Raymark Plumbing and Sewer

Tips Shared by a Seattle Plumbing Company to Fix Common Bathroom Problems

Keeping your bathroom in a ready state is important. If you had to live without your bedroom for a few days, you could sleep on the couch or the rug. If you had to live without your kitchen for a few days, you could call for take-out, BBQ outside, or go out to eat. However, living without your bathroom for a few days is a different scenario.

Because we need a working bathroom, it is important to stay on top of bathroom plumbing issues. You and your family cannot be without facilities, especially in these times of Covid. Take a look at these tips to fix common bathroom problems, shared by a Seattle plumbing company:
 
1. Mildew and Mold 
 
Moisture, mold, and mildew on your bathroom walls, ceiling, or floor are usually caused by poor ventilation. If not taken care of, these can grow and contribute to allergies and coughs. They can also stain and destroy the walls, ceiling, and floor. The easiest remedy is to install a fan, use it habitually, and open windows and doors to air out the room. Clean mildew and mold with a water and bleach mixture to prevent these from thriving.

 2. Showerhead or Faucet Leak
 
Water leaks from the shower, bathtub, or bathroom sink faucet do not have to be a ‘normal’ occurrence in your bathroom. Leaks can form for many reasons and may occur over time from regular use. Many people live with leaks, but it is best to call your plumber to fix a leak as soon as you notice it. Repairing even a small leak can make a big difference in your water bill. Plus, there is a peace of mind that comes when your home is functioning as designed.

3. Slow or Clogged Drains 
 
When your bathroom sink, tub, or shower takes forever to drain, there is a build-up of hair, soap, or other debris in the drain line. Clogged drains occur over time and rarely do they fix themselves. A plumber will snake and clear your drains and keep wastewater flowing. In some homes, a drainpipe might take a 90 degree turn and this angle becomes a natural clog spot. The best prevention for slow drains and clogs is to be aware of what goes down the drain, and then prevent that from happening. Inexpensive screens over the drain opening will catch hair, soap, and small toys. Most plumbers do not recommend drain cleaning chemicals.

These three common bathroom problems may not be serious, but they can worsen over time if not repaired. Call a professional plumbing service to help you keep your bathroom in top shape.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services. They are known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies cannot. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
https://www.raymarkplumbing.com

How to Avoid Common Summer Plumbing Issues

Clogged Sewer Pipe Services in Seattle, WA

Want a summer full of fun? The last thing you want is a clogged sewer pipe to bring the fun to a halt. Last winter, we shared some common cold-weather plumbing issues, but the hottest time of the year also poses unique plumbing challenges. Here are a few ways you can avoid common plumbing problems and keep your fun in the sun.  

No Outdoor Fun with an Unhappy Wash Machine

Summer is a prime time for activities involving dirt, sand, and other fun outdoor substances. The kids may love this, but the washing machine… not so much. These machines, though powerful, were not meant to process large amounts of sand, gravel, mud, or dirt, so try removing these substances from clothing before putting them in the washing machine.  A quick rinse in the outside hose may do the trick.

Some Summer Foods Don’t Mix with the Garbage Disposal

There are some foods that we enjoy in the summer, but your garbage disposal does not enjoy. It’s important to make sure these foods do not make it down the drain. Some of these foods include corn husks, corn cobs, banana peels, celery strings, artichokes, popcorn kernels, and bones and fat from BBQs.  

Pay Attention to Your Sprinkler System

Make sure your sprinkler system is inspected at least once a year. That way, you can be confident that your system is functioning as designed, and ready to keep your plants hydrated and looking great. Also, it is important to be careful to not hit sprinkler heads while mowing or letting your dogs out to play (sprinkler heads can be great chew toys for them.) 

Slower Shower Drains

Summer is full of trips to the beach. Debris such as sand, dirt, and pebbles can get caught up in bathing suits and often are cleaned while in the shower. Instead, consider rinsing off at the beach, or outside with a hose. This beach debris can cause a clogged shower drain and unpleasant ankle-deep showers. Also, keep an eye on the drain cover and remove any hair that gets stuck in there. Hair is the number one cause of bathroom drain clogs.  

We hope these tips are a help to you this summer, but if something does happen and you need drain or plumbing help, give Raymark Plumbing & Sewer a call at (206) 440-9077. We will make sure your “fun in the sun” summer gets back on track before you know it.   

