There is a brand new process called
Pipe relining to remove calcium and minerals from the inside of your piping. This process is not available in every state, nor is it accepted by every code, but it soon should be. You can check with your local Indianapolis plumber to see if this process is acceptable.
Pipe relining forces a solution of a grinding compound through the pipes to break loose all calcium and mineral build up. It also forces a solution of epoxy coating into the pipes, which
then seals the inside to protect them from future build up. Currently the cost of this process is just as expensive as pipe replacement, but there is no damage to surrounding walls and floors.
The alternative is to relining is to replace all of your existing piping with PEX or PVC, which is a more expensive endeavor. All walls must be broken open to install the new pipes and the costs can quickly add up. Pipe relining is a great process to take advantage of and is highly recommended.
For help with Indianapolis plumbing call, Roto-Rooter at
1-800-GET-ROTO for 24 hour plumbing services or visit our
Web site for more information.
All Jacksonville plumbers will concur,
when you have a leak the best thing to do is fix it right away. Leaks are sure signs of plumbing problems. Leaking water can lead to a number of issues including, black mold and rotting. Also. wet wooden walls are the perfect environment for termites, carpenter ants and rotting in general.
For instance, many things can leak on a bathtub...
The faucet can leak inside the wall or externally from stems, the shower head or the spout. The drain can leak from the gasket on the back of the waste and overflow and the trap under the tub. The surrounding tile can also become affected by a leak at the joints to the tub around the faucet spouts and in the corners.
When you suspect a bathtub leak test it immediately. Fill the tub till it reaches the overflow tube. Then open the access panel behind the tub and examine the overflow. If water is not coming out of the gasket or riser the overflow is not leaking.
Then let the water drain and check the bottom of the tub for leaks. Once the tub is empty you can also turn on the spout faucet and switch it to the shower head and once again check behind the access panel for signs of a leak.
Once you determine the problem, you can then proceed with a solution with some plumbing repair, but my best advice would be to act fast. Do not let a little leak linger.
For more Jacksonville plumbing tips visit our Web site's
Ask the Plumber or call
1-800-GET-ROTO for more information or other plumbing services
.
Believe it or not, a toilet is a delicate balance. The level of water in the tank, the speed of the water, the air pressure in the system and the amount of water in the bowl all have to be perfect for a modern toilet to flush properly.
Here are some ways to assess toilet plumbing problems:
- Take a mop bucket, fill it with approximately 3 gallons of water and pour it into the toilet bowl. If it backs instantly there is a blockage and you will need to auger it.
- If the toilet flushes normally after you pour water into it, test it 3 times. If it fails at any time there is a problem with the pipe below the toilet. (You will need to refill the bowl to normal pre-flush level before each test.
- If the tank is not refilling the bowl properly the toilet will not flush every time. To determine this, remove the small 1/8 inch plastic tube that goes above the water level from the fill valve on the left side of the toilet tank. See if there is a fast stream of water entering the tube and refilling the bowl. If there is not, there is most likely a problem between the tank and the bowl.
- If flowing water is not providing enough power check the jets to determine if there is a clog. Also, check the rim, if there is something inside the rim, you will need to replace the toilet.
- Check the flapper, if it does not stay floating long enough, the water will only partially leave the tank. If there is a problem the flapper can easily be replaced.
- Get your vent cleaned and/or have a camera inspection to detect further blockage or a drain clog.
- Determine your toilet's age. Older toilets tend to accumulate more mineral deposits, because they lack the glaze that modern models have. Over time build-up accumulates in the unglazed ceramic ultimately slowing down the water flow.
For more bathroom plumbing solutions visit our
Web site or call us at 1-800- GET-ROTO for further Kenosha plumbing assistance and a Kenosha plumber will be available at your convenience.
A customer wrote in after going through 3 water faucets in less than a year. The water would stop flowing out of the faucet but the sprayer functioned normally. Through much trial and error they still remained stumped; the water was working but would not go through the faucet nozzles. Surely, they are not the only ones who have been struggling with sink plumbing issues of this nature.
From past experience with kitchen plumbing jobs, this is fairly common. It sounds like there is probably a lot of debris in the water. As debris flows through the aerator at the end of the faucet it begins to block the tiny holes to mix the air and water, which creates a soft stream of water.
A couple of suggestions:
- Try removing the aerator from the end of the spout and clean it out.
- Installation of a sand filter on the supply lines to the faucet/ house.
