Prepping Home Plumbing For The Holidays
With the holidays right around the corner, plumbing is probably at the back of your mind. You’ve got flights to plan, calls to make, and dozens of other tasks to complete before you finally have time for plumbing. However, you understand how important it is to prevent embarrassing accidents as you invite company over for the holidays. You only get to see your extended family a few times a year, so you want to make the best impression possible and offer a comfortable and cozy environment. For this reason, we’ll go through exactly how to prepare your home plumbing for the Holiday season. Plumbing Tips to Prevent Holiday Disasters The best way to prevent plumbing accidents during the Holiday season is to hire an expert to inspect your home and fix all detected issues. Unless you have extensive experience fixing leaky faucets, cleaning your drains, or repairing toilets, it’s a good idea to get help from a professional. However, you can follow these simple tips to keep everyone in your home happy, safe, and dry. The Bathroom Is a Safe Haven When people visit the restroom, they are looking for a moment of privacy to take care of their business and then leave without any obstacles. Your toilets will be subjected to the most traffic of any plumbing equipment during the holidays, so it’s essential to prevent any mishaps. One typical toilet problem is when the toilet doesn’t flush because the chain in the upper tank gets disconnected from the flapper. If you’ve ever experienced any flushing issues with your toilet, make sure to examine the problem and replace the parts so it doesn’t happen again, or better yet, call a plumber for a permanent solution. Furthermore, you should always keep a plunger in your bathroom. Most individuals know how to unclog a toilet but are left in a horrible situation if there’s no plunger present. Nobody wants to be the person who asks the homeowner for help in the bathroom because of a clogged toilet. So keep a plunger present in each bathroom. Lastly, keep the bathroom well-stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and towels. However, make sure that the toilet paper is easily broken down and not too thick. This approach will help prevent clogs if anybody uses too much paper without flushing in between. If your home needs a toilet repair in Bellevue, WA, before the Holidays, make sure to call Steve’s Plumbing today. Respect Your Kitchen Sink While eating amazing home-cooked food is the best part of the Holiday season, the actual preparation is usually burdensome. For this reason, it’s essential to practice good habits in the kitchen and prepare for any potential incidents. First, check your kitchen faucet and see if you notice any leaks. The faucet will be heavily used when friends and family arrive, and any current issues will be intensified. We recommend installing a new faucet if your existing faucet is on its last legs. The holidays are a great time to upgrade your appliances and show your new gear off to your family. If you need help fixing leaky faucets, call our expert team at Steve’s Plumbing today. You Put What Down the Garbage Disposal? Next, it’s important to remember what’s safe to put down a garbage disposal. Although the exact items that are safe depend on how much horsepower your disposal has, here are some basic guidelines to follow. Safe to put in the garbage disposal: Bread Cold water Small scraps of food Cooked meat and vegetables Eggshells Ice cubes Do not put these items in the garbage disposal: Bones and fruit pits Grease, oil, and greasy food Pasta and rice Stringy vegetables Fruit and vegetable peels Glass, plastic, banana peels, and onion skins Putting the wrong items in your garbage disposal can cause blade damage and clogs. This damage can lead to costly replacements and repairs if the wrong things are continually put inside the garbage disposal. Furthermore, if you’re having issues with foul odors coming from your garbage disposal, you probably didn’t use enough water to flush everything out. Make sure you allow enough time for everything to get shredded and flushed out with water. Any leftover particles will cause smells. Then, make sure to clean your garbage disposal once a week by scrubbing inside the disposal with a bottle brush. If odors are still lingering, you can put BioOne Drain Maid in the garbage disposal and turn it on so it gets distributed in the disposal and let it sit overnight so it has a chance to get to work and eat through all the odor causing bits in the disposal. If you’re out of Drain Maid, give us a call, we will send a plumber over to drop some off. Use a Dedicated Food Scraps Bin Since people often throw food into the garbage disposal despite being warned, it’s a good idea to have a dedicated food scraps bin. Simply label a garbage can with the words “Food Scraps” and place it near your sink. Make sure it’s easily visible and readable. We recommend making sure the food scraps bin is large enough to support the number of people in your home during the holidays. If not, make sure to take out the trash and replace the bag once it’s full. Why Is There So Much Hair in My Drain? Clogged drains are inevitable if you have your entire extended family using the same shower. For this reason, we recommend placing a mesh strainer over the shower drain to catch any fallen hair. Furthermore, you may want to consider placing strainers in your bathroom sinks to prevent clogs in there as well. However, if your drain is already clogged before the Holidays even begin, we offer cost-effective and customer-first drain cleaning services at Steve’s Plumbing in Bellevue, Wa. Contact us today, and we’ll clear your clogged drain and offer you in-person advice on how you can get your specific home ready for the Holiday season.
