Skip to main content

Does Yellow Water Mean Lead Pipes?

  Does yellow water mean lead pipes? This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have when they notice discoloration in their tap water. At Derks Plumbing, we often receive calls from worried customers who assume yellow or slightly brown water automatically signals dangerous lead contamination. While it is a serious issue, the truth is more complex and usually related to pipe condition rather than lead alone. Yellow water can come from several plumbing-related problems, including mineral buildup, pipe corrosion, or disturbances in the municipal water supply. Understanding the real cause is important for your safety and your plumbing system’s long-term health. What Causes Yellow Water in Home Plumbing? When homeowners notice discolored water, they immediately worry about contamination. However, yellow water is more commonly linked to plumbing deterioration than direct lead exposure. 1. Yellow Water Pipe Corrosion One of the most common causes of discoloration is yellow water ...
Post a Comment

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Is your garbage disposal clogged and throwing off your entire kitchen routine? Whether it's due to grease, food particles, or a stray object, clogs are a common household hassle. The good news is, you can often fix the issue yourself—no plumber required. At Derks Plumbing, we’ve crafted this easy-to-follow guide to show you exactly how to unclog a garbage disposal safely and effectively. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

1. Cut the Power Before you begin, make sure to turn off the power to your disposal unit. Unplug it from the outlet or switch off the breaker. This is a critical safety step.

2. Check for Visible Blockages Grab a flashlight and peer into the disposal. If you see food scraps, metal utensils, or tough materials like corn husks or bone fragments, carefully remove them with tongs or pliers. Never reach in with your hands, even if the unit is powered off.

3. Manually Free the Blades Underneath your garbage disposal, you’ll find a hex (Allen) socket. Insert a hex wrench and gently turn it back and forth to loosen any debris jamming the impellers.

4. Reset the Unit Once you’ve cleared the blockage, locate the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal and press it. This resets the internal breaker and restores power to the unit.

5. Test the Disposal Plug it back in, run cold water through the sink, and turn the disposal on. If it runs without any strange sounds or water backup, you’ve successfully unclogged your garbage disposal.

Need a Hand? If your unit is still stuck or you’d rather let a professional handle it—Derks Plumbing is just one call away. Our experienced plumbers will unclog your garbage disposal quickly and cleanly, so you can get back to enjoying your kitchen.

Learn more here: How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Is the pH of Drain Cleaner?

Drain cleaners are powerful chemical solutions used to break down clogs in pipes—but have you ever wondered why they work so effectively? The secret lies in their pH level. Most household drain cleaners are strongly alkaline, with pH levels ranging from 11 to 14. This high pH allows them to dissolve organic material like hair, grease, and soap scum. The active ingredient is often sodium hydroxide (lye), a caustic base that can quickly break apart clogs. Types of Drain Cleaners and Their pH Levels: Caustic drain cleaners (like lye-based products): pH 13–14 Enzymatic cleaners (gentler, eco-friendly options): pH around 7–9 Acid-based drain cleaners (less common, used for heavy-duty blockages): pH 1–2 Why pH Matters Knowing the pH of a drain cleaner helps you choose the right product for the right job—and keeps you safe. Highly alkaline or acidic products can damage pipes or harm skin and eyes if mishandled. Always read the label and wear proper protection when using any chemical c...
Post a Comment
Read more

Expert Plumbing Services in Burbank, CA Reliable, Fast & Affordable

Plumbing issues can throw off your day whether it’s a clogged drain, broken garbage disposal, or burst pipe. That’s why Derks Plumbing is here to help. As your trusted plumber in Burbank, CA , we provide expert plumbing solutions to homeowners and businesses with fast response times, transparent pricing, and top-quality craftsmanship. We’re more than just your neighborhood plumbing company, we're a team of licensed professionals committed to excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Full-Range Plumbing Solutions in Burbank At Derks Plumbing, we handle everything from routine maintenance to major plumbing emergencies. As a full-service plumber in Burbank, we’re equipped to solve problems quickly and efficiently, no job too big or small. Toilet Installation & Repair Is your toilet constantly running, leaking, or not flushing properly? Our team provides expert toilet repairs and new toilet installations. We install modern, water-saving models that help lower utility bi...
Post a Comment
Read more