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and emergency services. In fact, Raymark is known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies could not. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.   

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer 
10710 Lake City Way NE 
Seattle, WA 98125 
(206) 440-9077 
https://www.raymarkplumbing.com/

Raymark Plumbing Discusses the Top Reasons for Sewer Line Clogs

A single clogged drain is relatively easy to fix. However, multiple drains simultaneously slowing or backing up means you may be dealing with a clogged sewer line. As an expert in clogged sewer repair, Raymark Plumbing is sharing the top reasons for sewer line clogs.

Tree roots

Sometimes, tree roots grow into a sewer line. Trees need water and will make their way into the sewer pipes, especially if your line is cracked or broken. As the tree roots grow, they block the flow of water and waste. The result can be drain clogs and backups.

Toilets

Often people flush items down their toilets as if toilets are garbage cans. Only the four ‘P’s should be flushed down the toilet: pee, poop, puke, and paper (toilet). Avoid flushing trash and items such as dental floss and “flushable” wipes. Wipes may advertise they are flushable, but they really are not. Use a garbage can instead. When you flush anything other than the four ‘P’s down your toilet, it can cause sewer line clogs and backups.

Garbage disposals

A lot of people put trash down their garbage disposal. A disposal is designed to cut up small amounts of food waste, not the leftovers from your dinner plate. Things you should never put down your garbage disposal include: bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, eggshells, bags of old carrots, fats and oils, and large amounts of anything. Put these in your yard waste or compost instead. If you put these things in your garbage disposal, it can cause a backup and the need for a new disposal. Buying an inexpensive strainer for your kitchen sink drain can catch large items before they go down the disposal and then into the drain.

Garbage disposals cannot cut up fats and oils. These coat the pipes and narrow the pipe width over time, causing clogs.

Sewer line damage

A sewer line can crack, separate, or collapse over time. Dirt, rocks, and debris can fill the line, causing a clog and backups. Older sewer lines are especially susceptible to damage as the earth moves and settles over time.

Protect your sewer line. It can be costly to repair or replace, so keeping it clean is worth the effort. Call Raymark today if you need a sewer video or estimate of your line, pipe repair services, and any other plumbing service.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077

Home

Don’t DIY on Water Heater Installation

Plumbers do not recommend you install a water heater yourself. We say this because plumbers have the knowledge and expertise to install water heaters correctly, safely, and efficiently. Here are solid reasons, provided by an expert in drain cleaning, behind hiring professionals for the job:

We Calculate the Right Tank for Your Home and Situation

Hot water tanks are available in 30 to 80 gallon sizes. Some are tall, some short, gas or electric, with different requirements for install. The size you need is dependent upon the number of people that live in your home, the space available for the tank, and your daily hot water requirements. Some households run two laundry cycles per day, while other run two laundry cycles per week. Some have teenagers who only come out of the shower after the water turns cold. If the tank you buy is too small, your household will often run out of water, but if it is too big, you will be wasting money each month by constantly heating water you don’t use.

We Help Choose the Right Location

Placing your water heater in the correct spot is important. Local plumbing codes may restrict the installation of a hot water tank in an attic, storage closet, bedroom, or under the floor. Depending on the tank and situation, an expansion tank, a mixing valve and/or venting may be required. Space is needed for the water lines and the discharge pipe, as well as room to check and service the tank. Also consider how a plumber will remove the old tank and bring in the new tank. Some remodels have inadvertently boxed in the existing water heater.

We Do the Heavy Lifting

Plumbers remove the old tank and take it to a metal recycle location, bring in the new tank, and install new water hoses, discharge pipes, and more. Plumbers often have an apprentice or a helper on water tank jobs because the tanks are heavy and bulky to maneuver.

We Place a Pan Under the Tank

Setting your new hot water tank in a pan made of corrosion-resistant material helps contain any small leaks that may occur. Look at your tank periodically to see if there is water in the pan. Ideally, the pan is dry. To avoid costly water damage, purchase an inexpensive water alarm and set it in the tank. This can alert you to a small leak before a major leak occurs.

