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Tips & Tricks from our Plumbing Contractors

Four Plumbing Cleaning Tips and Tricks from Your Residential Plumber

Has the pandemic had you looking around for your next home project? It may not be as exciting as a new build or a paint refresh, but as a residential plumber that sees it all, I bet your plumbing could use some TLC. Think of it as getting a head start on spring cleaning!

With entire families having spent so much time at home the past several months, everyone’s plumbing has been working on overdrive and would benefit from a good cleaning. Fortunately, our residential plumber knows a handful of simple and effective ways you can clean your plumbing fixtures without many tools.

1. Clean Those Drains

While the drains in your home may be functioning just fine at the moment, consider giving them a quick clean. Gunk and grime will pile up over time leaving you with a clogged drain if you do not clean regularly. Cleaning out your sink, tub and shower drains every so often will also prevent future clogs.

What you need: white vinegar, baking soda, hot water

Pour ½ a cup of baking soda down your drain
Pour ½ a cup of white vinegar and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes
Boil water
After 15 minutes, pour one cup of your hot water down each drain
Repeat if necessary

2. Clear Your Traps

If you didn’t know, the “trap” is the curved pipe beneath your sink connecting the drain pipe to the sewer pipe. The purpose of this pipe is to hold some flushed water. This sitting water creates a seal in the pipe that prevents smelly sewer gases from coming back up. The unfortunate part of this curve is that it can also retain other items you flush. A regular trap cleaning can prevent clogs.

What you need: rubber gloves, bucket, wrench, scrub brush and soap

Put on rubber gloves
Place a bucket beneath the trap
Loosen slip nuts using a wrench (you can also try by hand)
Remove the trap and pour everything inside into the bucket
Scrub out your trap with soap and water
Replace the trap and tighten the slip nuts.
Run the sink to ensure water is flowing correctly

3. Clean Shower Heads

Showerhead nozzles get clogged overtime with scale build-up from water minerals and the usual grime. When your home uses hard water, you’ll find this happening more often. To get the most out of your shower, use this quick cleaning method.

What you need: white vinegar, baking soda, gallon size plastic bag, rubber band

Pour ⅓ cup of white vinegar into plastic bag
Put ⅓ cup of baking soda into plastic bag
Shake the bag and tie it around the nozzle with the showerhead submerged

You can also try removing your showerhead and scrubbing the nozzles from the inside. You’ll need to remove the filter, so clean that out while you’re in there!

4. Clean Grout Mold

Dark and humid environments are the perfect place for mold spores to spread. This means showers can be one of the biggest culprits that carry mold in your home. Take a look at your grout lines and see if there are dark spots between the tiles. Over time, if this mold grows, it can spread to other parts of your bathroom and eventually affect your health.

What you need: white vinegar, spray bottle, coarse scrub brush, toothbrush, caulk

Ventilate your bathroom
Put white vinegar into a spray bottle
Spray the solution onto mold and scrub with brush
Use a toothbrush for hard to clean grout lines
Caulk any missing or worn out grout lines once you are finished cleaning.

Need Assistance? Contact Our Residential Plumber Today!

Take it from this residential plumber that your energy is never wasted on a quick cleaning. However, if you do not have the time or motivation to clean your plumbing, we are here to help. Moonlight plumbing covers Mystic and Stonington, CT, and we are open and ready when you are. Whether you need a plumbing cleaning, fixture repair or replacement, we can handle any job no matter how big or small. Contact us today!

November 18, 2020/by Moonlight Plumbing

Moonlight Plumbing

Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger: Bathroom Plumber Weighs In

For your safety and the safety of your home, our bathroom plumber typically recommends leaving the plumbing to the plumbers. However, a clogged toilet is a frustrating plumbing issue that you may be able to solve on your own, without a plunger.

For many, plungers are a side-of-the-toilet bathroom staple and the easy go-to for an unforgiving clog. However, plungers are oftentimes used with excessive force creating an even bigger mess. When used improperly, a plunger may break the seal between the floor and the toilet or even crack the bowl.

