Plumbing Professionals

Services You Can Expect From Residential Plumbing Company

Residential plumbing services are offered on residential properties, which comes in a wide array of different services. It includes water, drain, gas, heaters, plumbing fixtures, and more.

In this article, I am going to talk about the services you can expect to be offered by a residential plumbing company. If ever you experience any problems that involves your home’s plumbing system, call a residential plumber right away.

Here are the services they offer:

Sewer Camera Inspection

You do not have to dig your floors and yards to inspect your sewer pipes. With high-end tools using the latest technology, you can get a better view of what is going on inside your sewer pipe. The resulting images and videos would be a bit nasty but manual digging and checking would be a lot nastier and dirtier.

A sewer camera inspection is considered as the most effective inspection method because everything can be seen from the inside, which allows the plumber to spot the exact area of the pipe’s problem. It can locate clogs, tree root invasion, corrosion, cracks, and can see the overall situation of your pipe. This allows them to come up with the most effective repair depending on the situation of your sewer line. Good thing a residential plumber like the plumber in Mountain Brook, AL offers this kind of service that allows your pipes to be seen without a trench.

Drain Cleaning

Before reaching to the sewer line, all your wastewater (and some solid particles) go to the drains. It flows in the drain pipes smoothly, until something blocks the way. If the train is blocked, the chance of backflow is very big. Who would want their kitchen sink to be flooded with smelly and dirty water? This is where drain cleaning is needed. Even before a backflow happens, you should have your drain cleaned regularly to avoid emergency problems.

Water Heater Installation, Repair, and Maintenance

Residential plumbers offer installation on a new water heater and replacement water heater. You can also ask for repair if ever your water heater is not giving you enough hot water or if you experience anything wrong with the heater. To avoid bigger problems that call for bigger repairs, maintenance is advised.

Water Line Repairs

Potable water is very important in every home. For leaks and faulty water lines, you must call a residential plumber to rule out the cause and repair the pipes. This is to make sure your water is safe and your property is out of risk from the damage it may cause.

Gas Leak Detection and Repairs

Naturally, gas do not smell anything. However, gas companies add this smell to distinguish gas from any other liquid. If you smell something like a gas leak, get out of the house and call a plumber. Never use your phone or anything that can ignite a fire to avoid accidents. Residential plumbers are well-trained to detect a gas leak and repair it for your household’s safety.

Sewer Camera Inspection Incidental Findings

A sewer camera inspection is a method of inspecting sewer pipe using high-end technology. This method is non-invasive and highly recommended for faster and more accurate findings.

There are times that our drains are not functioning well, and the common problem is on the drainage and sewers. This problem needs the attention of plumbers to conduct an inspection.

In this article, I am going to talk about the 3 most common incidental findings during sewer camera inspection that most plumbers find.

Tree Roots Invasion

When your sewage system was installed, the likelihood is that the vegetation and plants weren’t mature yet and nobody suspected that your system might be compromised by a tree root. Roots are relentless and powerful and may crush a pipe or offset it, creating all types of interruptions in the flow of your system. Unfortunately, most people do not think or do not know about their sewer main location when planting a tree. Often we see trees planted directly above a sewer main ahead yards. Root invasion is extremely common in older clay and forged iron sewer lines. Newer PVC lines have a lower chance of getting root issues. However, you must have it checked too.

This is where the advantages of inspection come to play. A professional plumber in Belmont, NC offers sewer camera inspection and suggests having your plumbing system inspected regularly to avoid causing damages to your property and the entire plumbing system.

Grease Build Up

Because of the utilization of garbage disposals in modern plumbing, a build-up of grease can occur in the sewer line. Since the oil substances aren’t water-soluble, the grease tends to stay to the edges of the pipe. The grease can eventually cause blockages if not cleaned out. Other materials traveling down the pipe can get trapped on these build-ups and blocks the flow of waste.

Luckily, this is a pretty simple fix. When you notice grease build-ups you should typically recommend a hydro jet cleaning. This involves pushing high-pressure water into the pipe to wash off the walls. If there are roots present within the sewer main also, it can also remove those invasions.

Cracks

Piping cracks in clay and forged iron lines are common. Weight on the pipe can cause cracks around fittings and other areas. Like most of those issues, if the water isn’t blocked, no action is required. Cracks on the highest and sides of the pipe typically are ignored. However, if the crack is on the rock bottom side of the pipe, you’ll consider adding a liner to the pipe to scale back leakage of sewage into your lawn. Leaks outside of the pipe can cause a further disturbance in the sewer main.

