Month: September 2019

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

If you’ve ever encountered a pretty old and gnarly manhole while driving, then you know how big of a nuisance they can be. Damaged manhole frames and covers can create sewer blockages, act as road hazards, and lead to other safety and liability issues.

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Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments homeowners can make for a room remodel. A kitchen is usually at the center of a home, both physically and socially. The family often gathers and celebrates there, and proper food preparation is impossible without it. Changing an aging, outdated kitchen for one with new design trends, better workflow space, and the best in modern appliances can help to renew an entire home. It also significantly raises the home’s market value.

However, a poorly done remodel will turn into a nightmare. A kitchen remodel involves numerous steps, and you want only the best contractors on each of them. Because plumbing is a huge part of the kitchen, hiring a professional plumbing contractor with remodeling experience to handle the plumbing remodeling parts of the job.

The Steps of a Plumbing Remodel

Unless you only plan to change out a few cabinets or put in a new countertop, you must have changes made to the plumbing during a kitchen remodel. A kitchen is filled with pipes, drains, and appliances that require special handling when the space is rearranged and redesigned. When you hire our plumbers for your kitchen remodeling, here are a few of the steps they take.

• Moving around the pipes. This is one of the basic jobs—plumbers have to redesign the layout of the current water supply pipes to account for the new kitchen layout. This can be the biggest job of all if the kitchen remodel is a significant one that’s changing the location of sinks and other appliances.
• Moving the drains. Getting the job done incorrectly can end up violating local plumbing codes, not to mention making the kitchen highly unsanitary.
• Moving and installing gas lines. This only applies to homes that use natural gas. But for those homes, it is essential that only licensed professionals do the work. Any unlicensed work on gas lines is a potential health hazard.
• New sink installation. Most kitchen remodels include putting in a new sink, and you can trust our plumbers to have a great new model in place.
• New garbage disposal installation. Usually a part of the sink installation. If you didn’t already have a garbage disposal, we highly recommend making it part of the remodel.
• Any other appliance installation. Also putting in a new dishwasher or a sprayer? The plumbers do this installation as well.
• Checking the work. A good plumber won’t just hook up the pipes and drains and dishwashers and let it go at that. They’ll test all their work to ensure there are no leaks or other impending problems.

To ensure the remodeling goes well, our plumbers will work with the general contractor. We know you want a speedy and effective kitchen remodel, and we’ll do everything we can to make the process smooth as we work with the other contractors.

To find out more about our plumbing services in Peoria, AZ and how we can assist you with a plumbing remodel, call our offices.

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas. Speak to us today to arrange for complete kitchen plumbing services, including plumbing remodeling.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

The main water line on your property has a big job to do. Most of the time it does it just fine without any problems. However, over time, this pipe does begin to experience signs of wear and tear and may require replacement. The last thing you want is to have this type of problem happen out of the blue. Luckily, when you know the signs of a failing main line, you have the opportunity to save and plan for this type of outdoor plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA.

Stay alert for these 5 signs of a faulty main water line and call for plumbing services right away.

A Change in Your Water Bill

Sudden spikes in water usage for no obvious reason are a huge sign that something isn’t right. While the problem isn’t always related to issues with the main line, most often it is. A quality plumbing service company has tools to figure out if this is what’s going on at your home.

Water Pressure Problems

There are a number of things that cause water pressure problems. If you’re having problems with water pressure that only affects one fixture or just when you’re using the hot water, then what’s going on probably isn’t related to the main line. What you want to look for is low water pressure that affects the entire house.

If this is happening at your home, before you call for service, call your water service provider. Sometimes work being done on their end affects the water pressure to homes they service. If this turns out not to be the case, have your main line looked at for further examination into the problem.

Standing Water in Your Yard

Have you noticed soggy parts of your yard along the main line? When puddles or dips in the yard form along where the line is installed, this could indicate a crack in the pipe. If the pipe has been damaged for some time, it’s highly likely you’ll find your soggy yard is also accompanied by that higher water bill mentioned earlier.

Water Quality Issues

Another indication of a main line break is sudden water quality issues. Have you noticed dirt or debris in your water? When the main water line is compromised, dirt can get into the line and eventually make its way to your bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets. Don’t ignore this problem. Not only does it signal an issue with your main line, but it’s also very unsanitary.