Check out these 5 home remedies to clear a clogged toilet without a plumber.

*A friendly reminder from your neighborhood bathroom plumber, always wear protective gloves when working with your plumbing.

Hot Water

An easy, yet effective, declogging method is to pour hot water into the toilet bowl. The hot water may loosen the clog just enough to get things moving. When trying this method, make sure your water is hot, not boiling. Boiling water may crack your toilet creating a much larger problem.

Dish Soap

Hot water not doing the trick? Trying adding one cup of dish soap into the bowl. You’ll want to let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before flushing. If you have the time, consider letting the soap and water sit overnight. If you are all out of dish soap, shampoo could be used in its place.

Drain Clearing Chemicals

Although using chemicals is not an eco-friendly method, they do work. Follow the instructions closely on a product such as Drano. If you are dealing with a particularly pesky clog, do not use drain chemicals over and over again. They can cause the pipes to burn with overuse.

Drain Snake

Invest in a drain snake. On this particular one, a vinyl guard protects the porcelain at the throat of the toilet bowl. Follow the instructions closely for maximum effectiveness. Some people are tempted to unravel a wire hanger as a homemade drain snake. If the clog is very deep, this method will not work because the wire will not bend. Also, if used without care, the wire could damage the throat of the toilet.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

This classic cleaning mixture can also be used to clear a toilet. To use this method, you’ll need the toilet bowl about half way full of water. Add one cup of baking soda into the water, mix it around and let it sink. Next, add two cups of vinegar in a circular motion into the toilet and let it fizz. Wait about 30 minutes and try to flush. If it does not work the first time, add the same mixture into the toilet and let it sit overnight.

Even with top of the line plumbing, clogs will happen. Fortunately, there are a few plunger alternatives that are known to get rid of the grease and grime jamming up your toilet. If these tips and tricks don’t work, it may be time to call a local bathroom plumber. If you are located in the Mystic or Stonington, CT area, contact us for a free quote!

November 12, 2020/by Moonlight Plumbing

Moonlight Plumbing

Water Heater Plumber Provides Insight On Hot Water Heater Temperature Setting

Nearly 20% of your energy bill is calculated from your water heater. Our water heater plumber says that setting your water heater temperature too high/too low can do more harm than good. For example, if your water heater temperature is too high, you’re paying for that extra cost. On the contrary, if your water heater is too low you may experience an inconvenience with lack of hot water. Also, with lower water temperatures, you’re at greater risk for growing bacteria in your tank.

The EPA recommends a temperature of 120˚F for a water heater. It typically avoids insufficient hot water supply, is energy-efficient for billing purposes, and is a comfortable temperature for family members of all ages. But, there are a few reasons why you may want to set your heater above or below the recommended amount.

Reasons For Straying From the Recommended Temperature Setting

If you have a dishwasher that doesn’t preheat water, you may want to set the water heater to 140˚F.
If children or Elderly are in the facility, you may want to keep it lower due to burning concerns.
Individuals with suppressed immune systems or respiratory disease should keep the hot water at 140˚F.
Individuals living alone may want to keep it lower to try to save money since demand for water is less.
In general, every 10˚F you turn it down, you can save an average of 3-5% on your energy bill.

Other Notes About Water Temperature Setting

Need to know what your current water temperature setting is set to? It can be found by looking at the dial on the water heater. Or, if you don’t have a dial, you can take a temperature reading from any faucet. If you do a measurement from the faucet, be sure to let the water run for a few minutes to get the most accurate reading.
If you’re unsure on the temperature your water heater should be set, start at 120˚F change by intervals of 5-10˚F. You know you found the perfect temperature when…
- You get enough hot water to shower, wash dishes, do laundry, etc without running out.
- Children or other family members are not at risk of injury/burns.
- It’s comfortable to cleanse with but is still at a respectable temperature to be wary of the energy bill.
If you decide you need to lower your water heater temperature, but are worried about bacteria growth, you could install a hot water tank booster. This will store the water at 140˚F, but will mix with cooler water before reaching the faucet. Thus, you get water about 120˚F by the time it is pouring into your hands and you can rest assured that bacteria isn’t infecting your water heater.

