4 Tips for Affordable Municipal Pipe Repair
Municipal sewer line damage can be a costly and frustrating problem to deal with. Road closures, expensive digging, and long labor hours all add up to high, and often unpredictable, final price tags.
Municipal sewer line damage can be a costly and frustrating problem to deal with. Road closures, expensive digging, and long labor hours all add up to high, and often unpredictable, final price tags.
Let’s be honest, resolving municipal plumbing problems is never a glamorous process. However, innovations in plumbing technology can ease some of these challenges and only incur minimal disruptions to surrounding communities. And, if you consider yourself to be a forward-thinking individual who makes decisions for cities or contracting companies, then you’re probably aware of the manifold benefits of trenchless plumbing technologies. Read More
As of 2021, there are more than 800,000 miles of public sewer lines and 500,000 miles of private sewer laterals in the United States, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. And, as cities expand to cater to growing populations, these numbers are only increasing.
How are things going in the drainage portion of your home’s plumbing pipes? Chances are, unless you’re currently dealing with a major clog, you haven’t thought about it in quite a while. Here’s the thing: drain pipe problems are not usually caused by one catastrophic thing, like a single item going down a drain. They’re caused by gradual buildup.
The good news is that gradual buildup is something you can deal with before serious issues develop. How? With professional drain cleaning, you can prevent major pipe problems. Here are three of the big ones and how drain cleaning keeps them from happening.
Whether it’s your kitchen or bathroom sink, or your shower or tub, a clog in the drain can ruin your whole day—or longer. They prevent you from using an important part of your home’s plumbing, leading to stacks of unwashed dishes or an inability to bathe. And they can also cause very unpleasant smells to develop surprisingly quickly.
In the kitchen, the substances that build up are most likely to be food particles and fat, oil, and grease. When these get washed down the drain, they often don’t simply wash away. Fat cools in your drain and solidifies, and other particles get caught in the greasy coating on the inside of your pipes. In the bathroom, clogs are more likely to be an accumulation of soap scum and hair.
When drain water leaves your home, it all heads in one direction: the sewer pipe. This is a single large pipe that leads from your home to wherever your wastewater goes, either a main pipe of your municipal sewage system or a septic tank. Because everything that goes down the drains ends up in this pipe, it is affected by all of it: food waste, fat, hair, soap scum, minerals from hard water, and more.
Substances like soap and cleaning chemicals have a very high pH. This is why it would burn your skin if you left soap on it all day and all night. High-pH substances are caustic and can cause corrosion to metal. And buildup of any kind in your pipes allows water to cling and cause oxidation rather than passing easily through. All of this can rust the inside of your pipes.
Worse, the rust will roughen the inside of the pipes, leading to more buildup occurring and clogs happening faster. This can even tempt you to use more corrosive chemicals like liquid drain cleaners in an attempt to solve the problem. But adding to the corrosion will only worsen the problem! What can you do?
Using a hydrojet, a machine that pressurizes water, a plumber can scour away years of buildup from your sewer pipe and all the drain pipes that lead to it. No chemicals are needed, and everything from fat to minerals will be blasted away. Your sewer pipe won’t back up, your drains won’t clog, and even the pipes themselves will last longer, being protected from corrosion.
Professional drain cleaning in Livingston, NJ can prevent all these problems before they occur. Are you ready to be proactive with your plumbing? Schedule an appointment!
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to learn more about drain cleaning!
The post How Drain Cleaning Prevents These 3 Big Pipe Problems first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..
This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com
While many homeowners know the tell-all signs of a water leak within their home’s plumbing, such as high water bills, lawn damage, and in-home leaking, often finding the leaks themselves can become a frustrating challenge. This is primarily due to the many areas, individual pipes, and systems in which a leak can occur, and for whatever number of reasons.
As responsible homeowners, it’s essential to explore options that can improve your property’s efficiency while reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. One such upgrade that can offer significant benefits to Ottawa homeowners is the installation of high-efficiency toilets. With advancements in plumbing technology, high-efficiency toilets have become increasingly popular due to their ability to conserve water, reduce utility bills, and, in turn, lessen environmental strain.