No Water

If you have no water coming into your home, this is very inconvenient. Somehow the main water line has developed a clog and it needs attention. The clog probably formed because dirt got in through a crack and now water can’t move through the line. Call a plumbing installation contractor to investigate the problem.

When you plan ahead for main water line plumbing installation services, you don’t feel panicked. To schedule an inspection with a licensed plumber, contact Stahl Plumbing today at 412-273-1000.

The post 5 Warning Signs Your Main Water Line Needs Replacement appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Nobody wants sewage backups and overflow in and around their home. Why? Because it can cause serious health hazards, mess up home interiors, and wreak havoc on the environment.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, overflows from aging sewer systems exposes the citizens to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can result in serious illness.

Often, an overflow in a sewage system is primarily the result of a blockage in the line which forces and redirects human waste and other unhealthy substances to back up into nearby drains and pipes.

Suppose the backup occurs in a DCW A-maintained line, you’ll notice the sewage flowing out of every possible opening, often referred to as manhole.

However, if your home has basements where the lowest level is the same as the sewer lines, then the overflowing sewage may likely exit through the toilets and drains.

You can expect that blockage can occur outside your home or within your home — either way, you need to take steps to fix it. Although, preventing it is easier and better than fixing it.

 

How to Prevent a Sewage Backup

To stay safe and avoid exposure to serious health risks as a result of sewage backup, you need to take smart steps to prevent it. You can save money in home repairs and ensure a healthy lifestyle for the household.

Here are 5 precautionary steps to take to prevent a sewage backup and overflow:

1. Raise the house drain

Gravity is a powerful force that’s often overlooked as an effective solution to sewage backup.

To prevent backups, one of the things you can do is raise the house drain to a higher elevation, especially if it’s located inside the main building.

More so, if the drain is situated within an unfinished basement. Although it has its downsides — because the raised drain will be exposed to passersby.

To guarantee results, you might want to raise a portion of the house sewer outside the house. This way, you’re safeguarding your house from imminent sewage overflow — especially when you’re out of town.

2. Conduct a thorough inspection

A proper inspection can help you to prevent sewage backup. Most homeowners and city dwellers don’t understand residential plumbing and sewage lines — so it’s always a wise decision to consult a skilled plumber to inspect your home.

It’s the job of the service technician to understand your environment, analyze the age of your sewage systems, identify issues that may potentially lead to a future sewage backup or overflow.

But they also give recommendations and guidelines on what you should do to avoid sewage backups.

3. Stick to proper Grease disposal

One of the most popular causes of sewage backups is grease. Grease can block the sewer pipes. Grease usually come from household drains, and also from grease traps which escape from restaurants and other food-related businesses.

Since grease comes from cooking oil, butter or margarine, baking goods, dairy products, food scraps, and meat fats, it’s advisable to dispose of it properly.

Note: DON’T wash liquid cooking grease down into your drains.

If you do, it’ll not be broken down in the wastewater treatment process. Worse, it can solidify in cold weather. It’ll stick to the sewer pipes, and build up over time to block the entire pipe.

To dispose off cooking grease properly, follow these tips:

• Let it cool (if it’s hot)
• Wipe solidified grease from your utensils with wipes or tissue paper.
• Throw it into the trash
• If you plan to reuse the grease, then pour it into a non-recyclable, sealed container like a milk bottle.
• Dispose your solidified grease into the trash.

4. Keep Toilets from clogging

The toilet is an essential but delicate facility in your home. It connects with your sewer pipes and systems. Keeping it in check is important if you want to prevent sewage backups.

Items such as cloth rags, diapers, household chemicals, grease, paper towels, and feminine products should never be flushed down the toilets. The only safe items to flush down there is toilet paper and human waste.

As a rule of thumb, you also need to protect your toilet from rodents and pests that might eat up your pipes or destroy them.

Keep your toilet safe and clean for the household. This is a huge step towards preventing sewage overflow inside the house.

5. Replace current sewer lines

This is a critical step that you must take if your sewer lines are aging. Neglecting them could result in a serious mess if something goes wrong.

Using plastic piping as a new replacement is recommended because they’re built to withstand harsh temperatures and chemicals that ooze out from human waste and other harmful substances.

