Mature trees add beauty and shade to landscapes, but their roots can cause extensive damage to sewer pipes. Roots grow into the pipes because they like it there! Sewer pipes contain water, nutrients and oxygen…the essential elements for tree and shrub growth and overall health.

Aside from resulting blockages and backups, root invasion can lead to expensive repairs…or perhaps even total sewer line replacement.

The flow of warm water inside sewer pipes causes vapor to escape to the cooler soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots grow toward the vapor to the point of its source. The source of the vapor is usually a crack in the pipes or a loose joint. Once the tree roots reach the crack or loose joint, they will grow through the opening to reach the plentiful nutrients and moisture inside. Once inside the pipe, the roots will continue to grow and, if not disturbed, they will eventually fill the pipe with hair-like root masses. These masses can act as a net as they catch household fats, oils, grease, grit (FOGG), tissue paper, and other debris flowing through your drain lines.

How can you tell if you already have problems with root invasion?  An early warning sign is a gurgling sound from your toilet that accompanies a slower-than-normal flush.

As roots continue to grow, they expand and exert pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. That pressure can eventually break the pipe or cause it to collapse beyond repair.

There are two things you can do to prevent future growth while correcting minor root invasion before the problem gets any worse:

• Contact Conway Services today to order a supply of Root X.  It’s an organic root killer that also prevents future root growth inside your pipes.  It’s also chemical free and won’t damage your tree or shrub roots.
• Next, be careful where you plan your next tree or shrub.  Just be sure it’s not close to your sewer drainage line.

If you’re concerned about damage that might already (or soon could be) causing you problems, contact Conway Services today and request our inline video inspection service.  That way, we can tell you exactly what, if anything, is going on.

You can also order Root X directly from us as it is not available in supermarkets.  We look forward to our next opportunity to serve your home plumbing needs.

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So to give it a little (or even a lot) more longevity, there are some simple “care and feeding” steps you should know and follow:

• Feed the disposal a little at a time. Take care to keep utensils and your hands out of the drain.

• Corn husks and other fibrous items shouldn’t be put into the disposal as they may clog the drain.  Other such items include onion skins, celery, and most soft vegetables.

• Deodorize the disposal. Cut a lemon into small pieces and drop the fruit into the disposal along with some baking soda or distilled white vinegar. Turn on the cold water faucet and then the disposal. The unit will clean itself as it grinds up the mixture.

• Use a strong flow of cold water and keep it running at least 30 seconds after the grinding noise has stopped.  This helps to flush food all the way down the drain line.

• Do not put uncooked meat fat or liquid fats into your disposer.
  
  

Still, even with all the “TLC” in the world, sooner or later you’re bound to run into a problem.  Here’s what to look and listen for:

• If the disposal won’t run, check the circuit breaker or fuse and replace or reset as necessary. Also check to see if the overload switch has tripped. Find the reset button at the bottom of the disposal unit and push it.

• If the motor hums but the disposal doesn’t run, you may have a jammed impeller, and that’s a repairable problem.

• If the disposal runs intermittently, the switch or stopper may be defective…if so, you’ll need to have it replaced.

• A leaky garbage disposal isn’t necessarily a sign of rust.  The cause might be as simple as a loose connection, which can readily be tightened.

• How about that all-too-familiar racket a disposal can sometimes make?  When you hear it, chances are you’re trying to grind up something your disposal wishes you wouldn’t.  The result could be a damaged blade, impeller or motor.  But don’t be too quick to repair, since it’s highly likely that it would cost less to replace.

Bottom line, once a disposal stops doing a good job of grinding, or starts to leak, that’s usually the ball game. Give it a little loving care, however, and you might get a few extra innings.

Having trouble now with your garbage disposal or simply think it’s time for a replacement unit?  Contact the plumbing professionals at Conway Services, and we’ll do the job, quickly, professionally, and reliably…just like always.

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• If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is likely working ineffectively and inefficiently, and should be replaced with a more energy-efficient model. Older air conditioners typically mean higher energy bills.

• If your air conditioner needs frequent repairs it may not be properly suited for your home. You need a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) specialist to assess your current system.

• If your cooling bills continue to rise, that’s another sign of inefficient operation.  The lower energy costs that would come from a new system would help to defray some its cost.

• If some of the rooms in your home are either too hot or too cold, it could be your air conditioning equipment malfunctioning or functioning inefficiently, or it could be a result of problems with your ducts or inadequate insulation.  It’s at least worth having an air conditioning professional come in and assess the problem

• If you have problems with humidity, your air conditioning equipment may be defective or otherwise performing inadequately or you may have leaky ductwork.

• If your air conditioning system is noisy or noisier than usual, there may be a problem with its indoor coil, or your duct system may be too small.