We Install Earthquake Straps

A hot water tank filled with water is very heavy. Securing the tank with earthquake strapping helps ensure the tank does not topple over in a quake. If you have a gas tank, the straps also help keep the gas lines connected to the tank.

We Test for Hot Water and Leaks

As plumbers, we always assess the home before and after tank installation. We check the home’s water pressure and make recommendations that will help prolong the life of the tank and the water lines. We make sure the kitchen and the upstairs bathroom are getting hot water. We test for leaks. We set the tank temperature control at 120 degrees F. or lower to help prevent burns. Importantly, we only use materials safe for use with potable water.

When you need a new hot water heater, remember that a plumber is an expert at hot water tanks. Hire an expert and give yourself the peace of mind that the job is done right and give yourself the time to enjoy your hot water. For more plumbing services, such as sewer inspections or repiping services, call Raymark Plumbing today.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services. In fact, they are known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies could not. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer

10710 Lake City Way NE

Seattle, WA 98125

(206) 440-9077

Home

Reasons Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Making Enough Hot Water

Your water heater works pretty hard. It provides hot water for many appliances in your home, from the washing machine to the dish washer to your shower. A common issue people have with their water heaters is that they do not produce enough hot water. Before you call to replace the water heater, here are a few reasons why this may be occurring:

Your Household Has a High Demand for Hot Water

There may simply be too many sources in your home requiring hot water. Keep in mind that some appliance models require a greater amount of hot water than other models do. For example, if you have just upgraded your shower, your new one may be using more hot water than your old one did. To fix this demand problem, replace your water heater with one that has a larger tank or replace it with a tankless water heater.

The Water is Initially Extra Cold

If you live in a freezing climate, naturally, the water that your water heater starts with is going to be extra cold. Therefore, it will take the appliance more time than usual to fully heat the water, making it seem like your hot water supply has decreased. To help solve this issue, simply turn up your water heater’s set temperature during the winter season.

Your Water Heater is Aging

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. As water heaters age, sediment inevitably builds up, no matter how well you have maintained it over the years. If this is the case, you probably won’t be able to succeed in improving your water heater’s supply of hot water. Replacing it is your best option.

We hope these tips are a help to you if you are having hot water issues. If you cannot seem to remedy the problem, contact a local plumbing company that provides water heater services. They will help you evaluate the problem and come up with the optimal next step.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service local residential plumbing and sewer company. Located in Seattle, WA, Raymark offers honest upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services. Raymark technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly. They are known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies could not. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
https://www.raymarkplumbing.com

Home

Raymark Plumbing Reveals How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter

With the beginning of winter upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare for cold temperatures and prevent your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can create thousands of dollars in damages. Take steps now to prevent frozen pipes as described by a top Seattle plumbing company below.

When temperatures drop and the water in a pipe cools, ice begins to form inside the pipeline. As you know, when water turns to ice, it increases in size, and the pipe could burst or split. The pipe no longer functions and when the ice thaws, the water seeks the lowest level and can cause a lot of damage. Thankfully, there are several measures a person can take to prepare their home before icy temperatures set in:

Remove your garden hoses and store them for the winter. Even if a frost-free hose bibb is installed, the hose itself still needs to be removed.

Insulate your pipes around the hose bibb and outside wall.
If you have a separate water shut off to the hose bibb, turn off the water for the winter. Turn off the valve inside and then turn it on outside to drain the line.
Open kitchen cabinets where pipes enter the house. The warmth of the kitchen can prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the heat on when you are away in the winter.

If the pipes freeze in your home, call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer in Seattle. They are the experts in all plumbing, pipe repair, drain, and sewer solutions. One of their mottos is: We Contain Water!

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer

10710 Lake City Way NE

Seattle, WA 98125

(206) 440-9077

Home

A Seattle Plumbing Company Shares 4 Shower Clog Hacks

You already have so much to do before making it out the door in the morning, so the last thing you want is to add “deal with shower clog” to your list. Of course, the best way to fix something is to prevent it from going wrong in the first place. A Seattle plumbing company has provided some clog-prevention tips, as well as advice on what to do if you come across a shower clog:

1. Get a Hair Catcher

You have probably discovered that hair is typically the main offender when it comes to shower clogs. Strands of hair are so thin and long that they can quickly wash down your drain and form a clumped, stubborn blockage. Some people try to prevent obstructions by setting roaming hairs aside as they shampoo and condition their hair, but no matter how close attention you pay, you cannot prevent every hair from falling down the drain. A hair catcher can help with those stubborn hairs that sneak their way to the drain. This gadget rests on your drain so that hair and other particles get stuck in it, rather than down the drain.