Replacing your current sewer lines can prevent infiltration from bush roots and trees that spread their roots everywhere. While at it, always look for cracks and leaks in your foundation. Take steps to waterproof your basement as well.

 

Conclusion

Most people are not trained to handle the excesses of sewage backup and overflow. That’s why it’s best to prevent it.

But as the saying goes “the unforeseen usually happens.” If that’s the case and you suspect a blockage in your home plumbing system, endeavor to unclog the blockage before running water down the drains.

By following the precautions and steps in this article, I’m sure you’re better prepared to prevent and/or curb the effects of sewage backup. Keep your family members and pets safe from direct exposure to sewage overflow.

If you’re unable to handle the situation, consult a professional plumber or serviceman in your area.

This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

In 2018, Ottawa launched its backflow prevention program, which is to be phased in over a ten year duration. The program will first look to newer commercial buildings and industrial sites, while older buildings will be required to add new backflow prevention systems and undergo testing. However, if you are an Ottawa homeowner, you don’t have to worry too much. Most of the plumbing pieces that are required by this new legislation are already part of the building code or connected to irrigation systems.

 

If you own a property at risk of backflow, your local municipality will contact you. Properties with severe risks are going to be addressed before December 2020, while those with moderate risks will be seen before December 2025. All notifications are estimated to be complete by 2022.

 

What is Backflow?

A Backflow is an undesired reversal of water flowing between the distribution system and your private system, due to changes in the water pressure. Backflow, or reversal, can cause contaminants that were flushed away to reenter the drinking water distribution system and puts public health at risk.

 

Backflow is caused by one of two issues:

 

• Back pressure: Happens when pressure in a private system is greater than the public distribution system. This is often caused by elevated tanks, pumps, increased temperature in boilers, or other localized pressure events.
• Back siphonage: Happens when the municipality’s system has lower pressure than a private system. Oftentimes, fire-fighting or water main breaks are the cause. The backflow pulls contaminated water away from private systems and into the public distribution system.

 

Standards & Regulations

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) created the Manual for the Selection and Installation of Backflow Preventers/Maintenance and Field Testing of Backflow Preventers as a means of setting standards. Professional plumbers will not only have these standards, but they will also follow Ontario Building Code and other Ottawa regulations.

 

As mentioned, some properties will be “at risk” and marked either moderate or severe. Here is how the CSA describes these two categories:

 

• Moderate: Low probability of becoming a severe hazard with maintenance. The water quality has been reduced and may create health risks.
• Severe: The water may have additives or other substances that can create health risks to those who use or consume it.

 

 

Depending on the severity of the backflow risk, affected property owners in Ottawa will need licensed professionals to do the following:

 

• Conduct on-site surveys annually for 5 years to check the risks and report the backflow prevention measures to the city
• Install backflow prevention devices on the property
• Test the installed devices annually and submit reports to the municipality

 

How Can The Irish Plumber Help?

Don’t worry. We have you covered. The Irish Plumber has all the qualifications and training required by the Canadian Standards Association to conduct site surveys, select and install the necessary backflow devices, and maintain those devices throughout the years. Our team of professionals have plenty of experience to assist you with complying to the Ottawa Backflow Prevention Program.

 

We even have backflow devices—Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA) and Reduced Pressure Principle Assemblies (RP)—in stock and available for purchase. A team member can help you assess which backflow device is best suited for your property, so don’t hesitate to give us a call and set up an appointment.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Ottawa’s Backflow Prevention Program appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

If you’ve noticed recent spikes in your water bill, water performance issues, and spotting on your lawn, there’s a solid chance your underground pipes have been damaged in some way. Gradual pipe collapse or deterioration is common for dated plumbing systems made of Orangeburg pipe, copper, or clay.

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Are you looking for ways to cut plumbing repair costs in Pittsburgh, PA? Luckily, there are many ways to do this, such as maintaining your pipes and fixtures and calling for service for the first time of trouble. Keep reading to learn more tips for keeping emergency plumber cost in check.

Clean Your Drains

Dirty drains are the most common reasons people call for the service of a 24-hour emergency plumber. When drains get filled with dirt and debris, they have no choice but to back up into your home, and this causes a huge mess. Regular drain cleaning service prevents clogs from getting so bad and causing serious problems in your home, including water damage.

