A clogged kitchen sink – or worse, a clogged toilet. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. Dealing with a clogged drain is not only frustrating, it can also signal an underlying plumbing problem that needs attention before it gets worse. 

If you’re like most people, the first thing you do when you encounter a clogged drain or a toilet is reach for the plunger, which is a very good idea. The trick, however, is making sure that you’re using the right plunger for the job, and that you’re using it properly. 

Below, we’ll explain different types of plungers and which one to use based on the location of the clog. We’ll also give you some tips on how to use the plunger successfully. 

Cup plungers 

These are the most popular plungers and for good reason – they work quite well on flat drains, or essentially, any drain that is surrounded by a flat surface. You can use a cup shaped plunger on kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and showers. All you need is a little pressure and a solid tug to get things moving in the drain again. 

Look for a cup plunger that fits securely around the entire width of the drain. This may mean that you’ll need different plungers to fit over various drains in the home. We recommend having at least one for the kitchen and another for the bathroom. 

Beehive plunger 

A beehive plunger looks just like – you guessed it – a beehive. These feature a cylinder-type design that’s wide in the middle and a flange at the end that allows it to fit inside nearly all toilet drains. These plungers work great in toilets and work by getting into the deepest part of the drain and sealing it completely, so you can get great suction to dislodge whatever is stuck in the toilet. 

Bellows style plungers 

These plungers have an accordion shape along the sides that expand and contract – much like the instrument you play. One of the benefits of these types of plungers is that it can move water quickly and allows for faster release of the clog. 

Flanged style plungers

While these plungers look similar to cup plungers, don’t be mistaken. These feature a flange that can open to fill and seal a drain. These plungers work well for toilets because they can reach deep into the toilet drain. 

How to use a plunger 

This is a tried-and-true method that you can use with all types of plungers – and on most types of drains, as well. 

Cover all drains. Start by covering all the drains that are near the one that’s backed up, especially the overflow drain. This helps to create more suction when you plunge by preventing air from escaping. You’re essentially trying to create a vacuum effect. 

Place a small amount of petroleum jelly around the ring of the plunger. This will help create even more suction. 

Scoop out any excess water. If you’re dealing with, say, a bathtub full of water or a very backed up kitchen sink, remove as much as the water as you can. 

Fit the plunger over the drain and push gently on the handle. Make sure you’re able to get a good grip on the handle and guide it easily. Sometimes, a plunger with a shorter handle is easier to control. Once you’ve forced air out and created a seal, press strongly on the plunger several times without lifting the seal. 

Pull the plunger away after about 30 seconds. If the clog remains, either repeat or use a chemical drain opener but do not use both at the same time. Drain openers contain harmful chemicals that should not come in contact with your skin or eyes. 

When plunging a toilet: 

Never continuously flush the toilet handle when your toilet water is overflowing. Instead, close the water supply hose found behind the toilet. 

You need enough water in the toilet bowl to create suction, so add water before you plunge until the water fills the toilet bowl to about halfway. 

Flange style plungers work best for toilet clogs. Use it like you would other plungers, but make sure that the rubber flange is inserted inside the drain opening. 

Still have a clogged drain, even after using a plunger? Give the team at Allied-Reddi Rooter a call or Contact us. We can troubleshoot the cause of your clog quickly, and maybe even give you a few more helpful plunging tips, too. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

A sewer line inspection video is inexpensive AND can give you leverage in the purchase

So, you’re buying a new home. You’ve checked the roof and windows for leaks, looked at the floors, and the heating and cooling systems have been inspected, too. But what about the main sewer line? If you haven’t considered this you’re not alone: many new homeowners fail to have their main sewer line checked out before they purchase a home only to find later that they need a very expensive repair. 

In this article, we’re going to cover the importance of sewer line inspection but before we begin, it’s important to note that the information below doesn’t just pertain to new homeowners. Even if you’ve had your home for years, it’s still important to have your main sewer line routinely inspected. Older homes, especially, are prone to sewer line issues resulting from wear and tear. 

