What To Expect Once Your Pipe Starts To Thaw Out
Most know what happens when pipes or a section of them freeze – lack of water supply, presence of cold drafts in the house, bubbling noise (a rare case), and an odorous stench (in case sewage pipes froze). However, many are not aware of what happens after they thaw out. So, is it happily ever after the pipes unfreeze? Probably not.
What Happens After Pipes Thaw Out?
Generally speaking, after unfreezing, the pipes exhibit complications that are not discernible while they were in a frozen state. Of course, the degree of damage to the pipes largely depends on the degree of their freezing and how they thawed out – natural or mechanical (more on this later on).
For an insider tip, know that if you have frozen pipes it is best to call a plumber and arrange a plumbing service for a later date – specifically, the beginning of spring. Know that you are not the only client whose pipes have thawed out. Therefore, plumbers will be very busy, and getting an immediate service might be difficult.
Going back to the topic, these are the possible scenarios that happen once your house’s pipes thaw out.
Leaking
When pipes freeze, the liquid inside them expands. It can cause the linkages of the pipes to loosen, thereby causing leaks. Since ice does not drip, you cannot notice the presence of leaks while the pipes are still frozen. However, as the pipe thaws out, the ice returns to liquid form. It will then exit via the loose linkages of the pipes, and leaking becomes apparent.
Even more of a headache is that leaking does not happen to one section only. Leaking, which loose linkages cause, happens to several sections at once. There is no other way to get around except go for a pipe relining service (if the pipes are still serviceable) or go for pipe replacement service.
Cracking
If the pipes’ linkages did not loosen, then the leaking might happen via the cracks on the pipe. Cracking occurs whenever frozen pipes suddenly unfreeze. Factors that cause this is the sudden increase in the environment’s temperature or immediate thawing using a high output heat gun or room heater.
Compared to loose linkages, cracks do not result in the gushing of water from the pipes. You can do a few things to minimize the problem that they cause.
The first thing that you can do is apply pipe sealants on the cracks to stop the dripping before the plumbers arrive to repair them. You can also place carpets or buckets under the cracks so that the water does not go to other house locations and cause unnecessary hassle.
Prepare To Move Out Of Your House
Often, the leaking that happens once the pipes thaw out is not limited to little water drips that can only wet the room where the pipes are. The leaking is as strong as the flow of water from a faucet. Therefore, resulting in pools of water that affect the whole house.
The severity of the leaking depends on the design of your house. For example, if your houses have two floors, and the frozen pipes are on the second floor, the first floor will probably rain with water. Hence, this will result in wetting the living room, the hallways, etc.
Prepare to move out when this happens. The leaking will not stop anytime sooner. Moreover, living in a wet house is dangerous. Due to the wetting, house appliances, especially those on the floor, might short circuit and cause fires while sleeping or doing something.
How To Thaw Frozen Pipes?
The pipes will thaw on their own once spring comes. However, waiting for spring is not ideal because prolonged freezing leads to further damage. Therefore, it is best to thaw the pipe early. These are the simple tricks to thawing with everyday items in the house.
Use The Blower
This method works once the pipe has only started freezing. The blower method is also people for the smaller pipes in the house. Any blower will do, but it is best to use the ones that have high heat output. Using a blower is that it gradually thaws out the pipe, which does not result in further damage.
Use A Portable Room Heater
The room heater has a similar effect to the blower. However, compared to the blower, the room heater is more suitable for thawing several sections of a pipe in the same location. The best portable heater to use is those that use infrared technology. It provides heating to the room and the pipes, thereby resulting in efficient and effective thawing.
Use Lukewarm Water
Using lukewarm water will do the job. Note the emphasis on the term lukewarm and not boiling. You do not want to use boiling water because it will cause the pipes to expand and develop cracks. To use lukewarm water, pour it on the frozen sections of the pipe at intervals. Also, get a bucket to catch the drips of lukewarm water that goes to the floor after pouring.
What To Do When The Pipes Thaw Out?
Turn off The Main Water Line
You might want to turn off the main water line to lessen the leaking effects of the pipes. By turning off the main water line, you cut the water supply on the pipes, thereby reducing the flow of water in them. It makes leaking more problematic because the drips will only come from the unfrozen water inside the pipes.
Conclusion
Pipes that thaw out can lead to more complicated things aside from affecting your house’s water supply. Thawing isn’t a sign that the problem is over. Once the pipes thaw out, they call for more attention and care. That’s why call our plumbing services Chantilly now. Our company will restore the original integrity of your pipes as if they were never frozen.
