Author: Chris Koperski

• Winterize pipes when not in use.
• During the winter months, your furnace will be running and windows will be shut.  So you need to install carbon monoxide detectors near your bedrooms.
• Be cautious when using portable heaters.  Place them three feet away from anything flammable.  Never leave them running when you are gone or asleep.  Don’t let children or pets around the heaters, and never dry clothing or mittens on heaters.

Continue reading “Hot Tips For Winter” →

If you smell gas (a rotten egg smell), immediately evacuate the building and call Nebraska City Utilities at 402-873-3353 or the fire department.

If you smell gas, DO NOT:

1. Remain in the building
2. Use light switches
3. Try to find the source of the leak
4. Smoke or strike matches
5. Use a telephone or any electrical equipment that might create a spark

Always remember these important safety tips:

• Have at least one working carbon monoxide detector for each level of your home.
• Gas appliances should have a clear, steady blue flame. Small occasional amounts of yellow and orange are normal. The only exception is a natural gas fireplace designed to have yellow flames.
• Never use a gas oven or range top as a space heater.
• Never cover the temperature controls, air openings, or vents of an appliance.
• Keep range and oven burners clean. Never line the oven completely with foil.
• Never try to repair or install a gas appliance yourself. Never let a home handy-person try to do the job for you.
• Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect water damage, have a trained technician replace them immediately.
• Turn off gas fireplaces and space heaters before going to bed or leaving home. They’re not intended as a main source of heat.
• Gas appliance connectors (the flexible, corrugated metal tubing) should be checked by a qualified appliance service contractor periodically. Connectors can become hazardous due to deterioration, excessive movement, bending, or corrosion. Connectors made 30 to 40 years ago may be risky.
• Never attach electrical grounding wires to gas piping.
• Set water heater thermostats to 125 degrees or lower to prevent scalding.
• Keep the space around furnaces and water heaters clean and clear of build-up, rags, newspapers, and other debris.
• Never store combustibles such as gasoline, aerosol cans, paint, solvents, household cleaners, pool chemicals, or similar products near any fuel-burning equipment.
• Be cautious using products such as paint strippers, glues, rubber cement, varnishes, turpentine, cleaning fluid, and floor finishing products. They give off vapors that can be ignited by any flame source, such as a burner pilot light. Vapors can also corrode metal vents and appliance combustion chambers. Turn off all gas appliances when using these products and keep the space well ventilated with exhaust fans or plenty of fresh air.
• Be aware of where gas (and other utility) lines are buried, especially when working in your yard. Always call before you dig!

A clogged sewer drain is no picnic. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective, but they emit harsh fumes and can actually damage your plumbing if not used properly. Here’s a quick guide to help you with drain cleaning without the use of chemicals.

Understand The System

The most important part of clearing a blocked sewer drain is identifying which part of the drainage system is clogged. Inside your home, there are several small waste removal pipes that feed directly into the larger main sewer line. This main line takes waste water out of your house and deposits it into your septic tank or municipal sewer. Most homes have a line that carries waste from the kitchen sink and toilets and a line that carries waste from showers, tubs and bathroom sinks.

Clearing a Slow Drain

If you’re dealing with a slow-moving drain, it’s likely that whatever is blocking the pipe is caught in the drain trap or trap arm. Remove the trap arm if you can and thoroughly clean out any debris or clogs. If that doesn’t work, check the main line plug or cap. You may need to use a plumbing snake if the blockage isn’t immediately visible. Run cold water into the line as you snake; this will help break up clogs and wash away dirt and pipe residue.

Bathtub and Shower Clogs

Most drainage problems in the bathroom are caused by hair, soap and shampoo that get stuck in the plumbing and form clogs. A good way to remove a stubborn bathroom clog is to use a device called a drain stick. It’s a long plastic stick that has either a small comb or a spiked tip at the end. The barbs help snag hair and other debris inside the pipes so you can pull them out easily. Just remove the drain cap, put the stick into the drain and twist a few times. Pull back slowly, and the clog should come right out.

Serious Drain Blockage

A substantial clog may require professional help or even a sewer line replacement. However, sewer jet blasting can be a very effective way for drain cleaning, no matter where the blockage is. Basically, a strong spray of pressurized water is pumped through your home’s plumbing, breaking up clogs and leaving pipes flowing freely. After a sewer jet blasting, ask your plumber to perform a hydrostatic line test, which will detect weak spots, cracks or leaks in the pipes.

Keep Clogs From Coming Back

Prevention is definitely the best medicine when it comes to drainage problems at home. To keep your drains clean without harsh chemicals, use a simple baking soda and vinegar solution. Once a month, pour a cup of baking soda down each drain in your home, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for about an hour, and then flush with warm water. The baking soda reacts with the vinegar to create a foam that will remove most residue from tubs, showers, and sinks.