Author: Arron Bowen

Signs to Call a Plumber

Arron Bowen

Plumbing is the system of pipes and fixtures that provide water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, and flushing sewage. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain these systems.

Plumber

Learning plumbing from a book or online can help you understand the basics, but there is no substitute for hands-on experience. For professional help, contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for more details.

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. A clog slows down the movement of wastewater, which can affect water flow in sinks, bathtubs and showers. It can also cause sewage to back up into sinks, tubs and toilets. This contaminated standing water can spread bacteria that lead to illnesses like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, cholera and salmonella. The foul odors from clogged drains can also affect your health.

You can often fix minor clogs with a plunger or hand-cranked drain snake. However, if these tools aren’t working or a backup is coming up, it is time to call a plumber. Our plumbers can determine the source of the clog and determine how to repair it.

Most clogs occur in the sewer line, but they can happen anywhere in the house’s drain system. The main sewer drain is usually the largest pipe in the home, and smaller pipes branch out from there to each fixture. The toilet is the most common place for a drain to clog, but clogs can form in any drain or fixture.

Drain clogs can create mold, which can spread throughout the house and cause respiratory problems. They can also damage the pipes and corrode them, which can lead to expensive repairs. The best way to prevent clogs is to be careful with what you put down the drains. This includes only putting food, trash and hair down the garbage disposal and using a drain strainer in the kitchen and bathrooms.

When a drain or toilet starts backing up, that’s usually a sign that the clog is deeper than you can reach with a plunger or snake. If multiple drains clog at the same time, it’s likely caused by a break or full clog further down the pipe.

If you have hard water, a water softener can help. It can reduce the amount of minerals in your water that build up and block your drains. Regular maintenance and regular professional plumbing service can also keep your drains running smoothly. A plumber can check your drains for signs of wear and tear, and recommend maintenance services to avoid clogs and leaks.

Water Leaks

Running water and sanitary sewer systems have made life more convenient but can lead to serious problems when they leak. The longer a leak goes undetected, the more damage it can cause to plumbing pipes and fixtures and building materials as well as encourage mold growth and sagging floors and ceilings. Water leaks can also rack up hefty water and waste bills.

Some leaks, such as a burst pipe in your basement, are easy to detect. But others are not, especially if they occur behind walls and other hidden areas. For example, a leak in a concealed pipe beneath your sink or behind your washing machine could go unnoticed until severe water damage occurs or you notice an unexplained increase in your water bill.

The most common leaks are from faucets, but they can also happen from toilets, showers and bathtubs or other appliances in the home. When these leaks occur, you will typically see damp patches in rooms, or there could be a musty smell or a drop in water pressure. Leaks from toilets can be particularly problematic as they are usually caused by a loose or broken toilet flange.

If you suspect you have a leak, shut off your water and call your plumber. In addition to reducing water waste and preventing costly damages, repairing a leak as soon as you notice it will help save money on your water bills.

In addition to wasting water and causing structural damage, leaking pipes can create unpleasant smells in the home as well as encourage unwanted growth. Mold, mildew and fungus that develops as a result of a leak can be extremely hazardous to your health, especially for individuals with breathing difficulties.

In addition to the obvious signs of a leak, some other common warnings include an unexplained increase in your household utility bills or if you notice stains on your ceiling or walls. These stains may be caused by corrosion or by a leak in a water line behind the wall. If you are suspicious of a possible leak, shut off all water to your home and take a look around. You should also check the areas under sinks, behind appliances and in the garage where leaks are most likely to occur.

Sewer Backups

Your sewer lines are meant to transport wastewater away from your sinks, tubs, showers and toilets. When the line becomes blocked or ruptured, it can lead to sewage backups into your home. This is a serious health issue as raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria and contaminants that can make you sick. If you notice a sewage backup, there are several signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to call a plumber.

Foul Odors

The main sign of a sewer backup is a foul smell. The odor is due to the hydrogen sulfide in sewage that’s released when it comes into contact with water. The smell will usually be strongest in your basement, laundry room or garage, as these are the areas closest to the line. Other signs of a backup include gurgling noises from drains and toilets, as well as wastewater backing up into bathtubs, showers or sinks.

