Are you used to handwashing things like sponges, brushes, and even your toothbrush holder? There may be a more effective and germ-killing option- Your dishwasher!  The temperature reached by your dishwasher is much hotter than the water in your sink, so it naturally kills bacteria. Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t want your sink that hot, it could scald you.
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Not every home has a dishwasher, but if you do, here are 5 things you can put in the dishwasher to keep them clean. Be sure to look for the dishwasher safe symbol before you put it in the dishwasher. You don’t want to ruin the item or the appliance.

Sponges: Did you know you can clean dirty sponges in the dishwasher? Kitchen sponges carry a lot of bacteria, so if yours hasn’t been washed in a while, think about putting them in the dishwasher (top shelf of course) on a regular basis. Washing your sponges once a week can really make a difference.

Hats: We bet you didn’t know you could clean hats in the dishwasher! Washing them in the washing machine doesn’t work very well, but the top shelf of your dishwasher can. It helps clean out all the dirt, sweat, and grim while keeping shape. If the hat has a cardboard rim, we don’t recommend putting it in the dishwasher.

Toothbrush Holders: The bottom of your toothbrush holder isn’t usually a pleasant sight…and usually full of grime. Place it face down on the top shelf of the dishwasher just like a regular cup and watch it get sparkly clean.

Plastic Toys: Some of your kid’s plastic toys can even be washed in the dishwasher. Cleaning them with rags and chemicals can make them unsafe for your children, but popping them in the dishwasher can be a game changer. Put toys on the top rack to be safe and put smaller toys in a mesh bag to keep them from falling through.

Shelving from the Refrigerator: It’s hard enough to clean the shelving from your fridge. Make life easier and put them in the dishwasher. Place them on the bottom shelf just like a place and watch them get clean! If you find that the shelves are too big, you can always take out the top shelf of the dishwasher to create more room.
 
Of course, these are just a few things you wash in the dishwasher, but there are many others. We’d love to hear what’s worked for you! 

Have you noticed an unpleasant smell in your kitchen, but you can’t figure out where its coming from? Perhaps you’ve checked the refrigerator, taken out the trash (and cleaned the trash can), but the smell persists? It could be that your kitchen sink is to blame!
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The kitchen sink is one of the busiest places in the kitchen. You prep food, wash hands, clean dishes, use the garbage disposal, and so much more. With all the activity, gunk and grime can build up in the drain which can cause some of those nasty odors.

What’s worse is that food and grease can stick to the pipes in your drain, which not only can start to rot, but can also cause clogs if you’re not careful.

So, if you’ve determined that your kitchen sink is to blame for smell, here are some things you should investigate:

 Clean and Take Care of the Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal, when was the last time you cleaned? If you’re wondering why we’re asking that question, we can pretty much assume you haven’t cleaned it. 😊  It’s also important to note what you are putting down the drain. We have some great blogs on maintenance for your garbage disposal and what not to put in there! Check them out.

Check the Drain!
Grease, food, and oil can all build up in the drain, so its important to check it form time to time, especially if you have a smell that won’t go away. You can clear the drain by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. We recommend letting it set for 10 minutes before flushing it with hot water. Of course, if it doesn't clear, we’re always here to help.

Check The Trap
Depending on the smell coming from the sink, it may be something trapped in, well, the trap! The P-trap is the curved section of the pipe underneath your sink. It prevents gases and odors from coming up through the drain. Whether the P-trap doesn’t have enough water to trap the odors, or it’s clogged, if the smell seems more like sewer than rotting food, you should check the P-trap.

Clogged Vent
If the P-trap or other problems aren’t to blame for the bad smell, it very well could be a clogged vent. When the vents connected from your sewer line to the outside become clogged or blocked, it can also cause a smell.

Since vents are usually located on roof tops, its not impossible for these vents to become clogged with bird nests, leaves, or other debris. This one we recommend having a professional look at!
If you aren’t sure where to get started or just don’t have time to deal with the problem, you know we’re here to help. Give us a call today. 

Are you a bath bomb user? Many people love using them to relieve stress or just have a sweet-smelling bath, but can it cause problems with your plumbing? That’s a great question.

Depending on the ingredients of your bath bombs, you might be left dealing with a clogged drain in your bathtub. Luckily, Tony’s Plumbing and Heating is here to help!
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Check the Ingredients
Most bath bombs are made with salts, oils, and scents to help create a relaxing, yet fragrant spa-like experience. They can contain Epsom salt or baking soda to help soothe your sore muscles, which both dissolve well in water. Some of the other ingredients like cornstarch, essential oils, cocoa butter, essential oils, and glitter. Glitter never goes down the drain well. In addition to that, some of the ingredients that don’t dissolve well in water can leave behind a residue in your tube, as well as cling to the walls of the pipes in your home. As time passes, these ingredients can build up and collect other things like hair and soap to cause clogs.

Keeping Your Pipes Clear
If you want to keep using bath bombs, we think that’s a great idea! Don’t give up a little “me time” because you might get a clogged pipe or drain over time. Here are a few simple steps to keep those clogs and pipes clear:

• Consider using a barrier to keep certain ingredients from going down the drain. Sometimes bathtub stoppers have a built-in strainer or your can purchase one at a hardware store or on amazon.
• Immediately after you use a bath bomb, thoroughly flush the drain with hot water to avoid build up. You can also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to help break up residue before it settles in your pipes. Take one cup of baking soda to your drain followed by two cups of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let is sit for about five minutes before flushing with hot water.

​Pretty simple steps to keep enjoying your bath bombs whenever you need a little stress relief! Of course, if you do find yourself with a clogged drain that just won’t budge, we’re here to help.

When the weather outside gets cold, we run the risk in the midwest of having our pipes freeze. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during cold weather and can cause thousands of dollars in damage. 

Pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces like attics, basements, and garages, but other pipes can freeze as well. There is good new though! THere are simple things you can do to prevent those pipes from freezing and we're here to tell you about them:

Keep Your Garage Door Closed! If you have water supply lines in the garage, keep your garage door closed when it's not in use.

Open Up Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors. If you are worried about indoor pipes freezing, help the air in the home circulate by opening up your cabinet doors. This works well especially if your sinks share an exterior wall. If you have small children or pets in the home, be sure to remove objects or chemicals that may cause harm before doing so. 

Set Your Thermostat to the Same Temperature. Keeping  your thermostat at a consistent temperature during the day and night can help save your pipes. During a cold spell, be sure to keep it consistent as well! 

Keep the Heat on if You Plan to Be Away. Planning a vacation during the winter months? Be sure to keep your heat on no lower than 55 degrees. 

Consider Adding Insulation for Long Term Results! If your worried about pipes freezing over the years, consider adding insulation to your basement, crawl space, or attic. You can also consider options to heat your garage. 

Of course, these aren't your only options for preventing your pipes from freezing, but we're confident this is a good place to start. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.