How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Expert Guide & Tips

Illustrating blog post “How to Clean a Garbage Disposal” is a photo of a white kitchen sink with a silver drain clogged with orange carrot peels, brown potato peels, and green cucumber peels.

A kitchen sink garbage disposal is a handy appliance that grinds food waste into small particles, allowing it to pass through your plumbing system. It uses a spinning plate with small hammers to break down food waste against a grater-like ring. Over time, grease, debris, and food particles can build up, causing unpleasant odors or…

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Plumbing Cleanouts: What They Are, Where They Are, & How to Use Them

Closeup of white plumbing cleanout pipe sticking out of lush, green yard, illustrating blog post “Plumbing Cleanouts: What They Are, Where They Are, & How to Use Them.”

Understanding the role of a cleanout in a plumbing system can make all the difference in maintaining an effective drainage system. A plumbing cleanout is a capped pipe connected to your home’s main sewer line, designed to provide easy access for removing blockages. What does a cleanout do in a plumbing system? It allows plumbers…

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Is Drano Bad for Pipes? & Other Drano FAQs

White and light blue title “Is Drano Bad for Pipes? And Other Questions & Answers About Drano” on dark blue background beside photo of a hand holding a small black plastic bottle over a drain with a clear fluid pouring into drain.

Drano is a popular chemical drain cleaner many people turn to for clogs in their sinks, showers, and tubs. But what is Drano exactly and how does Drano work? Drano is a drain clog remover formulated with powerful chemicals (like sodium hydroxide/lye and aluminum) and/or microorganisms. The chemicals create a heat-producing reaction that dissolves clogs…

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Should I Tip a Plumber? The Answer Straight from an Experienced Plumber

Illustrating blog post “Should I Tip a Plumber?” is an image of a woman out-of-focus on the background reaching her hand holding cash towards a plumber’s hand in the foreground.

One of the questions we get a lot from people is, “Should I tip the plumber?” We asked Jeff Jones, our fearless leader and the owner of Southern Plumbing, so we got an answer straight from an expert! Do You Tip a Plumber? Here’s Our Answer to That Question Our Nashville plumbers prefer a good…

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How to Use Plumber Tape: Expert Answers to Plumbing Tape FAQs

Answers to “What is plumber's tape used for?” and “How to use plumber’s tape?” from the experts at Southern Plumbing Works with bonus step-by-step instructions.

If you’re wondering, “What is plumber’s tape used for?” or need to know how to use plumber tape, you’ve come to the right place! Plumbing tape, also known as PTFE tape or Teflon tape, is a thin, non-adhesive tape made from polytetrafluoroethylene (hence the term “PTFE”) and is a versatile tool in any plumber’s kit.…

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing Issues? Does a Home Warranty?

Wet wood floor with plumber in background repairing pipes in wall, illustrating blog article, “Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Plumbing Issues? Does a Home Warranty?”

Plumbing issues can arise unexpectedly and, if the damage is severe enough, the repair bill can be a blow to the unprepared budget. The good news is that homeowners insurance – or even the home warranty – might cover the cost of the repairs and replacements. Common problems that result in severe damage include burst…

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How to Clean a Plumbing Vent

Black roof vents in silhouette against a blue sky, illustrating blog post “How to Clean Plumbing Vent & What Is a Plumbing Vent.”

Before we discuss how to clean plumbing vents, let’s explain what a vent pipe is for in plumbing. Knowing what a plumbing vent pipe is for will explain why it’s REALLY important to keep your plumbing vent clean and unobstructed. What Is a Plumbing Vent? A plumbing vent, also known as a vent pipe, is…

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Verify Plumbing License in Tennessee

Older woman stands at front door while checking credentials card of a contractor in work gear, illustrating blog post “How to Verify A Plumbing License in Tennessee.”

When it comes to plumbing repairs or installations, hiring a licensed plumber is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. A licensed plumbing contractor possesses the necessary qualifications and adheres to local building regulations, ensuring the safety and reliability of the work they perform. If someone says they can do the work without a contractor’s license,…

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How Do You Use a Plumber’s Snake? Q&A with the Experts

Overhead view of plumbing snake hovering over toilet, illustrating blog post

A plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger, is an essential tool for clearing stubborn blockages deep within your plumbing system. Ideal for situations where plungers or chemical drain cleaners fail, it navigates through pipes, dismantling clogs caused by food debris, hair, and other obstructions. How Do You Use a Plumber’s Snake? To use…

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