Water Heater Plumber Near You

Find a water heater plumber near you. In our previous blog we shared the different types of water heaters we offer at Moonlight Plumbing. Talk with one of our professionals today to see which water heater is best suited for your home/facility. Also discuss what temperature to which your water heater should be set. Anyway we can help, we’re here for you!

September 3, 2020/by Moonlight Plumbing

Plumbing - Get the Facts

Connecticut Plumber Suggests Getting Away From Fossil Fuels and Into Renewable Energy

Many of us see eliminating oil heat from our house as a daunting task. A lot of us see the larger upfront cost and don’t really understand the benefits of paying for this upgrade. You’re not alone thinking the costs won’t outweigh the benefits. But, our Connecticut plumber wants to help clarify why you should be weary of using oil to heat your water/home and look into investing in a more renewable energy source. And, when/if you’re ready to make the switch we know just who to call!

Connecticut Plumber Shares the Oil Facts

If our planet doesn’t reduce its carbon footprint by 50% in the next two decades, we’ll all experience serious consequences. This means many of us need to stop using oil in our homes. Oil is used for three main reasons in our home: to heat water, living space, or the chimney. One of the biggest issues with using oil to heat your home is the “standby” losses that occur with your boiler. Typically, about a quarter of your heat is wasted by escaping through your chimney or into your basement!

There are countless other downfalls of using oil as your main heat source. Here are just a few of the “big factors” we’d like to share. Typically, oil has higher fuel cost because \ heating oil is more expensive than heating natural gas. Also, oil requires a lot of maintenance. Dirt and soot often get mixed in the oil and build up causing issues. So, more times than one would like, there are repair men sent to the house to help clean out the build up. Finally, in general, oil heat is just inconvenient. It doesn’t have the pipeline infrastructure so you have to store the oil in a tank and refill regularly.

Solutions We Offer at Moonlight Plumbing

If you’re looking to replace/upgrade your system, we have a couple options at Moonlight Plumbing that may suit your needs.

Option #1: Tankless Water Heaters
- Saves Money – it prevents the system from heating water that won’t be used.
- Efficient – It only uses energy to heat the water on an as-needed basis.
- Longevity – You’ll be less likely to replace your water heater.
- No Limit to Hot Water – It heats water on demand so there’s never a chance of running out.
Option #2: Conventional Water Heaters
- There are two subcategories when selecting this option; natural gas or electric.
- Option A – Natural Gas Heaters:
  - Cheaper Than Oil – there’s more stable supply and demand for gas making it cheaper than oil.
  - Requires Little Maintenance – gas burns cleaner than oil resulting in less build up of dirt or other particles. Therefore, less repairs/cleaning necessary.
  - Gas is Nontoxic – it won’t contaminate soil or groundwater if it leaks.
- Option B – Electric Heaters:
  - Safe and Reliable – most have no moving parts which means there’s less chance of breaking down. Thus, resulting in longer life span as well.
  - Affordable and Efficient – it’s the cheapest option of heating a home because of stable supply and demand for a long period of time now.
    - They can also be wired room to room so if a room is not in use, you won’t need to heat it saving you money
  - Environmentally Friendly – doesn’t require the burning of anything so it will not emit pollutants into the atmosphere. It also eliminates the risk of gas leaks.

Let Us Help You Find a Better Solution

While there is no right or wrong way to heat your house, our Connecticut plumber believes there is a worse and better solution. Finding the right solution to heat your home so it’s affordable, reliable, and efficient is important. If you’re ready to help stop pollution, save money in the long term, and upgrade your home by switching your oil heater to natural gas or electric, call one of our experts today. Or, if you have questions or need more information reach out on our website, too! We look forward to helping you find a better way to heat your home.