Wetness Around Floor Drains

Basement rec rooms or laundry areas often have floor drains that are designed to prevent flooding. These are the first places that sewage will back up into, so it’s important to check them regularly for wetness. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect any other lower-level rooms in your home for wet spots, as these can be early indicators of a problem with your sewer line.

Changes to Your Yard

If you’re noticing changes in your yard, it may be a sign that the sewer line is damaged. This can be caused by tree roots that grow into the line, as well as by environmental factors like flooding events. A professional plumber can help repair any damage to the sewer line and prevent future problems.

Keeping up with your plumbing maintenance is the best way to reduce the risk of sewer backups in your home. Regularly checking your drains and having a professional inspect your pipes once every few years can help. This is especially important if you have older homes with cast iron, clay or cement piping that could be at higher risk for failure. It’s also a good idea not to pour cooking grease down the drain, as this can lead to clogs and wastewater backups.

Water Heaters

Your water heater does a lot of work to keep hot running water available. It’s easy to take it for granted until something goes wrong with the amount of hot water or the water pressure. If you are dealing with these problems, it is important to get as much information as possible before calling a plumber. Here are some things to look for.

Traditional water heaters use an insulated tank to store heated water. When you turn on a faucet, cold water enters the water heater through a dip tube and the heating mechanism—whether it’s a gas burner or electric heat rods—turns on to warm up the water for your sink or shower. A thermostat keeps track of the temperature inside the storage container and when readings drop, a switch turns on the heating mechanism to warm the water back up to your preferred setting.

Tank units can operate on gas, electricity, fuel oil, and propane, but each type of energy has its own environmental impact. For instance, a gas water heater will burn natural gas to warm the water, while an electric unit will draw power from your house’s electrical system. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your home’s appliances, it is best to choose a tankless unit that uses solar or wind energy to heat the water.

If your water heater isn’t providing enough hot water, there may be a problem with the water supply line into the house or the distribution lines within the home. Mineral deposits or clogs can slow the flow of water both into and out of the water heater, which will result in lower water pressure. It is also a good idea to have your hot water heater serviced once a year to prevent any build-up of sediment that could decrease its efficiency or cause it to overheat.

You can check the temperature of your water by opening the access panel to your heater (or removing two separate panels on larger heaters). Most tanks will have a red dial that indicates a desired temperature. This is typically set to 120 deg-140 deg, but if yours reads higher than this you should consult a professional as water temperatures that are too high can create harmful bacteria.

Epoxy Pipe Lining

Arron Bowen

Epoxy Pipe Lining is an effective and affordable repair solution for corroded pipes. This non-invasive method of restoring damaged pipes is also environmentally friendly.

Epoxy Pipe Lining

Traditional plumbers must remove wall panels and flooring before repiping your home or business, but epoxy solutions are much less invasive. This means you can keep your home or office up and running while the work is done.

An epoxy coating provides a strong, smooth inner sleeve that increases flow and protects the existing pipe from corrosion. It can be used in both residential and commercial piping systems, including underground sewers, drains, water pipes, heat and A/C ducting and electrical conduits. This is an ideal solution for homes and businesses with older plumbing systems that are prone to leaks. Leaking or corroded piping can lead to costly repairs, and it may also affect your home’s resale value. In addition to repairing leaks and slowing down corrosion, the epoxy lining can help keep your water clean and fresh by preventing toxins from contaminating the water supply.

When it comes to rehabilitating old or damaged piping, epoxy pipe lining is a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional repair methods. This process is less invasive than traditional pipe replacement and does not require excavation. It also reduces the risk of leaks and cracks in the future, which can damage your property and cause health problems. It is especially effective in areas where a dig-up is not feasible.

Before applying an epoxy liner, a plumber will use a video sewer camera to inspect the condition of your pipe and determine whether it qualifies for this method of restoration. If your drain system is too damaged to benefit from this technique, a plumber will provide an alternate solution. After the drain system is inspected, the plumber will remove any obstructions and thoroughly clean your pipes with hydro jetting before applying the epoxy liner.