2. Flush Out Drains

Another method of preventing hair blockages is to flush all your drains pipes simultaneously, sending out a cascade of water to clear up the hair and gunk. You will need several people to assist you with this job. Close all your bathtub, shower, and sink drains and then fill each tub and sink with warm water. After that, have one person standing at each drain and toilet in your house so that every drain can be open at the same time. Finally, flush every toilet simultaneously.

3. Try Plunging

Did you know that plungers are good for more than just your toilet? If you have a shower drain clog, you can fill the tub with a little bit of water, position the plunger over the drain, and plunge the drain a few times.

4. Contact a Plumber

If these methods do not work, contact a reputable plumber as soon as you can. They will utilize a tool called a plumber’s snake, which is a long, steel cable with a hand crank. When the hand crank is turned, the cable goes down the drain, separating the barriers blocking the way. It also scrapes oil and minerals off the inside of the pipelines. It then snags certain pieces of debris that will arise when the plumber takes the plumber’s snake out.

Do not let a shower drain clog put a damper on your day! Do everything you can to prevent one, but if the unfavorable does occur, give Raymark Plumbing & Sewer a call at (206) 440-9077.

Seattle Plumbing Company Shares Tips on a Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen can be a great experience when done right. Or, it can be a disappointing and costly experience if done wrong. A Seattle plumbing company offers some advice to help your kitchen remodel go off without a hitch.

The secrets to success are imagination and planning. Let’s say your current kitchen isn’t meeting your needs. Make a list of what does and does not work. No one will see this list but you. If you have kids, ask them to help. Kids often think of things that adults don’t, like storing the juice and the milk on a bottom shelf of the refrigerator where they can reach it.

Imagine yourself in the newly finished kitchen. Is there light? What does the floor feel like on your bare feet? When cooking at the stove, how far away is the spice cabinet? How many steps are needed to grab a spoon or a spatula? Do you need a sprayer on the kitchen faucet? Do you want glass on the cabinet fronts so everyone can see where the glasses are stored?

While you are in this vision stage, visit kitchen showrooms. Look at kitchens online. Watch the remodel shows. What do you like and dislike? Write these down. Put images on your refrigerator.

When you have the new kitchen imagined, start creating a plan. It can be a spreadsheet, a document, a giant piece of paper, whatever works.

Determine your budget. How much do you feel comfortable spending? If money is tight, appliances and faucets can be upgraded later. But water lines, drain lines, gas lines, countertops, floors, cabinets, windows, and tiling are best done in the initial remodel because they all involve major restructuring and the inability to use the kitchen while work is underway.

It takes a robust plan to coordinate, purchase, and schedule all of these in an efficient and cost-effective remodel. Because there are many parts to consider, hiring an architect and a general contractor can actually save your budget. Professionals create plans that allow the plumbers, electricians, tilers, etc. to quote an accurate estimate, and to schedule their work in the timeline needed. Many tasks have dependencies, so a clear schedule and frequent communication are important.

When you meet with your architect or contractor, ask all of your questions; they’ve done this a thousand times. Then work with your contractor to schedule Raymark Plumbing & Sewer to help with your Seattle kitchen remodel. If you don’t have a contractor, we can recommend one that we work with on a regular basis.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer has worked with thousands of Seattle homeowners and their contractors over the last 40 years. We can help you create a beautiful and efficient kitchen. Schedule your Raymark appointment today by calling (206) 440-9077.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. They offer plumbing leak repair, sewer repair/replacement, drain cleaning, water heaters, re-pipe services, water line repair/replacement, faucet repair/replacement, and toilet services. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
https://www.raymarkplumbing.com/

Leading Seattle, WA Plumbing Company Shares 3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

A water heater is one of those home appliances that gets little attention until it stops doing its job.

A company with years of experience plumbing in Seattle, WA, Raymark Plumbing & Sewer, explains that this is a problem because when a water heater stops functioning, a replacement is often immediately necessary.