Different Types of Copper Pitting Corrosion

What is Copper Pitting Corrosion?

Copper “pitting” corrosion is the event where a copper pipe has localized corrosion due to being in contact to highly corrosive materials, especially liquid. It does not occur in the entire pipe but only on small areas of the metal. The concentration of the corrosion is exclusive to the corroded area, which makes it even dangerous to pipes. Copper pitting results in pipe failure due to the pinhole leaks it causes. This can occur after years or even just a few months after installation, depending on the factors present in your water.

As the copper plumbing system gets old, pinhole leaks are more common problem. This is especially high if the plumbing system once had a case of corroded old water heater. The particles that corroded may have mixed with the water that fills the pipe and stick to the steel. The corroded steel particles can start corrosion on other parts of the plumbing system.

This is the main reason why professional plumbers offering pipe repair Naples, FL advise everyone to check their water tanks regularly before it causes a commotion within the pipes of your plumbing system. This can save you tons of money from the big repair that could have been prevented through basic maintenance.

Types of Copper Pitting Corrosion

Basically, there are three types of copper pitting corrosion. Read below to find out more.

Type I

The type I copper pitting corrosion is common on business establishments and private property with moderately hard to moderate water supply that has a pH of 7 to 7.8. Type I happens commonly on cold water lines. As mentioned above, it will result in pinhole leaks if not prevented.

Type II

The second type of copper pitting corrosion only occurs on plumbing system with water supplies containing below 7.2 pH. This is also common on hot water lines than sustain temperature of over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Type II is not as severe and quite smaller than the type I pitting. But just like the first type, it can cause pipe failure if no fixed in time.

Type III

The third type is not as worrisome as the 1st and 2nd types of copper pitting. It occurs in water lines that supply cold water with 8 and above pH (alkaline water). Since this is not as corrosive as the above 2 mentioned, pipe leak is less likely to occur. However, it can show signs of corrosion like a blue-tinged water. It can also release byproducts that can cause blockage in the pipe.

Therefore, highly corrosive or not, copper pitting corrosion must be treated seriously. This is to avoid bigger problems to arise within your plumbing system.

Simple Practices that Can Help You Save Energy

Do you know that even the simplest practice or action can impact how you can save your energy? As most homes experience, their energy cost can spike really high during hot summer months due to the need for cooling units.

Here are simple actions you can take to save on energy when it comes to using your AC:

Switch to CFLs

CFL or Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs are considered energy saver when it comes to lighting. Do you know that it cut cooling costs too? These types of bulbs give off little heat, unlike incandescent lamps. Incandescent bulb converts about 90% of electricity to produce heat, which means more cooling needed from your AC. Makes sense?

Install Programmable Thermostat

Setting your unit’s thermostat differently while you are at home and away is one way to cut on energy costs. With the aid of programmable thermostat, you will be able to set your temperature warmer while you are not at home and lower when you are home. This method can cut up to 20% of your energy bill. Buying a programmable thermostat can sure cost you, but it pays in the long run. To help you install and use a programmable thermostat properly, call a professional plumber in Monument, CO. They will be glad to serve you in your plumbing and HVAC needs.

Block Out Sun

Who doesn’t love windows, especially those wall high ones? But, did you know it can contribute to about 30% of the heat you are experiencing indoors? The more heat indoors, the more you need your AC to give much coolness. To block out this unwanted heat, use tinted window films or insulating curtains to put shade. With this, indoor temps can be lowered by 20 degrees in comparison to having a full-sun window. This practice will help you save on cooling costs.

Keep Cool with Shade

Another method, but functions equally like the one mentioned above, is planting trees and vines near your windows. It gives shade to your home and blocks sunlight that can add to the hotness of temperature. Compute where you need the trees positioned to make it more efficient in giving you shade. According to studies, this can help you save about 30% on cooling costs.

Use Fans and Raise AC Settings

Have you tried turning your ceiling fan on while your AC is on? It feels cool and comfortable, right? From 78 degrees, each degree higher can help you save about 5 to 10 percent of cooling costs. The air from the ceiling fan helps cool off the place and you as well.