The CIPP process takes about one day, making it an efficient and affordable option for repairing your pipes. It is particularly useful for commercial buildings that cannot afford to have their business interrupted by a lengthy pipe replacement project. It can also be used in historic buildings where the repiping procedure could disrupt or destroy architectural features.

While epoxy lining is an excellent choice for small diameter lines, it cannot be used on larger pipes because of the massive air volume needed to blow in the lining. This can be an issue if you have large mains that connect to your home or office. Depending on the size of your pipes, you may need to hire an expert to install the lining for you or consider repiping.

Cost

Typically, epoxy pipe lining is less expensive than traditional pipe replacement methods. This is because it is a no-dig technology, meaning there’s no need to tear down walls or floors to reach the damaged pipes. This can save you time and money in the long run, as well as reducing disruption to your home or business. Additionally, the materials used in epoxy lining are nontoxic and don’t pose any danger to your environment or employees.

The process is also called cured-in-place piping (CIPP). This is because the pipeline is essentially cured in place during the lining procedure. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to fix their pipes without disturbing their landscape or architecture. During the CIPP process, a flexible, epoxy saturated liner is inserted into the existing pipe through access points that are created using video sewer inspection. The liner is inflated, pushing it against the pipe walls to create a seamless “pipe-within-a-pipe.” After the resin cures, the bladder is removed, leaving behind the new lining.

This process is much cheaper than traditional excavation methods, which can cost thousands of dollars. Additionally, it requires less labor and can be completed more quickly. Additionally, a new epoxy lining can increase the lifespan of your pipes and prevent future corrosion.

Before the epoxy lining can be applied, the pipes must first be cleaned. This is done with hydro-jetting and other high-pressure water techniques. This removes sediment, corrosion, and other buildup from the inside of your pipes. The pipes can then be sandblasted, depending on the type of pipes you have.

It’s important to work with a licensed plumber for the pipe lining process, as this is a complex operation that requires proper knowledge and skill. Additionally, the process must be completed in a timely manner, and the epoxy coating needs to dry properly. Having a licensed, experienced plumber will help you avoid the risks of improper installation and ensure that your pipes are protected for decades to come.

Leaky and damaged pipes are a serious issue that can impact your home or business in many ways. From encouraging mold and mildew to causing cracks in your building’s foundation, these problems can lead to costly repairs and renovations. Fortunately, epoxy pipe lining can solve these issues by providing a permanent solution for your plumbing system.

Safety

The epoxy lining process, also known as cured-in-place piping (CIPP), is an excellent choice for your pipe repair needs. This no-dig technology is non-invasive and less expensive than traditional digging methods. It is a great alternative to repiping and will provide a durable solution that will last up to half a century. This process is also environmentally friendly and safe for your property, workers, and occupants of the building.

The team of professionals that carries out the CIPP procedure uses existing cleanouts or creates new ones to access the pipes that need repairing. Then, the team saturates a woven felt material with epoxy resin. The material is inserted into the damaged pipe and a bladder is inflated. Once the liner is in place, it cures for about four hours. Then, the bladder is removed and a camera inspection is performed to ensure that the new liner is working properly.

It is possible for the epoxy liner to develop delamination within the pipe, which means it will separate from the pipe. This may happen if the pipe is cleaned improperly before the installation or if the epoxy coating is applied unevenly. In such cases, the delamination will occur in the weak areas or threaded regions of the pipes. This can result in a reduction of the diameter of the pipe and a decrease in water flow and speed.

However, if you encounter any problems with your piping system, it is important to have them fixed right away. Even a small leak can cause water damage and lead to health issues. Moreover, a faulty water system can increase your energy bills. By restoring your piping system, you can avoid these issues and reduce your water and energy costs.

In addition, the epoxy lining can help reduce corrosion and protect the environment. Corrosion is a common problem for many aging buildings, and it can cause serious health problems. A corroded piping system can release heavy metals into the water supply, leading to health issues. A leaking pipe can also cause severe property damage and increase your water bill.

Environment

A faulty piping system can cost property owners a lot in repairs and water bills. Fortunately, epoxy linings can eliminate any leaks and extend the life of existing pipes. The lining will also prevent future breaks, reducing the amount of wasted water in your building. It will also prevent toxic metals from leaching into your drinking water. Additionally, the epoxy lining process is eco-friendly, creating no waste for landfills and emitting zero carbon emissions during production.