 
As you can see, not every warning sign necessarily means it’s time to purchase a new system.  But each of them IS worth a call to Conway Services to check your system out to see if there’s an issue that needs immediate attention.

If “new” is the answer, we’ll design the right system for your home and budget…one that can cut up to 30% of your home air conditioning operating costs.

For more information on how to improve the performance of your current central air conditioner system or a free quote on a new or replacement system, contact Conway Services today.  We’re the local experts you can count on…24/7.

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Actually, there are a number of things to keep in mind regarding the safe and effective operation of your central air conditioning system.  But with a professional system tune-up and inspection from Conway, you can look forward to::

• Healthier indoor breathing…annual service can minimize the amount of dust and pollutants in the air
• Allergy relief…we check for mold spore build-up and make the appropriate adjustments
• Safer operation…refrigerant leaks can cause headaches and nausea
• More efficient operation…cracks and leaks in your ductwork could allow cool air to escape into areas of your home where it’s not needed
• Longer system lifespan

Do you faithfully clean or replace your system filters?  If not, we’ll explain how an unattended filter can cause your air handler to eventually freeze up and crack…now that’s an expensive repair.

A thorough air conditioning tune-up and inspection can and will lead to more comfortable and convenient indoor living all summer long.  Contact Conway Services  today to schedule service….and keep cool and comfortable all summer long.

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It’s not just the wasted water…it’s the incredible amount of damage a water leak can cause, even where there’s barely evidence of dripping water in the first place.

That’s why we recommend that, from time to time, that you pull your refrigerator out from the wall to check for accumulated water.  Believe it or not, the smaller the amount of water, the bigger the potential problem.  That’s because water could be seeping into your flooring to your subflooring.  If not caught early enough, that could cause wood rot plus damage to the ceiling below…both of which can occur long before visual detection happens.

The greater the damage, the more expensive – and extensive! – the repair.

That’s just one more reason why Conway Services recommends a whole-house plumbing inspection.  Our professional plumbers will check all the plumbing fixtures and systems in your Memphis area home, and point out any problem areas…or problems in the making.

A whole-house plumbing inspection also includes a safety check of your water heater, and that’s always a good idea.

To schedule service, contact Conway Services today.

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A programmable thermostat controls your air conditioning, heating, or heat pump system by turning them on and off according to a default energy-saving program or user-programmed settings. Different pre-set programs set controls in hot weather (for the air conditioning unit) and cold weather (for the furnace).

How does a programmable thermostat work?

You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5%–15% a year on your heating bill—a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates, like Phoenix, than for those in more severe climates.

In the summer, you can follow the same strategy with central air conditioning by keeping your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lowering the thermostat setting to 78°F only when you are at home and need cooling. Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, programmable thermostats will avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal as you wake or return home.

Will a programmable thermostat save you money?

Like most things around your home, a programmable thermostat will help save you money if you use it correctly. The key is to use one of the pre-programmed settings or a customized setting you create for your specific needs and leave the thermostat alone. If you program your desired settings or use pre-programmed settings and let the thermostat do the rest for you, you will save some money. But if you keep bypassing the program, you will likely not save any money. Using a programmable thermostat requires some discipline.

Will any programmable thermostat do?

You can buy programmable thermostats online or at home centers and hardware stores, but these are generally not professional grade.

Better yet, you can – and should! – contact Conway Services today for high grade programmable thermostats that our own expert technicians will install in one or more locations in your home.  The end result will be a combination of improved indoor comfort and lower utility costs…and who wouldn’t enjoy that?!

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Turn it Down!

Start by lowering the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Many plumbers may initially set your water heater to 140 degrees, a temperature that could cause scalding.  Just remember to check the instructions for your particular model before adjusting the temperature control.

Check it Out!

Examine your water heater periodically. Check for water leaks which can damage your home…plus it could add up to a lot of wasted water.  Check inside the combustion chamber where the flame should be burning mostly blue. The chamber should be somewhat free of dust, and the chamber roof free of rust and black soot. You should also check the burner periodically. If rust is collecting in the burner compartment, it’s time to have it serviced by a professional.

Overall, we recommend checking your water heater once a month while scheduling a professional tune-up and inspection once a year.

Clean it Up!

Keep the area around the water heater clean and clear. Dust can take years off a water heater’s life. Brooms, paint brushes and other items that commonly get stored in the utility closet can catch fire if placed too close to the combustion chamber or water heater.

Be on the Alert for Gas Leaks!

If you don’t already know how, learn how to smell or otherwise detect a gas leak.  For starters you want to apply the smell test as close to the floor as possible.  If you smell gas, here’s what to do next:

• Don’t turn on a light switch or touch anything that might cause static spark.
• Leave your house as immediately, leaving at least some windows and doors open.
• Call your gas supplier from a safe location outside the house.
• Turn off the main shut-off valve at the gas meter.  If you don’t know what that is and want to be sure you’re doing it correctly, give us a call.