Aerators are little strainers screwed into the end of faucets. They can be removed
ed by unthreading counterclockwise. At the back end of the strainer there is a very small opening designed to restrict the flow of water to conservation standards and to insert air to help prevent water from splashing. They commonly can get clogged, which reduces the pressure available to the faucet. It is a good idea to clean the aerators annually to improve the functionality of your faucet.
For further Memphis plumbing assistance or inquiry, feel free to visit our Web site's
Ask the Plumber section or call us for 24 hour plumbing services at 1-800- GET-ROTO and we will send out a Memphis plumber at your convenience.
A customer recently wrote in about a pressure problem regarding bathroom sink plumbing. When they turned on their faucet the hot water pressure dropped almost instantly to a mere trickle and the pipes would begin to clatter. It's one of those problems, that is annoying but not annoying enough to fix instantly; something you've always wondered how to fix.
Surprisingly, it is one of the easiest plumbing problems to fix. This is one of the many bathroom plumbing solutions that may be applied to almost any faucet. It works with the hot or cold; temperature makes no difference. Below are steps to follow:
1. Turn off water to whatever side applies.
2. Dismantle the faucet by removing the handle of the side you are working on. Includes- bonnet nut and side stem (shuts off water by compression)
3. Next, at the end of the stem there should be a rubber gasket- check the condition of the gasket, it may need to be tightened or replaced if damaged.
4. Finally, after gasket tightening or replacement reassemble stem.
The rubber gasket is usually the culprit of this faucet issue. If the screw is loose the water flowing by causes the rubber washer to flap and make noise. By following these 4 simple steps you too can achieve faucet pressure peace.
If there are any other Hawaii plumbing questions don't hesitate to visit our Web site's
Ask the Plumber section or talk to a licensed Hawaii plumber at 1-800-GET-ROTO.
Here is some basic information on a regular residential Menlo park plumbing topic, water heaters. In general, water heaters typically have a ten year lifespan without maintenance. It can be increased to fifteen if flushed every year. Water heaters are constructed out of steel drums lined with a layer of sand glass on the inside, which protects the iron from rusting.
A burner heats up to provide a constant source of hot water. This process removes calcium and minerals as well, which tend to crystallize and build up . If not flushed, this build up becomes more substantial, blanketing the base of the heater up to 4 inches.
A water heater must work harder to heat the metal surface to break through the build-up blanket. As a result, the protective glass liner is weakened through the stress put on the metal exposing the water to metal, which creates rust.
Each time hot water is used, rust forms and is then washed away. After 10 years, this constant process eats a hole through the iron ultimately producing a leak. This is the point of no return, plumbing repair is out of the question. Most water heaters only have a 5-6 year warranty, so the likelihood of depending upon that is also slim.
With water heaters, replacement is the best route when dealing with plumbing problems such as leaks. A simple yearly flush really can work wonders.
Menlo Park plumbers of
Roto-Rooter are happy to provide solutions for problems with water heaters and other plumbing or drain needs.
I wanted to send my testimonial to someone in the Roto-Rooter Corporation of the work done in the South, specifically to the New Orleans plumbers.
This city is well known to have sewer, drainage and plumbing problems. And it is inevitable these plumbing problems will continue.
Roto-Rooter has done a fantastic job with New Orleans plumbing issues. It has been a relief!
My last technician was very knowledgeable, efficient, and professional. He did an excellent job fixing my drainage problem, and also offered suggestions to prevent future drain cleaning problems.
I wanted to thank Roto-Rooter for their continued great customer service in a "city that is under water." We greatly appreciate your reliable presence, and the efficient work you bring to the city.
You would think to call Roto-Rooter if you had plumbing problems or are in need of a sewer cleaning, but what if your pool is clogged? We often get calls about unclogging swimming pools too.
We suggest you
consult with a pool installation company or have a plumber come out to your house with a jetting machine. Depending on the number of turns in the pipe, the plumber should be able to
get the blockage.
You may also be able to use
high pressure air to force the blockage out of the pipe. Or you could use a
blow bag and high pressure water. A blow bag attaches to the end of a hose and expands in the pipe then water pressure fills the pipe and forces the blockage out the open end at the opposite side.
Talk to both the plumbing company and the pool people first.
Replace Putty 
Around Your Sink Strainer with Silicone for Better Performance We received an email from a customer who was having problems with the putty around the strainer in his kitchen sink.
Because putty has a tendency to disintegrate and therefore allows leaks, many plumbers have switched to silicone, a process that is relatively painless compared to other kitchen plumbing jobs. The
mprovements are significant and the switch is easy if you follow these simple steps:
• Apply a thick bead of 100% silicon to the flange of the strainer before placing it into the hole (there should be excess silicon squeezing out of the top)
• Let the strainer sit for at least 24 hours, allowing the silicone to settle
• Remove the excess silicon using a sharp knife
The newly sealed strainer should create a gasket that is exactly the size of the sink.