Groundhog video sewer line inspection

One of the best ways to determine the health of your home’s sewer line is through video. Groundhog camera inspection is an innovative procedure that uses a video camera to inspect the sanitary line to show any and all problems. The video and all images are stored on a USB thumb drive for your future reference. 

There are huge benefits to choosing a Groundhog video inspection for your home. First, if the video detects any problems, you can likely get the issue fixed before you need an entire sewer line replacement. And if you’re a new home buyer, you can show the video to the seller as proof that they need to make the sewer line repairs – or even drop the price of the home – before you purchase it. 

Consider this: At Allied Reddi-Rooter, the cost of a Groundhog video inspection is $250. The cost to repair your main sewer line? $5,000 and even more. 

What causes sewer line damage? 

Usually, issues in the sewer line are caused by one, or a combination, of three things: 

How can I maintain my sewer lines? 

While sewer line repair may be inevitable in an older home, it’s actually pretty easy to maintain the line by simply being careful about what you put down your drain. Baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs and “flushable” cat litter should never be put down your drains. 

You could also put drain traps over drains in the kitchen sinks and in the bathroom to catch any food and debris like eggshells. 

Whether you’re a new home buyer or have owned your home for a long time, it’s always a good idea to have your sanitary line inspected with a Groundhog camera. Not only can it save from having to pay for a costly repair, but it can give you peace of mind. 

Allied-Reddi Rooter is Cincinnati’s choice for Groundhog camera inspections, so when you’re ready for a sanitary line inspection for your home, give our team a call or Contact us for all your plumbing needs. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

When you’re in need of a plumber for your home or business, make sure you choose one with extensive experience and knowledge about all types of plumbing and issues. The best plumbing companies have the capability to perform any and all plumbing services. Basically, they know plumbing inside and out, which makes it easier for them to deliver quality work no matter how big or small the job at hand is.  

Here’s our list of the top ten qualities to look for when choosing a plumber in Cincinnati. 

Decades of experience. At Allied Reddi-Rooter, our plumbers have more than fifteen years of experience helping home and business owners with their plumbing needs. In fact, Allied Reddi-Rooter has been operating here in the tri-state for more than 70 years. We’ve watched plumbing trends come and go and have literally decades experience troubleshooting and fixing a wide array of plumbing issues.   

An emphasis on education. Your plumbing technician should be highly trained, able to pinpoint your plumbing problem quickly and fix it right the first time. Because the field of plumbing is constantly evolving, plumbers should always be honing their skills. The best plumbing companies give their employees the tools they need to keep learning.  

Truly “full service.” It’s one thing to say you’re a full-service company, and it’s another to really be one. Look at plumbing company websites to learn what services they offer. As we mentioned above, if they service all industries and homes, and offer a wide variety of services, they are likely to be an established plumbing company you can trust. 

Emergency service. We offer emergency service within two hours from the time we first talk to you. Be very wary of plumbers who make you wait when you think you have an emergency. The very worst plumbers wait because, if the problem persists and does further damage, the more work they’ll have to do and the higher the bill. 

Instant phone estimates. The best plumbing companies are fair, honest, and ready to help. They should offer free estimates over the phone and deliver free on-site estimates as well.  

They’re friendly. Never estimate the power of kindness and courtesy. Our plumbing technicians make friendly service a top priority. The best plumbers care about their customers and are committed to complete professionalism on the job. We work with our customers, listen to their needs, and communicate every step of the way.   

They have excellent reviews. Before you select a plumbing company, make sure you read online reviews carefully. Choose a plumber with a great reputation and many positive reviews on websites including Yelp, Facebook, and Google. 

Personalized service. Have you ever worked with a company that makes you talk to a different employee every time you reach out to them? That shouldn’t happen with your plumbing company. At Allied Reddi-Rooter, we assign one technician to a job. That way, they can build a relationship with you for better personalized service. 

