zGgEeAojA":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Plumbing","2019-10-21","\u003Cp>OK, friends of\u003Ca href=\"\u002F\"> James Plumbing and Heating\u003C\u002Fa>, today’s post on the worst things to put down your drain is admittedly a bit self-serving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Imagine this: \u003C\u002Fstrong>It’s Thanksgiving day (it’s creeping up on us, you know), and you’re just sitting down for a lovely meal with your family. The turkey’s perfectly roasted, and everyone’s enjoying one another’s company (so far). You’ve just buttered one your grammy’s famous parker house rolls and gravied your potatoes. Aunt Fran has just launched into her annual political rant and half the table’s biting their tongue… when your cell phone rings. Who’s calling you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Well, in our case, it’s very likely to be a customer who’s in near-panic mode because their kitchen sink is completely stopped up and, “There’s nowhere to drain the green beans and our Thanksgiving dinner is nearly ruined and we’ve tried everything and can you please, please, \u003Cem>please \u003C\u002Fem>come out and unclog the stupid drain? \u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>Please?!\u003C\u002Fstrong>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>OK, OK: Maybe those calls aren’t quite \u003Cem>that \u003C\u002Fem>dramatic—but we \u003Cem>do \u003C\u002Fem>get a lot of emergency calls on holidays. Extra people in the house plus added distractions plus a ton more cooking can easily result in angry plumbing. Now here’s where the self-serving part comes in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>We’d really rather NOT hear from you on Thanksgiving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>We really like you, of course, but we’d 100% rather watch the game and overdose on whipped cream than unclog your kitchen sink. Don’t get us wrong: We’ll send a truck out if you need us. That’s just how we are! But we’re guessing you’d rather not see us that day either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>So, for \u003Cem>everyone’s \u003C\u002Fem>sake, let’s have a quick lesson in the \u003Cstrong>worst things to put down your drain\u003C\u002Fstrong>. We’re sharing this list with you \u003Cem>now\u003C\u002Fem>—several weeks before the holiday season—juuuuust in case you’re \u003Cem>already \u003C\u002Fem>in the habit of swishing this stuff down your sink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re putting any of the following down the drain, \u003Cstrong>stop\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Grease.\u003C\u002Fstrong> So, you’ve just fried up a pound of bacon for brunch. Resist every temptation to pour that grease down the drain! Grease coats your pipes and turns into sludge, which traps food debris. Over time, that stuff will build up and completely stop up the works.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Cooking oils, including butter and margarine.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Avoid rinsing cooking oils, salad dressings, butter, margarine, and mayo down the sink. Those products have the same binding effect as grease, and because they’re water-resistant, they will \u003Cem>not \u003C\u002Fem>rinse away.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Coffee grounds.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Yes, coffee grounds are small, but they can create a huge plumbing mess. Compost them or trash them, but do \u003Cem>not \u003C\u002Fem>rinse them down the sink.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Egg shells. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Many homeowners believe the myth that eggs shells will “sharpen” their garbage disposal blades and help push food debris through pipes. Here’s the truth: Garbage disposals don’t \u003Cem>have \u003C\u002Fem>blades, and egg shell membranes tend to get wrapped around the grinding mechanism and damage the unit. Even if the disposal manages to obliterate the shells, those tiny little pieces will cling to any sludge build-in your pipes, contributing to clogs. Again, compost them or trash them.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Flour.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Know the recipe for glue? Flour + water. Unless you’d purposefully pour Elmer’s down your kitchen sink \u003Cem>(That is not a dare!),\u003C\u002Fem> you shouldn’t rinse flour down the drain, either.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pasta and rice. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Pasta and rice can absorb a surprising amount of water. Over time, a small amount of the stuff can expand to the diameter of your pipe, creating an impressive dam.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Potato peels.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Know how flour + water = glue? Same-same with the starch found in potato peels. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Produce stickers.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Please peel those cute little stickers off your fruit before you wash it. Paper doesn’t dissolve quickly, so those stickers can become accidental contributors to major blockages.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fruit pits.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Why anyone would try to send a peach or plum pit down the drain is a mystery to us, but we’ve seen it many times. Your garbage disposal isn’t meant to grind something like that, and if you send enough of those things down the drain, you’ll \u003Cem>definitely \u003C\u002Fem>have a clog.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Citrus peels.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Sure your drain smells lovely when you sic your garbage disposal on a lemon or orange peel, but those things can contribute to blockages.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Paper towels and wet wipes.\u003C\u002Fstrong> We know what you’re thinking: “Why would someone put a paper towel down the kitchen sink?” We have no idea—but people do it! Paper towels and wet wipes might be marketed as biodegradable, but they take a \u003Cem>long time\u003C\u002Fem> to disintegrate. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Ch3>We’ll get you unclogged.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you have a plumbing disaster brewing, we can help! \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">Give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa>!\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fthe-worst-things-to-put-down-your-drain-based-on-actual-experience.webp",4,"the-worst-things-to-put-down-your-drain-based-on-actual-experience","","OK, friends of James Plumbing and Heating , today’s post on the worst things to put down your drain is admittedly a bit self-serving.","The Worst Things to Put Down Your Drain (based on actual experience)",[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",1787213982174]