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How does a camera inspection work?

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A camera inspection is a process that uses a camera to examine the inside of something. The camera is inserted into a small opening and transmits an image to a monitor so that someone can see what is going on inside. This process is often used to inspect pipes, drains, and other small openings.

Camera inspections are important for plumbers because they allow us to see inside small spaces without having to do any demolition. This means that we can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary work. Camera inspections also allow us to assess the condition of pipes and drains and identify problems that need to be fixed.

What are the advantages of using a camera inspection ?

1.They are less expensive than many other types of inspection.

2.They are minimally invasive, meaning there is little to no damage done to the property being inspected.

3.They can be used in a wide variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

4.They are quick and easy to set up, meaning that inspections can be conducted with minimal disruption to the property owner or occupants.

5.They allow for a clear and concise view of the interior of pipes, drains, and other small spaces.

6.They can be used to inspect both accessible and inaccessible areas.

7.They are safe for both inspectors and those being inspected.

8.They provide a permanent record of the inspection that can be referred to later.

9.They can be used in conjunction with other types of inspections, such as pipe cleaning or repair.

10.They are an environmentally friendly option, as they do not use any chemicals or other materials that could potentially harm the environment.

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How far can an inspection camera see?

Inspection cameras come in a variety of sizes and with different features, but most can see up to 30 meters (100 feet) into a pipe or other small space. Some inspection cameras even have built-in lights and recording devices so that they can capture images and videos of the interior of a pipe or drain.

How do I find out where my sewage pipes are?

If you are a homeowner, you can usually find your sewage pipes by looking at your property’s plat map. This is a map of your property that shows the location of all the features on your land, including buildings, trees, driveways, and sewer lines. If you cannot find your plat map, you can contact your local planning or building department for assistance. If you are a business owner or manager, you can ask your local sewer authority for a copy of the sewer system map for your area. This map will show the location of all the sewer lines in your area, including the main line that serves your property. Once you have located your sewer lines, you can then call a camera inspection company to have them conduct an inspection of your pipes. This will allow you to see the condition of your pipes and identify any problems that need to be fixed.

What are some common problems that can be found during a camera inspection?

Some common problems that can be found during a camera inspection include:

  1. Broken, cracked, or collapsed sewer lines
  2. Blockages in sewer lines
  3. Root intrusion into sewer lines
  4. Grease build-up in sewer lines
  5. Leaking joints in sewer lines
  6. Sagging or bellied sewer lines
  7. Settlement around sewer lines
  8. Corrosion in sewer lines
  9. Debris in sewer lines
  10. Insect infestation in sewer lines

In conclusion:

Camera inspections are an essential part of the plumbing process. They allow plumbers to assess the condition of pipes and drains without having to do any demolition. This saves time and money, and it also minimizes disruption for the property owner or occupants. Camera inspections can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They provide a clear view of the interior of pipes and drains, and they can be used to inspect both accessible and inaccessible areas. Camera inspection is a safe and environmentally friendly option that provides a permanent record of the inspection.

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6 Places You Should Clean This Holiday Season

Clean bathroom sinks with decorative vase

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It’s the holiday season, and in addition to shopping, wrapping presents, and cooking, deep cleaning your home should be on your holiday prep list.

Here are six places homeowners forget when making their home cleaning list and checking it twice:

Remove Scum From Bathroom Fixtures

The holiday season means hosting overnight guests. Ensure your bathroom fixtures are free of soap scum that can accumulate on your soap dish and other places in your bathroom.

Remove stubborn soap scum with over-the-counter cleaning agents, or use a homemade mix of baking soda and vinegar with a non-scratch sponge.

Since soap scum thrives on minerals found in hard water, you can limit mineral accumulation at the source by installing a water softener in your home.

Deep Clean for a Pristine Potty

A dirty toilet can gross out your guests. Makes sure you clean all parts of your toilet, not just the inside bowl. Take time to remove everything that might prevent a deep clean, like a plunger, candle, or tissue.

Since the toilet is a prime place for bacteria to grow, make sure to use disinfectant on the handle, tank lid, and toilet seat. Wipe them clean with a disposable paper towel so you aren’t spreading the germs around.

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Pull Back the Shower Curtain

Just as important as a clean shower is a shower curtain liner free of mold and mildew. Shower curtains are susceptible to mold because they often can’t dry out.

You can wash a fabric shower curtain with detergent, vinegar, and baking soda or replace a plastic liner with a new one.

Clean Tile Grout, Don’t Pout!

You can have a clean bathroom that doesn’t look clean because of stained grout. While it can be tough to remove, cleaned grout makes a huge difference in the appearance of your bathroom tile, whether on your floor or in your shower.

Avoid harsh chemical grout cleaners and clean grout with materials you find in your kitchen.