Responsive, 24/7 availability. Whatever your plumbing needs are, no matter what time of the day or night it is, you should be able to reach your plumbing company. Plumbing problems don’t follow a 9-5 schedule. If your toilet clogs at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night before a big dinner party, for example, you’re going to want to call a plumber who’s quick to respond – whether it’s by walking you through fixing it on your own, or by hopping in the truck for emergency service (just save us a slice of cake). 

Customized plans. Every plumbing problem is unique, which is why the best plumbers have flexible, customizable plans for every issue and every budget. While some plumbing jobs require only one visit, others – like grease trap pumping for restaurants – can be scheduled for ongoing routine maintenance. 

Great deals. Look for plumbing companies that not only stand by their work but offer discounts and other specials to make their services even more affordable.   

Need a plumber? If you’re looking for friendly, knowledgeable plumbers with decades of experience contact Allied Reddi-Rooter. We know what it takes to deliver exceptional service and we’ve been doing it for 70 years. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

It may be hard to believe considering how murky to often looks, but the Ohio River produces some of the best drinking water in the entire country. That’s why you’ll often find Cincinnati ranked high on lists of cities with the best, most healthy tap water in the U.S.

In fact, Cincinnati ranked eighth on bestlifeonline.com’s list of cities with the best drinking water, with a clean water score of 90.83, while Hamilton, Ohio has won the top prize in the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition – twice.

The Queen City has come a long way over the years when it comes to clean water. After the Cuyahoga River Fire in Cleveland in 1969, the state implemented significant changes and stricter regulations for Ohio’s rivers. Those changes can be seen downstream today here in Cincinnati in the quality of our tap water.

Of course, all this good news doesn’t mean we should stop paying attention to what’s in our home’s tap water, especially when you consider that Cincinnati’s water is still rather hard. That’s why we recommend a home water filtration system or at least using water purifiers in your home.

What is hard water?

Hard water has a high mineral content and is formed when water gets filtered through calcium and magnesium carbonates, limestone, chalk or gypsum. It isn’t bad for you, in fact, some would argue that it carries some slight health benefits. However, it can be a nuisance and can leave deposits that affect your plumbing.

Hard water can also damage water heaters, boilers, pipes, and can leave residue on appliances, sinks and bathtubs. It also causes dry skin and hair.

The benefits of water softeners

Investing in a water softener is a good idea for a variety of reasons. For starters, your home’s plumbing and your appliances will last longer. You also won’t have to worry about stains caused by mineral deposits that make cleaning a lot harder.

Water softeners also allow you to use less detergent and soaps, and you’ll likely enjoy softer skin and less brittle, dry hair.

A water softener is a whole house filtration system that removes calcium and magnesium minerals from your water. In most systems, resin beads release sodium into the water, and while some people worry that it creates unsafe levels of sodium in the tap water, much less sodium is released than you might think. Additionally, newer, eco-friendly water softeners are available today as well.

How do I test my water?

Whether you’re worried about hard water or not, we recommend checking your home’s water quality on a regular basis, especially for harmful contaminants like lead. Luckily, it’s easy and inexpensive to test your water and many testing kits can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

You can also order water testing kits online. Here’s our top picks from Amazon:

Best overall: Safe Home ULTIMATE Drinking Water Test Kit at Amazon

Best for a budget: Crystal Water Filters 15 in 1 Drinking Water Test Kit Strips at Amazon

Best for Lead: Health Metric Heavy Metals Test Kit at Amazon

It’s also important to note that Greater Cincinnati Water Works does lead testing for free. Order your kit here: https://la.mygcww.org/lead-test-kit/

Still concerned about the quality of your home’s water? Give the team at Allied-Reddi Rooter a call or contact  us. We can help put your worries at ease and ensure that your home’s water is safe for you and your family.

Would you schedule an appointment with a spine surgeon if your back was sore? Probably not. Instead, you’d likely visit your primary care physician, a chiropractor, or a good massage therapist because spine surgeons are expensive, and their advanced qualifications aren’t necessary for the issue at hand.