August 26, 2020/by Moonlight Plumbing

Plumbing - Get the Facts

Tips for Finding the Right Plumber

It’s inevitable that a majority of us will need to call a plumber at some point in our lives. Whether your plumbing breaks because of an accident, the daily wear and tear, or one of the many other reasons it’s bound to happen. And, whatever the reason, you’ll most likely be calling an expert for help. But, how do you know if you’re choosing a reliable plumber? How do you know if the pricing is fair? Many of us have never done this before, what makes a plumber a good plumber? These are all important and great questions to have answers to before making that initial call. We’re here to provide some answers and helpful tips on how to choose the right plumber for the job.

Our Plumber Suggests to Check These Things

Check Qualifications
- You want to ensure they have a license. Licenses are a REQUIREMENT for all practicing plumbers.
- Also ensure they have insurance in case of disasters. You don’t want them to get hurt in your home and try to hold you responsible.
- Before scheduling a visit, ask if they do background checks on employees. After all, the plumber will be entering your home, place of business, etc. and you shouldn’t have to worry about the broken plumbing and the plumber fixing it.
How Professional Are They?
- Yes, they are just “plumbers” but plumbers represent a business. Don’t work with a plumber who doesn’t treat you with kindness and respect!
- Ensure they are dressed appropriately for the job. Showing up in sweatpants and a ripped up t-shirt isn’t what we call “professional”.
- Don’t forget, professionalism also includes scheduling and invoicing. Arriving to appointments, scheduled phone calls, etc. should be on time and well organized in general.
Are they prepared for emergencies?
- A professional plumber should never put you off, tell you to wait, or act like your emergency is unimportant. He/she should also not panic and should help you feel more at ease about the situation after just a short phone call.
- They should have 24/7 availability for all urgent needs. A good plumber knows that you don’t ask for your kitchen to flood at a certain time, but you need it to be stopped ASAP!
- And, last but not least, they should obviously have the appropriate equipment to handle the urgent situation.

Pricing
- A plumber has expertise in his/her field so prices can be higher than some expect. But, ensure they are not too high to a point where they are likely taking advantage of the situation. Also, take caution of plumbers who seem “cheap”. There could be a reason for this. For example, using low quality products for the repair or they may be inexperienced. Just be aware when getting estimates.
- Also, be weary of plumbers who provide an estimate over the phone without ever seeing the situation in person. How do they know how much it costs if they haven’t seen what they’re fixing? We don’t know how they do it!
- While it is expected that initial estimates will not match the total to the penny, they should be close. An experienced plumber understands we all have a budget and saying one price and charging another isn’t right or fair. But, also understand things may come about during the repair. A professional will discuss any options with you prior to acting on them if they suspect additional charges.
Look at Reviews
- A reliable, trustworthy plumber won’t, and doesn’t need to, hide their customer’s feedback. While no ones perfect, an average of ratings can give a good impression of the type of service you will receive.
- At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself. Trust the reviews! See what customers have to say about us on Google, HomeAdvisor, or on our website.
Find a Local Plumber
- Typically, plumbing issues are an urgent matter so finding someone who can come ASAP is important. If you hire a non-local it could take quite some travel time, fitting in their schedule can be more difficult, and overall is typically a longer process from start to finish.
- Also, if there are further pressing issues, you want to be able to call the plumber familiar with the situation to take another look. It’s definitely more difficult to get the exact same plumber out to your house when the business is a large corporation.
- This may be stereotypical, but typically local plumbers have more respect for the town and the people in it. Also, unlike the big corporate plumbers, local plumbers are less focused on the money and more concerned with the service. All in all, TRUST LOCAL!
- Moonlight is the number one local plumber in Mystic, CT. But, don’t take our word for it. We let our work speak for itself and let our customers speak for the work. Read the reviews above to find out why we are the number one local plumber in Mystic.

See If We’re a Good Fit

Take this information and use it to choose the right plumber for the job. At the end of the day, you want a plumber who can fix the issue(s), but you also want to be treated with respect and feel assured your plumbing is in good hands. Talk to one of our plumbers today to see if we’re a good fit to help you!

August 18, 2020/by Moonlight Plumbing

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