How often should you clean your drains? The answer varies, but for the most part, drain cleaning service once a year should suffice.

Replace Broken Fixtures

Nothing wastes money more than a broken fixture like a leaky faucet or running toilet. Yet, people put off calling for plumbing service. The reasons for the delay vary, but usually, the excuses given are that it’s just a little leak or the toilet doesn’t run all the time. Even if the broken fixture isn’t bothering you, it still costs you money. Call a plumber to get those fixtures fixed and keep more money in your hands.

Pay Attention to Signs of Trouble

When you’re alert for signs of trouble, you’re more likely to catch a problem in its early stages. The best emergency plumber will tell you that the cost of repairs decreases significantly when you address problems early on. Signs of potentially costly problems include things like rushing water inside the walls, leaks, puddles on the floor, a sudden drop in water pressure, leaky water heaters, and higher than normal water bills. If you notice any of these problems at your home, call for plumbing service right away.

Get Routine Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance service is a valuable service offered by plumbing companies because they know it saves you—their customer—money. For example, water heater flushing is a maintenance task that should be done once a year. It’s necessary to get rid of the sediment that builds up in the water tank. When sediment continues to build, it affects the water heater’s performance. You may have poor heating problems and need to replace the burner elements. Or, you might find that the sediment causes the tank to leak. By investing a small amount of time and money into routine maintenance, you save yourself the expense of needing to repair or buy a new water heater.

Are You Ready for Great Plumbing Service?

Finding affordable plumbing service near you isn’t hard when you look for experts who have a reputation for excellent service and fair, transparent pricing. When you need this type of plumber in Pittsburgh, contact Stahl Plumbing, your neighborhood plumbing service. Call Stahl Plumbing to schedule maintenance or other service today!

 

The post Tips for Saving Money on Your Plumbing Repair appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

The hydro-jet: a plumber’s favorite tool. You may have heard of it before, especially if you’ve been keeping up with our blogs, but in case you haven’t, we’ll tell you all about it!

Basically, a hydro-jet is a motorized device that was first invented in the 1950s. It uses highly-pressurized water to scour the inside of your drain pipes, blasting away debris that may be in there.

Though this sounds quite simple in theory, many homeowners still have a lot of questions about this device and about how it’ll benefit them. So for your convenience, we have answered some of our most frequently asked questions about hydro-jetting for you below. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more.

FAQ

1. Is hydro-jetting better than using a drain snake?

In most cases, yes. A drain snake is an effective tool for breaking apart individual clogs and doing the job quickly. But a drain snake doesn’t provide the same complete coverage and cleaning that a hydro-jet does. A good hydro-jetting job will remove almost all debris from throughout a pipe, not only a small section, which makes it difficult for clogs to start again.

2. Can I perform hydro-jetting on my own?

No. The equipment is too expensive for consumer use. It can also be dangerous in untrained hands. Always call on a professional plumber for hydro-jetting services.

3. How high is the pressure in a hydro-jetter?

Different hydro-jets have different pressures; the plumber must match the pressure to the particular cleaning needs. For example, commercial hydro-jets have much stronger pressure, but this might cause damage to pipes in a home. The standard residential hydro-jet uses 4000 psi (pounds per square inch).

4. Will hydro-jetting damage plastic pipes?

It can if the hose is left sitting inside the pipe in the same space for too long. However, a 4000 psi hydro-jetter in the hands of a professional won’t cause problems for plastic pipes! So, basically, you’ve got nothing to fear!

5. When do I schedule hydro-jetting services?

The best thing about hydro-jetting is that it can be used proactively and reactively. So, not only can it be used to clear existing clogs, but it can also be used to prevent them from forming in the first place! Ask your local Sanford plumber about using the hydro-jet as part of your annual maintenance services.

Hire a Professional

We can not stress enough the importance of hiring a professional plumber to handle all of your drain cleaning needs. Trust us, using a hydro-jet properly takes years of training and experience, so we do not recommend hiring just any amateur for the job, even if they are offering service for a cheaper price.

And remember, if you have any more questions about the benefits of hydro-jetting, do not hesitate to ask! Your plumber will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

To learn more about the benefits of hydro-jetting, or to set up an appointment, contact the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today!

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com