When a failed sewage line is leaking raw sewage into your yard, finding a plumbing solution is a race against the clock. Every moment spent searching for the right service is an opportunity for the existing problem to get even worse. Fortunately, there are a few ways to speed up the search and help to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
When municipal pipes become damaged, they quickly become a significant issue for the surrounding community. In addition to the initial time and cost, you must also factor in roadway traffic, pedestrians, and major restorations for municipal infrastructure. Even a slight damage will mean road closures and delays, or even a water shut off to nearby homes and businesses.
Fortunately, these impractical sewer repair processes are now a thing of the past, thanks to modern trenchless technology. Trenchless technology, one of the single greatest innovations to home water and lateral pipe repair techniques, has helped homeowners across the globe save thousands on their pipe repairs and replacements, while taking a fraction of the time of traditional repairs to complete. This method of pipe repair was first developed in the 1970s to solve an agriculture dilemma with the placement of pipes. Now, the same methods are being used for municipal pipe repair.
Gone are the down-times of traditional repairs and the costly processes of physically excavating manhole lines. With trenchless solutions, city planners can fully tend to their municipal pipe systems with the same efficiency and ease as homeowners using these solutions on their own property.
Trenchless technology allows plumbing professionals to conduct pipe repairs without any invasive digging. Plus, this type of no-dig repair can be completed in about a day and doesn’t damage the surrounding land.
To complete trenchless pipe repairs, there are two main methods: pipe lining and pipe bursting. Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) is the application of epoxy resin liners to damaged or comporosed sewer systems through existing entry points. Most commonly, this is completed through manhole openings along municipal sewer systems, hence the name “manhole-to-manhole lining.”
Pipe bursting, alternatively, is a form of trenchless technology that expands and bursts a pipeline while a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) line is installed in its place. To rupture the old pipe from the inside, a bursting head is inserted through an existing opening. This device has a new and flexible HDPE pipe attached to the back that instantly replaces the original pipeline.
Before the introduction of municipal trenchless technology, plumbers were using traditional pipe repair methods. Not only were these methods inefficient, they also posed risks to the surrounding areas. Let’s take a look at some of the problems associated with traditional pipe repairs for municipal applications.
As city planners dealing with municipal sewer and manhole-to-manhole pipe breaks know, dealing with these issues is an often expensive and frustrating affair. Not only is the cost of labor quite expensive, but obtaining the right equipment can easily cost thousands of dollars.
This is largely due to the complexity of traditional pipe repair. Plumbers will need to be paid for their work in addition to the landscaping fees and equipment costs. Moreover, this type of repair work can be quite time consuming. And, the more time that it takes to complete a repair, the more expensive it will end up being.
Traditional repair methods require plumbers to dig up the ground surrounding the damaged pipes. For residential repairs, this often means tearing up the lawn and sacrificing aesthetic appeal for functioning plumbing features. However, municipal pipes often run beneath streets and sidewalks. So, accessing these pipes requires road closures and detours to allow the plumbers to dig through concrete.
As mentioned, repairing pipes by digging into the ground can wreak havoc on the surrounding businesses. Road closures to access manholes can cause extensive delays and detours. Additionally, depending on the extent of the damage, water shutoffs can disrupt activities for both homes and businesses. Not only is this an inconvenience for local residents, this can impact businesses if they need to temporarily close to accommodate a lengthy municipal pipe repair project.
No matter how complex, wide, or damaged your specific municipal pipe systems are, trenchless, resin repairs can meet all of your needs in a more efficient and affordable way than excavation repairs. Trenchless lining for sewer pipes can resolve issues in your municipal lines no matter their cause. Consider going trenchless for:
Trenchless cured-in-place pipe technologies perform just as well in municipal pipe repairs as in private home repairs, if not even more so. By using epoxy resins and liquid Perma-liners, specialists can effectively coat the inner walls of municipal sewer pipes, no matter the diameter size or unique system arrangements, and cure-in-place entire new pipe sections with ease using air-operated bladder applications.