These are the same reasons why a Cincinnati licensed master plumber is usually not the best person to hire for your general plumbing repairs. It’s easy to think otherwise, given their education and impressive title, but the fact is that licensed master plumbers usually bill at higher rates, even when performing routine plumbing tasks. 

The plumbers at Allied Reddi-Rooter have years of experience and training. In fact, we’ve been helping home and business owners with all their plumbing needs for 70 years. From major jobs like water main installation and sewer repair to sump pump installation, we can do it all – and we do not carry a licensed master plumber certificate. 

What is a licensed master plumber anyway? 

Licensed master plumbers have advanced accreditation that can take up to a decade to earn. They can oversee large teams of plumbers and they’re often employed to take the lead on major construction jobs like new office buildings and housing communities. 

While they can certainly clear drains, address and fix water heater issues and pinpoint the source of leaks, licensed master plumbers will often assign smaller jobs to other plumbers on their team. If they do the job themselves, you can expect to pay their rates, which are usually higher than the rates of a plumber without a master certification. 

Why should I not use a licensed master plumber? 

The biggest reason to not use a licensed master plumber is cost, of course. But the fact is, you probably don’t need one. Additional accreditation is not needed for everyday plumbing repairs, no matter how extensive they are. 

Another concern is that, should you choose a plumbing company with a master licensed plumbing certification that doesn’t mean that the plumber who comes out to help you will be the one with advanced qualifications. Still, you could end up paying more just because one is on the payroll. And you may just end up paying for something that isn’t needed. 

What should I look for when choosing a plumber? 

The plumbing company you choose should have decades of experience. They should have a stellar reputation in the Cincinnati tri-state area, and many positive reviews from happy customers. They should also offer instant phone estimates, on premise estimates and emergency 24/7 services. 

Allied Reddi-Rooter offers all of the above and more. We won’t overcharge you for over-and-above quality work. Need a plumbing repair done by experts? Contact us or give us a call today.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

It may not seem like it, but plumbing can be dangerous if you aren’t careful or if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why, whether you’re about to embark on a DIY plumbing project or simply cleaning your kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to follow some guidelines for safety. 

From carefully reading the labels on products to knowing how to use the tools, the simple rules below can keep you and your family safe and healthy. 

Five rules for home plumbing safety 

Protect your hands, eyes, and lungs. Whenever you’re doing a DIY plumbing project, make sure to wear safety glasses. These are essential when using any liquid with harsh chemicals, and whenever you’re dealing with contaminants in drains like sewage. It’s also critical to wear safety glasses when operating plumbing tools including a snake, drill, or a saw. 

You’ll want to protect your hands from harsh chemicals as well by wearing a pair of gloves at all times. And if you think you’ll come in contact with germs from cleaning a drain or unclogging a pipe, it’s a good idea to wear a double layer of latex gloves or leather gloves over the latex ones. 

As for your lungs, whenever you are using chemicals or working on a project that involves drilling or sawing, be sure to wear a face mask so you don’t breathe in the chemicals that are in the air. 

Be familiar with the tools you’re using. Before you start your DIY project, have a good handle on how to use the tools. Using them incorrectly can result in serious injury. This is especially important when you’re using drills, saws, and any soldering equipment. Read the instruction manual carefully and, if possible, do plumbing projects with the help of an assistant. 

Use caution when opening a drain. The problem with opening a drain too soon is that should any contents be under pressure, they can spew out quickly once the drain is detached and this can cause damage to you or your home. Go slow and open the drain so it’s facing away from you.  

Honor all codes. Every homeowner should be up to date on Cincinnati’s building and plumbing codes before starting any DIY plumbing project. If needed, get a permit for the work you’ll be doing. If you fail to do so, you could be faced with some pretty hefty fines. 

Apply caution when using household cleaners. Many cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health if used improperly. Always read the labels of household cleaners before using them and avoid mixing cleaners or using two different types at one time. Additionally, you could always use cleaners in a well-ventilated area. 