Worst Plumbing Issues You Might Encounter

Plumbing problems come in many forms. From a leaky faucet to a faulty water heater, plumbing is something that can either be extremely simple to fix or it can require a great amount of time and money. When it comes to the worst types of plumbing problems, you’re going to need the best experts you can get. But how do you know if it is one of the plumbing problems that will require an expert?

You’ll need an expert whenever the plumbing problems are at their worst and even when it’s small. Today, we’ll be covering the worst types of plumbing problems that you may experience–more specifically, the ones that will require services.

Broken faucet

However, there’s a chance that this faulty water faucet may spell greater trouble than just no water. It may be a sign that you’re losing freshwater by the second. One reason you might be losing your water is because of a broken water main. One way you can tell is by checking with your neighbors. Call them or pay a visit to their home and see if they’re experiencing the same troubles as you. If they are, then there’s a good chance that you are, in fact, dealing with the loss of freshwater rather than something small such as low water pressure.

These are some of the more common plumbing problems we will experience in our homes. While common, they do require attention. If they are not fixed, they will get worse. And it will cost you far more money in the long haul then getting the problem resolved right away.

Loss of Freshwater

If you’ve ever turned on your faucet and water isn’t flowing through, chances are, you’re dealing with a problem underneath. You might think you can fix it on your own but only if you have the tools and knowledge necessary. Without these, you should call a professional like a plumber in Tempe, AZ to check the cause and fix it.

Blocked/Damaged Sewage Line

We all know how disgusting a sewage line can be. Now imagine the stuff inside that sewage line secreted inside your house. That’s the ultimate nightmare for any homeowner but unfortunately, this stuff isn’t made of dreams. This is a very real threat that can happen to your home if you don’t read the signs soon enough.

Damage sewage lines

This happens whenever sewer lines are blocked up with too much trash and residue and the sewage ends up backflowing into the home. No one wants to deal with cleaning up sewage inside their home and then fixing the problems that come after.
Not only does this cost thousands of dollars, but it’s also one that can be avoided if you see the right signs. Look for indicators such as a foul smell, visible sewage around your home, and a faulty toilet. If your toilet is having trouble flushing, that means that there is something either wrong with the toilet or there is something clogging the toilet flow.

Signs Water Leaks are Happening in Concealed Areas

Building a home or any property requires thorough planning and installation. From the flooring, pillars, roofing, ventilation, electrical aspects, up to the plumbing system, we always make sure it is installed properly. We want the best for our home.

Eventually, no matter how you choose the quality of materials and the expertise of plumbers in installing your plumbing system, there will come a time that leaks will occur. For environmental reasons, chemical reactions, mechanical occurrence, and the likes, this could lead to leaks in your pipes.

Most of our pipes are concealed underground or behind our walls. This can make locating the leak difficult. However, there are signs that you can check to know if there is a leak happening.

In this article, I will talk about the signs you should look out for to diagnose and treat the problem properly. Now, here are the signs of leaks:

Sudden Drop in Water Pressure

With the leaks on the way, it can be hard for your water to climb up your faucet. If it does, it may affect the amount and the pressure it gives. So if you experience a sudden drop in water pressure, have it checked by professionals for diagnosis. You should not do it yourself. Fixing it without the proper tools, skills, and knowledge can make the damage bigger instead of repairing it. You can’t just remove your drywall or dig your flooring without proper knowledge of the situation. Call an expert plumber like the plumber in Peoria, AZ which is proven and tested to provide quality and efficient work.

Peeling paint

If you notice some of your wall paint peels even though it is still new, there must be something going on behind it.

Foundation Cracks

Foundation can crack due to storms, earthquakes, or other calamities. If you think it cracked for no apparent reason, then your pipes behind those might be leaking causing the cracks.

Musty Smells in Certain Areas

Musty smells are often the sign of leaks. It can cause other parts of your home to get wet or soaked, causing it to smell musty.

Visible Mold or Mildew

Because leaks can cause dampness in some parts of your home, it is the best home for mold and mildew growth.

High Utility Bills

Your consumption is the same, yet your bill is way up too higher than normal. This is something you should be concerned about as leaks can develop into something more severe like pipe bursts. And you know what happens when pipe burst, your property is in danger.

Stains on Walls, Floors, or Ceilings

If you notice stains in your walls, floors, and ceilings, check what is causing the stain. Pipe leaks can cause stain especially if it has been happening longer than expected.

Important Reminders if Your Family Plans to Leave Home

Planning a vacation for a few days to weeks is normal, especially when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It usually happens once a year, and mostly the entire family goes out. Now, what happens to your plumbing system when you go away with no one left in the house. To avoid problems, in this article I will share with you important reminders before leaving home for a vacation.

The last item you would like to return home to after a soothing vacation is discovering the basement flooded and water is running out from under the front entrance. With nobody home to shut off the main, the water will still flow the whole time you’re away. Aside from the impact, the free-flowing water will spike your water bill, there might be other damage to your home.

Here are the important reminders you should do before leaving:

Turn Off the Water Main

There is no reason to keep the water on while you’re away. While you’ll certainly shut off individual valves under toilets and sinks, this doesn’t shut off water to the whole home.

What will happen if one of the water hoses on the back of the washer suddenly breaks? You can forgo shutting off individual valves, save time, and complete your vacation plumbing checklist more efficiently by simply shutting off the main.

According to a plumber in Venice, FL, the quote “better safe than sorry” also applies to our plumbing system.

Shut Off the Hot Water Heater

If you have a tank-based hot water heater, turn it off. You are not going to be home, so there is no need for hot water. Plus, the recent water will get to cycle periodically to stay water at your required temperature level. By turning it off, you can save money on your electric or gas bill. For electric models, there should be a switch near the hot-water heater you’ll flip off.

For gas models, simply turn the temperature setting all the way down therefore the pilot light remains lit. To shut off the electrical components within the heater, there should either be a switch next to the heater or flip the breaker off in your breaker box.

Inspect the Sump Pump

If you’ve got a sump pump in your basement, verify it’s working correctly. You can load it with water by splashing some in it until the pump should kick on. If it does, then you’re ready for your vacation. If not, then you’ll want to involve plumbing repair service, to avoid coming home to a flooded basement.

Slowly Activate Faucets to Empty Water Out of the Pipes

After shutting off the main and therefore the hot-water heater, you’ll want to get rid of the maximum amount of water from your plumbing as possible. Slowly open up faucets one at a time in the kitchen and bathrooms. Once the water is eliminated, remember to shut the faucets off. You should also flush the restroom to get rid of any water from the tank.

Signs Your Plumbing System Needs Repiping

Plumbing is not something you can do on your own. It is best to let professionals do their job when it comes to plumbing. With regards to replacing and repiping, it can be costly. However, it can also be the best option to prevent a costlier repair every now and then.

The key point here is knowing when your home needs a repiping. This is very important. In this article, I am going to talk about the signs that signal your home needs repiping.

Water Smells Different

Of course, water has no smell. If your water starts to smell different, like iron, then your pipe might be deteriorating. The smell will not get worst if it is a minor problem. If it does, then it must be affecting a large part of your plumbing system. Repiping is likely to be the solution.

Noise from Pipes

Listen to your surroundings. This is one of the best strategies not just in plumbing but also in different aspects. Can you hear a cracking and banging noise? When pipes get older, it can produce a creaking sound which signals replacement. make sure the sound comes from your pipe. If you are sure, call an expert plumber right away to determine the problem and fix it for you. A plumber in Northridge, CA offers diagnosis and repiping if needed, which is proven a permanent solution to problematic pipes.

Problems Changing the Temperature

Do you find setting the right temperature a challenge? For instance, you set the handle into even amount yet the temperature is still not right. This may be unbelievable, but this is often a sign that your pipe is not behaving well and needs to be replaced.

Corrosion

If you can see your pipes, you can check it for corrosion. Noticeable signs of rust mean a new pipe must be installed. However, most pipes are underground or behind walls. The best thing to do is have it checked by professional plumbers to diagnose the severity of the corrosion and to find out if it needs repiping.

Leaks

There are many reasons why a pipe leaks. It can be due to clogs, corrosion, or tree root invasion. It can be happening in the joint or in the small part of the pipe, which is repairable. However, if you find leaks everywhere then it is time to repipe it.

Discoloration

If the smell of the water is a cause for concern, so as the discoloration. If the water is discolored, it can mean that severe corrosion is happening deep within your pipes. The discoloration can occur right after opening the faucet then clears after minutes. This means a damage in the interior pipe is present. If you notice this, it is time to repipe.

Things You Should Know About Water Softener

A water softener can be installed for whole-house water supplies, which comes in different styles and sizes depending on the house and household size. It if installed more commonly in the garage or basement. For homes without garage and basement, it is installed in a utility closet to where the water starts to enter the house. This is to ensure that the entire house’s water supply is softened.