Even more beneficial is the scope with which trenchless sewer repair affects roadway activity and the daily functions of municipal systems. Completed using small entry- and exit-points, these repairs leave city roadways and traffic uninterrupted, while also severely cutting back on landscaping and repaving costs.
During installation and resin curing, you won’t even need to shut down water flow or affect regular activity! By using bypass pumps and innovative plumbing systems, trenchless experts can keep your municipal sewer pipes running normally even during repairs. Not only can a cured-in-place pipe fully repair your city sewer lines in a matter of hours, but it can also accomplish this without affecting regular performance of your sewer pipes.
Trenchless pipe repair methods always deliver lasting value and final pipe products that can perform efficiently for generations to come. A common misconception of trenchless cured-in-place pipe is that these solutions are only temporary fixes, and that full, excavation pipe repairs are an inevitability.
However, this is not true with trenchless technologies, as the replacement pipes and relining resins are guaranteed to last for over 50 years, no matter the diameter of the pipe they’re fixing or the complexity of the pipe system.
It’s for these drastic benefits and real-world efficiency that trenchless pipe repairs have become the preferred method of dealing with city sewer damage. Bringing both short- and long-term advantages, and long-lasting results, trenchless municipal repairs are the go-to solution for city planners seeking to fix their sewers and manhole lines both quickly and affordably.
In the Sacramento area, the most effective trenchless technologies are those employed by businesses like Express Sewer & Drain, who specialize in offering affordable solutions for municipal sewer solutions and private properties alike. For more information on what trenchless solutions can bring to your municipal pipe repairs, or on how the cured-in-place pipe process works, contact the experts at Express Sewer & Drain today.
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
There are various methods of repairing or replacing sewer lines, and today’s technologies make the process less invasive than in years past. Using different methods and products, plumbers are able to repair both sewer lines and water lines without disturbing your lawn, landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways any more than necessary.
This is why trenchless technology can be the go-to option for residential, commercial, and municipal properties in the Sacramento area and throughout the state.
Here are the trenchless technology methods used to repair and replace plumbing in Sacramento homes, businesses, and municipalities:
One product that facilitates trenchless technology methods is cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). Plumbers are able to replace faulty sections of sewer lines by accessing a sewer line or boring a small hole for access to the piece of pipe. There are two methods for this type of repair or sewer line.
The lateral lining process requires that the pipe is sealed while the epoxy cures. Using video cameras and special cutters, the pipe is reopened for use. This process is called lateral reinstatement. It requires trained operators and specialized equipment to make repairs in lateral sewer lines.
Large jobs will likely require both the inversion and PIP trenchless technology methods to complete the repair.
.png?width=500&height=333&name=municipal%20sectional%20point%20repair%20(1).png)
Sectional point repairs are a fantastic way to save lots of cash. Often there is no need to line the entire section of pipe when only a leaking or broken joint needs to be fixed. This repair method is typically used in municipal sewers but can also be done in smaller diameter pipes such as 3″-6″ pipes.
The real advantage of point repairs is that you can repair only the section of pipe that needs it, whether that is 6 inches long or 8 feet long. And, if you have an efficient crew like ours putting them in, it’s not uncommon to have 3 to 7 repairs done in one day!
Another of the trenchless technology methods, pipe bursting, blasts the offending pipe out of the way, laying new pipe behind it as it goes. This trenchless technology can replace enter sections of pipe. The pipe bursting method uses a bursting head to bust through plastic pipe, PVC, clay, Orangeburg, copper, and cast iron pipes.
This method requires a point of entry and a receiving pit to replace the pipe as well as pneumatic or hydraulic equipment to get the job done. The expander head, a device specially engineered for the job, is inserted into the failing pipe.
As it advances through the pipe, the expander head fragments the old pipe and lays a run of seamless pipe as it goes. This will leave you with a free-flowing sewer line once it is connected to your system.