Common Winter Plumbing Issues
Winter is hard on plumbing. As the temperatures drop, the potential for damage to your pipes and plumbing system increases. Whether you’re new to homeownership or new to Washington, it’s good to know what to expect during the winter months as the temperatures trend downward so you can protect your Lynnwood, WA, home. Dealing with your plumbing in winter is a lot easier if you know what to look for. Having even just a little knowledge of what some of the biggest issues look like can help you to quickly diagnose a potential problem and get it fixed before the situation can get any worse. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common winter plumbing issues so you aren’t caught off guard this season: Frozen Pipes By far the most common problem that can affect your plumbing, frozen pipes are something you’ve likely already been warned about. Frozen pipes are the result of water trapped in the pipes freezing solid. As the water freezes and expands, it gets bigger and heavier and can potentially lead to the pipes bursting. This issue can affect both the pipes inside and outside of your Lynnwood, WA, home. Indoor Pipes Plumbing lines that run along the exterior walls of your home or pipes in uninsulated areas are the most vulnerable. These pipes are exposed to colder temperatures and have an increased likelihood of freezing when the temperatures fall too low. To prevent the pipes bursting, it’s helpful to: Turn On The Water As soon as the temperatures drop to or below freezing, turn on your faucets to allow water to keep moving through the pipes. This steady dripping helps to reduce the pressure in the lines. You don’t need to turn them all of the way on, just enough to where there’s a noticeable drip. Install Insulation There are a lot of different ways to insulate pipes, from foam sleeves to heating tape, all of which are easy to install. Focus on your home’s most vulnerable pipes, the ones that are along exterior walls, as these are the ones closest to the cold outside. Open The Cabinets Open up the cabinet doors under your sinks to exposed closed-off pipes. This exposure allows warm air from the home to circulate through the cabinets and helps prevent frozen lines or pipes bursting. Outdoor Pipes It’s no surprise that the plumbing outside your home is particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures. You can reduce the risk of damage with a few simple preparations prior to the cold arriving. Get the Pipes Blown Out When sprinkler season ends, it’s a good time to have your pipes blown out. This process eliminates any water sitting in the lines, so it can’t freeze up in the winter. Once the pipes are cleared, shut off the valve that serves the outdoor spigot to prevent any more water or moisture from accumulating in the pipes. Disconnect Hoses Disconnect any hoses that are attached to your outdoor plumbing fixtures and bring them inside for the winter. Insulate Insulate outdoor pipes the same way you insulate indoor pipes protect the lines that carry water to the outdoor spigots. Signs of Burst Pipes If a pipe bursts in your home from the freezing temperatures, it can create some pretty costly damage, so the sooner you can catch it, the better. If the pipes are frozen, you’ll tell right away from the lack of running water. You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to help thaw them out before they burst. If you aren’t able to catch the pipes before they burst, there are some key signs to let you know that it’s happened, such as: Damp drywall Rings on ceilings Bubbling paint on the walls or ceiling Musty smells Banging, clanking, or whistling sounds If you notice any of these issues around your home, call a plumbing professional immediately. Clogged Drains With the winter months comes the holiday season, and with the holidays, more guests potentially stay in or visit your home. This increased traffic leads to one of the most common winter plumbing issues: clogged drains. The increased number of people in your Lynnwood, WA, home puts additional strain on the plumbing. With increased food waste going down the drains from holiday meals, more hair accumulating in the shower drains, and more toilet flushes, it can all add up to the potential for more drain clogs. A clogged drain in your home, though frustrating, is an easy fix for a skilled plumber. If you’re thinking about saving money by using a liquid drain cleaner, don’t. These cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can make the problem worse. If your drain is backed up, call in a professional to make sure it’s cleared correctly the first time. The only thing worse than a clogged drain is a damaged one, so don’t take any chances. If multiple drains in your home are clogged, it’s not a coincidence. It’s likely a clog in your plumbing’s mainline that requires a professional plumber to fix. If you’re expecting an influx of family and friends in your home during the holidays, you can also get ahead of the game by making sure your drains are ready for the additional strain. Professional drain cleaning is the best way to make sure your plumbing is clear prior to the increased workload. Drain cleaning should be done annually to keep your pipes clear of grease build-up and debris, but if it’s been a while, or you feel the lines are due for a cleaning, call the pros to help avoid any unexpected plumbing problems this holiday season. Water Heater Issues An increase in people staying in the home isn’t just hard on the pipes. It places an increased demand on your water heater as well. You may begin to notice that showers aren’t lasting as long as they used to or that it’s taking a lot longer for the water to heat up. Problems with water heaters during the winter months aren’t
5 Main Types Of Plumbing Pipes Used In Homes
When you think about your home’s plumbing system, it might seem pretty straightforward. One set of pipes brings clean water to the taps, and another set of pipes carries wastewater away. But have you ever stopped to think about what all those pipes are made of and what their specific functions are within your home’s plumbing system? If one of your pipes bursts or is in need of repair, do you know what questions to ask your plumbers? This article is designed to inform you about all five types of plumbing pipes that reside in your home. By learning more about how the different pipe types function, you will be better equipped to make decisions regarding your home plumbing in the future. This understanding can help you work closely with your local plumbing professional. Pros and Cons: Metal vs. Plastic Plumbing Pipes You know that pipes are the backbone of your home’s plumbing system, but when it comes time to repair or replace a busted-out pipe, should you go with a metal or plastic piping option? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind for each type of material. Metal is durable but rigid, and plastic is flexible but might wear out faster. Additionally, there are different options for specific types of pipe plumbing, even within the broader choice of metal or plastic. To find out which choice will benefit you and your home the most, you might want to ask professional plumbers to give you some advice. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the pros and cons of metal and plastic pipes: Pros of Metal Pipes Metal has some great advantages when it comes to plumbing. It’s the most common kind of piping in older homes. If you’re a resident of Everett, Lake Stevens, or Marysville, you are probably familiar with older homes, which means that it is likely you’ve seen some of these types of pipes up close and in person. Metal pipes come in three kinds of metal: Copper Galvanized Steel Cast Iron While there are technically three types of metal piping, the one most plumbers today are focused on is copper. Copper is king in the world of plumbing. It is used for your water supply and is completely safe to use within the home. There are no health risks associated with copper, and the material can withstand immense heat and physical pressure, making it an ideal carrier of your hot, highly-pressurized shower water. Copper is also monetarily valuable, even when the piping itself is old or damaged. You can always sell copper scraps for money. If you need a plumbing repair on a water supply pipe and want to use metal piping, copper is a great choice! Cons of Metal Pipes The only viable option for metal piping is copper. Due to advancements in plumbing technology, we now know that any other metal is inferior, and only copper can handle the highly abrasive effects of a home plumbing system. Cast iron can rust through completely, and most plumbers use a hard plastic option (like ABS) to take its place. Furthermore, galvanized steel is no longer an option at all due to its highly erodible nature. This pipe material is only used for natural gas now. Pros of Plastic Pipes Plastic is the new kid in town with a lot of great qualities. Due to its malleable nature, this kind of piping is great for the twisting, corner-heavy walls of modern homes. It comes in a few different options, including: PVC Piping Flexi Piping PEX Piping ABS Piping Each of these plastic pipes can be more or less difficult to work with, depending on the type, but all of them are relatively easy for experienced plumbers to use. You can be certain that your local plumbing professional can install and repair plastic piping with ease. Cons of Plastic Pipes Their flexible nature can also be a downfall. Some plastic pipes are not very strong under intense heat, pressure, or even sunlight. If circumstances in your home’s plumbing system become at all strained, you could be looking at a burst pipe. It is also important to note that not all pipes are legally allowed due to different building codes. Depending on your place of residence, some areas may not permit one or more of these types of plastic pipes to be installed in your plumbing system. It may come as a surprise to find out how many types of pipes are not used or allowed everywhere, but that’s what makes having a variety of pipe options so great. While metal and plastic may seem very different at first glance, the one thing they have in common is the very careful considerations plumbers and zoning laws have when deciding on the best type of pipe to use in a home. If you would like to know about what pipes are allowed in your area, ask a professional about the zoning laws for pipes in Everett, Lake Stevens, and Marysville. What Do the Five Different Types of Pipes Do? Each particular piece of piping has a purpose. Some pipes are meant to bring in the water supply, and others are meant for drainage or venting. There is even a type of pipe that is meant to connect externally with your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Depending on where you live, there are some areas that do not zone for certain types of piping, which makes having a variety of choices even more important. If you are wondering about which pipe would work best in what role for your home in or near Everett, Lake Stevens, or Marysville, consider the following options: Water Supply Pipes Copper is strong and resistant to damage. It will not warp under heat or buckle under pressure. This metal is a tried and true option that has the capacity to last. However, it is a very expensive option when it comes to pricing.
Can Heavy Rain Affect Plumbing
As a homeowner in Washington state, you have probably experienced your fair share of heavy rains. During severe storms, the most common concerns are loss of power or structural damage to your property. But have you ever wondered about how a torrential downpour can affect your plumbing? While it is common to experience plumbing issues, especially in an older house, it is uncommon for them to happen frequently. If you are having problems with your plumbing system a little too often, it is time to investigate the external cause. You might be surprised to know that heavy rains can be the reason why your plumbing is acting up. Read on below to see how rain can affect plumbing in your home. How Does Heavy Rain Damage Plumbing? There is absolutely no doubt that heavy rainfall can cause issues with your plumbing. Excessive rain can put immense stress on the plumbing system and increase pressure in the pipes. Rainwater around your house can also seep into the soil above the pipes. Due to the increased weight of the dirt, pipes can be pushed further down. This movement of the pipes due to softened, wet ground can cause them to bend or break, causing significant issues. Can Flood from Rain Cause Plumbing Issues? Flooding can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and cause severe damage. Flood water contains loose soil, sand, and sediments that can overburden the drains both inside and outside. Deposits and debris from the drain can clog the external drains, internal drains, or both. Oftentimes, you might first become aware of the issue when there is a sudden leak in the house. If you have a clogged drain system, it is best to schedule a plumbing service as early as possible to fix the problem. Fortunately, no matter how stubborn the clog is, it can be resolved with the help of a trusted drain cleaning company in the area. By hydro jetting your clogged drains, professional plumbers can ensure they flow smoothly without any obstructions. As a measure of caution, it is always a good idea to inspect your external pipes and make sure they are not damaged after a flood. If you notice any crack or damage, it is best to get it repaired by a reputable plumbing service before the next storm makes it worse. You don’t want to get caught unprepared. In the event of heavy flooding, water can pool outside your home for a longer time. There is a risk of damage to the plumbing underground, and the heavy soil and water can put a lot of pressure on the pipes causing them to break. To ensure that everything is fine, hire a plumber who can check for any damage before it escalates into a much bigger problem. Is It True That Rain Can Break Down a Toilet? Toilets can bring many plumbing issues, from clogging to overflowing and more. However, you would never expect a toilet to back up or overflow after heavy rains, which can happen for many reasons. Oftentimes, the type of waste disposal that your home relies on can contribute to clogged toilets. City sewer lines can be under substantial stress due to a heavy volume of rainwater. The water from your home has nowhere to go, and instead, it starts flowing backward towards your property. Another culprit that can cause clogged toilets could be the septic tank. If rainwater enters your septic tank, it can cause the water to overflow and back up into your toilet, washing machine, sink, or bathroom drain. If ignored, this can potentially flood your home or basement, leading to more damage and increased costs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners should have their septic tanks inspected at least once every three years to prevent unexpected backups. Having an efficient sump pump system in your basement is essential to reduce the risk of water damage in your basement. If your sump pump is malfunctioning, schedule a sump pump repair promptly and avoid potential damage to your property in the event of flooding. How Can I Prevent Clogs in the Drains Outside My Home? Taking appropriate preventive measures and doing periodic inspections of your plumbing system and drainage can be very helpful in preventing clogs. Professional plumbers in Lynnwood, WA, are equipped with the tools and technologies to thoroughly check your drains, maintain them and address any issues to prevent damage. The freeze-thaw cycle in Washington can contribute to blockage in the drains. Add a freezing rainstorm, and your drain grating could get completely blocked. There is a sudden rush of water when the ice thaws, resulting in flooding. A certified professional plumber will be able to ensure that all of your drains and drain grates are clear so that water can flow freely. Sometimes, the sump of an outside drain can accumulate debris and sediments that can cause blockage in the drain pipe. Regular maintenance can prevent damage to your plumbing and save you money. Reliable Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Services If you have problems with your drains or plumbing system, trust the certified and skilled plumbers at Steve’s Plumbing in Lynnwood, WA. We know that it can be very stressful to have a problem with your plumbing or drainage system. For over 25 years, we have provided exceptional services to residents in the Lynnwood area. Our team will provide the most effective solutions at reasonable prices no matter your unique requirements. We specialize in all aspects of plumbing, including inspections, maintenance, installations, and drain cleaning. We serve Lynnwood, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Everett, Bellevue, Edmonds, and surrounding areas. A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home and plumbing system. Keeping your pipes, drains, sump pump, and sewer line in perfect condition will give you complete peace of mind through heavy rain, snow, or wind. Contact Steve’s Plumbing today and book an appointment.
Do You Know The Water Quality In Your Home
Hard water is a problem in many households, and most people live with it without realizing how it is affecting them. In truth, hard water contains chemicals that can adversely affect your health and your Lynnwood, WA, home’s plumbing. It can also damage appliances like coffee makers and dishwashers. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with poor water quality. When you hire plumbers to address the problem, they will test your water and offer solutions for removing those chemicals from your tap water. You’ll immediately notice the difference in the taste and cleansing power of the filtered water in your home. What Factors Affect Tap Water? It’s not uncommon to find toxic chemicals in water since we draw our water from deep within the earth. As it flows through several layers of soil and sediment, fresh water collects chemicals from the earth. If the water isn’t properly filtered, this contaminated water, or hard water, will come through your Lynnwood, WA, faucets. In addition to an unhealthy buildup of calcium, other compounds found in hard water include magnesium, iron, and zinc. Depending on your location, other dissolved metals may be present in your water, such as barium, aluminum, and copper. While there are always some traces of these metals in tap water, higher concentrations will lead to harder water. You can tell that your home has a water quality problem by looking for a white film on your shower walls and shower curtain. Look at your faucets for a light green sediment as well. If you still feel soapy after rinsing off in the shower, this is another indication that you have hard water. These signs should prompt you to call plumbers in your area to test your home’s water for heavy metals. What Are the Health Effects of Poor Water Quality? When you have hard water flowing through your plumbing system, it will affect the quality of your personal hygiene practices. For example, water with a high concentration of chemicals might cause your skin to become dry and leathery. If you experience itchiness, red blotches, and skin that appears aged, the problem may be with your Lynnwood, WA, home’s water quality. Your hair may also be adversely affected by washing it in hard water. If your hair seems drier than usual, don’t immediately blame your shampoo. Dry hair with tough tangles may be the result of the chemicals in hard water removing the natural oils in your hair. Once plumbers have added newer water filter services to your home’s plumbing, you’ll have a more pleasant experience when washing your hair. While hard water may not taste as good as filtered water, there isn’t any research to suggest that it’s harmful to your health. Even so, you can enjoy cleaner water that has a fresh taste when you ask plumbers to install point-of-use filtration devices. In addition to whole house filtration systems, a filter on each faucet will help remove more chemical compounds and sediment from your water. How Does Poor Water Affect Your Lynnwood, WA, Home? Even though the health effects of hard water are minimal, your plumbing system will be negatively impacted. In general, the chemicals found in hard water will cause corrosion in your home’s plumbing and appliances. A higher concentration of chemicals in your water will mean your plumbing will be affected more quickly. Once you learn more about the specific ways hard water will affect your home, you will realize that getting better water filtration will save you money in the future. Hard Water Scale Inhibits Water Flow There are certain minerals in hard water (chalk, calcium, limestone, etc.) that are common in the tap water of most Lynnwood, WA, homes. As these minerals build up and collect in the pipes, drains, and faucets of your home, you’ll see a light lime-colored sediment. This sediment will thicken over time, making it difficult for water to pass through screens and filters. Check for sediment if you experience decreased water pressure in your shower or kitchen faucets. The screen on a sink faucet or the jets in the showerhead may be clogged with sediment. If this is the case, you should have a plumber treat your home’s water before replacing or cleaning the fixtures. This will ensure the same thing won’t happen to your new faucet or showerhead. Mineral Accumulation Leads to Clogged Pipes Mineral deposits can get thick enough to block the small holes in a screen, but they won’t grow large enough to block an entire plumbing pipe. Water can still pass through these areas in your pipes even when minerals have accumulated along the walls of your pipes. Unfortunately, those chemical deposits will still be significant enough to interact with soap as it flows through your pipes. This leads to the buildup of soap scum, which will be thick enough to trap hair, food particles, and anything else that’s flushed through your plumbing system. When enough waste is trapped by the soap scum and minerals in your pipes, a blockage will form. If you frequently experience clogged pipes, call a plumber to help you resolve your hard water problems. Cleaner water will flush the soap and debris through your pipes more effectively. Hard Water Affects Your Curb Appeal You might also notice that mineral deposits can be seen in your sprinklers and garden hoses. If your sprinkler system sprays water onto your home, you’ll likely see a lime-colored film on your home’s siding, bricks, or stucco. Even though removing that film is simple, it won’t help if you don’t resolve your hard water problem first. Using hard water in your yard can also have unwanted effects on your lawn, plants, and shrubbery. The high mineral content can cause your grass and plant life to dry up in much the same way that it dries out your skin and hair. This is why your grass may not be as green as it should be or why you find it hard to
Directional Cross Bores And The Accompanying Dangers
In 1976, workers hit a cross-bored gas line while using a sewer drain cleaner. When the drain cleaner hit the line, an explosion occurred. Two people lost their lives, four individuals sustained injuries, and the explosion destroyed one home. This led to more people becoming aware of cross-bores and the surrounding safety concerns. What is a Directional Cross-Bore? Many companies today benefit from trenchless technology. They no longer need to dig a trench to install utility lines. With the help of this technology, they drill horizontally and install new lines. This leads to less disruption and less restoration work. However, with trenchless technology comes directional cross-bores. When utility lines intersect, a cross-bore occurs. The intersection of these utilities leads to problems with either of the pipelines by disrupting the flow within or the integrity of the pipelines. Detecting a Cross-Bore A person might not know a cross-bore affects their sewer line. The problem continues undetected until a sewage backup occurs or another problem develops within the sewer line. In fact, people often suspect they have a sewer lateral that is blocked or obstructed by tree roots. At times, they believe shifting soils have led to problems within this line. They call a plumber for help in cleaning the line or making the repair. Using a drill with a cross-bore can lead to disaster. The Dangers Associated with Cross-Bores When a homeowner requests a plumbing inspection, they need to have this inspection conducted with a camera. This ensures the plumber doesn’t use a drill to clear debris when a cross-bore is present. If they don’t do a pipe inspection prior to drilling, they may hit an active gas line. This could lead to an explosion and the death of one or more individuals. In addition, nearby buildings could sustain significant damage. Why is This Concern Increasing? Many homeowners are now calling for sewer line repair or replacement. They realize the piping infrastructure in this country is aging, which means problems may be imminent. By calling for sewer line repair before problems arise, they hope to protect their property from damage. When the technician arrives, they must conduct a plumbing inspection with a camera to look for cross-bores. Thanks to the increased usage of trenchless technology, this issue has become more commonplace. One way to detect these cross-bores is with the help of a thorough pipe inspection. The other option is to dig up the entire sewer line, but property owners want to avoid this. The cost of restoring the property is lower when the contractor uses trenchless technology, which is why more people request this option today. However, if the use of trenchless technology leads to a cross-bore, the cost of the repair could increase. Who prevents cross-bores? Preventing Cross-Bores Plumbers, building contractors, and more use plumbing cameras today to find sewer lines and potential cross-bores. This is much easier than trying to track the sewer lines manually and ensures all potential cross-bores are located before any work is done. In addition, this method works better than the locating beacon method when cast-iron pipes are involved. Municipalities and utility owners need to work together to prevent cross-bores. When they do so, they help to keep costs down. Property owners appreciate this because they know this will help to keep their costs down as well. However, when a cross-bore occurs on an individual’s property, the property owner is responsible for the repairs. The property owner will need to determine who must pay for the repairs after speaking with a plumber and determining whether a cross-bore is the issue. Why Conduct a Camera Inspection? Any time a plumbing repair is needed, request a camera inspection to find all areas of pipe damage. This inspection allows the technician to see all pipe damage before starting any plumbing repair. While the contractor may use a locating beacon, it isn’t as accurate with all piping materials. In addition, the inspection allows the property owner to see the damage themselves. Often, they find this visual helpful in determining the best course of action for the repair. They know what the problem is and can discuss the various repair options with the plumber. Property owners should always ensure all sewer laterals and other utilities on their property are marked prior to having any work done. In the past, utilities would often mark a property with the location of sewer and water lines and other utility lines buried underground. This same step needs to be completed when using trenchless technology to reduce the risk of problems. The contractor must identify and mark all lines. Learn more about this type of inspection before having any work done on the property, as a camera inspection will help to find cross-bores and provide the owner with peace of mind. They will know the property won’t sustain damage while they are trying to improve it.
Tips For Summertime Plumbing Maintenance
When summer comes around, the heat is on, and the fun begins. Summer is a fun time for everyone—except your plumbing system. Did you know that, on average, American homeowners use 50% more water during the summer? Of course, that includes the residents of Lynnwood, WA, too. With more water consumption, both the plumbing and water bills are going to increase. If you’re looking for a solution to this problem, we can help. Our 5 Tips for Summertime Plumbing Maintenance While nothing changes to the system itself, summer takes a toll on your pipes and appliances. Your plumbing system is going to work overtime to keep up during the summer. Here are five things you can do this summer that your plumbing system will appreciate. Fix or Replace Broken Toilets and Faucets Does your toilet seem to make odd noises whenever you flush? Or does it take extra effort to get it an effective flush? That could mean that you’re wasting gallons of water each day. Broken or ineffective toilets waste significant amounts of water every day they are in use. By not repairing or replacing a broken toilet, you flush your money down the drain. That becomes worse in homes with children, too. During the summer, with school out of session, your toilet has a bigger job to do. Making sure that your toilets are working is an ideal place to start this summer. Getting a toilet replacement, if necessary, helps you avoid wasting money. Faucet repair is also a smart move before summer hits. If your faucet has been dripping, this is a sign that your plumbing system needs inspection. Remember to Flush Your Water Heater It may come as a surprise, but your water heater needs regular flushing. Over time, a thin line of debris and sediment will build up at the bottom of the water heater. This buildup slows your water heater down and renders your appliance inefficient. When this debris builds up and slows down the appliance, it increases your energy bills, too. An inefficient water heater works hard to keep up the pace. It uses more energy and costs more money. We recommend flushing your new water heater yearly. That reduces your energy bills, saves you money, and keeps your water flowing. You may also want to consider getting water heater repairs before the start of summer. Making sure that your water heater is in good working order will save you a lot of stress come summertime. Upgrade Appliances Your appliances are going to become inefficient over time with extended use. When this happens, you’re going to spend more money every month. Inefficient appliances are unreliable appliances. When you upgrade your appliances before summer, you save money. You also keep your plumbing system efficient. Not only that, but you get peace of mind knowing that nothing is going to break when you need it most. Keep the Drains Clean There is nothing more annoying than noticing a clog in your drain. Cleaning each drain is a simple yet effective way to reduce the strain on your pipes this summer. When we say to clean the drains, we don’t mean with store-bought cleaner, though. Store-bought cleaners have harmful chemicals that cause damage to your pipes. Drain cleaners have consequences for your health and the environment, too. Pouring these chemicals down the drain is a temporary solution—one that is going to cost you in the future. We recommend professional drain cleaning services to keep the pipes free of clogs. That is a safe option for your drains, the environment, and your health. Regular Plumbing Inspections Last but not least, getting regular plumbing inspections is a must. You take your car for maintenance and go to the doctor for a checkup, right? Your plumbing system needs the same kind of care, too. Having a plumber inspect your plumbing system will guarantee that your pipes are ready for the summer. We also recommend that you ask about the available water filter services. Water filtration is wise for any Lynnwood, WA, homeowner. It is a must during the summer when families consume double the amount of water. Call a Professional One last tip: Call a team of professional plumbers to take care of your plumbing system. You get peace of mind knowing your system is working well and is ready for the summer. Steve’s Plumbing offers a variety of services in the Lynnwood, WA, area. From faucet repair to appliance upgrades, our team can get your plumbing ready for summer. Contact Steve’s Plumbing today for all your plumbing needs!