Because Roto-Rooter has locations across the country, you always have local plumbing companies as well as licensed plumbing specialists at your service. For help with sink plumbing repairs or any other plumbing services, Call 1 866-960-7686 or
schedule an appointment online.
A Baltimore customer recently submitted the following sewer cleaning question:
My kitchen sink is backed up and there is standing water on both sides. When I run the dishwasher, water immediately begins to fill up the sink. Please help me with this problem!
These lines notoriously fill with grease, sludge and soap scum until they reduce the internal diameter of the drain and slow the water flow.
If your kitchen sink is still clogged after removing the trap, then you will have to have your branch line cleaned. When snaking the line inside the wall, make sure you are using the proper equipment. When cleaning drains, use cutting blades that are set to the inside diameter of the pipe. So to clear a 2-inch drain, you would need a pair of 2-inch blades.
Plumbing contractors are equipped to handle these types of sewer cleaning jobs. You can buy snaking kits at your local home improvement store, but you may be better off leaving this one one of your local plumbing companies.
I have a water hammering problem. Since it started I have secured several areas from vibrating and added five anti-hammer suppressors. It stopped it for about three weeks and now it is back, any suggestions or help?
If you have water hammering and you have installed shock absorbers and the problem comes back, you may need to check the pressure of the water. If it is 80 psi or close to 80, you need a pressure reducing valve. Cities do allow 80 psi in a home, but it is really too high. Pressure should be no greater than 65 psi to prevent water hammering. Water hammering is created by fast-closing-cartridge types of faucets and solenoid valves on dishwashers and washers.
Water hammer can be eliminated from the cartridge-type faucets by replacing them with compression-style faucets (faucets that open and close by the stem rising in a threaded cylinder).
If you would like further Miami plumbing assistance call 1-800-GET-ROTO and we we will send out a licensed Miami plumber of Roto-Rooter at your convenience.
Roto-Rooter offers a full line of drain care products for both residential and commercial Merriville plumbing. One of which, Pipe Shield, is a preventative maintenance product that helps keep clogs from forming as quickly. After a sewer cleaning, begin applying the monthly treatments.
Pipe Shield uses natural bacteria to liquefy and breakdown deposits, such as fats, grease, soaps and detergents, that cause clogs. And because there are no harsh chemicals,
it's safe for the environment.
Overtime food, waste and other materials begin to build up in pipes. Slow-running drains or clogs are inevitable.
After six months of regular treatments with Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield, drains and pipes flow freely throughout the whole system.
Click here for more information and to see if Pipe Shield is available for online purchase. Or you can contact your local Merriville plumbers at the Roto-Rooter office and place an order,
1-866-960-7686.
When I do more than two loads of wash, water comes out by my toilet located on the other side of the house. If I wait 4 hours in between loads, there are no problems.If water is backing up after a couple of loads, it probably means the backup is past the toilet and may be a clog in the main line. Your lines need cleared from a main line cleanout, which is a professional job for plumbing companies. Roto-Rooter can assist in this sewer cleaning. Call us at 1-866-960-7686) or
schedule a service time online.
After a long winter, I just tried to turn on one of my outdoor spigots and I am only getting a trickle of water. I tried opening up the spigot completely and then opening/closing the shutoff valve in the basement, but still no luck. Help!
If your spigot on the outside of the house does not have water coming from it, you probably have to start with the valve on the inside of the house. What I and most other plumbing contractors do is shut off the water to the house, remove the stem from the shut off valve and turn on the water slowly (place a buck under the valve to catch the water). If no water comes out, then there is a blockage either at the entrance to the valve or on the pipe coming from the main.
The next steps would be to replace the line or use back pressure to unclog. But you may want to call us for this faucet repair Baltimore, Tacoma and everywhere in between Roto-Rooter can assist will all of your plumbing problems.
I've had high water bills for several months now. I have looked for water leaks and also investigated to see if I have wet spots on the ground outside the house to no avail. Do you have any ideas as I live on a fixed income?Make sure you have
checked all of your toilets for leaks by doing a simple and cheap test. Place a few drops of food coloring in the water in the tank. If the water in the bowl changes color without you flushing, then you know it's the flapper. If you replace the flapper and the water is still leaking, then check the stop to see if there are any cracks or grooves in it that prevent the seal from making a full contact.
If the toilets are not leaking, then you may have a broken or leaking water main underground. The only way to find this is to
call a leak detection company, such as Roto-Rooter, that can use an acoustic leak detection device. Once the leak is located, the area is excavated the plumbing repair begins.