Like pipe bursting, where the pipe is replaced as the old pipe is moved out of the way, trenchless technology methods have been developed that allow plumbing technicians to replace the water line in much the same manner. A cable is placed in the old pipe that pulls the new liner into place.
Some methods use a splitter that splits the old pipe, allowing space for the new run of pipe. This is another of the trenchless technology methods that allow plumbing repairs without the mess of digging up your lawn, landscaping, streets, and parking lot in order to replace a leaking water line.
Directional boring is a similar method of trenchless sewer line replacement to pipe bursting. In this case, we use Ditch Witch directional boring equipment to “drag” a new sewer line in place where there was never one there before. Don’t worry!
Like all trenchless methods of sewer replacement, this method is also non-destructive. This method is mainly used to tunnel under existing roads and structures. Equipment advances allow us to tackle even the most complex situations with ease. And contractors, should you need to services of a crew
City sewer line breaks happen fast and can escalate into a major plumbing issues, particularly when major roadways and surface level obstructions are involved. A failing municipal sewer line can result in a variety of costly problems, including:
Our team incorporates Perma-Liner’s Top Gun manhole-to-manhole trenchless lining system in our lining repairs. This lining application can accomplish the following:
We then use sewer video inspections to evaluate the new sewer line after the municipal sewer pipe cures underground. This inspection helps us ensure that the new line is durable so that it can keep city lines performing well for over 50 years.
The biggest benefit of these technologies is the fact that they are less messy than “conventional” methods of plumbing repair. The products used to replace water or sewer lines, with trenchless technology methods, have warranties that are often 10 years long or more; and manufacturers claim a lifecycle of 50 years for some of them. The best thing, though, is that you will not have a glaring patch of turned earth, with patched grass across your front lawn.
If you suspect a sewer line leak, due to the age of your home, infiltration of tree roots, or other drainage issues, a trained technician has the tools to inspect your plumbing with modern tools, such as video inspection and trenchless technology methods that will get the water flowing again. They also know the various solutions to your problems and can help you make an informed decision about the plumbing in your home or business.
Learn more about Express Sewer & Drain and see how we’ve been providing trenchless sewer pipe repairs for years. Contact us today to explore your options.
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
Safeguarding public health and preserving the environment hinge on the efficient functioning of sewer systems. As urban infrastructure ages, the pressing need for effective repair solutions has given rise to a transformative technology: trenchless sewer repair.
This guide explores the pivotal role of sewer repair, the challenges posed by traditional methods, and how trenchless technology is reshaping the landscape, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach to maintaining our critical infrastructure.
While it might not be the most glamorous or talked-about feature of a commercial establishment, a well-functioning plumbing system is undeniably the backbone of daily operations. It ensures a steady flow of clean water, facilitates waste removal, and safeguards the overall hygiene and comfort of the workplace.
In this article, we’ll explore the vital role that effective commercial plumbing systems play in keeping businesses not just operational but also thriving and content. From preventing costly disruptions to enhancing employee well-being and customer satisfaction, the significance of a regularly maintained plumbing system cannot be overstated in the corporate world.
Effective commercial plumbing systems offer many benefits for businesses. They ensure uninterrupted water supply, preventing disruptions in daily operations. Here, we’ve laid out the top benefits of a well-maintained plumbing system for your business.
Commercial plumbing systems play a crucial role in preventing unpleasant odors within business premises. These systems are designed to efficiently remove wastewater and sewage, ensuring that organic matter and gases do not accumulate within the pipes. Properly vented plumbing systems allow these gases to escape safely through vent stacks, preventing them from permeating the indoor environment and causing foul odors.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspection of drain lines and traps, further ensures that no blockages or buildup occur that could contribute to odorous issues. By effectively managing the disposal of wastewater and gases, commercial plumbing systems help maintain a fresh and comfortable environment, which is essential for both employees and customers, contributing to a pleasant and hygienic atmosphere within the business space.