Eaking Pipes Signs Of A Problem And When To Repair
Your plumbing system works every day to transfer water throughout your house and waste off your property. You don’t usually notice this sophisticated process until it starts to fail on you, and even then, some still put off pipe repair until it’s too late. Delaying necessary repairs has consequences on both a small and larger scale. Concerning your home, damaged and leaking pipes can ruin your landscaping and damage your foundation. The excess liquid weakens your property across the board and makes it much less comfortable to live in. And on a larger environmental scale, leaking pipes expel an astonishing amount of water over time. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that one trillion—one trillion!—gallons of water get wasted per year solely from damaged pipes. That’s enough to fill 40 million swimming pools, or the entire Rose Bowl 12,000 times. Doing your part can be as simple as practicing leak detection in and around your home. And if you find evidence of damage, scheduling your leak repair through Steve’s Plumbing will help both your household and your community as a whole. Learning Leak Detection How can you tell you need a leaking pipe repair? There may be a visible crack or dripping of fluid in an exposed pipe somewhere in your house. That’s a pretty obvious sign of damage. But what about the pipes you can’t see, the ones that hide in your walls and underground? If those pipes are leaking, there are ways to tell. You just have to know what to look for. You may need a sewer line repair if you find sudden and inexplicable patches of green in your yard. That happens because of the new moisture underground giving them a consistent source of food. Lush lawns are nice, but if your grass is flourishing and you haven’t been watering, you may have an underground leak. Inside the home, leaking water pipes can result in slow drains or a weak water flow. And even though it looks like less water is being cycled, leaking pipes will cause your water bill to spike. Like the green patches in a yard with a broken sewer pipe, if your bill is doubling even though you haven’t made any changes to your water usage, that’s likely a sign that you need a water pipe repair. Broken Pipe Causes The cause of your broken pipes can be due to several factors depending on where you live and how well you’ve been maintaining them. Occasionally, tree roots and other growth can break through sewer pipes and result in leaks and blockage. That is especially possible for older pipes, which erode over the years and weaken from corrosion. Living in Washington, one of the biggest causes of broken pipes is the effect of the weather. When water is exposed to cold air, it creates ice—that’s simple chemistry. And every winter, it can happen inside your pipes, causing the water flowing through them to expand into ice and eventually make the pipes burst. There are things you can do to keep this from happening. If it’s freezing, you should keep a few faucets running at a slow dribble because water moving through your pipes will prevent the line from turning to ice. And pipe leaks aren’t the only leaks you should concern yourself with. If you seal the spots in your home that let in cold air, you can keep the temperature more comfortable and your plumbing system running smoothly. Pipe Replacement While repair is usually an option for pipes, there are a few signs that you need a more intensive pipe replacement. Corrosion causes leaks and weakens your overall plumbing, but it also can lower the quality of your water. If you pour a glass to drink or a tub to soak in, pay attention to the color. Pipes built up with rust and other deterioration will flake off into your water supply, causing the color to go brown, red, or orange. When a pipe starts to rust, it usually means they’re getting old. Most plumbing systems are designed to last for a very long time—brass, cast iron, or galvanized steel, for instance, can last for up to a century. On the other end of the spectrum, PVC pipes may start to go out in forty years or less. If your pipes were old when you bought your house, you might want to consider replacing your system through a trusted provider like Steve’s Plumbing. If you just fixed a leak in your piping and now find yourself hearing that drip-drip-drip once again, it’ll save you a lot of trouble replacing your pipes and upgrading your plumbing to ensure peace of mind. Nu Flow Pipe Relining A pipe replacement is sometimes necessary, but it can also be incredibly costly and complicated to do right. That’s why Steve’s Plumbing specializes in Nu Flow, a new pipe-lining technology that works to renew your pipes without removing your existing system. You don’t have to dig up your entire sewer with Nu Flow. Instead, you can feed a new liner into the pipes that are already there. A Steve’s Plumbing technician will remove any roots or build-up already present inside the system, and once you feed the new liner in, your plumber will inflate and seal it along the edges of the pipe. Once it’s cured, your plumber will remove the bladder and leave you with a new pipe at the core of your old one. Our Nu Flow services are the space in the Venn diagram where replacement and repair overlap. It can be a viable solution for any leaks, breaks, or cracks the system may endure over the years, and plumbers can do this for pressurized and non-pressurized piping alike. Nu Flow is a service we currently hold over most of our competitors in the Washington area. But we find so much potential in the process that we believe it’ll be used in most sewer replacement projects in the near future. It’ll save your household immeasurable