High-efficiency toilets are designed to use considerably less water per flush than traditional toilets. While older toilets may use up to 13.2 litres per flush, high-efficiency models can use as little as 4.8 litres, reducing water consumption by more than 50%. By investing in this modern technology, homeowners can enjoy multiple benefits, including significant water conservation, reduced utility bills, reliable performance, and an eco-friendlier household.
Switching to a high-efficiency toilet not only offers environmental advantages but also ensures long-term cost savings for Ottawa homeowners. By reducing water usage, you can experience lower monthly water bills and less impact on the city’s water supply. Additionally, high-efficiency toilets often employ innovative flushing mechanisms and design enhancements, providing improved performance, reduced maintenance needs, and an overall more satisfying user experience. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet in your Ottawa home and how our team of professionals at The Irish Plumber can help you make this eco-friendly transition.
One of the most significant advantages of high-efficiency toilets is their ability to conserve a considerable amount of water compared to older, traditional models. As mentioned earlier, high-efficiency toilets can use as little as 4.8 litres of water per flush, cutting water consumption by more than half. Water conservation not only helps Ottawa homeowners save on utility bills, but it also contributes to the city’s overall water supply preservation and supports our environment amidst growing concerns about water scarcity.
Since high-efficiency toilets use significantly less water compared to traditional models, homeowners can experience considerable savings on their monthly water bills. The amount saved depends on factors such as household size, water consumption habits, and local water rates. However, by upgrading to a water-conserving toilet, Ottawa homeowners can expect long-term cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
High-efficiency toilets often incorporate innovative technologies that enhance performance and reliability. Many models offer several features, such as pressure-assisted flushing systems, dual flush options, or glazed trapways, each aimed at improving overall flushing efficiency and reducing clogs. The result is a more powerful and consistent flush, minimizing the need for maintenance or plunging.
By reducing water usage, high-efficiency toilets support eco-friendly living practices that are increasingly important for homeowners today. Upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet contributes to the reduction of your household’s overall environmental impact, helping combat rising water scarcity and energy demand issues. Adopting eco-friendly measures, such as implementing water-saving technologies, is a crucial step in creating a more sustainable future for our communities.
When considering a high-efficiency toilet, it’s essential to choose a model that best suits your home and specific needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:
At The Irish Plumber, our experts are highly skilled in high-efficiency toilet installations, ensuring a seamless and efficient upgrade for Ottawa homeowners. Here are the steps involved in our professional toilet installation process:
Upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet in your home offers numerous benefits, including significant water conservation, reduced utility bills, improved performance, and a more eco-friendly living environment. At The Irish Plumber, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing high-quality installation and plumbing services in Ottawa, ensuring that your home is equipped with the very best in plumbing technology. Choose us for all your plumbing needs and experience the difference an environmentally-conscious, expertly installed high-efficiency toilet can make in your home. Contact us today.
So, you’ve got a broken sewer pipe. You may be wondering how this happened, or what you’re going to have to do to be able to pay for it.
You may ask a question that plumbers hear all the time, usually after a sewer line break has wrought considerable damage to a homeowner’s property:
“Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line damage?”
Homeowner’s insurance is intended to protect you from the high cost of sewer damage and repairs to your home, whether they stem from aging utilities or faulty installation. This applies to almost everything within your home and on your property, including electrical wiring, insulation, and (you guessed it) plumbing.
In the event of pipe failure, fracture, or collapse, it’s very likely that the damages will be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. It all comes down to when and where your pipes fail, and what type of break you are dealing with.
In this post, we’ll detail what factors may affect your coverage for damaged pipes, as well as what you can do to have your pipes restored at minimal cost.
There are many types of sewer lines, all of which are subjected to different forms of wastewater. Tub waste lines carry soap and hair, which can cause clogs over time, while kitchen sinks can be damaged by grease, oil, and food waste. Homeowners should always be on the lookout for telltale signs of a sewer line break: strange noises, frequent stoppages, or bad smells to name a few. When it comes to plumbing, it’s always best to have a professional take a look at anything out of the ordinary as even minor problems could signal more serious issues that the homeowner can’t see.
A sewer line can break for a number of reasons, including:
While pipes need to be properly maintained, accidents do happen, and sometimes simply maintaining them is not enough.