Commercial plumbing systems are engineered to ensure a consistent delivery of hot and cold water at the desired temperatures. They also maintain optimal water pressure, preventing fluctuations that can disrupt operations. This precise control over water temperature and pressure is essential for creating a comfortable and efficient environment.
Commercial plumbing is essential for creating and maintaining a healthy environment for businesses for several reasons:
In summary, commercial plumbing is fundamental to creating and sustaining a healthy environment on business premises. It ensures clean water, effective wastewater management, hygiene, comfort, and compliance with regulations, all of which contribute to the well-being of occupants and the success of the business.
Commercial plumbing systems are designed and maintained to operate efficiently, minimizing wear and tear on components. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems, saving both time and money in the long run.
By preventing leaks, clogs, and other common plumbing problems, businesses can avoid disruptions, costly repairs, and possible property damage associated with plumbing emergencies.
When plumbing systems function properly, tenants can enjoy a hassle-free experience, whether it’s taking a refreshing shower, using the restroom, or washing dishes without the fear of clogs or leaks.
Moreover, well-maintained plumbing systems reduce the likelihood of unexpected disruptions, such as water outages or repairs that inconvenience tenants. This reliability not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also contributes to positive landlord-tenant relationships, tenant retention, and a harmonious living or working environment.
Maintaining commercial plumbing systems in excellent condition is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental aspect of preserving the health, safety, and efficiency of any business or property. Regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and prompt repairs are the cornerstones of a robust plumbing maintenance plan.
The Sacramento plumbing professionals at Express Sewer & Drain can help you maintain your commercial plumbing system and keep it in tip-top shape. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
As the cold weather sets in, you need your gas furnace to be reliable. If it’s having trouble, or might need a major repair, it’s time to make a very important decision. After all, the last thing you want is to have it break down and need to be replaced in January, when you need it the most.
Before you get into an emergency situation, assess your heating system. Is your old gas furnace worth repairing? Or have you reached a point where investing in repairs is a waste of money? Do you need a new furnace?
There are multiple factors that you’ll want to weigh together when making your decision about whether to keep repairing an aging furnace, and the factor that weighs most heavily is age. A gas furnace can be expected to last for about fifteen years. This is extremely dependent upon how well it’s been cared for, though.
That fifteen-year estimate is based on furnaces which have received annual maintenance every single year. With no maintenance whatsoever, a gas furnace might only survive for seven or eight years. If maintenance has been occasional rather than regular, the life expectancy will fall somewhere in between.
There are two main reasons for the deterioration over time that happens to gas furnaces. The first is that the more moving parts a system has, the more potential points of failure there are, and a gas furnace has more moving parts than, for example, a boiler. The second is corrosion. Vapors in a gas furnace create an acidic condensate that rusts the system over time.
Your furnace might require an expensive repair right now. But even if it doesn’t, consider your furnace’s repair history. Has it needed a lot of minor repairs? Have those repair needs gotten more frequent in recent years? It might not be a lot of money at once, but those costs add up, and the older the furnace gets, the more frequently it will require repair.
If your furnace does need a major repair now, consider the 5000 rule. Multiply the age of the furnace by the estimated repair cost. If the answer is under 5000, the repair is a reasonable choice, but if the answer is over 5000, it’s probably not a great investment.
The final reason to consider replacement is if new heating options would make it worth your while in terms of efficiency. While regular maintenance can prevent a gas furnace’s efficiency from dropping, at least until it gets near the end of its lifetime, it will never actually make it more efficient than it was when it was new.
Older gas furnaces often had an efficiency somewhere below 70%, meaning that only that percentage of the energy it consumed would be turned into heat. Today’s gas furnaces have efficiency ratings of 85% and higher, sometimes up to 98.5%. This means that a new furnace could significantly cut your monthly utility bills.
Whether your old gas furnace in Livingston, NJ just needs some love from a qualified technician or is headed into retirement so you can replace it with a new, more-efficient model, we’re ready to help so you can be cozy and comfortable this winter.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today with any questions about your furnace!
The post Can That Old Gas Furnace Be Repaired, or Is It Time to Replace It? first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..