5 Common Plumbing Emergencies
Emergency plumbing have made our lives a lot easier by providing fast and convenient plumbing services at any time of the day or night. You can now request a plumbing emergency service around the clock on weekends and even public holidays.
One of the most surprising things about this type of services is that the services offered are always the same as the normal plumbing services provided during normal business hours. Most plumbing companies charge a small fee for emergency plumbing services to cover overtime plumbing technicians and other miscellaneous costs incurred outside of business hours.
But, it’s definitely worth the extra service fee as you get same-day plumbing services and avoid serious plumbing problems in your home. Plumbing companies usually post their emergency number on their website to make local service calls.
As we all know, there is no specific time or situation that plumbing emergencies occur. Hence, it would be best if you had a permanent solution when you encounter such a problem. With Fairfax Plumbing services, you can be sure of finding the perfect solution to many problems with just one click. With the best plumbing solutions available now, the job is much easier, less cumbersome, and hassle-free.
We are now going to look at some of the most common plumbing emergencies that a homeowner can experience.
The five most common plumbing emergencies
The toilet is overflowing
Whether your toilet is clogged or the float mechanism isn’t working properly, the first step is to stop the water flow. The water valve is located at the bottom of the water pipe on the toilet side and should be turned fully counterclockwise. Once the water stops flowing into the toilet, the mechanism’s clogging or failure can be cleared.
Clogging a toilet can be as simple as a solid vertical plunger. More severe obstructions may require a drill bit to remove debris blocking the flow of water. Once the blockage is cleared, reset the float mechanism and open the water valve.
Drain a clogged sink
The best way to avoid clogging the drain is to avoid getting grease, coffee, and other items down the drain. However, even the most cautious owner sometimes has to deal with this inconvenience. If using a plunger to remove material from the drain doesn’t work, a perforator (or “snake”) may be required. The auger is easy to use with a little practice and perseverance.
Pipes have burst
Sometimes, the cause of pipe bursts over the years is corrosion. If the pipe bursts, turn off the water supply immediately. If possible, remove furniture or other items to prevent further damage.
Leaky pipes
If the leak is flowing from the seal, first tighten the seal with a wrench. Keep in mind that tightening one joint may relax another joint. If water comes out of the hose or faucet, the rubber patch can correct the problem.
Sump pump issues
If the sump pump is not working properly, remove the strainer to ensure that debris does not obstruct the impeller’s movement. If the impeller is clean, the pump may not be receiving enough power, or it may have a defective float switch.
Don’t postpone plumbing repairs
Sometimes we’re too relaxed and don’t know the importance of getting repairs done on time. If you delay these repairs, you could end up spending a fortune on it. You need to make sure that any plumbing issues are fixed before it’s too late.
Save money
Fixing any plumbing issues promptly will save you a lot of extra money. If your water bill is too high, you can consult a licensed plumber to determine what the problem is.
Can I fix it myself?
If you have the knowledge and skill for fixing simple issues, like a leaky faucet or shower head, then why not. However, if it’s not done correctly, there is a risk of turning it into a bigger issue. It is advisable that you call a licensed plumber to fix any plumbing issues.
Why choose us?
We offer the best plumbing service in any residential or commercial areas. Our services are very reasonable and our plumbers are licensed. Thus, we only guarantee high-quality solutions for every repair and installation. Call us at (703) 570-6992 to find more information.
Steps to Find the Source of Rusty Water
Many homeowners are used to drinking and using clean water to wash clothes and utensils. Some may take household water for granted until they notice discolored or rusty water in their systems. Unfortunately, there are many things he or she cannot fulfill without clean water.
No one will feel thrilled to see dirty or brown water when he or she turns on the faucets. The good thing is that he or she can still bring rusty water back to its former clean or clear liquid condition. Rust, an oxidized iron, is the biggest threat to many households in the USA.
Rusty water pipes are also a worry among many water experts. It’s a problem many supply water systems are going to face in the future. Despite many towns and cities across the United States spending billions of money cleaning water sources from rivers and lakes, rust is still a major problem.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that water leaving the city’s water plant be tested for bacteria commonly caused by rust. Microorganisms such as legionella and cryptosporidium thrive in degraded and rusty water systems. Contaminants like copper, arsenic, and lead are also common.
Finding the source of rusty water is not an easy undertaking for many homeowners in Arlington, Virginia. Corroded water should not be easily confused with anything else. This contaminated water has a bad or metallic smell, and that comes with a reddish-brown color.
Many homeowners may notice the bad odor and the brownish color, but finding the source of the problem is not that easy. Why fret when help is a stone throw away. This is a task best left to professionals, and he or she should not have any reservations seeking top plumbing services in Arlington VA.
Find the Source of Rusty Water- Step to Follow
No homeowner wishes to use dirty or rusty water to wash clothes, utensils, or for drinking purposes. Red flags will go up in his or her head, and it’s clear there is something that needs to be addressed, and as soon as possible. Working with a top professional plumbing services provider is a decision any homeowner in Arlington, VA, and surrounding areas will never regret.
This is an individual with the right plumbing skillsets, experience, and willpower to lend a helping hand. He or she will do anything possible to guide you in finding the source of rusty water. In light of this, here are a few steps to guide a homeowner in this pursuit. Have a look:
1. Do Small Tests
There are a number of tests one can do and ascertain the source of rusty water. Hardness soap test is common, but procedures such as kitchen faucet aerator test and toilet flush tank inspection test can save the day stress-free.
The test one chooses to work on will work perfectly. However, it’s best if he or she runs cold water for a few minutes into the system and ascertain where the colored water is coming from. Go on and run hot water and figure out whether the system one uses is delivering rusty water. The sample from the test will clear any doubts he or she has about the color and odor of the water.
2. Check for Failing Water Heater
If one uses hot water at home or has installed a water heater, he or she should test whether it’s the hot water that it’s rusty. Turn on the hot water tap and sample the color or odor of the water.
If the water is colored or has a bad smell, the water heater could be the problem. The system may be aging, or the homeowner hasn’t flushed it for a while. Sediments may have built up in the hot water tank, and they are now affecting the color and quality of the water.
3. Check for Aging Pipes
If rust is appearing in all the faucets in a home, the entire system needs immediate attention. This is a serious problem resulting from rusting pipes or residues in the pipe system.
Run water via the pipes and sample it for bad smell or discoloration. If the water is no longer clear and smelly, then the pipes are corroded, and water flowing through them will become contaminated.
4. Sample Rusty Water Appearing Out of Nowhere
If rusty water is present or appearing in all samples or out of nowhere, the problem is likely with the main water source. As a resident of Arlington, VA, and experiencing brownish water, the local pipe systems that supply clean water to homes may be the problem.
Check with the local government officials and inquire about the problem. Work with them and find a safer water source as rusty water is never safe for use.
Hire the Services of Top Plumbers
Iron or any related contaminants in water can be harmful. Rusty water can host bacteria that are dangerous to users. Contaminated water will expose users to different skin conditions as well as harm one’s internal organs.
If a homeowner notices a change in color or smell of the water, it’s wise to seek immediate professional help. Rusty water is a common problem in a lot of areas. The risk of using this water is real, and one should not accept to face such a problem.
If one experiences rusty or yellowed water at home, there is no need to fret but take immediate actions. The best way to solve this problem and stay safe is to seek top plumbing services. A homeowner will get an opportunity to work with well-trained, experienced, licensed, and certified plumbers.
A licensed plumber is the best to work with because this is an individual who knows the area well and eager to help. The plumber will take the necessary steps and find out where the rusty water is coming from. He or she will determine what needs to be replaced or repaired.
A reliable plumbing service provider will determine whether the pipes or water heater needs urgent replacement or repairs. He or she will monitor the issue and continue to address it until the homeowner has clean and safe to use water.
Don’t be discouraged and stress if it’s hard to find the source of rusty water. Get in touch today and work with plumbing professionals who know how to fix problems that cause rusty water.
5 Plumbing Myths That Can Cost Money
Plumbing is an important part of the house, and maintaining it can get tricky as an owner. This becomes particularly true when the issue is not noticeable at the initial stages. Which household problem is most common in plumbing? Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, clogged toilets and drains, leaky toilets are among the most common issues in household plumbing.
How can you estimate the cost of plumbing? You can get the best estimate on a plumbing job by getting the base rate per hour on the plumbing you need. It could be from basic jobs like fixing leaky faucets to fixing a pipeline. Evaluate how many hours of work you will need and calculate the overall price.
You may be using household hacks loaded on the internet or following your friends or family’s advice to keep the plumbing pipes clean. However, they can impact your finances in the long run. In this article, we will see 5 plumbing myths that can cost you money.
5 Plumbing Myths
Lemon down the drain freshens your plumbing drains
Myth Busted: It’s said that a lemon squeezed into your kitchen or bathroom drain can make your sink smell fresh for a couple of days. However, this will not unclog, clean or protect your drains. On the contrary, excessive citric acid into the drain due to lemons can eventually rust your plumbing pipes resulting in cracks and leaks in the pipe. This implies you will need frequent maintenance for your plumbing systems.What You Should Do: Avoid using citrus juices in the kitchen or bathroom drains to prevent corrosion of pipes. If there is a bad odor coming from your plumbing drains, have it checked by a licensed plumber immediately.
Anything can be flushed in a toilet bowl
Myth Busted: People often feel that the toilet bowl is an all-flushing bowl. Just because its outlet is wide-mouthed does not mean that anything can be flushed through it. Flushing anything recklessly can clog your toilet and overall bathroom plumbing system. A clogged toilet drain can cost a lot for a fix-up.
Avoid flushing down items in the toilet bowl like:
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene items
- Makeup
- Cotton swabs
- Oils
- Grease
- Coffee grounds
- Hair
- Diapers
What You Should Do: It is important to dispose of feminine hygiene items, makeup, paper towels, and hair strands into garbage bins to avoid the toilet drain clogging. Certain items labeled flushable such as a baby wipe, also should be avoided being flushed as they do not decompose or break down in the water.
Note: A product (given as flushable) can be flushed after determined with a small test. Take a bowl filled with water. Put this product in water submerged in it. After an hour, take a stick and swish it around. If the product breaks and almost dissolves, then it is a flushable product. If not, it should be thrown in a garbage bin. They are potential pipe cloggers.
Cleaner tablets for Toilet bowl cleans and saves effort and time
Myth Busted: Cleaner tablets clean your toilet bowl with less effort; however, these bleach-infused cleaners will result in crucial repairs. They mask the smell with bleach, but in reality, the scum is underneath it and you may have to scrub more. These tablets are placed in a water tank that may harm the flushing mechanism in time. They have ingredients that can jam the mechanism due to deposits in the water tank and the pipes.
What You Should Do: Spend some time cleaning/brushing the toilet to avoid long-term and huge expenses to repair the toilet.
Drain cleaners clear the clogs efficiently
Myth Busted: Drain cleaners are often considered a quick fix for clogged sink or drain. The ingredients within the drain cleaner are harmful and damaging to plumbing pipes. It is important to remember that these drain cleaners are meant for minor clogs and not major plumbing issues. They are for short-term fixes but not meant for long term fixes. By using them, you mask the underlying, more significant plumbing issue.
What You Should Do: Drain cleaners are for minor clogs. They can be used for buying time until a professional comes to check and fix the underlying issue. A plumber can inspect the core of the issue.
If stuff is going down, there is no clog
Myth Busted: You often feel that there is no problem as long as the stuff is drained into the pipe. However, it is essential to remember that certain foods like rice, pasta, etc., bloat within the drains. They eventually result in pipe blockage and a bad smell in the drain. Over time the food gets caught into the previous build-up and result in drain clogs.
What You Should Do: Use sufficient water to drain the kitchen sink. Eliminate the solid food into a wet garbage bin. Regular plumbing service and maintenance should be done to avoid long term issues. This way, there is no unseen build-up in the pipes.
Conclusion
Considering the above myths that are busted with reality/facts, it is essential to stay away from myths that can damage your plumbing framework costing you more than ever. Regular plumbing service and maintenance can keep you from potential plumbing issues in time and getting a professional plumbing service will help you do this at reasonable costs.
Chantilly plumber services are the best, reliable, and professional who can deal with all your plumbing issues, service, and maintenance. Remember, expert plumbers can inspect, evaluate, and analyze the source of the problem. They fix the problem after thorough analysis with quality materials. With ever-growing household plumbing issues that can hinder your regular works in a big way, their services will help you to get back on track with your routine.
A right and healthy plumbing framework are equally essential for a household or any construction to have a peaceful living. Stay away from the potential plumbing hazards caused by ignorant myths to keep you off from draining money to fix drain pipes.
Reasons Why You Should Never Pour Grease Down The Drain
Apart from being detrimental for your health, grease is likewise bad for the drainpipes as well. You might have heard that it will be okay in case grease is poured down the drain so long as it is done with dish soap or hot water. According to some individuals, a blockage will not be caused in case liquid cooking oils are poured down the drain.
However, in reality, grease should never be poured down the drain. In the following paragraphs, we will take a look at the harmful effects caused by oil on the drain of your residence. We will likewise mention some alternative methods for getting rid of all these materials.
What can happen once grease is poured down the drain?
Being fluid, it is quite simple to pour grease down the drain. Nevertheless, it is going to solidify when the temperature of the grease becomes low, and this will form a clog which you’ll find quite tough to remove. Although you might be unaware of the issue, a time will arrive when the accumulation of grease in the pipes can result in a blockage as well as other plumbing issues.
The problem will become worse in case the grease does not stick to the pipes and instead, flows right into the sewers. This is where oil from all the restaurants and households in your area is going to combine. These formations of grease will break down over time to form glycerol and fatty acids.
The fatty acids are going to form fatbergs (which are actually compounds resembling soaps) after binding with calcium within the sewers. When there is an increase in the sewer level, the fatbergs are going to cling to the ceilings of the sewer where they will be increasing in size, thus blocking the whole sewer pipe in the long run.
A fatberg will be able to grow to a size which will be limited by the sewer’s size only. In the year 2019, a fatberg having a dimension of 210 feet ended up blocking a drain in Sidmouth, Britain. As a matter of fact, in excess of 8 weeks was taken by the sewer team for dissecting this huge mass of fat.
How to dispose of grease correctly
It is possible for oil, grease, and fat to form a clog within pipes even though the oil is fluid at the normal room temperature. However, in case it is not possible for you to pour the stuff down the drain, how will you be able to dispose of used olive oil, lard, or bacon grease?
Cooking oil
After making use of coconut, olive, sunflower, or avocado oil for cooking, wait until the oil has cooled down. Following this, soak up this oil using paper towels prior to washing the pan. The paper towels must be thrown in the trash can. However, disposal with paper towels can prove to be quite costly and wasteful in case you have used plenty of oil.
Instead, the oil has to be poured into a glass container with a lid for reuse in the future. In case you do not have any intention of using the oil once again, it has to be poured into a disposable container having a screw top (for instance, a soda bottle). Throw the container away once it becomes full.
Grease
Wait till the grease within the pan solidifies after cooling down. Following this, get rid of the grease from the pan with the help of a spatula and it should be thrown in the trash. Make use of a paper towel for soaking up any leftover fat or oil within the pan.
In case a substantial amount of grease has to be disposed of, make it a point to pour the grease into a container while it is hot and liquid as well. Once the container becomes full, it can be either emptied into the trash or the container can be thrown away. On most occasions, restaurants usually have a selected container for oil.
What will happen in case grease is already poured down the drain?
The majority of the individuals are not aware of the issues that can be caused by grease within a drain system. In case you have poured oil unknowingly down the drain, it might be feasible to get the oil out of the drainpipes into the sewer system.
Boiling water has to be poured down the drain for liquefying the grease within the pipes. While you are pouring boiling water down the drain, the hot water tap has run for flushing the liquefied fat. It is a fact that the emulsification of water and oil is allowed by the surfactant molecules, and for this reason, dish soap has to be poured down the drain as well as along with the boiling water.
Although dish soap and hot water might assist in getting rid of the grease from the pipes, it is nevertheless going to accumulate within the sewer system. Moreover, it might not be able to eliminate the problem entirely.
Communal effort
It is a fact that it is possible for raw sewage to spurt from all the manholes within the locality in case a water authority is not able to deal with a fatberg successfully. For preventing this situation, it is imperative for the restaurant owners and the homeowners to work together for preventing the accumulation of grease within the sewer system. Even though your own drain might not be blocked by grease, it is your responsibility to help in preventing sewer issues in your locality.
What has to be done for avoiding clogged drains?
In case you have ended up making some grease by frying bacon, you should allow it to become solidified within the pan or it should be poured into a jar for solidifying there. The grease can be then wiped up using a paper towel. One delicious way for reusing bacon grease will be to fry an egg by making use of bacon grease.
Take the help of professional drain cleaners
Professional assistance might be required in case you are pouring grease down the drain for quite some time. This grease is going to hold on to the debris which is blocking the pipes and needs professional cleaning. For this, you need to come in touch with the best Arlington plumbing services for unclogging the drains and cleaning the pipes. Our plumbers are quite experienced and technically equipped given that they have rendered their services for a significant amount of time successfully. Therefore, do not give any second thoughts and call them today.
3 Common Causes of Water Damage
Water damage is the worst thing that can happen to your house because it can destroy its foundation but also its structure.
The power of your house will weaken if there is water damage that you do not know about, and that can cause serious structural damage. Water retention creates moisture, and termites, molds, ants, and more can form on damp wood, which can impair your health and lifestyle. Water damages can significantly damage your home if you do not discover the cause in time.
Water damage is often caused by plumbing issues. Leakage of water in your toilet can cause accelerated growth of bacteria but also the formation of corrosion on the pipes. Plumbing issues often cause water damage, so it is crucial to know the condition of your plumbing systems in your home. Most of the piping is invisible below us, so very often we cannot even know when there is water damage. To react preventively to water damage, you need to know the most common causes.
3 Common Causes of Water Damage:
1. Blocked drains
Since dirt, hair, grease is discharged into the sewer, clogging of the drain is not uncommon. If the drain is often clogged, it can cause deep damage to the plumbing system and other materials in the house. Drain clogs can create numerous damages to other materials in the house if a pipe leak occurs. Clogging the drain can contribute to the rapid spread of bacteria, and this is not good for your health. Hair can clog your drain, and if not reacted to immediately can cause many problems. The most common cause of clogged drains is precisely the hair that falls out in the bathroom while bathing or in the sink while preparing lunch. Most homeowners have a problem with this blockage, but experienced plumbers solve it quickly and easily.
Causes of Blocked drains:
Hair
- Trees and Leaves
- Grease and Fat
- Toiletries
Signs of Blocked drains:
- If your toilet, shower, bath, or sinks are draining slowly.
- If flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the shower.
- Running taps causes the water in the toilet to rise.
2. Leaking Toilets
After a certain time, your toilet may start leaking water because its toilet seals have failed. Tightening or replacing the seals will quickly and easily solve this problem and prevent major damage. If you notice water leaking around your toilet, then it is the right time to call a professional plumber to fix the problem right away. Leaking toilets requires a little more care to avoid flooding and damaging the floor
in the house. Leaking toilets can cause a big expense even if you do not seem to be leaking a lot of water. The damaged wax seal on the bottom of the toilet is the most common cause of water leaking in your home. It is nothing complicated, the plumber will turn off the water, and then remove the toilet to replace the toilet seal.
Causes of Leaking Toilets:
- The misalignment of pipes and valves
- Broken Toilet Tank
- The wax ring not sealing properly
- Faulty Float
Signs of Leaking Toilets:
- Water on the floor
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Occasional smell
- Makes strange noise
- Outrageous water bills
- The Floor is damp around the toilet
3. Bursting or leaking pipes
Leaking or burst pipes is one of the most common causes of water damage in houses and apartments. The causes of pipe leaks can be various, and some of the most common are temperature change, unregulated water pressure, or due to the deterioration of the pipes themselves. If you do not protect your pipes from the cold in winter, they may freeze. Freezing at low temperatures can cause your pipes to burst. Old and rusty pipes need to be renewed and replaced to prevent them from leaking or cracking. Pressure in your pipes can occur if they block very often. Blocking the pipe too often can cause it to crack or leak.
Causes of Leaking Pipes:
- Foundation Shifts
- High Water Pressure
- Tree Roots
- Corrosion
- Temperature Changes
Signs of Leaky Pipes:
- Outrageous Water Bills
- Stained, Sagging or Damaged Walls and Ceilings
- Tree Roots
- Mold
- Musty smells
Doherty Plumbing – the best plumbing services
If you have any problems with your plumbing system and water damage has occurred, the best Arlington plumbing services can help. Doherty Plumbing provides all types of plumbing services: replacement and repair of boilers, fountains, showers, cisterns, replacement of batteries, valves, replacement of sanitary devices, and everything else that a professional plumber does. After your call, Doherty plumbers will arrive at your address at the exact time agreed with you.
Why leave the job to professionals of Doherty Plumbing:
- Professional repair solves any malfunction in the shortest possible time.
- Contact us, and a plumber will come to your address at the agreed time.
- We value your time and money.
- We offer quality and a guarantee for the services provided.
Prevent Home from Water Damage
Water damage can cause you a lot of damage to the floor, walls, carpets, and all this can cost a lot when it comes time to repair and replace it. Water damage to your home will cause mold and bacteria to spread, which can damage your family’s health. Do not think too long if you notice leaks in your home – the longer you wait, the higher the costs. Avoid water damage problems by performing a preventive inspection of the plumbing system by professional plumbers. Hire a professional plumber team twice a year to make sure there is no water damage in your home.
Act on time!
The time of detection of water damage is very important to eliminate it efficiently and quickly, so as soon as you notice any of these signs, call an expert team of plumbers immediately. In some cases, you need to leave your home until the damage is repaired, and this further complicates your life as you leave your routine. You do not have to disrupt your routine if you detect water damage in your home in time.
Why Does My Bathroom Drain Smell and How To Prevent It
Perhaps you have recently detected a really unpleasant, foul odor that seems to be emanating from the drain in your bathroom. It smells like a terrible sewer that is downright rotten. It should not be the normal occurrence for odors that are disgustingly rank and unbearable to be wafting up from the sink in your bathroom.
With this being the case, it is, thus, imperative to engage in knowing what is causing the odor. But that is not enough. You must also address the problem in order to resolve it, so that the problem does not worsen. The structure of the sink in your bathroom as well as the structure of your plumbing system could possess factors that are contributing to the awful smell in your bathroom.
When the Pipes Have a Buildup of Biofilm
Everyday, your sink in your bathroom is like a major garbage disposal. This is based on the truth that your sink having dead skin cells, toothpaste, soapy water and even shaving cream. That is a real abundance of waste that is sliding down the pipes of the sink.
Underneath your sink, the pipes are wet and warm, which is a great combination for the creation of the ideal habitat for the formation of stinking bacteria. This often turns into a nasty gunk that is black in color, which is referred to as biofilm. This biofilm can really begin to build up. You can do an easy test to determine if there is any biofilm. All you have to do is pull out the stopper of your sink. If you notice that the stopper has any gunk that is slimy and dark, that is biofilm. If so, there is a strong likelihood then that your pipes also have a lot of biofilm.
The good news is that this is not a difficult problem to address. The bad smell can be eradicated when cleaning products that are designated for sinks are poured down the drain. Also, you can use a simple application of vinegar solution. But it is imperative to be reminded that it is never safe to mix bleach with the vinegar solution, as this can result in the production of fumes that are dangerously toxic.
Once you use your preferred cleaner or vinegar solution, you can follow up with a pot of hot water.
In such cases that you have a severe buildup of biofilm, then it may be needful for the pipes under your sink to be disassembled in order to be manually cleaned. This can be done by using an old toothbrush and paper towels. On the other hand, do note that if there is a mistake that is made when reassembling the pipes, this can result in a disastrous leak that can cause a costly water damage. If you are uncertain, it is always in your best interest to contact an expert plumber Northern VA in order to do the job for you in a correct manner and that your pipes will not leak or result in any water damage.
When the Sink in Your Bathroom Has a Stinky Sewer Odor
If you are experiencing an issue where the sink or drain in your bathroom is projecting a stinky sewer odor, the truth of the matter is that the real problem could be an issue with the sewage. Be aware that in the end, all water that drains from your sink, toilet, tub, and shower all collect in the same area. Which means that the runoff from the sink in your bathroom will also be passing through to the pipe that goes to the sewage at some point.
Take note that there are two key elements in relation to your plumbing that aids in preventing the sewer gases from bombarding your drains, these are the P-Traps and vents. When either one of these have an issue, this can result in the sewer gases bombarding your home.
1. The P-Trap must remain wet inside.
The P-Trap is the part of the pipe in the form of a U that is under the sink in your bathroom. It is important for the P-Trap to hold some water in it because the water serves as a barricade to ensure that no gas from the pipes can enter the drain of the sink.
When the P-Trap experiences episodes of being dry, then it is not acting as a barricade to prevent the leakage of gases via the drain. When the gases leak this way, this is a scenario that is not pleasant, and it is also hazardous to your health. This is a frequent problem concerning guest bathrooms or in cases when sinks do not get a lot of usage. Over time, the P-Trap may become dry.
The simple solution is to run water for a bit, which will ensure that the P-Trap will not become dry.
2. Your vents must be in good working condition.
Though the P-Trap may be functioning properly, it is possible for stinky sewage gas to find its way back up the drain again. With this understanding, plumbing systems also apply the use of vents. This will ensure that any gases that become trapped are able to go back down the pipes and be released outside via the vents, so that no odors are left in the home.
In such cases that a vent is experiencing blockage, the gases will come back up the drain of the sink. Then it is wise to call an expert plumber to fix the problem for the vents to function well again.
If you have noticed bad smells coming up the drain of the sink in your bathroom and have poured some cleaning solution down the pipes, it is advised that you give us a call. We can help you find out the cause of any bad smell and resolve the issue for you.
5 Common Sewer Line Problems
The sewer line is one of the biggest water lines in your home so it would be a big hassle if it gets damaged. Unfortunately, it is quite common for an old house to have a damaged sewer line. This is not something you should take lightly as it would be better to call a Chantilly plumbing professional when you sense something is wrong with your sewer line. After all, you know you would want to get it over with so you can get on with the next task. Here are 5 common sewer line problems:
Tree Roots
The trees in your yard have underground roots and they can grow up to a point where they can damage several sewer lines. It is even possible the tree roots may damage your neighbor’s sewer lines. When that happens, they are going to get so angry. If the tree root has damaged the sewer line in such a way that it would be hard to repair it anymore, it is possible that the plumber would recommend that it would need to be replaced other than being fixed. Better follow a plumber because that person would know what to do next in a time of a crisis like that.