Search "
Roto-Rooter Leak Detection Baltimore " on the Web (substitute Baltimore for your city).
Roto-Rooter offers 24 hour plumbing so you can call us day or night.
So you've replaced the stems on your on bathroom's hot and cold water fixtures and now no water is running from the faucet, even though there is water in the stems. It sounds as if the stems were not installed properly. Although this seems like a minor plumbing repair, I would suggest you call one of your local Middlesex plumbers/contractors to take a look at it.
If the stems were not installed properly, they may not open fully to allow water to pass. I once had a situation where the wrong washers were took thick for a particular stem. The stems were fully retracted and the washers were sealing against the seats. Only after I removed the washers and used flatter washers did the faucet work.
If you need help with this or other bathroom plumbing solutions, call us at 1-800-GET-ROTO or
schedule service online. If you have any other Middlesex plumbing questions, you can ask me through the
Ask a Plumber section of our website.
I recently had plumbing services done at my home. The plumber snaked the pipe for a kitchen sink clog as the kitchen sink was draining slow. Why wouldn't he check the line going out of the house first for blockage, then snake the rest of the house?
If the kitchen sink is draining slow, local plumbing companies will always snake the kitchen drain first. A kitchen sink line is a very small drain line, typically the pipe size of 1-1/2 inch to 2" underground. A snake that fits and cleans a 2-inch pipe will not work in a 4-inch sewer drain that leaves the home. To clear a 4-inch line, you have to use a 4-inch snake, which requires a main line cable machine. A plumber will not pull out that machine if he knows that it is a kitchen line that is running slow. The main line machine is a much bigger machine that weighs a lot and has a 3/4 inch cable. If no other plumbing fixture in your home is running slow, like toilets or tubs, then the Minneapolis plumber will only clear the kitchen line.
Call
Roto-Rooter if you need Minneapolis plumbing assistance with any kitchen plumbing job.
Visit our Web site to get
helpful kitchen plumbing tipsLearn more about
Pipe Shield, Roto-Rooter's drain care product that's safe for the environment.
We have a newly-built house in Nashville that's only 4 years old and the garage drains are slow to drain. We suspect it's from winter debris and possible tile dust from sawing tiles. We requested information from our local home improvement store's rental department, but they were fearful it would break their cable knowing what I mentioned above. We would like advice on this clogged drain do we need to seek assistance from a Nashville plumber?
This happens a lot with newer homes because the tile guys rinse their buckets in the floor drain without realizing their causing potential plumbing problems.
Your local home improvement store was afraid to rent their equipment because tile dust will often solidify inside the pipe and turn into concrete. Given this, when someone tries to clear the line they will sometimes punch a hole through the plastic floor drain because the plastic is softer than the concrete.
Nashville plumbing professionals are often taxed with fixing the problem. I found one drain so full of grout (concrete), no water could pass at all. I ended up breaking up the floor and cutting open the floor drain so the homeowner could see the problem. Too bad this wasn't taken care of the first year as the contractor could have back charged the tile layer.
Once in a while, an experienced drain cleaner can get through the buildup, but there are no guarantees there will not be any damage.
For more Nashville plumbing tips visit our
Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO to schedule service.
The first thing a Norristown plumber will do when called to your house because of
low water pressure in a shower, but no place else in the house, is to
remove the shower head and check the pressure without the shower head (leave the arm coming out of the wall so the water is directed down into the shower).
If you have good water volume coming out of the shower head arm, then you just need to
clean or replace the shower head. Household vinegar dissolves the buildup of scale and rust from the inside of the shower head and other residential plumbing fixtures. To remove these deposits, set the shower head in a bowl of vinegar overnight.
In addition,
check the flow restrictor inside the female end of the shower head to see if there is debris. The flow restrictor is generally removable so you can work on it in the light.
Roto-Rooter offers 24 hour service to take care of all your Norristown plumbing needs. Call
1-800-GET-ROTO or
schedule your service appointment online.
Thank you so much for following up with our last service call. The repair man was wonderful, prompt, professional and very friendly. We placed our service call on Sunday. At the time we did not know your company offered 24 hour plumbing services. The plumber was there to fix our bathroom faucet and had the problem resolved within 20 minutes.
This was the second time using your company and we were happy with both service experiences. Your rate is reasonable compared to other companies. With us having a home, you can be sure that we will use your company for all plumbing repairs. Truly appreciate the good service. Please keep up your good work.
Sincerely,
Ed & Kim P.
Baltimore, MD
