Tag: sewer

10 Warning Signs You Need Sewer Repair/Replacement

Feb 18, 2022

10 Warning Signs You Need Sewer Repair/Replacement

  • Plumbing
sewer repair

A simply nightmarish matter for homeowners of all backgrounds, finding out that you need sewer repair or replacement can be a bit frustrating. One of the main components of a functioning home, matters in regards to sewer malfunction must be handled immediately. Don’t wait until your sewer system has wreaked havoc on your home to address this issue. The following is an overview of 10 warning signs that may signify you need sewer repair or if you need to totally replace your  system. 

1. Unwelcome Visitors 

First and foremost, if you notice a sudden influx of things such as bugs, mice, or even rats on your property, you just might need to replace your sewer system. This is due to the fact that a broken of malfunctioning sewer line can attract these pests. Instead of the exterminator, if you notice an unexplained increase in rodents on your property, it may be time to call a plumber. 

2. Higher than Normal Water Bill

A spike in your fees from the water company can be an indication that you need your sewage system replaced. If you noticed that you seem to be paying more money for the same amount of water, this may be a sign that your pipes are damaged or leaking. Consult with a plumbing professional if this applies to you. 

3. Noticeable Wet Spots on Landscape 

Do you ever notice wet spots or puddles on your property even though it hasn’t rained? This may be a sign that your sewage system needs servicing. Especially in the case in which they emit a foul odor, unexplained wet spots on your property are almost always an indication of a bigger problem.

4. Foul Smelling Standing Water 

One of the most obvious and unpleasant side effects of a malfunctioning sewer system is an offensive odor that seems to be stemming from standing water on your property. You should never be able to smell the raw sewage as it travels from your home. If you notice a foul odor coming from the lawn or other areas of the home, it is definitely time to consult with a professional. 

5. Various Plumbing Fixtures Clogged 

Although drains obviously get clogged from time to time, having multiple clogged drains for an unexplained reason can be a sign that your sewer system needs replacing. This is due to the fact that failing sewage systems have the tendency to become clogged in areas unreachable by the average homeowner. Rather than attempting to fix these issues yourself, consult with a plumbing professional you can trust. 

6. Unexplained Gurgling Noise Coming from Drain

Have you noticed noises coming from your drain or pipes? This is definitely a sign that your sewage system needs some special attention. A well-functioning pipe system will make very little noise, if at all. If you can hear water struggling to make it down the pipes, this is a sign that you may have some sort of blockage or another issue that requires maintenance.

7. Varying Levels of Toilet Water 

Although toilets can be a bit unpredictable, if you notice that the water levels seem to be randomly rising or falling, this is a sign that your sewage system needs repair. Especially in the case in which your toilet does this repeatedly without being used, consult with a plumbing professional if you have concerns about your toilet water. 

8. Intrusion of Tree Roots 

You may or may not have noticed, but your pipes can easily become clogged by tree roots. One of the most common causes of sewage system-related issues, if you believe you have tree roots in your pipes, it may be time to consult with a professional. 

9. Aged Sewer Line 

If you were made aware of the fact that your sewer lines are a bit older, this is always a sign that your sewage system may need replacing. Depending on the quality of the materials used, sewage systems can last for many decades, but not forever. If you already know your sewage system is a bit dated, it might be time to look into purchasing a new one. 

10. Cracked or Broken Pipes 

Lastly, broken or cracked pipes are a telltale sign that you may need to replace your sewage system. No matter if the damage has occurred due to wear and tear or if something else damaged it, if you have pipes that are cracked or broken, it is likely time to invest in a new sewage system.

Overall, although sewage maintenance can be pricey, it is also worth its weight in gold. No matter how nice or grand the home may be, it will immediately lose value if it has a faulty sewer system in need of repair. If your home is experiencing any of the above issues, contact a professional immediately to avoid further damages. 

Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about our sewer repair services!

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By admin

10 Frequently Asked Questions on Plumbing by New Homeowners

Oct 01, 2020

10 Frequently Asked Questions on Plumbing by New Homeowners

  • Plumbing
common plumbing questions answered by America's Plumbing Co

Plumbing is one of the major systems in a home.  As a new homeowner, you’ve probably asked yourself several questions already about the plumbing.  Keep in mind the regular maintenance of the plumbing system can extend the life of the equipment.  It will also improve the cost of energy used in the household.  Here are a few things you need to know from America’s Plumbing Co so that you can enjoy trouble-free plumbing.  

1. Why is flushing my toilet so noisy?

The noise is caused by restricted water flow when the tank refills.  You’ll need to check the main shutoff valve to the tank. Make sure it’s completely opened. The ballcock assembly regulates the water filling into the tank.  If parts are damaged or worn it prevents the ballcock from operating properly.  You may need to replace the parts or the entire assembly.

2. How do you avoid frozen pipes?

Severe cold weather causes water to freeze and expand bursting the pipes. Pipes inside the house close to the exteriors walls where there is no heat that needs to be insulated to avoid freezing.  Before the cold weather hits, drain the pool, sprinklers, and water spigots. Keep the outside values open so the remaining water can drain out. Then close the interior shut off valve leading to the faucets and install a faucet insulator.

3. What’s the difference between hard water and soft water?

Falling rain starts out as soft water. When it hits the ground it picks up minerals – chalk, lime, calcium, and magnesium and becomes hard water. Over time hard water builds upscale deposits clogging the pipes and preventing the flow of water. Additives are used to convert hard water to soft water. The most noticeable differences are the suds. Soft water lathers better without leaving hard water spots.  Soft water also uses less soap or detergents.

4. What can I put down the garbage disposal?

Always use cold water when operating the disposal. Coldwater keeps the oils in foods from solidifying.  It’s easier for the disposal to chop up the food and move it through the pipes. Cut large pieces into smaller portions before putting them into the disposal. It prevents the blades from jamming. Avoid coffee grinds. They accumulate in the pipes blocking the water flow. 

5. Why do I keep having drainage backups and problems?

There may be solid material in the pipe causing the clog. Hair, grease, or paper products in the drain systems are usually the cause. Tree roots are notorious for growing around the pipes and crushing them. Structural damage to the pipes caused by age or exterior damages blocks the flow of water. Heavy rains or melting snow can also overload drain capacities causing the back-ups. 

6. Why do I hear noises such as banging and rattling in my pipes?

A broken strap that holds the pipe in place causes the rattling noise as water moves through the pipe. You’ll need to locate the noise to re-strap and insulate the pipe. If the noise is coming from behind the wall – the wall needs to be opened. Check the water pressure. Pipes have PSI ratings. Too much pressure can cause noises or damage the piping.

7. Why do we run out of hot water so quickly?

Could be the number of users in the household using water at the same time?  The water tank may also be too small to accommodate the household.  The dip tube in a gas water heater could be broken.  Electrical water tanks have a heating element that can burn out.

8. When showering, why does the water pressure drop, and what causes the temperature change when someone else turns on a faucet or flushes a toilet?

Each of these actions triggers the flow of water. The water distribution at the same time causes the water pressure to drop.  One solution depends on the type of shower control valve. The valves can reduce or eliminate temperature fluctuations. Thermostatic mixing valves automatically balance the hot and cold water.  It prevents drastic fluctuations in shower temperature when someone turns on a faucet or flushes the toilet.

9. How do I get rid of the bad taste in my water?

Home filtration systems can reduce the bad taste in hard water from the tap.  These systems remove the chlorine and odor.  Carbon filtrations help to remove the hydrogen sulfide that smells like rotten eggs.  Reverse Osmosis water filtration systems also remove the chemicals from the tap water.  Most systems are low maintenance.

10. Why does my toilet keep running?

After each flush, a lever opens the flapper in the tank.  The flapper falls back into place when the water level drops. The flapper acts like a plug allowing the tank water to refill on each flush.  If the chain is too long the flapper won’t open for a full flush. A short or tangled chain prevents the flapper from closing to refill the tank.

If you think your plumbing needs repair, call the experts at America’s Plumbing Co! We’re ready to help you today! 

By admin

6 Signs That You’re in Need of Sewer Repair

Jul 30, 2020

6 Signs That You’re in Need of Sewer Repair

  • Drain & Sewer
sewer repair in sacramento by America's Plumbing Co

Sewer Repair in Sacramento by America’s Plumbing Co.

Do you need sewer repair in Sacramento? Maybe your home is your hobby and you look forward to performing maintenance and doing upgrades on your days off. Maybe it’s an investment in your future and you don’t hesitate to have professionals work on it to increase its value. Or perhaps it’s simply the safe, comfortable place where your family relaxes and you want to keep it that way at all costs. Whatever your home means to you, if your sewer isn’t in good shape, then the truth is that your hobby, investment, safe place, or all of the above could be at risk—and you need to take immediate action. 

Do You Need Sewer Repair?

Here’s how you can tell if your sewer might be in need of repair:

 

  • There’s an unpleasant odor in and around your property. If the sewer line is damaged, waste water could be escaping into the foundation or the ground around your home. If this is the case, you’ll notice an unpleasant smell. There could also be an unpleasant odor coming from the drains. 
  • Water is slow to drain. If your sewer line has caved in or become clogged for some other reason, then waste water can’t drain away properly. You’ll most likely notice this with the bath and shower first, then the toilet, and then any sinks. Note that if only one drain doesn’t run off properly, it’s more likely an indication of a blockage in that drain rather than a damaged sewer.
  • There are frequent sewage backups. If waste water can’t run off properly, then you’ll start to notice the sewer backing up. This is not only unpleasant; it’s also very unhygienic. If this is happening in your home, call America’s Plumbing for sewer repair in Sacramento.
  • A noticeable increase in the number of critters around your home. Raw sewage attracts all sorts of unpleasant pests—and those pests attract larger predators. If you start to notice more insects, rats, and other critters than usual, then you’ve likely got a problem with your sewer.
  • There’s waste water pooling in your driveway or yard. If the waste water is leaking out of the sewer but can’t run off, it will start to pool in your driveway or yard, depending on where the sewer line runs. 
  • Your plants are doing better than ever. If there’s a part of your yard where the plants or lawn suddenly start doing much better, it could indicate a broken sewer line. The plants will feed off the nutrients they capture from the leaking waste water.

 

Call America’s Plumbing Co When You Need Sewer Repair in Sacramento!

A damaged sewer line needs to be repaired immediately. If you don’t get it fixed in a timely manner, the leaking waste water can impact the structure of your home and pose a significant health risk to you and your family. And regardless of how good a DIY plumber you are, this is one job you want done by a professional. Always remember to call around for some quotes, and before choosing a plumber, follow up on his or her references or reviews to make sure previous customers were satisfied with the work performed.

For all your plumbing needs, call America’s Plumbing today! 

By admin