There are several signs that can indicate it is time to replace your water heater. The main consideration is the age of the tank.

Leaks

Water heaters last about 10 years. During that time, the tank continuously expands and contracts as it heats and cools down. This continuous fluctuation weakens the tank over time and creates small cracks and holes. Cracks and holes are the reason a tank may begin to leak. In a basement with a concrete floor, a small leak may pose little problem. But many basements are now finished, and many homes have hot water tanks stored in livable areas of the house. Leaks then can create major water damage.

The risk of leaks increases the older the tank is. Therefore, it is recommended that a water heater be replaced before leaks are likely to occur. Leaks can also form from a loose pipe or a faulty pressure relief valve.

Rust

An experienced plumbing company that specializes in water heater services and drain services in Seattle, WA, points out that rust is a natural enemy of plumbing systems. This includes the water heater. If you turn on the hot water at a sink and notice the water is tinted a rusty color, there may be rust inside the tank. Not only is rust in your water unwelcome due to health concerns, but the rust could weaken the tank’s metal walls and cause it to leak.

Sediment

Over time, sediment from the water settles into the water tank. Harder water has more mineral content and more sediment. This can slow the heating process and reduce the efficiency and the lifespan of the tank. Sediment can also show up as brown water from the faucet and can cause a water heater to make strange noises. Call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer if there are any signs of sediment in the tank.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. They offer plumbing leak repair, sewer repair/replacement, drain cleaning, water heaters, re-pipe services, water line repair/replacement, faucet repair/replacement, and toilet services. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
https://www.raymarkplumbing.com

An Experienced Plumber in Seattle, WA Shares the Secrets to Bathing

A good tub or bath is like a cup of your favorite tea: relaxing, refreshing, and calming. Whether you have a stand-alone bathtub, a shower/tub combo, or a jetted tub, it is a place of refuge from the ordinary world. If it is not, you may as well take a shower.

One person’s version of a good tub experience may differ from another’s. Some like candles and scented oils, other like bubbles and a glass of wine, and others like reading glasses and a good book.

An expert plumber in Seattle, WA shares three secrets on how to create a better bathing experience and enjoy your moments of refuge.

Keep the Tub Clean

A clean tub is inviting. Why share your tub with the dog? Dogs aren’t picky about their bathtubs. Get your pet a dog tub and make the master bath your place to relax and renew. It stays cleaner and ready for you.

Speaking of cleaning, time is precious, and no one wants to clean the tub before they take a bath. In the movies, the bather just turns on the water and waits for the tub to fill. The movies never show anyone actually cleaning the tub first or pulling out all the kid toys before filling the tub.

We believe it is easiest to clean the tub while you are in it, at the end of your bath. When done bathing, pull the plug. In the time it takes the water to drain, take a washrag and wipe down the tub’s sides and bottom. Using the sprayer, or a bucket, use cooler water to rinse the tub sides. Step out onto your bathmat, and your tub is ready for your next bath. If you clean it right away, it doesn’t need scrubbing – all the dead skin and dirt are at the surface, ready to be washed down the drain.

A Tub Must Hold Water

Have you noticed the water level slowly lowering as you relax in the tub? The drain plug may not be sealed tightly, or it may have worn down over time. A plumber can fix this and keep the water contained in the tub, where you want it. It is not a relaxing bath experience if you are worrying about the water level.

A Tub Must Release Water

Hair, soap chips and small tub toys can get caught in the drain and clog it. The most common tub drain clog is hair. If you have an open flat drain, play “fish” with a small scoop strainer before you open the drain. The net used to catch fish when cleaning their fish tank works well. (Use a clean one and keep it separated from any fish.)

Or, an inexpensive drain screen is a good investment. Place this over the drain and it will catch everything that is not liquid. Drain screens come in all shapes and are under $10, so they are well worth buying. Empty the screen into the garbage can. Rinse and reuse forever.

If the tub drains slowly or not at all, call the experts in drain repair in Seattle, WA. Raymark Plumbing & Sewer clean drains for a living and have seen everything. Enjoy your bath!

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. They offer plumbing leak repair, sewer repair/replacement, drain cleaning, water heaters, re-pipe services, water line repair/replacement, faucet repair/replacement, and toilet services. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services.

Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
https://www.raymarkplumbing.com