This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com
Municipal sewers are vital to keeping residents safe and the environment healthy. In order to keep homes and businesses running smoothly, it’s up to the city of Sacramento to keep the sewer lines maintained. This requires frequent sewer inspections to ensure no unexpected problems arise that cause costly repairs or water contamination.
The timing of municipal sewer inspections is a matter of strategic planning and foresight. Regular inspections, typically conducted on an annual or biennial basis, serve as a proactive approach to identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly and disruptive problems.
The frequency can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the sewer system, the volume of wastewater it handles, and its geographical location. Additionally, sewer inspections should be scheduled after significant weather events or natural disasters, which can strain the system.
By taking these factors into consideration, the city can establish an inspection schedule that strikes the right balance between preventive maintenance and budget considerations, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the sewer system.
In the event of sewer emergencies, the need for swift and effective inspections becomes paramount. These unforeseen situations, often triggered by sudden blockages, collapses, or significant overflows, demand immediate attention to minimize the potential for widespread damage and health hazards.
Emergency sewer inspections are typically triggered by reports of issues, unusual odors, or visible problems, and they involve the rapid deployment of inspection teams equipped with specialized tools and equipment.
These high-priority assessments are conducted to diagnose the problem, determine the extent of the damage, and formulate an immediate response plan to restore functionality and protect the surrounding environment and community. Timely and accurate inspections in emergency scenarios are indispensable for mitigating the consequences of sewer-related crises.
During sewer inspections, whether routine or in response to specific concerns, it is crucial to be vigilant for a range of common issues that can impact the integrity and functionality of the sewer system. We’ve outlined some of the most common issues below.
Cracks can emerge from various factors, including age, ground movement, and corrosive wear, and they pose a significant risk to the sewer infrastructure. Detecting these cracks is crucial, as they can lead to leaks, structural damage, and groundwater infiltration, potentially compromising the system’s effectiveness.
Modern inspection technologies, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, allow inspectors to identify these issues with precision, ensuring that necessary repairs or rehabilitation can be implemented promptly to prevent further deterioration and maintain the integrity of the municipal sewer network.
During municipal sewer inspections, identifying tree roots infiltrating the sewer system is a vital task. Tree roots can aggressively seek out sources of moisture, often penetrating sewer pipes through cracks, joints, or openings. When left unaddressed, these intrusions can obstruct wastewater flow, leading to clogs and structural damage in the pipes.
Skilled inspectors with specialized equipment, such as sewer cameras, are essential for locating and documenting root intrusions. The early detection of tree root problems is imperative to prevent blockages, backups, and costly repairs that may follow, ensuring the seamless operation of the municipal sewer system.
Clogs can arise for different reasons, including debris buildup, grease accumulation, or foreign objects obstructing the sewer lines. Detecting these obstructions is crucial, as they can disrupt the normal flow of wastewater, potentially leading to sewage backups and overflows.
By employing advanced inspection tools, skilled plumbers can pinpoint and assess the severity of clogs, take action to clear the blockages, and ensure the smooth operation of the municipal sewer system, avoiding potential disruptions and health hazards.
The examination of flow within the sewer lines helps inspectors determine if the pipes are operating as intended, with an unimpeded movement of wastewater. Slow or stagnant flows may indicate obstructions, structural issues, or damage. Inspectors use flow monitoring equipment and visual observations to assess pipeline flow rates and patterns.
If you’re in need of hydro-jetting or trenchless sewer repair work, Express Sewer & Drain is here for you. We have extensive experience in Sacramento municipal sewer inspections and repairs and know what it takes to get the job done within your budget. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
You’ve likely experienced the effects of a water main break in your area, whether directly or indirectly. Water mains play a subtle yet essential role in our everyday lives, delivering clean and potable (drinkable) water to our homes, schools, businesses, and public spaces.
In this article, we will dive into the lifecycle of a water main break, clarifying the reasons behind these disruptions and exploring the complicated process of addressing them.