Sterilize Your Smelly Dishwasher

Your dishwasher doesn’t just save time. It saves you money, too, by using less water than hand washing. But even your dishwasher can get grimy.

Check out this quick guide to sterilizing your dishwasher.

Air Out Your Dirty Laundry With a Clean Washing Machine

Soap scum, minerals, and bacteria can build up inside your laundry machine, diminishing the function of your appliance, so your clothes never smell clean.

The best way to tackle a foul washing machine smell is to wipe down surfaces and areas where water frequently pools with white vinegar on a damp cloth.

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

When You Should Call for 24/7 Service For a Plumbing Emergency

woman-calling-plumber-while-pipe-leaks

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Perhaps you’re a new homeowner with a theoretical question. Or perhaps you’re struggling with a plumbing problem, and you’re wondering whether to schedule a repair in the future or call for emergency plumbing service right away.

This can be a challenge for most people to navigate because plumbing can seem pretty mysterious. After all, most of it is hidden away behind your walls or under your floors! When you have a plumbing problem, how do you decide if it qualifies as an actual emergency?

First, we would encourage you to err on the side of caution. Plumbing problems, especially leaks, can cause serious water damage if not addressed properly. If you aren’t sure whether you need emergency plumbing in Orlando, please reach out. We’re happy to answer your questions.

In the meantime, here’s some information to help with identifying emergencies and taking the first steps to address them.

First, You Should Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is

We’ll be mentioning this valve repeatedly, and it’s best if you find it before there’s an emergency so you’ll be able to access it easily when you need to. This valve is on an indoor wall of your home. If you’re on a town or city water system, it should be on the wall that faces the street. If you use well water, it will be where the well water enters the home, so look on the side of your house nearest the well. The location will be noted on the property inspection report from your home purchase, so check there if you’re having trouble finding it. If all else fails, reach out to a member of our team, and we can provide some guidance.

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Flooding

If you have a sudden burst or break, or something overflows, you’ve probably already realized it’s an emergency. If the fixture has a shutoff valve, shut it off. You can also shut off the main water supply valve to the house. Call for emergency plumbing right away. Spend the time before your plumber arrives soaking up the water as best you can to prevent it from soaking in and damaging your subfloor.

Pipes Freezing

This is not as common in Florida as it is in other parts of the country, but any time there are freezing winter temperatures, it’s possible for pipes to freeze, and for frozen pipes to burst. The first clue that pipes may have frozen is decreased or completely stopped waterflow. If this happens during a cold snap, frozen pipes could be the culprit. Do not heat the pipes to try to resolve this. This might burst the pipe right away. You need the help of a professional in emergency plumbing services.

Water Not Running

If you turn on a faucet or shower and absolutely no water comes out, a plumbing emergency might be the first thing that crosses your mind. But we have good news for you: this might not mean you need a plumber. It’s possible that your main shut-off valve was accidentally closed, so check that first. If the valve is open, contact your town’s water department, or ask your neighbors if they’re having the same problem. Perhaps there’s been a break in a water main or some other municipal water issue. If these steps don’t reveal the source of the problem, you’ll know that you do actually need emergency plumbing services.

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

Does Your Plumbing System Suffer From Hard Water?

faucet-filling-glass

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It’s easy to see the effects of hard water throughout a home. Hard water makes itself known by affecting anything in your home that uses water. You’ll notice its effects when you take a shower and wash your clothes and dishes. You’ll physically see it as the minerals it leaves behind build up on your plumbing fixtures. You might even taste it in your drinking water.

Some homeowners try to ignore these visible effects of hard water. They rationalize it by saying mineral deposits are unsightly, and drinking hard water isn’t harmful, so what else is there to do about it? What they might not know is that when left unchecked, hard water can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water simply means that there are specific minerals in your water supply such as calcium and magnesium. Water systems that utilize groundwater as their source often produce hard water because as the groundwater moves through soil and rock it picks up small amounts of these minerals. If you get your water from a well or from the municipal water supply, you may have hard water.

Effects of Hard Water on a Home

  • Hair and skin feel dry after a bath or shower
  • Soap scum in the bathtub, shower, and sinks
  • Hard water stains on glass shower doors
  • Clogged showerhead
  • White or yellowish areas around faucets and drains
  • Dishwasher leaves water spots on dishes
  • Soap left behind after a load of laundry
  • Clothes don’t feel “clean” after washing

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How It Hurts Your Plumbing System

If hard water causes these visible buildups on the exterior of your plumbing fixtures, just think about what it’s doing to the interior of your plumbing. As mineral deposits accumulate on the interior of the pipes, over time, it builds up to the point that it constricts the amount of water that can move through the pipes.

Although it’s unlikely to accumulate to the point where it causes a complete blockage, it can decrease your water pressure and increase the chance of a clog. In a worst-case scenario, you may need to replace your pipes if the hard water causes enough damage and corrosion.

Hard water can also wreak havoc on your water heater and on the connections to your major appliances such as the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine. Hard water mineral deposits can cause corrosion in your water heater and if it gets bad enough, your water heater could fail. Hard water can also cause your appliances to become clogged with scale, reducing water flow and causing leaks. This can contribute to needing costly repairs and the damaged parts needing to be replaced

How Can I Protect My Plumbing System from Hard Water?

Getting a water softener installed in your home is the easiest way to combat the negative effects of hard water. Water softeners replace these minerals with salt ions so that the minerals are flushed and you don’t have to worry about them damaging your plumbing system.

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

Tips To Avoid A Plumbing Emergency This Holiday Season

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If you plan on hosting people at your home this holiday season, then the last thing you want to deal with is a plumbing emergency. Let’s be honest, plumbing troubles can be very draining – no pun intended. Luckily, there are ways you can avoid this! Here are some tips to avoid a plumbing emergency this holiday season.

1. Don’t Put THAT Down The Drain

With all the cooking going on this month, kitchen sinks usually take a hit. More food waste being sent down the garbage disposal often means more drain clogs are likely to occur. To avoid clogs this holiday, make sure you don’t put certain items down the drain. For example, the following items never belong down the drain:
  • Grease, Fat and Oil
  • Eggshells
  • Bones
  • Pits and Seeds
  • Rice and Pasta
  • Poultry Skins
  • Potato Peels
  • Fibrous Foods
  • Coffee Grounds

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2. Use Your Garbage Disposal Correctly

As mentioned briefly above, putting certain items down the drain can really wreak havoc on your plumbing. Contrary to popular belief, a garbage disposal isn’t a replacement for a garbage can. It may be easier to toss leftovers down the drain, but we strongly advise against this. You should always throw leftovers in the trash or compost pile to avoid clogging your drains. Garbage disposals are designed to grind up small bits of food. You want to make sure you are always using cold water when your garbage disposal is turned on, and only grinding up waste that won’t clog or damage your unit.

3. Create A Shower Schedule With Guests

If you’re hosting lots of guests this winter, your water heater could experience some problems. That’s why it’s recommended you wait 10-15 minutes usually in between showers. Creating a shower schedule can ensure your guests don’t step into an ice cold, uncomfortable stream of water – and your water heater tank has time to refill. 

4. Prepare Your Bathroom

It’s important to make sure your plumbing is ready to handle more people than usual. Let your guests know what is safe to put down your toilet and what is not. The last thing you want is for a clogged toilet to ruin Thanksgiving! Not only that, but you should also equip your bathroom with essentials – like a plunger just in case. Also, consider putting away the “flushable” wipes for now. Even though they are considered flushable, they’re not readily biodegradable in your sewer system and can cause clogs. 

5. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance

Scheduling plumbing maintenance before you have a house full of guests this holiday is a great way to help you avoid a plumbing emergency. Your plumber will be able to catch problems early and offer solutions to fix them before they really cost you – in more ways than one! Make sure to schedule yours today.

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

Freaky Sounds You Should Never Hear Coming From Your Furnace

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It’s spooky season, which means you may already be on edge. When you hear a strange noise in your home, it can easily send you into a panic. Before you start swinging your bat around, though, pay close attention to the sound you’re hearing and where it’s coming from. If you hear any of these freaky furnace sounds, it’s important you know what’s causing it and how to solve the issue.

1. Rattling

No, there aren’t ghosts or monsters in your furnace. However, it can still be a pretty scary situation. Rattling noises may indicate you have a cracked heat exchanger, which is the biggest cause of carbon monoxide leaks and shouldn’t be ignored. On a less scary note, rattling doesn’t automatically mean a carbon monoxide problem. It could also mean you have a loose panel or a loose screw that needs to be tightened. All that being said, never ignore a rattling sound. Contact an HVAC professional right away to inspect the cause of the noise and offer solutions to fix it.

2. High-Pitched Squealing or Screeching

Yikes! A squealing or screeching furnace? Talk about freaky. If you hear this sound coming from your furnace, it’s usually due to an issue with the blower or motor in your equipment. It’s possible that your blower or motor has overheated, or it’s older and worn out from years of use. If your blower has overheated, it’s likely due to dirt buildup or a bad capacitor. It’s best to contact your local HVAC contractor to come take a look and determine whether it’s something that can be repaired, or if it needs to be replaced.

3. Scraping

Is your furnace making a scaping sound, like metal against metal? This might mean you have an issue with your blower wheel. It could also mean there’s a loose part that is scaping against other parts of your furnace. Whether it be an issue with your blower wheel or a loose part that needs tightening, it can impact the overall efficiency of your furnace. Don’t wait to contact an HVAC professional if you notice scraping.