The pipe lining process can be used to restore sewer lines, drain lines and even potable water lines in residential and commercial properties. It can be applied to pipes made from different materials and is ideal for old, damaged or inaccessible pipes. The lining process involves running a woven felt liner saturated in epoxy resin through the damaged pipe. Once the lining is in place, an inner bladder is inflated to press the lining against the pipe walls and cure it. The result is a “Pipe-within-a-Pipe” that is as good as new and will not suffer from the same problems of the original pipe.

Unlike traditional plumbing methods, epoxy pipe liners do not require any excavation of the soil around the pipes. The work is performed through access points in the walls or floor. This minimally invasive procedure is perfect for residential and commercial applications. In addition, it is a great choice for high-rise buildings that must maintain business or apartment occupancy during the repair.

While it may be tempting to save money by performing a DIY repipe, this is not a safe option. If you are considering this method, make sure that you consult with a professional plumber and get the job done right the first time. An experienced plumber will conduct a thorough inspection and clean the pipes before installing the lining. They will also ensure that the epoxy has sufficient curing time to create a strong bond with the existing pipe.

A faulty pipe system can cause expensive damage to your home or business, as well as waste billions of gallons of water each year. Epoxy relinings are a quick and affordable solution to stop leaks and pipe corrosion. They can also help you cut your energy bill by reducing your water consumption.

The Importance of Water Quality Testing

Arron Bowen

Water Quality Testing Colorado is usually done by collecting a water sample following a specified method statement. And they will be transporting it to the lab in appropriate conditions. This is time-consuming and expensive.

Entirely pure water does not exist, but the presence of harmful substances shouldn’t be a cause for panic. It is better to be proactive and test your water regularly.

water quality testing

The physical parameters of water quality include those that can be sensed by the human body, including temperature, odor and taste, color, turbidity, and content of dissolved solids. These are generally easy to test using simple home testing kits and can indicate if water is safe for use. Other tests measure the chemical and biological characteristics of water.

Chemical parameters of water quality reflect its interaction with the environment. These tests may determine a range of indicators, such as pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, and levels of iron and manganese, nitrates, chlorides, sodium, copper, and zinc. These are also usually measured in a laboratory with sophisticated instruments such as spectrophotometers and photometers.

Biological water quality parameters indicate the presence or absence of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, and protozoa. These are usually tested in a laboratory using culture and plate count methods, although low-tech tests are also available. The ability of water to transport and dissolve minerals is also important. Testing for nitrates, phosphates, and heavy metals is often undertaken in the water quality monitoring process.

In most developed countries, water used for drinking and other household purposes is required to meet a minimum set of standards. These are described as drinking water quality (DWQ) standards, and they represent limits on the quantity of certain contaminants in drinking water. In addition, many governments provide water quality reports that can be accessed via their websites.

Most private well owners need access to professional laboratories to test their water. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the basic methods that can be employed at home to test water quality. These include using simple test strips or disks, more advanced digital meters, and handheld spectrophotometers that non-specialists can operate. However, it is worth noting that these tools are unlikely to be suitable for “citizen science” or crowdsourced water quality monitoring. In addition, a variety of specialized parameters such as arsenic, fluoride, and toxic organic matter are best tested in a laboratory using specialist equipment.

Chemical water quality tests provide data that indicate the level of dissolved chemicals in the water. These may include dissolved solids like calcium and magnesium (water hardness), pH, turbidity, salt, and nitrates. Chemicals like copper, nitrates, and chlorine can be dangerous to human health at high levels. Natural sources create some water pollutants, while human activities, such as industrial waste discharge or pesticides, can cause others.

These types of contaminants are typically found in untreated drinking water sources and can be monitored with a variety of testing methods. These methods range from simple, handheld digital instruments to sophisticated laboratory instrumentation.