Broken sewer line insurance depends on two things: the location of the break and the specifics of the homeowner’s insurance policy. The sewer insurance company will want to know the precise location of the break, especially for underground pipes that connect to the neighborhood line. It may be covered if the break is located within the perimeter of the home’s foundation or if it is due to poor workmanship. The claims adjuster will also want to know the age and condition of the pipe before determining whether or not coverage applies.
When you file a claim for coverage, claims adjusters will take all things into account about the affected pipes in your home. This is how adjusters determine whether damage was truly accidental, or the result of poor care and aging. Claims adjusters will evaluate all of the following:
Claims adjusters will try to find ways you could have prevented the sewer line break with regular care, and use these justifications to deny your insurance claim. If you regularly maintain your plumbing and are faced with pipe and sewer damage due to non-negligent factors, you’ll likely receive full sewer insurance coverage for your repairs.
Damaged sewer pipes can be particularly harmful to homes because:
So, when having to deal with this pungent hazard to health and home, many homeowners wonder if their homeowner’s insurance will cover their sewer damage.
Generally, damage to your home’s pipes is more likely to be covered by homeowner’s insurance if they are sudden, and not arguably linked to negligence. If a water line under your home is compromised by an earthquake, fire, or other environmental factor, there is little you could have done to prevent the damage; thus, damages and repairs will likely be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
However, if your pipes have finally given out after years of use, wear-and-tear, or poor general maintenance, there’s a much smaller chance your coverage or claim will be approved. Homeowner’s insurance covers non-negligent, accidental damages; not pipe degradation due to old age or poor care.
Beyond pipe age or negligence, the physical location of your pipe (and the sewer damage) will also affect whether your sewer insurance will cover it. If pipe breaks occur directly under the foundation of your home, you can breathe a slight sigh of relief, as these are generally covered by homeowner’s insurance policies.
However, the same cannot be said for municipal systems (the neighborhood sewer grid), and pipes connecting to municipal sewer lines that may be outside of your property. If a pipe is broken or fractured beyond your home’s foundation, yet still affects your plumbing, you’ll have a harder time receiving full coverage; in these cases, it is more difficult to justify that the pipe is on your property, and thus covered by homeowner’s insurance.
Just like home pipes and damages, not all homeowner’s insurance policies are the same. Before you file an insurance claim to receive coverage for pipe repairs, go over your policy to learn how broadly you are covered for pipe damages. What is covered under one policy may not be covered under another.
There are many different factors that can influence whether or not a specific sewer line break event will or will not be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
There are many different companies out there that offer homeowner’s insurance to Californians. While some basic forms of coverage are required, such as coverage for the dwelling, there may be exceptions for specific events depending on your insurer, including:
For many sewer line insurance policies, it is possible to opt for additional coverage such as flood insurance or sewer and drain backup coverage which specifically addresses flooding events and damage from sewer/drain failures. The extra coverage is meant to be an additional security net if you’re in need of a higher liability. Be sure to do serious research on your home and the area that you live in so that you can get the extra coverage that’s most relevant to you.
Pretty much every insurance plan ever has a set amount of money that the damage to your home has to cost before your insurance policy will start footing the bill. If your damages are below this threshold, then the insurer won’t cover the damage.
The cause of the broken pipe plays a major role in determining whether or not the repairs will be covered. As mentioned earlier, wear and tear isn’t typically covered by homeowner’s insurance. So, if a pipe breaks because of a lack of maintenance, then your sewer insurance won’t cover it. The same goes for breaks caused by earthquakes/earth movement—unless you have that specific bit of coverage (which is a good idea in California). Events that might be covered would include damage caused by faulty workmanship or damage from an accident or an act of vandalism.
If your homeowner’s insurance covers the replacement/repair of the pipe itself, it may also cover the cost of some of the damages to the structure and personal property. Once again, the specific coverage you have will heavily influence this.
Typically, homeowner’s insurance will cover sewer pipe breaks (and damage to other major plumbing lines) in full, given that the damage occurred suddenly due to extraneous circumstances, and not in any way related to negligence. This applies to damages due to earthquakes or tremors, sudden intrusion by plants, or faulty installation.
In the event of a sewer line break, claims adjusters will evaluate a number of factors to determine the cause of damage (and how or if it relates to homeowner negligence). This includes:
For example, if you’ve recently had your home’s sewer lines replaced or repaired, and face damages related to this work due to an installation error, homeowner’s insurance will usually cover the ensuing repair costs; in these cases, you’re covered because there was nothing you could have done to prevent the breakage.
This also applies to sewer damage caused by sudden ground or environmental activity, including storms and flooding. The key takeaway for homeowner’s insurance and your damaged pipe is that, if the break was completely out of your control, you’ll typically be covered. If, however, your sewer pipes have begun to fail due to old age, poor ongoing maintenance or any other factor that could be considered a form of homeowner negligence, it’s much less likely that you’ll receive coverage.
Whether your broken or failing sewer pipe is covered under homeowner’s insurance is almost entirely dependent on what claims adjusters determine to be the cause of the problem. Adjusters will look for any indicators they can find on the party responsible for the damage. If it’s determined that poor homeowner care is directly linked with the break, it becomes far less likely that you’ll receive full coverage as part of your homeowner’s insurance.
Sewer lines transport water waste away from all fixtures in your home, from your garbage disposal to your shower drain; excessive materials or chemical products (basically, anything that shouldn’t be sent through your sewer line) resulting in sewer damage would put the fault on your shoulders, and thus the damage would not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
To help you out in the future, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips you should keep in mind to get the most mileage out of your home sewer line and avoid sewer damage and liability if the worst comes to worst.
Regardless of whether your insurance policy covers a sewer line break, you’ll want to fix the problem as quickly as possible to avoid any additional damage. For fast and effective sewer damage and pipe repair and replacement, you should consider a solution that makes use of the latest in trenchless plumbing technology.
While traditional repair methods can take several days to complete and incur additional expenses in the form of landscaping or pavement repair, trenchless replacement methods can be carried out with minimal disruption at a reasonable cost. Rather than scheduling several days of work after an initial assessment, trenchless solutions can typically be carried out on the same day to get your household back to normal as quickly as possible.
We understand that aging and overburdened sewer lines break all the time. We also know that accidents can happen. Here at Express Sewer & Drain, we can help you with all of your sewer, drain, and plumbing needs. We are fully prepared to perform maintenance or repair on your sewer lines as needed, including deploying the very latest in trenchless technology solutions.
Our services are effective and efficient, and our experienced plumbers are always ready to tackle any plumbing issue. For any and all questions regarding plumbing and sewer lines, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
As a homeowner in Ottawa, keeping your residential plumbing system in optimal condition is crucial to prevent unexpected issues and costly repairs. One effective and proactive approach to maintaining a healthy and functional plumbing system is performing regular drain camera inspections. These inspections employ advanced technology, allowing our skilled technicians to thoroughly assess your pipes’ conditions and identify potential issues before they escalate. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of regular drain camera inspections and how they can contribute to the overall health and performance of your Ottawa home’s plumbing system.
Drain camera inspections involve the use of a high-resolution waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. This specialized equipment is designed to navigate through pipes and provide clear, real-time visuals of your plumbing system’s interior. This non-invasive diagnostic method allows for efficient and accurate identification of issues, such as blockages, corrosion, or cracks, that may not be evident through other means.
By investing in regular drain camera inspections for your Ottawa home, you can potentially save yourself from future headaches and costly repairs. Some of the key benefits of these inspections include early detection of plumbing issues, effective maintenance strategies, prevention of plumbing emergencies, and peace of mind for homeowners. With our team of experienced technicians at The Irish Plumber, you can rest assured that your plumbing system will be thoroughly assessed, helping to ensure its continued longevity and functionality.
One of the major benefits of regular drain camera inspections is the early detection of potential plumbing issues that may go unnoticed in daily life. By visually inspecting your pipes’ interior, qualified technicians can quickly identify any developing problems, such as blockages, corrosion, or cracks. Addressing these issues before they escalate into larger problems can save Ottawa homeowners significant time and money in future repairs. Early detection also minimizes the inconvenience and disruption caused by more extensive plumbing work down the line.