Water Softener Parts and Setup

In a typical setup of a water softener, you can find a tall tank that softens water and a short tank for the brine. The tall tank is connected to the water supply. It is filled with resin beads specially formulated and permanently sealed within the tank. For the brine tank, it has a lid that is removable for filling potassium chloride pellets or salt.

If you want to consider having a water softener installed in your home to beat the hard water supply, you may contact a plumber in Clarkston, MI. Avoid the negative effect of hard water on your skin, hair, and appliances with a whole-house water softener.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

From the main supply, the water enters the water-softener tank then settles down to the resin beads. The positively charged minerals found in hard water are attracted to the negative charge in the resin. This process is what we call as ion exchange. The mineral deposit sticks to the resin beads and the softened water exits from the tank to the house.

As time goes by, the resin bead can lose its capacity to attract mineral ions. You don’t have to replace your water softener, it just needs regeneration or cleaning. This is the use of the brine tank. There is a particular setting in the on-board computer which calculates the total amount of water it can soften. Regeneration automatically happens when it has reached the amount in the settings.

The regeneration happens through the brine tank. It has salty water that flows up to the softener tank. Rinsing happens and the salty water eliminates mineral deposits from the resin beads. The washed mineral deposits are then flushed to the discharged hose. After the regeneration, the water softener works back to softening the water supply. The brine tank may require more potassium chloride pellets to further regenerate the water softener.

The cost of water softener is expected to be $2000 or $2500. However, it all depends on the size and the materials used in manufacturing.

Why Do We Need To Inspect the Sewer System When Buying a New House?

A sewer inspection should be a compulsory part of your house inspection checklist. When considering what inspections to urge when buying a house, don’t overlook the sewer main. In fact, getting a sewer inspection is one of the foremost important home inspection tips for first-time buyers. Sewer line inspections are cheap, but sewer repairs are often extremely expensive. Why spend the cash on a repair if you could have avoided it with an easy inspection?

There’s no such thing as an average cost for fixing your sewer lines. It can start at a few hundred dollars to snake out a blockage. But it can be as high as thousands of dollars to dig the ground and replace your old pipes. The cost of pipe repair all depends on the current condition of your lines, where the problem is located, and the cause of the problem. The severity matters when it comes to costing.

How to Inspect a Sewer Line

When you are thinking about home inspections before you shut on a house sale, simply call a plumbing company. I will greatly recommend to you sewer repair services Edina, MN for they have the best contractor that can use a camera to examine the sewer.

The plumbing company will insert a snake attached to a little video camera into the clean-out. The snake will maneuver the camera through the sewer, and you’ll watch the resulting images on a monitor. Not only will the plumbing company determine if the sewer main is clean or clogged, but the inspection also will disclose the general condition of the sewer.

Ask the contractor to inform you what quite material was wont to construct the sewer main. Find out whether that sort of material remains considered to be good construction today. Sewer lines can be made up of different materials, including cast iron and PVC.

Here are three reasons why you ought to schedule a sewer inspection today:

Repairs are Expensive

Inspections are relatively inexpensive and may be done quickly. On the opposite hand, sewer main replacements are often very expensive and are often not covered by your insurance because it’s the result of natural wear and tear. additionally, to monetary costs, sewer backups are often messy and dangerous – causing flooding and leaking toxic gas. Often, an inspection can detect a drag before it causes irreparable damage. When small leaks and clogs go unfixed, replacement is usually eventually required.

Roots Love Sewer Lines

Tree roots are constantly seeking an honest source of water and nutrients, so it’s not surprising that they’re interested in sewer lines. Roots sneak into tiny openings then expand over time, blocking flow and ultimately causing damage. If left unattended, pipes are often damaged and need excavation to repair. If you’ve got trees or large shrubs anywhere near your sewer main, you ought to have regular inspections.

Natural Wear and Tear Happens

Even new sewer systems can spring leaks and obtain blocked from time-to-time, but older systems have a way higher risk. Older homes may are constructed before modern city sewer systems, counting on cesspools, clay, or roofing paper. These old systems erode and collapse over time. If you’re unsure of the sort of sewage system your home has and therefore the state it’s in, it’s an honest idea to possess an inspection.

So if you are planning on buying a New House or Moving to a New House, it is better to inspect first everything especially the Sewer System to avoid problems in the future.