Sewer Line Repair - Orange County

Hey there Orange County residents!

Anyone had a blocked sewer line lately?
How about a clogged sewer line in your Mission Viejo home?
Ever wonder where your waste from your disposal goes? ..... I mean come on now ...... this is a blog on forwww.splashplumbing.com after all! We talk about "plumbing stuff" around here.

You never really think about this kind of stuff until .... what????.... when the junk in your disposal comes spewing out of your sink or from some other place in your house!!! YUK ... I know.

Splash Plumbing is a true 24 hour service and repair company that offers help to you and your family ANYTIME of the day!

Keep our info on file ..... the name is easy ..... SPLASH PLUMBING and the number is even easier .... 877-HEY-SPLASH

Important Safety Tips for Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are useful for clearing all sorts of tough clogs. However there are a variety of risks and dangers with using these chemicals to clear your drains. Many of these chemicals emit harsh fumes that can be harmful if they are inhaled. Many can burn and scar if they come in contact with your skin. And they can damage clothing, floors, counters...even your pipes themselves if not used properly. The following tips will help you use these drain cleaners safely.


Avoid the Most Harmful Cleaners

Some chemical drain de-clogging agents use lye or acid. These harsh chemicals are not only harmful to your health, but they can also contaminate waste water and cause damage to PVC piping. If you must use a cleaner with acid or lye, be sure to wear gloves and a protective mask. Ventilate the room as much as possible, and store them properly when you’re finished—opt for cleaners with a child-proof safety cap or put them in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.


Always Read the Label

Not all drain cleaners are created equal, and using the wrong cleaner can cause major headaches. Some cleaners can eat through your plumbing, some can damage your septic system, and some can cause serious burns if they come in contact with your skin. Before you use a cleaner, read the label thoroughly to ensure that the cleaner is safe for your intended usage. You’ll also want to look for any label recommendations about safety and cleanup in case of an accidental spill.


Prevent Clog Build-Up

Do your best to keep grease and debris out of your drains and you won’t have to rely on a chemical drain cleaner to remove clogs quite so often. You’ll also cut down on unpleasant odors and help your pipes work more efficiently. A simple salt water solution, poured down the drain every couple of weeks, will flush out grease and eliminate odors from showers, sinks, and garbage disposals.


Consider These Drain Cleaning Alternatives

Harsh chemical cleaners are not the only option you have to cure a clogged drain. There are several alternatives that are just as effective without the potentially harmful side effects.

A sewer jetter sprays an adjustable, high-pressure stream of water down your drains, powering away clogs quickly and without harsh chemicals. Because you’re only using water, there’s no chance of damaging pipes or fixtures or of contaminating your home with noxious fumes. You can purchase a sewer jetter at most plumbing supply stores or large home improvement warehouses. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before use.

There are also plenty of natural drain cleaning methods. One of the most effective uses plain baking soda and white vinegar. First, remove any standing water in the basin or around the drain. Pour about ½ cup of ordinary baking soda into the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. The two substances will react inside the pipes, dissolving clogs and allowing water to flow freely again. You can repeat these steps as many times as necessary to remove the clog. While the smell of vinegar might not be the most pleasant, it’s certainly non-toxic and much better for your plumbing, your home, and your health than any harsh chemical drain cleaner.


Your Best Bet: Call a Drain Cleaning Professional

Are you a chemist? Do you really know what happens when this chemical comes in contact with that substance? The thing about chemicals is that they produce chemical reactions. You've seen enough mad scientist movies to know that chemical reactions are almost never mild!

Plumbers and drain cleaning professionals aren't chemists either. That's why they generally only go the chemical route as a last resort.

If you have a clogged drain that's so bad that you need to resort to chemicals, the problem is probably beyond your scope. At this point, call a plumbing and drain contractor such as Horizon Services. We have an arsenal of non-chemical tools and means at our disposal that can safely remove virtually any clog. And in that rare instance when chemicals are required, our highly trained drain cleaning pros know how to safely and cleanly mix and pour the chemical without harming your pipes, kitchens or bathrooms.


Related Drain Cleaning Information from Horizon Services...

• Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
• Horizon Plumbing Services
• Horizon Sewer & Water Line Replacement Services
• How To Properly Use a Plunger to Unclog a Toilet, Sink or Tub
• Keep Your Home Free from Mold and Mildew

Thattai - Savory crisp for Diwali

Thattai is a favorite at home. But its not often made since its time consuming. And when it comes to festivals, we are ready to go that extra mile and I decided thattai has to be made for this Diwali. Since my MIL is with me, she helped in patting the discs, which made it easier for me.  And when it comes to Diwali menu, the constant item is Ribbon Pakoda. And I usually go for 2 savouries and 3 sweets.  While at home town, the flour mill was nearby. All I had to do was to prepare the rice for pounding and my maid will get it done from the flour mill. Here I am to locate a flour mill. And I doubt if I will get rice flour with out traces of wheat flour in it since its the wheat that is pounded more here. So I did not want to take any risk and decided to make rice flour at home. And in order not to tax my mixer grinder more, I made thattai and pakoda on alternate days. Thattai should work fine with store bought flour too.

You need

• Rice flour - 4 cups
• Urad flour (Roasted and powdered) - 4 tblspn
• Butter/Ghee- 2 tblspn
• Chana dal, soaked - 2 tblspn
• White sesame seeds - 1 tspn
• Curry leaves few (I did not add)
• Hing
• Salt - 2 tpsn
• Red chilli powder - 2 1/2 tspn
• Water to make the dough
• Oil to deep fry

Method

Soak the chana dal for an hour or so. It will make it soft and crunchy on deep frying.

Mix all the ingredients in a wide bowl. See to that the butter/ghee added is mixed thoroughly with the flour. This will ensure crisp thattais. Add water little by little to make a soft, non sticky dough.

Take marble sized dough. Pat it into thin discs on a greased plastic sheet or cotton cloth. Don't make it too thin and it will break while you peel it off.  While patting, see to that the edges are not thicker than the inside.

Heat oil in a kadai. When it is moderately hot, slide the discs and deep fry till golden color. Drain, cool and store in air tight container.

While you make the discs, keep the dough covered with a damp cloth so as not to leave it dry.



With the above measurements, you will get between 45-50 thattais.