At Allied-Reddi Rooter, we care about our customers. If you’ve got a plumbing issue, contact us or give us a call. We can fix the problem quickly so you stay safe. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

The recent rain showers and slightly warmer temperatures can only mean one thing: summer is on the way. Before you know it, we’ll be breaking out the sunscreen, grilling out (while maintaining social distancing, of course!), and just generally having fun in the sun. 

You may think that winter is the toughest season for plumbing, but summer can be hard on your plumbing, too. You’re apt to use more water in the warmer months, so your home’s pipes get a real workout. 

Before summer gets into swing it’s important to check your home’s plumbing. Luckily, the check list below is filled with tasks that are easy and quick to do, but they will save you time and money in the long run. 

Seven ways to get your home’s plumbing ready for summer  

Check the gutters. If you haven’t already, check your gutters and downspouts for any clogs. During the winter, leaves, branches and other tree debris can accumulate in the gutters. When it does, it can lead to some pretty serious clogs that can cause rainwater to pool and backup, leading to roof and even foundation damage. 

While you’re at it, take a peek in the attic and make sure you’re not seeing any leaks coming from the ceiling. If you do, there is a very good chance you’ve got a leaky roof. 

Do a sprinkler test. Now is the time to check sprinklers to make sure they’re operating soundly. Sprinklers can use a lot of water and if they aren’t running efficiently or are installed incorrectly, it can mean higher water bills. And always position your sprinklers away from the house to avoid any water damage to the foundation.  

Any tools you use to maintain your yard, including hoses, should be checked to make sure they are ready to work hard in the months ahead. 

Inspect for leaks. Do an inspection in the kitchen, bathrooms, and the laundry room for any leaks. Even the smallest leak can lead to an increase in your water bill, so it’s important to fix them as soon as they arise.  

The warmer months are an ideal time to inspect for leaks because it will be easy to detect any that happened over the winter. You’ll want to look for any rust or corrosion around the hot water heater, water at the base of the toilet, and around and under sinks as well. Make sure to check the bathtub and shower for cracked or missing grout, too. 

Check the water pressure. Since summer means extra showers to more loads of laundry, it’s good to make sure you can maintain decent water pressure. You can purchase a gauge at any home improvement store to measure your home’s water pressure, which should be around 45 pounds per square inch and never exceed 60 psi. 

Occasionally, a faulty pressure regulator is to blame for water pressure problems. In this case, it’s important to call a professional plumber who can adjust the regulator safely and correctly. 

Don’t forget about the laundry room. With more time to spend outdoors doing everything from playing sports to gardening, it stands to reason that your washing machine and dryer will be working overtime. Before the summer gets going, carefully look over your washing machine and dryer. 

Replace any cracked or ill-fitting hoses and clean or replace filters. You may also want to consolidate your piles of laundry and avoid doing smaller loads to conserve water and save money. And make sure to thoroughly remove dirt as much as possible before tossing soiled clothes in the washing machine. Too much dirt can lead to clogs.  

Mind the disposal. There’s nothing like fresh summer vegetables – just make sure you don’t toss tough veggie parts down the disposal. Corn husks, citrus fruit skins and banana peels should not be put down the disposal. Nor should chicken skin, the fat from meats, melon rinds, carrot ends or oils. 

Keep it clean. Now more than ever it’s important to keep your home free of germs. In the summer months, when we’re welcoming guests again (responsibly, of course!)  you’ll want to have extra antibacterial soaps and cleaning supplies on hand.

You can make a cleaning solution using two parts water and one part vinegar, and you can add a few drops of essential oils with antibacterial properties (like tea tree or lemon) to make it even tougher on germs. 

We love summer in Cincinnati and are here to help with all your summer plumbing needs. Don’t let a plumbing problem sideline – Contact us or give us a call. The team at Allied Reddi-Rooter can get your home’s plumbing summer ready. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

If you’re looking for ways to make your home more sustainable and green, might we suggest starting small – as in, one of the smallest rooms in your home? Creating a greener bathroom isn’t hard to do, and it isn’t time-consuming, either. 

Eco-friendly bathrooms are, however, a great way to help you stay healthy while also helping the planet. 

