When to Call a Plumber
Plumbers Spring TX specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. These systems facilitate the distribution of water, gas, and waste in residential and commercial buildings.
Plumbers use a wide range of tools to perform their duties. They must also be able to read and interpret blueprints and building codes.
A well-functioning water heater is one of the cornerstones of a functional household, so when yours starts to give you trouble, it can be quite an inconvenience. The good news is that there are several big clues that your water heater is in need of replacement. For starters, it may have started producing water with a strange smell or appeared to be discolored. If this is the case, you should definitely call a plumber as soon as possible to come out and take a look at it.
The type of water heater you choose will often depend on the size of your home and the hot-water needs of its inhabitants. In many cases, professional plumbing contractors will conduct measurements to ensure that the chosen model is able to fit in your home, without overtaxing its energy resources or causing any kind of structural damage. Additionally, they will ensure that the chosen water heater is compatible with your home’s gas supply system, if applicable.
When installing a new water heater, your plumber will first need to remove the old unit from its location. Depending on the size of the tank, this can be a fairly time-consuming process. Once this has been done, your plumber will disconnect the unit from its gas and electric connections. Then, they will drain the tank and connect it to a fresh water line from your house’s main water supply. In addition, they will also install a new dip tube and sediment trap, as well as a pressure relief valve on the water supply line.
Lastly, they will attach a sturdy heat-resistant drain pan underneath the water heater to protect your floor from any leaks or excess sediment runoff. They will then turn the power and gas back on, as well as reconnect the thermostat. A final test of the unit will yield proof that it is working properly by turning on the hot water and checking the temperature.
For some projects, you might need to obtain permits or undergo inspections in order to meet building codes and safety standards. This is particularly true for work involving gas or electrical connections. If you attempt to make these connections yourself, it is very likely that you will be putting yourself and those around you in danger.
Trenchless Sewer Repairs
A clogged, damaged or broken sewer line can be the cause of costly plumbing problems in your home. Trenchless sewer repairs are an effective way to repair or replace a damaged or failing sewer line without destructive digging or removing large portions of your flooring, foundation, walls and landscaping.
This innovative technique allows your plumber to access your sewer lines through small holes in the ground near the ends of your damaged pipes. After a thorough inspection and hydro and mechanical cleaning of the old line, a high-tech, flexible pipe liner that is imbued with resin is inserted directly into your existing pipe. Once the liner hardens, it creates a structural pipe within your old pipe that fixes leaks, cracks, root intrusion, channeling and age deterioration.
Your plumber can decide on which of the two methods of trenchless sewer repair to use based on the condition of your old sewer pipe and its location in your yard or garden. The first option, known as pipe lining or cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP), involves feeding a soft and flexible tube coated with resin into your existing sewer line and inflating it to completely fill the interior of your old pipe. Once it hardens, the lining is left in place to provide a new pipe that can last decades.
The second method, known as pipe bursting, involves pulling an ultra-hard metal “bursting head” through your damaged sewer line and simultaneously replacing it with a new one. Once the bursting head is fully through the line, your plumber will attach a new flexible but durable replacement pipe and connect it to both ends of the old line. Once the process is complete, your plumber will inspect the new line with a sewer camera to make sure it was installed properly and that all repairs were made.
Not only do trenchless sewer repair techniques save you time and money by avoiding excavation and preserving your property, they also often offer better function than traditional methods. CIPP liners, for example, can increase your pipes’ diameter and thus improve their ability to handle more wastewater and waste.
Plumbing Repairs
Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility, including maintaining its major systems. While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, other issues call for the skills of a plumber. Knowing when to call a professional can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Common plumbing repairs include fixing leaky faucets and shower heads, clogged drains, and low water pressure. Plumbers have the tools and training to quickly diagnose and repair these issues. They also use high-quality parts to ensure a long-lasting fix.
Plumbing repair costs vary based on the issue and its severity. For example, a simple leaky faucet might cost less than $100 to fix, while a clogged toilet could require more invasive work that may take several hours. However, most plumbers offer upfront pricing and guarantee their work.
Sewer line problems are another big reason to call a plumber. If your sewage system is backing up into your home, it could cause significant damage and health risks. Plumbers can identify and fix a variety of sewer line issues, including broken joints, collapsed lines, or tree root intrusion.
Many clogged toilets are caused by too much toilet paper or other items that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain. But some clogged toilets are due to a serious problem with the main sewer line. Plumbers can use a camera to inspect the line and find the source of the clog. They can then clean the line or replace it if necessary.
A broken toilet valve can lead to flooding, water stains, and mold growth. A plumber can replace the valve and install a new wax ring to prevent it from leaking in the future.
Most homeowners use a water filter to improve the quality of their drinking water. But if the filter stops working or the pH balance is off, it’s time to call a plumber.
If you notice a puddle of water near your home’s exterior, it could be a sign that your pipes are frozen. These issues aren’t easy to resolve on your own, but a plumber has the equipment and expertise to quickly unfreeze them.
Drain Cleaning
Your home’s drain pipes are the path that waste and wastewater travel down to reach your sewer or septic tank. Over time, the drains in your home can become clogged with food, soap scum, hair, dental floss, and other debris. If left untreated, a clogged drain can lead to water damage, unpleasant odors, plumbing leaks, and health issues.
Plumbers can professionally clean your drains using various methods. They might use drain snaking to clear a minor clog or hydro jetting for stubborn and persistent blockages. Hydro jetting uses a concentrated stream of water that can blast past obstructions and weeds that might be jamming your pipes.
You might be tempted to use a DIY method for your drain clogs like the old standby of boiling water or a plunger, but these items can actually damage your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners are especially corrosive and can chew through the pipes in your home, so it’s best to call in a professional for thorough, safe drain cleaning.
While a small slow draining sink or tub might be a minor nuisance, a serious clog in the sewer line could lead to sewage backups and costly repairs. Regularly scheduling drain cleaning services with your plumber can help keep your plumbing in tip-top shape and prevent serious problems down the road.
It might seem counterintuitive, but your plumbing isn’t always working hard enough. Most homeowners only call their plumber for help when they have a clogged drain, but it’s important to keep your plumbing in good condition throughout the year. By doing this, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your home smelling great!
