Category: Plumbing

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 Basics of Septic Tanks

Phillip Browning

Septic Tank Armadale gathers wastewater from the toilet, washing machine, garbage disposal, and other drains in your home. Bacteria digest and break down solid waste, with heavy solids settling to the bottom of the tank and oils and grease floating to the top.

A baffle or sanitary tee sits at the inlet and outlet to direct and control wastewater flow. It also keeps floating solids from entering the tank outlet pipe.

Septic Tank

Every time you flush a toilet or wash your clothes, wastewater passes from your home through pipes into the septic tank. Here it’s treated by natural and mechanical processes. Heavy solids drop to the bottom of the tank forming a layer of sludge, while light solids and fats float to the top of the liquid. Bacteria and enzymes break down the sludge. Liquid wastewater (effluent) then leaves the septic tank through a pipe into the drain field.

Once outside, gravity forces the effluent through perforated pipes that filter it through rocks, dirt, and sand to remove disease-causing organisms and organic matter. It then seeps into the soil where natural processes further treat it to become clean groundwater.

Most septic tanks are made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. Steel tanks rust and have shorter lifespans than other materials, but they’re still found in older systems. Newer tanks are usually built from sturdier fiberglass or polyethylene.

The tank consists of two chambers separated by a wall with openings near the middle. Sewage and wastewater enter the first chamber, where it’s held until solid waste separates from the liquid. The sludge layer falls to the bottom of the tank, while FOG floats to the top as a scum layer. Over time, anaerobic decomposition reduces the volume of these layers, which need to be pumped out periodically.

A baffle in the inlet prevents sludge from entering the inlet pipe and clogging the tank, while a T-shaped outlet baffle stops scum and sludge from exiting the tank and traveling into the drainfield. This protects the microbes that are treating the wastewater.

Aerobic septic tanks use an oxygen pump to blow air into the tank’s liquid waste, which stimulates aerobic bacteria that are better at breaking down sewage than other types of microbes. These bacteria are more efficient and require less space than the anaerobic microbes in traditional septic tanks, which reduces the size of the drain field needed to process wastewater. An alarm is triggered if the air pump fails. The wastewater then flows into a distribution box, which channels the fluid through perforated pipes set in trenches filled with stone or gravel.

Septic tanks are a necessity for those who live in rural areas without access to city sewers. They provide onsite water treatment and are environmentally friendly. They can also save you money by eliminating costly plumbing repairs and sewer services. Before installing a septic system, you should consult with local plumbing experts about your property and needs. They will give you recommendations about the type and size of septic tank that will work best for your home. They will also recommend a reliable septic tank installer for the job.

A septic tank is a large, buried, and watertight container that holds the wastewater from all the pipes in your house. Its size depends on the number of people living in your home and the amount of water use. A septic tank that is too small will quickly overflow with waste and cause severe problems.

The septic tank works by separating the solids from the liquids. The heavier solids, known as sludge, settle at the bottom of the tank while the lighter grease, oils, and lipids float on top. Inside the tank, colonies of bacteria break down these substances. The liquids, called effluent, then flow out of the septic tank and into the drain field.

Once the sewage leaves the septic tank, it seeps into the soil via perforated pipes. The effluent slowly filters into underground aquifers. It is important to plant grass and other shallow-rooted plants over the absorption area. This helps prevent the growth of roots that can penetrate and clog the septic system.

Before the septic tank installation, the plumbing expert will inspect your land and dig test pits to check the soil conditions. They will determine whether the soil is suitable for a septic system, checking factors like the soil types, the water table, and any buried structures that could interfere with drainage. They will also check for the presence of any tree roots that might penetrate the septic pipes and block them. Finally, they will conduct a land survey to ensure that the proposed site for the septic tank is actually within your property boundaries.

Septic tanks are designed to collect sewage and provide a quiet zone for the waste while colonies of bacteria break it down. The sludge and scum that accumulate in the tank decrease its working capacity over time, so it is important to keep the tank pumped out. It is also a good idea to perform regular system inspections and cleaning. This will help to prevent many problems, from costly repairs to clogged drain fields.

It is important to save all maintenance records on your septic tank, including inspections, cleaning and pumping. This information will come in handy if you ever decide to sell your home, as potential buyers will want to know that the septic system has been regularly maintained and cleaned.

A septic tank must be pumped every three to five years, depending on the number of people living in your household. The septic tank is a big part of the wastewater treatment process, and if it isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to sewage backups and untreated water being released into the environment. Backed up toilets and drains, as well as strong sewage odors, are signs that your septic system needs to be inspected and serviced.

During routine maintenance, your septic tank will be pumped and the contents examined for any signs of damage or leaks. It is also a good idea to map out the location of your septic tank and other system components, or to have them marked with stakes. This will prevent you from damaging the system when doing yard work or construction projects around your home.

It is also a good idea to avoid flushing anything that will not break down in your septic system. Items such as cigarette butts, paper towels, and diapers should be thrown in the trash instead of down the toilet. These items can clog the drains and increase scum formation in the tank. In addition, homeowners should avoid planting trees or any plants with deep roots over the drainfield. This will prevent the roots from growing into and clogging the pipes.

It is also a good idea to use the garbage disposal sparingly, as this can also increase the amount of solids in your tank. In addition, it is a good idea to have an effluent filter installed, as this can reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping.

When you have a septic tank, you need to know how much it costs to maintain it. Septic tanks are designed to treat sewage and wastewater, making them an efficient option for homeowners who live in rural areas. The cost of a septic system varies depending on the size and type of tank and the amount of waste it can handle.

The septic tank is the main component of a septic system and can range in price from $500 to $14,000 or more. The price of the septic tank depends on the material, size, and installation method. The cheapest tanks are made of fiberglass or polyethylene, while the most expensive ones are concrete.

Choosing the right septic tank for your home is crucial to reducing the overall cost of a septic system. The tank size ties directly to the number of bedrooms in your home, and the size of the septic system must match your household’s wastewater production. A three-bedroom home requires a larger tank than a two-bedroom home, and the tank must be deep enough to contain all the waste produced by the house.

A septic tank is usually buried underground, and the only access point is a manhole cover located on the ground surface. Having a septic tank riser installed can make it easier and less expensive for you to access your tank and prevent damage. Risers are available in both plastic and concrete and can be inserted into existing or new tanks.

When the septic tank is full, the heavier solids (sludge) settle to the bottom while the lighter liquids and gases move to the top. The septic tank’s baffles help to separate these layers, and the waste flows down into the drain or leach field. Here, the effluent is treated by microbes and soil to become clean wastewater.

Your septic system’s drain or leach field must be designed to carry the wastewater back into the soil. It should also be at least 50 feet away from any potable water wells. You can choose from several different types of septic systems, including mound systems, drip distribution systems, or engineered septic systems.