Ready to get started? Below are our tips on how to make your bathroom more sustainable, starting with the easiest ways first. 

Use eco-friendly cleaning products
When you choose certified organic or green products, you’re making a positive impact on your health in more ways than one. Most bathroom cleaning products that are not green are made with harsh chemical and preservatives that are tough on the skin. 

Additionally, when these chemicals get flushed down the toilet or drain, they enter the water system and contribute to a contaminated water supply. From hand soap to cleaning supplies, always make sure you buy green products for your bathroom. 

Make your own cleaning supplies
Bathroom cleaning products that contain bleach or other hazardous materials should be avoided when you’re going for a greener bathroom. To ensure you’re cleaning with products that are gentler for you and your plumbing, try making your own bathroom cleaning solutions. 

Start by mixing two parts water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle to wipe down surfaces, use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean bathtubs and sinks, and add essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial properties including tee tree, eucalyptus, and lemon to water and spray down surfaces. 

Use LED light bulbs
Did you know that LED light bulbs last 25 times longer than older light bulbs, and use about 80 percent less energy? Using LED light bulbs in your bathroom is a very simple and easy way to be greener. 

Not only that, but it’ll save you money on your energy bill, because LED bulbs use a lower wattage, so they cost less to operate. 

Check your vent fan
When was the last time you gave your bathroom’s vent fan a close look? If it’s been awhile, consider making a switch to an energy efficient vent fan. Most that have an energy star rating will save you about 60% on your energy bill. 

Regardless, make sure to keep your fan running for at least fifteen minutes after your shower to reduce moisture and prevent mold growth. 

Go low flow
Ready to do more to make your bathroom eco-friendly? Take a look at replacing your old toilet with a low-flow model to use about 30% less water. Not only will you be conserving water but you’ll be able to reduce your monthly water bill, too. And don’t worry: new low flow toilets are very fast and flush just as well as traditional models. 

You could also install a low flow showerhead to reduce the amount of water you use when you shower while also limiting the amount of energy it takes to heat the water. 

As you can see, it’s pretty easy to have an eco-friendly bathroom and the benefits are big. Not only will you and your family be healthier, you’ll save a little money and you’ll be helping the planet.  

Here at Allied-Reddi Rooter, our team can help you go green by installing new eco-friendly toilets and showerheads, and we can troubleshoot any leaks and mold issues, so your bathroom is as eco-friendly – and healthy – as possible.  Call or Contact us for all your plumbing needs. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

Ever since news that the coronavirus would soon affect people in the tristate, we plumbers started getting requests to repair clogged toilets. The culprit? Disposable wipes used to sanitize everything from countertops to sinks and appliances. Today, they’re hard to come by in stores, and while some people have stopped trying to flush them down the toilet, we’re still getting calls. 

So what else shouldn’t you flush down the toilet? As a general rule, if you wouldn’t flush it down the sink, you shouldn’t flush it down the toilet, either. Below is a list of items we’ve removed from pipes after someone tossed them in the commode. 

Disposable wipes. These wipes are made of materials that simply do not break down in the pipes. Although many brands advertise that their wipes are disposable, we know from experience that they are not. If you’re using disposable wipes in the bathroom, have a trash can near the toilet and toss them in there after use. 

Feminine products. Avoid flushing tampons and sanitary napkins down the toilet. Tampons expand as they take in water and once a few get flushed they’ll cause a serious blockage in the pipes. And it doesn’t matter how old your plumbing is – feminine products can wreak havoc in pipes in even the newest homes. 

Diapers. Like tampons, diapers expand in water. While the waste in the diapers is certainly flushable, the diaper itself needs to be tossed. Once a flushed diaper gets in the bend of the pipe, it simply won’t go any further. 

Pills. Pills aren’t going to clog your pipes, but they can contaminate ground water and pollute everything from the soil where we grow our food to wildlife. The best way to dispose of your old medicine is to take it back to the pharmacy where your prescription was filled. Take a look at these tips from the FDA.  