 
To play it even more safely, we recommend installing a gas detection meter.   It will go a long way to ensuring your long-term safety.

When was the last time your water heater was properly inspected?  If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long.  For prompt and dependable service, with your satisfaction guaranteed, contact the plumbing professionals at Conway Services today.

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We also have a customer-friendly track record of helping you avoid problems in the first place.

Here are several you can employ to good advantage to help keep your plumbing systems and fixtures in top working order.

Self-Help Tips

To keep your repair costs at a minimum, here are some self-help tips we know you’ll find useful:

1. Don’t pour grease down your kitchen drain.
2. Be careful what else you put in your garbage disposal.  Fibrous foods like lettuce, cooked vegetables, and potato skins don’t easily grind up – if they grind up at all – and eventually will cause your drain to back up
3. Use organic vs. chemical drain cleaners for the good of the environment and to help prevent internal pipe corrosion that can later cause pipe leaks and cracks.
4. Run water when you use the disposal and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn it off.
5. Don’t operate the dishwasher if you think there’s a problem. It discharges into the disposal.
6. Check your washing machine hoses from time to time for leaks and loose connections.
7. Always use a screen or filter (hair snare) over lavatory and tub drains to snag hair and other objects that otherwise can cause your drains to clog.
8. To help a blocked toilet from getting worse, keep a plunger and drain snake handy at all times.  Start with the plunger and then move to the snake.  Even if you think you’ve gotten the clog pour a bucket of water down the toilet before attempting to flush it.  If  the water doesn’t go down, the clog is still there.
9. Periodically check the pipes below your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any leaks.
10. Attaching an aerator (the small screen at the end of a faucet) will help reduce water consumption by as much as 50% with no loss of pressure. If your pressure should drop, it could be as simple as removing the aerator and cleaning it.

Of course, no matter how careful and diligent you might be, sooner or later you’re bound to experience a plumbing problem that requires professional assistance.  And that’s exactly what we’re here for, 24/7.

Conway Services:  Serving Memphis and surrounding communities since 1990.

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Here’s how to keep an eye out for possible mold growth and how to prevent it.

The Kitchen

 Where should you start when you’re trying to prevent water damage? Where many people spend the most amount of time:  the kitchen.

• The Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.

• The Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.

• The Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.
  
  

The Bathroom

Not surprisingly, the bathroom has several common culprits that cause water damage.

• Showers and Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

• Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

• Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak.

The Laundry or Utility Room

Here are two often hidden and very fertile breeding grounds for mold.

• Washing Machine: Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.

• Water Heater: Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.

If you’re already experiencing problems with mold, call us right away at 901-384-3511.  Other services we offer than can help prevent and stop mold growth are:

• Finding and repairing water leaks
• Whole-house plumbing inspection
• Water heater maintenance and inspection
• Sump pumps
• Back-up sump pumps
• And more.

Remember:  mold can do more than damage your home.  It can be hazardous to your health.

Contact the professionals at Conway Services today.  We’re always ready to help.

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Plumbing is one of those luxuries that we tend to take for granted until the day that you can’t flush your toilet or take a hot shower. Chances are that you never thought about having a plumber out until it gets to that emergency status of a flood, backed up drain, or no hot water.

Much like you should see the doctor every year; your plumbing system needs the same attention and care. The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster is to have regular, thorough whole house plumbing inspections. Most people don’t realize that this service even exists. It does, and it can save you many headaches down the road.

When was the last time you were under your crawlspace to check and make sure that nothing was leaking? How about flushing your water heater flushed as required by the manufacturer on an annual basis? Have you had the water pressure checked, ever?

At Conway Services, we specialize in whole-house plumbing inspections. At Conway, we inspect all your plumbing fixtures and systems and give you a detailed written report.  If we find problems in the making, we’ll point them out and recommend the best course of corrective action.

Here’s just some of what our inspection includes for your improved plumbing and your family’s safety:

1. Leaks in exposed pipes.
2. Signs of corrosion that could indicate water or pipe issues.
3. Water pressure…if it’s too low, there could be problems in your water lines or built-up sediment.
4. Speed of drainage in sink and tub drains…if water is draining too slowly, it could mean you have a clogged drain or blocked vent pipe.
5. Water heater gas leaks…to help ensure your family’s safety and the integrity of your water heater.  In the process, we also drain the unit to remove sediment that’s settled to the bottom. Sediment build-up can cause hard water conditions and leaks in your faucets.

And that’s just a small sampling.  Why invite you to contact us today to schedule a whole-house plumbing inspection of your own.  It’s the wise and safe thing to do.

We look forward to this and every opportunity to assist you.

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