Water main breaks can be caused by a variety of factors, with the most common being aging infrastructure and natural wear and tear. Over time, the materials used in water mains, such as cast iron or concrete, may deteriorate, making them vulnerable to cracks and fractures. Environmental elements, like shifting soil, freezing and thawing cycles, and corrosive soil conditions, can worsen this deterioration.
Additionally, sudden changes in water pressure, often due to rapid valve adjustments or water hammer effects, can stress the pipes, potentially leading to a break. Excavation near water mains or accidental impacts during construction also pose a risk. Understanding these root causes is crucial for preventative maintenance and ensuring the reliability of our water supply systems.
A water main break carries significant implications, affecting individuals, communities, and the environment. It leads to immediate water service disruptions, causing inconvenience and potential property damage, especially in flooded basements.
Road closures and traffic congestion can happen, along with damage to infrastructure and increased emergency response costs for municipalities. This can ultimately lead to water health concerns, with potential contamination risks, requiring water use restrictions and boil advisories. Repairing the break can be quite costly, which is often passed on to consumers through water rate increases.
The water main break timeline typically goes something like this:
Throughout this timeline, the implications and challenges associated with water main breaks are addressed, highlighting the importance of efficient and effective response procedures.
When a water main breaks in Sacramento, Express Sewer & Drain is here to assist. Our dedication to safe and efficient plumbing repairs makes us the trusted source for any issues with water main lines in the area. Give us a call today to learn more about our services!
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
With our years of experience as professional plumbing specialists in the Sacramento area, we’ve seen it all; from your standard leaking faucet fixtures to full-blown plumbing disasters, we’ve been there. But did you know that a majority of plumbing problems are self-inflicted? And that most often, extensive plumbing repairs are the result of careless use and poor maintenance techniques?
In this blog post, we’ll go over nine of the most common mistakes we’ve seen people make with their own plumbing.
Taking care of your property’s plumbing system and managing your water consumption behaviors isn’t rocket science. However, you might be surprised by what fairly common, detrimental mistakes so many Sacramento homeowners and business owners make every day. These mistakes can build in severity over time, and snowball into major plumbing disasters if left unattended.
By knowing these mistakes, you can be better suited to avoid their consequences and keep your plumbing running properly.
Although turning off the water should be the very first step in any plumbing project, it’s also an easy one to forget. Many “easy” DIY projects can turn into expensive disasters when water sprays from a loosened connection or pours freely after a fixture is removed.
Shutting off the water is far easier when you have time to find the appropriate valve, but once you have water flowing onto the floor or into the walls, every moment wasted looking for the shut-off valve can cause more damage to your plumbing.
It’s also important to remember that shutting off the water at the source doesn’t automatically clear existing water from the pipes. Make sure to drain the pipes by running the kitchen or bathroom faucets for a few seconds.
Easily, the worst thing you can do to your plumbing system stems from negligence; ignoring the warning signs of a pipe failure or other plumbing problems will only cause those problems to develop, and result in higher restorative costs later on. Common signs of a plumbing problem you should take immediate note of include persistent clogging, lawn indents, poor water pressure, and lawn moisture.
If you notice any of these signs, do not ignore them or forget about them! By acting fast, you can mitigate not only damage to your plumbing but the extent of later repairs. Very often, we see major plumbing damages as the result of negligent care; damages which are entirely avoidable with the right care and attention given.
Another common plumbing mistake we see here in Sacramento concerns how property owners treat their drains, waste pipes, and garbage disposals. To put things simply, by disposing of trash, grease, and many food products, you contribute to drain clogging, buildup, and long-term damage.
Under no circumstances should you try to put the following items in your garbage disposal:
We recommend cleaning your garbage disposal on a semi-regular basis with ice cubes and running water, as these can free up problem-causing food debris. You should also run your disposal regularly, as rust can develop and accumulate if it’s left alone for too long a period.