Dental floss. A strand of dental floss seems innocent enough, but once you start tossing used strands in the toilet, you’re risking a clog. Dental floss is made from material that doesn’t break down, so it’s best to toss the floss in the trash bin. 

Paper towels. Sure, it’s paper, but it’s not the same as toilet paper. The same goes from face tissues. For both, avoid flushing down the toilet. Better yet, invest in reusable hand towels. That way, you’ll be saving money in the long run and helping out the environment. 

Toilet paper. That’s right, even toilet paper can clog your toilet. Use 100% biodegradable, single-ply toilet paper and use only a few squares at a time. The more toilet paper you use for one or two flushes, the better your chances of needing a plumber. 

Truth is, sometimes the cheapest toilet paper is the best bet to avoid clogs. And since toilet paper is in high demand these days, the cheapest may be all you can get. In this case, that’s a good thing. 

With a little effort, you can reduce toilet clogs and keep dangerous ingredients out of groundwater. Remember to keep a trash bin near the toilet and if it isn’t toilet paper, toss it in the bin. 

Looking for a little peace of mind right now when it comes to your home and plumbing? Consider a Groundhog video sewer line inspection. This month, you save on this service and rest easy knowing your sewer lines are in top shape. Contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter to learn more. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

 

If you’re like most people, you probably think cleaning the bathroom is about as exciting and fun as say, going to the dentist. But the fact is that home bathrooms can be one of the most germ-laden places in the house if they aren’t cleaned daily. 

To keep you and your loved ones healthy, we’ve come up with six quick and easy things to do every day to keep your bathroom free from the germs that can make you sick. 

Make it clutter free. It only takes about five minutes to clear the bathroom countertop and sink area of clutter. Make sure you have a clean, designated place for toothbrushes and toothpaste, makeup, hair accessories, and other items like cotton swabs and Q-Tips. 

You can find bathroom organizers at places including IKEA, Target, and The Container Store. With a good organization system in place, you’ll also save time because you’ll always know where to find exactly what you need. 

Wipe everything down with vinegar. A daily wipe down of a mixture that’s one part white vinegar to two parts water can go a long way in killing germs. Take a moment to spray and wipe everything from the bathroom sink to the mirrors to the bathtub. Pro tip: You can use a toothbrush to reach into areas around the faucet and to remove any residue from grout. 

Clean the toilet. Every day. Use a toilet brush to clean the toilet daily. You can find decent concealed toilet brushes at IKEA and other home organization stores, and while you’re at it, pick up some antibacterial wipes and have them on hand to wipe down the toilet seat daily, too (but remember not to flush them down the toilet unless they are biodegradable). 

Another thing to remember: it’s actually best to keep the toilet seat down. When you keep the lid up, particles from within the toilet can get airborne and lessen the air quality in the bathroom. 

Clean the air vents. From insect waste to pet dander to hair and yes, dead skin, dust is all over bathroom. Make sure to wipe down any air ducts, vents and fans every day with a damp cloth. You’ll also want to make sure to clean the exhaust fan, if you have one in your bathroom, to make sure it works as best as it can to keep mold and mildew at bay. 

Wipe down the floors. Good thing bathrooms are small, because it doesn’t take time at all to keep the floors clean. In fact, you could sweep them over once a day with antibacterial wipes, use a Swiffer or a cloth with a vinegar solution to rid the floors of dirt, debris and any harmful bacteria or germs that could lead to illness. 

Remove the trash. Every night, make it a habit to empty the wastebaskets in the bathroom. Germs lurk in the bathroom trash bin where items like face wipes, old toothbrushes, used dental floss, and everything else you can’t flush down the toilet get tossed. We recommend a stainless steel trash receptacle with a lid that you can easily wipe down after things get thrown away and before you add a trash bin liner.

If you follow these tips, you’re on your way to a more healthy, germ-free bathroom. Worried you’ll forget a thing or two on the list? Why not add a check list near the bathroom mirror or light switch to keep you on track? It’s easy to create a clean bathroom in no time. 

Call or Contact  the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter know.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.