Some of the most common chemical water tests are for total coliforms, dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity. Water turbidity measures the ability of light to pass through water and is a good indicator for suspended solids such as organic material, clay, silt, and other particulate matter. High turbidity can be aesthetically unappealing, increases the cost of water treatment, and provides hiding places for harmful microorganisms, shielding them from disinfection processes. The conductivity of the water indicates its ability to carry electricity and can help detect corrosive and toxic chemicals.

Many of these parameters are often tested together, such as a test for the presence of cyanide, fluoride, and arsenic in drinking water. Water used in manufacturing and cooling processes must be free of these elements that can corrode or scale equipment and create a toxic environment for microorganisms.

Water quality testing is an essential component of the monitoring process that protects our water resources and the flora and fauna that depend on them. Monitoring allows for identifying contaminants before they reach critical concentrations that threaten human health. It also ensures that waters continue to meet their designated uses, such as fishing, swimming, and drinking, for which they are regulated. The set uses, specific criteria that protect those uses, and antidegradation statements that state that waters should not be allowed to deteriorate below their current or anticipated use are the basis for drinking water quality standards at the federal and state levels.

As a part of water quality testing, scientists analyze the presence and concentrations of various microorganisms that can impact human health. These include bacteria, algae, and protozoa. Biological water testing can be performed in certified laboratories or with the help of portable test kits that are convenient to use on-site.

In addition to physical parameters such as color, odor, and temperature, chemical parameters play an important role in water quality testing. They can be used to assess the pH level of the water, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. They can also be used to determine if there are toxic inorganic substances present in the water, such as heavy metals or pesticides. They can also measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which is necessary for aquatic organisms to survive.

Biological water quality tests are conducted in labs using specific agars to isolate and count microorganisms. Often, samples are tested for indicator bacteria, such as nonspecific coliforms or E. coli, which are easily grown and indicate the presence of fecal contamination in a water sample. Other bacterial tests identify specific pathogens that may be dangerous to human health, such as salmonella or cholera.

The physical and chemical water quality parameters that are measured can be measured by a variety of instruments, including spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and optical fluorimeters. Some of these can be used to determine the presence and concentration of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Others can be used to detect the presence of organic matter, such as sewage or fertilizers. They can also be used to determine the turbidity of the water, which is a measure of the amount of suspended materials such as clay, silt, and organic material that interfere with light penetration and can impact water treatment processes.

Electrical conductivity is a critical measurement in the evaluation of raw water because it indicates the ability of a liquid to carry an electric current. Potable water has a low conductivity, while contaminated or polluted water will have a high one.

Whether you are connected to a public water supply or drink from your private well, you can be affected by harmful substances that enter the water and make their way into your body. These substances can cause digestive problems, illness, and even death. Water testing reveals the presence of these substances and provides information on how to prevent them from entering your body.

Most people are familiar with the water quality testing procedures that their municipal drinking water suppliers must undergo to ensure their supplies meet EPA standards. These tests include the removal of coliform bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants. The EPA also requires that municipal water suppliers publish the results of these tests in their annual consumer confidence reports (CCRs).

Individual homeowners should be aware of the need for regular water quality testing as well. While the EPA regulations for municipal water suppliers do not apply to private residential wells, the EPA and individual states recommend that private well owners test for coliform bacteria at least once yearly. Additional testing may be recommended for other specific well water constituents, such as sodium, chloride, nitrate levels, iron, manganese, hardness of water, and dissolved solids.

The bacterial contamination test most often used in water quality monitoring is the total coliform test. These are a group of microbes found in the digestive tracts of warm-blooded animals, in soil and vegetation, and surface and groundwater. Total coliforms in drinking water are not directly toxic but serve as a general indicator that animal or human wastes might have contaminated the water. The test may be supplemented with more specific tests for fecal contamination.

Other chemical tests commonly conducted for well water include conductivity, acidity, and turbidity. The latter indicates the number of particles in a water sample, which means the amount of sediment in a stream bed. Conductivity, which reflects the concentration of ions in a water sample, is usually measured in millisieverts per centimeter or microsieverts per cubic meter.

All samples must be prepared carefully for each water quality monitoring test. All sample containers and glassware should be cleaned and rinsed using a mild detergent to prevent cross-contamination between samples. Any latex gloves used should be washed thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria.