Clearing a stubborn drain can often be challenging, even when using a detailed guide. But remember, you don’t have to tackle these problems alone.

With F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, you’re getting service and the “The F.H. Furr Difference” – where knowledge, experience, and professionalism come together. 

Remove the Blockage

Sometimes, the solution to a blocked drain is as straightforward as removing the obstruction manually. If you peek into the drain and see the culprit – perhaps a cluster of hair tangled with soap residue or a small toy – reaching in (with gloves on) and extracting it might do the trick.

It’s a simple yet effective step that can save you time and hassle.

Grab a Plunger

Before you start considering more complicated solutions or calling for professional help, remember the tried-and-true plunger. A household staple for good reason, the plunger can effectively clear obstructions, especially in toilets.

But don’t limit its use just to the bathroom. It can also work wonders in unclogging sinks by creating a vacuum that can help dislodge blockages. Make sure there’s a proper seal and apply steady pressure for the best results.

Try Another Method

When the blockage isn’t immediately accessible, the cable auger or “plumber’s snake” is your next best friend. This flexible tool is designed to navigate the curves and bends of your pipes and can reach hidden obstructions.

With lengths available up to 100 feet, the plumber’s snake can be manually cranked to dislodge debris deep within your plumbing system, ensuring even distant clogs are addressed.

Try Natural Remedies

While store-bought chemical solutions can be effective, they can also be harsh on your pipes and the environment. Instead, consider a gentler, natural approach. Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain for common clogs in sinks and tubs. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to break down the grime, then flush it with boiling water.

For an added punch, introduce a cup of baking soda to the drain before adding the vinegar. The bubbling reaction can help dislodge stubborn residue and ensure smoother drainage.

Wave the White Flag

DIY solutions can go a long way, but it’s vital to recognize when a problem is beyond your skill set. If you’ve tried multiple methods and the blockage persists, or if you’re noticing recurring issues, it might be time to call the experts.

Professional plumbers have the tools, knowledge, and experience to address complex problems, ensuring your plumbing system functions optimally and safely.

Choose F.H. Furr for Plumbing Services in Virginia

Our commitment to being “Absolutely the Best” means we offer superior technical expertise and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Our flat-rate pricing ensures you always know what you’re paying upfront, eliminating surprises.

You can have peace of mind that your home in Arlington, VA, is in the safest and most capable hands.

Call (703) 540-4838 to schedule your plumbing service today.

Want your appliances to last longer? Change your rubber hoses out with stainless steel hoses! Here are 5 benefits of stainless steel water hoses:

Here are 6 benefits of a battery backup sump pump:

Summer is here! While preparing for summer festivities, save water and money with these five water-saving tips.

Your plumbing system works extra hard during the hot summers, so why use it more than you need to? You’ll likely be entertaining guests to take advantage of the warm weather, and more people means more water.

So how do you go about having a fun-filled summer without breaking the bank on your water bill? We have some tips for you.

1. Don’t Use Water To Thaw Meat

The safest and most water-efficient way to defrost food is in the refrigerator. When defrosting meat with water, there’s a chance the water will become too warm and contaminate the meat. As the meat begins to thaw and becomes warmer than 40 °F, bacteria will multiply.

Plan ahead, thaw all your barbecue meats in the refrigerator and save water.

2. Use a Broom Instead of a Hose

When cleaning off your patio, sidewalk, or driveway, consider using a broom rather than a hose. Spraying down your hangout areas or walkways wastes a lot of water, and a broom works just as well. Using a broom also has the added benefit of giving you some great exercise.

3. Rinse Your Fruits & Vegetables in a Container of Water

Instead of letting the faucet run to rinse the fruits and vegetables for your summer gatherings, use a small container of cold water instead. Then, collect the water you used to rinse the fruits and vegetables and reuse it to water your house plants.

4. Never Run the Dishwasher Without a Full Load

Even though dishwashers have become more efficient over the last decade, running them half-full wastes twice the water. No matter how efficient your dishwasher is, always load it up.

5. Use Leftover Ice To Water Your Plants

You’ll probably have leftover or melted ice at the end of your cookouts, but don’t put it all down the drain. Water your indoor plants with the excess water, and place the ice cubes in your outdoor pots. Your plants and water bill will thank you.

The best way to avoid increasing your water bill tremendously this summer is to have a professional inspect your plumbing system.

Call our expert plumbers today to prepare your home for summer hangouts.

Ask A Trainer from F.H. Furr explains 5 signs indicating your water contains too much iron. 

You might not think about the quality of your home’s water very often, but the water that travels through your plumbing system can come with all sorts of sediment and deposits. One example is an overload of iron in your water!

LEARN MORE ON WJLA NEWS!

What is the Grohe Sense System and how can it help your home?

Safe, healthy water is essential for life, so being sure it’s filtered of all impurities is important! 

Did you know the water in your home can contain high levels of bacteria, sulfur, iron, copper, and lead? These contaminants cause hard water, and water that’s too mineral-rich can cause numerous issues within the home.

So, what’s the difference between hard and soft water?

Hard Water Vs. Soft Water:

Hard Water: Contains natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, and trace amounts of other minerals. 

Soft Water: Treated so that all of the minerals are removed. Sodium is the only ion remaining. 

Natural rainwater begins as soft water, but as it makes its way into the earth and through our waterways, it collects minerals like lime, chalk, calcium, and magnesium. Hard water naturally contains essential minerals, so it’s ideal for drinking. Soft water can taste salty on the opposite spectrum, so why do we soften water? 

The answer is simple; soft water is better overall for the household! The number of minerals in hard water is to blame for dingy-looking clothes after a wash, dishes with spots and residue, and showers with an even layer of soap scum buildup. Even hair washed in hard water can feel rough while looking dull. 

Aside from the inconveniences of hard water, there are monetary downsides. Hard water uses more energy because it’s difficult for household appliances to filter, costing you more money each month.

Ready to get rid of the hard water in your home? Contact us today to have one of F.H. Furr’s experienced water conditioning specialists test your water for excessive minerals and help you determine if water softener is right for your home! 

Here are 6 reasons why you need a battery backup sump pump

Rainy season is here, which means your sump pump is needed now more than ever! 

The worst time to find out you need a sump pump replacement or repair is during rainy season. This is because your chances of a basement flood increases immensely. Water can soak into walls, weaken your foundation, and cause poisonous mold and mildew to grow. Homeowners can waste a fortune each year…all from a simple power outage. And much of it may not be covered by your insurance. 

That’s why you need a battery backup sump pump! Battery backup sump pumps supplement primary pumps by giving you several additional hours of protection from water damage if your primary pump fails due to mechanical failure, power outages, or excessive use.

When the primary pump can’t keep up, and the water rises during a rainstorm, the backup sump pump works to protect your home from flooding. It doubles your pumping power, allowing you some peace of mind if you’re away from home and the power goes out. 

Now that you know a battery backup sump pump is necessary to keep your home safe from floods, please don’t try to install a battery backup sump pump yourself. Hire a professional to install it for you. It is very important that your battery backup sump pump has close to the same pumping power as your current pump and that it will fit in the space you have.

If you want to increase your peace of mind and never worry about a flooded basement again, schedule a battery backup sump pump installation with F.H. Furr! Even if we did not install your primary system, we will thoroughly check the entire system and let you know of any issues and our recommendations. Please don’t wait until a disaster occurs, and give us a call today! Our experts are equipped and ready to serve you.