Blockage
Grease or other objects may get in the way of the sewer line. The plumber will gently remove whatever it is that is blocking the water flow. When the sewer line is more than a decade old, it is normal to have something blocking the water flow. It is something you would want to get rid of as soon as possible though so things could get back to normal again. To prevent a blockage from happening in the future, one awesome idea would be to have the sewer line checked by a professional. You can tell that this person would be able to help prevent a blockage from happening in the future.
Broken Pipes
This is often caused by frozen ground. When it is winter, you know a lot of things are going to get wrong underground. When the pipes are broken, they need to be replaced right away. You know they can’t function forever so better get the opinion of the plumber whether they need to be replaced or fixed. When the plumber says you will save more money when they are replaced, then that is the path you must take for your own sake.
Leaking Joints
Putting a pail under the leak is not the solution to this problem. Better call a Chantilly plumbing professional because that person will know what to do with this problem before it becomes something much worse. The joints must be joined correctly so you know that there won’t be anything happening wrong in the future. Another way to prevent this from happening in the future would be to clean the sewer line often. You know it is going to be a lot of hard work, but it needs to be done so that problems won’t arise in the coming years.
Pipe Deterioration
When the pipes were made using low-quality material, then it will only be a matter of time before it deteriorates. You know you must do something to fix that problem so better change the pipes to something that is made from PVC. If you do that, then there is a huge chance that problem won’t happen again in the future. Everyone knows PVC is the best material for pipes so you should not think about getting pipe that is made of other materials as the amount of money you save won’t be worth it.
A good plumbing company would know what to tell you in the event of a sewer line problem. Hence, the next thing to do would be to call Doherty Plumbing as we are a company who has gotten nothing but great reviews during the long time we have been in the industry. We would not have lasted that long if we did not do well with all the tasks given to us. Our customer service team would want nothing more than to help you with your plumbing problem. What’s more, we are already equipped with all the needed materials to get the job done in a few hours.
5 Reasons Why Your Toilet Won’t Flush
The bathroom is one of the most used areas in a home, thus it is not uncommon for a toilet to become clogged with use over time. This can be caused by several things, all of which are easily controlled if addressed immediately. If a problem arises that cannot be handled without professional assistance, the best Arlington plumbing company has a reliable, affordable team readily available to fix whatever problem a homeowner faces. Here are some of the most common reasons as to why your toilet won’t flush, and what can be done about it.
- Something is blocking the pipe
This can be a number of things, as families with younger children may have to deal with toys being flushed, or could be other objects that may have accidentally fallen into the toilet bowl, such as cell phones, watches, etc. This is common but can lead to blockage and clogging that will backup the normal flow of water. Oftentimes, a traditional, high quality plunger can dislodge the flushed object through the use of suction, or at least will lower the water level enough so that one can attempt to reach the object by hand. Another option is to use a toilet auger which clears the pipe through, but if the object remains lodged, then calling a plumber is the next step.
- The lift chain is damaged and/or disconnected entirely
Another common issue is dealing with a damaged or disconnected lift chain, which opens and closes the toilet’s flapper when it is flushed. Adjusting the length of the chain, or how much slack it has, can be done easily by an individual without the use of plumbing services, as it is a common problem that occurs with use over time. Repairing of the chain may be needed, if the chain is at all damaged, and this can be done individually or with professional assistance from a qualified plumbing technician.
- The toilet has a damaged flapper
This, again, often comes as a result of use over a period of time and affects the flowing of water into the toilet bowl when flushing occurs. The flapper can become warped, bent, or undergo further damage and will cause the water to not refill following flushing. Replacing it is easy to do and not costly, and if someone is uncomfortable replacing it on their own, professional help is recommended but not necessary.
- The water is not being refilled properly
If the water level in the tank is too low, the toilet will not flush properly, and this can come as a result of a turned off valve or another issue. Ensure that the tank is filled to one inch below the overflow tube, turning the valve on and watching as this is done.
- Damaged Overflow tube
A damaged or cracked overflow tube will cause the water to not refill the tank following flushing, and instead flow into the overflow tube. Check to ensure the tube is performing properly and is not damaged. If it is, replacing is a simple task and is inexpensive.
All of these are common issues that every homeowner faces at some point, all of which can be fixed at home or with the help from Doherty Plumbing can help you with any plumbing problem that is too difficult to deal with alone .