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4. Banging

If your furnace bangs when it shuts off, it could be due to a dirty air filter that needs changed. When your filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and causes warm air to back up into your furnace. This can cause the metal of your ducts and your furnace to expand. But once the heating cycle stops and the metal panels cool, it can produce this banging sound you’re hearing. All that being said, you shouldn’t ignore a banging noise. Have an HVAC professional come inspect your unit, determine the cause of the noise, and offer solutions to fix it right away.

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

These Spooky Sounds Mean Your Heater Needs Repair

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Autumn inevitably brings about many things: Halloween, pumpkin spice lattes, and the transition from using your air conditioner to using your heater. Perhaps you’ve turned your heater on for the first time in months, only to hear some truly terrifying noises such as screeching, rattling, banging, and knocking.

Unfortunately, heating systems that haven’t been used during the summer can start to emit moans and groans when the cool weather arrives, just in time for spooky season. If your heater sounds like it is possessed, now is the perfect time to schedule expert service to avoid any heating horror stories this fall. These scary sounds could indicate your heater needs repairs.

Clanking and Knocking

The sound of chains rattling or mysterious knocking doesn’t mean the trick-or-treaters have arrived early. These sounds could indicate that a fan belt might be cracked or loose and is knocking against other metal parts. Or the blower fan could be misaligned and the blades are rattling against the walls or house casing. A well-functioning furnace won’t make these noises, so if they’re giving you a fright, it’s best to have them checked out.

Scratching and Scraping

No, that’s not the sound of a creature trying to claw its way loose from your heating system. If you’re hearing a scraping noise like nails on a chalkboard, this could mean your blower wheel is malfunctioning and scraping against its metal casing. Another potential culprit is the blower motor assembly which could be broken.

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Wailing and Whining

Does your furnace sound like a wailing banshee is trying to escape? These high-pitched noises indicate that a blower belt may have come loose or that the blower motor needs to be replaced. Wailing and whining could also mean that the system is in dire need of oiling and lubrication.

Rumbling and Grumbling

This noise doesn’t mean your heater is inhabited by a cranky, hungry ghost. Rumbling sounds can indicate different problems depending on when you’re hearing them. Are you hearing this loud sound after the furnace has completed a heating cycle and switched off? If so, there could be a problem with the burner. Oil or gas could be continuing to burn in the combustion chamber even after the burners are shut off. This extra fuel could result in the release of carbon monoxide gas into your home. Turn the furnace off immediately and call a professional right away.

Banging and Booming

These startling noises can give you the heebie-jeebies, and for good reason. These sounds could be caused by a small gas explosion due to a gas buildup. When the burner isn’t lit properly, gas accumulates in the combustion chamber and makes a booming noise when it finally ignites. Dirty burners that aren’t igniting efficiently could indicate a clog or pressure problem.

Don’t ignore these noises in the hope they’ll go away. Ignition problems could result in damage to the heat exchanger and in worst-case scenarios, can cause lethal carbon monoxide gas leaks. If your heater is experiencing ignition problems, schedule professional heater repair as soon as possible.

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

Water Heaters: Should You Go Tank or Tankless?

tankless-water-heater

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If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you are probably wondering what your options are. You know that both tank water heaters and the newer tankless models exist. But which is better?

Ultimately, both tank and tankless water heaters offer significant benefits, though in quite different ways. So it’s not a matter of one being better than the other, it’s simply choosing the one that would best fit your home and your needs.

Tank Water Heaters

These are the systems that most people are more familiar with. They keep a full tank of water at a high temperature all the time. Although the energy costs of doing so seem like they must be very high, modern tank water heaters have improved over old models. They are better insulated, and some have timers and easy ways to lower the temperature when you won’t be needing hot water, such as when you’re away from your home. However, they are still not as energy-efficient as tankless models.

If your family is small, and your needs are low, you can use a smaller tank heater, which will decrease energy waste. The cost of purchasing a tank water heater and water heater installation in Orlando is definitely lower than transitioning to a tankless system, which in the short term is a big benefit.

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Tankless Water Heaters

The initial costs of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater are greater. However, they are so energy-efficient that you will recover that investment and save money. If environmental impact is a big concern for you, you may prefer this system because it uses as little fuel and water as possible. 

Tankless systems come in gas and electric versions and can supply 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute. Gas heaters usually provide more hot water per minute than electric. Keep in mind that when you’re running warm water in the sink or shower, not all of what you’re using comes straight from the water heater, so 5 gallons of very hot water can translate to a lot more comfortably-warm water per minute.

These systems also come in different sizes, so it’s important to consider how much hot water is used in your home. A smaller system would not keep up well with a large family that often does laundry and runs the dishwasher while someone is taking a shower, for example. 

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

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