Another common plumbing mistake is the gratuitous use of chemical cleaning products to dislodge drain clogs. These products, while an emergency solution for minor clogging and grime buildup, can actually harm your pipes after extensive use, as the chemical reactions that make these products work can eat away at inner pipe walls, and are even dangerous upon contact in some conditions.
Instead, we recommend less harmful remedy solutions, such as simple vinegar and baking soda solutions, or even a hot water flush. Chemical cleaners can be counterproductive when run through your plumbing systems; instead, opt for equally effective, much safer alternatives.
While seasoned DIYers can likely handle any minor plumbing problem with efficient ease, we often find average property owners taking on huge restoration efforts on their own to save money; while it’s possible to fix your own plumbing without any prior experience, it’s unlikely to turn out that well.
One of the worst things you can do to your plumbing is cause additional damage by getting in over your head with DIY measures. If you feel uncomfortable resolving a plumbing issue on your own, call a professional for assistance. Often, professional repairs can be done much quicker than DIY repairs, and as it turns out, much cheaper. When you attempt large-scale DIY plumbing repairs, they can actually increase their costs by using the wrong tools or taking apart the wrong pipe fixtures.
Modern plumbing utilizes a wide array of materials for piping. From galvanized steel to copper to brass to plastic and everything in between, sorting out what kind of pipe to use can be confusing for the aspiring do-it-yourselfer. Some of these pipes can be joined together using specialized connections, although this is very rarely ideal and always poses a leak risk. Others should not be mixed under any circumstances.
All too often, people decide to just “make it work” by cobbling together mismatched connections and filling the gaps with tape or silicone. Most plumbers have at least one or two horror stories about finding tangled, leaky pipes under a sink or finding makeshift connections that have failed somewhere behind the drywall. Unless you have absolutely no other option, it’s usually better to simply replace old pipes rather than trying to connect them to a different kind of pipe.
Another common problem, this one is a bit counterintuitive. Most people know that plumbing connections need to be watertight. What they may not think about is how most connections already make a watertight seal, so they go about making the connection tighter to make it “more watertight.”
Oftentimes this can actually damage the fittings and break the rubber or plastic washers that create the seal in the first place. Too much tightening can also strip pipe threads or crack plastic fittings, rendering the connection useless.
While connections should always be snug, don’t try to force anything past that point. Even if over-tightening doesn’t cause damage, it can cause massive headaches for anyone who has to replace the fitting in the future. Trying to loosen an over-tightened connection can cause serious damage, sometimes snapping the pipe or wearing the fittings down to the point that the only way to remove them is to cut the pipe.
Avoiding all of the above plumbing mistakes, however, cannot make up for general negligence; a vast majority of major plumbing problems can be entirely preventable with routine and annual pipe inspections. For starters, you can diagnose your own pipe and drain problems yourself, and check your plumbing performance before the need to call a professional ever arises by evaluating your water meter and water flow on a monthly basis.
However, that does not mean you should forget about professional inspections altogether. In fact, we suggest getting a specialist to look at your plumbing systems at least once per year, as their trained eyes can catch troubling signs earlier and far more accurately than the average person’s.
The above point, of course, leads us to one of the biggest plumbing mistakes you can make: Not getting professional help when it’s necessary. Yes, calling your local plumbing specialist and having an expert inspection and renovation will cost you money…but it will be cheaper than ignoring the problem, or trying doomed DIY repairs.
If you find yourself in over your head with pipe damages or failed DIY repairs, contact a professional. Not getting the help you need when you need it, or putting off calling an expert until later, are some of the worst mistakes you can make with issues in your plumbing. Don’t make these careless plumbing mistakes; take care of your drains and pipes, and call a professional when necessary.
To learn more about proper plumbing maintenance techniques, or if you think you may need a plumbing specialist’s help in restoring your pipes to their best performance, contact Express Sewer & Drain today.
This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com
In the heart of Sacramento, where the comfort and functionality of residents and businesses depend heavily on a reliable plumbing infrastructure, the importance of proactive and preventative maintenance for your pipes cannot be overstated.