Performing regular drain camera inspections allows homeowners and technicians to develop effective, data-driven maintenance strategies for their plumbing systems. With a thorough understanding of your pipes’ condition, tailored maintenance plans can be put in place to target specific areas of concern. This proactive approach ensures that your plumbing system remains in optimal working order, reducing the likelihood of future issues or the need for emergency repairs.
By performing regular drain camera inspections, you can significantly lessen the likelihood of experiencing plumbing emergencies. Emergencies, such as pipe bursts or sewer backups, can be disastrous for homeowners, both in terms of damage and repair costs. Having a clear understanding of your plumbing system’s current state allows you to address any potential weak points or vulnerabilities proactively. With knowledge comes the power to prevent serious plumbing issues from escalating into emergencies, making these inspections a vital tool in protecting your home and financial well-being.
To give you an idea of what to expect during a drain camera inspection, the following steps outline the process our skilled technicians follow:
Regular drain camera inspections are an essential aspect of maintaining a reliable and efficient plumbing system in your Ottawa home. These inspections provide early detection of potential issues, enable data-driven maintenance strategies, and ultimately prevent costly plumbing emergencies. As a homeowner, it’s essential to prioritize your property’s health and safety, which includes a thorough assessment of your plumbing system. Trust in our dedicated team of technicians at The Irish Plumber to provide thorough and dependable drain camera inspections, ensuring that your home’s plumbing remains in tip-top shape for years to come.
As a business owner, your job is to make sure that you’re doing the best job possible and providing quality service or products to your customers. However, if the plumbing system of your Sacramento business is not working properly, it can halt your business in its tracks.
Knowing the condition of your pipes through regular inspection and maintenance can prevent a problem before it begins. However, if you’re having sewer line issues, technicians using commercial video cameras can peer into your pipes with the aid of closed circuit TV (CCTV) and inspect them for leaks, blockage, obstructions, root growth or other issues that may be causing your sewage backups or the flooding of your business.
Your body is more than half water. And in a younger person, the proportion is even higher. A child’s body is 65% water, and an infant’s is 75% water. This is why infants and young children are at more serious risk from problems that lead to dehydration, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Being able to drink plenty of water is critical for keeping your body healthy.
But what if the water you drink is contaminated? If you drink water that contains germs, you might put yourself in harm’s way. You can even contract the very illnesses that lead to that dehydration, meaning your water is doing more harm than good. What contamination could be in your water? What can you do about it? Let us tell you all about UV water filters.
One of the most common contaminants of drinking water is coliform bacteria, including E. coli. This vicious pathogen frequently causes severe and potentially bloody diarrhea. But it can also cause a wide range of other serious illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis, and even sepsis.
Viruses can also be transported into your home via your drinking water, especially if you get your water from a well. These can include adenovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus.
Protozoans are single-celled organisms you might think of as things to look at under a microscope while studying pond water in middle school science class. But they, too, can contaminate drinking water. Some protozoans that can cause serious illness include cryptosporidium and giardia.
According to the CDC, groups of bacteria, fungi, and amoebas can form colonies that live together inside water pipes. This colony is called a biofilm, and it secretes a slimy, protective substance that can prevent chemicals typically used in water treatment, such as chlorine, from reaching the microorganisms within.
If even chlorine can’t get the job done, how can you possibly make sure that there aren’t microscopic living things lurking in your water and waiting to cause illness? Well, one option is to boil all the water you drink. Unfortunately, that’s not very practical, and it also won’t eliminate all your risk of illness.
Just by using the shower, you can get contaminated water into your eyes, into any open wounds, and even in your lungs by breathing the steamy mist. So your best bet is to treat all the water that comes into your house. What can you treat it with that’s even more powerful than chlorine? Try the cleansing power of light!
At certain frequencies, ultraviolet light is lethal to single-celled living things. It breaks down the proteins that hold them together and scrambles their DNA. When you get a UV water filter in Cedar Grove, NJ, it’s installed where your water enters your home and treats all the water that flows through it.
Is it safe? Definitely! While lying under powerful UV light for a long time could be bad for you, which is how sunburns occur, this light is contained in an out-of-the-way place. You won’t have any exposure to it, and it doesn’t affect the water in any way other than killing the germs.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to learn more about your UV water filtration options!
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