Friday, May 17, 2013

When Is Trenchless Sewer Repair the Best Option?






















As a homeowner, one of the most stress-inducing scenarios that you can run into is a busted sewer line. From out-of-control tree roots to drastic temperature changes, there are a number of situations that can cause your sewer pipes to crack and require immediate attention from emergency plumbing professionals. Here is a look at one method for repair—trenchless sewer replacement—and the conditions under which it is the best option:

Water is Not Pooling near the Bottom of the Line
One scenario that makes it far more difficult for your sewer line repair team to use trenchless technology is pooling near the very bottom of the pipes. More often than not, experienced professionals can remove soil, debris, and water that are lingering in the pipes. However, in the case that this matter cannot be removed, it will be difficult for the sewer line repair process to work properly and pass inspection.

Utility Lines Do Not Pass Closely to the Pipes
Trenchless technology works best when there are no utility lines near the sewer pipes. As the pipe is lined with a new, more formidable material, it shifts around in the space, and therefore could burst any gas or water lines that sit close by. If your plumbers do not detect utility lines nearby, then trenchless can be a promising solution to your burst pipe.

Your Contractor is Experienced in the Technique
When it comes to performing trenchless sewer repair, experience is of the utmost importance. Although this technology is one of the most effective methods around for repairing a cracked sewer line, it can be destructive if performed incorrectly. Before choosing an emergency plumbing company, ask for a list of their references, as well as a rundown of their professional history.

If your home is in need of immediate sewer repair, then be sure to contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical at any time, day or night. We can assess your particular situation and discuss the best method for repairing the line. Call us at (206) 452-4363 to learn more about our plumbing services.


Monday, May 6, 2013

Preventing Plumbing-Related Home Water Damage



Leaky faucets and frequently refilling toilets can seem like a small problem at first, but if left untreated, they can cause your water bills to skyrocket. In order to prevent water waste in your home, as well as any water-related damage, be sure to inspect the rooms in your home that contain bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances that regularly utilize water. Look for any signs of damage such as warped flooring, corroded pipes, and stained cabinetry. Another step to take to ensure that your plumbing is working properly is to turn supply line valves on and off to make sure they work.

Before finishing up your in-home inspection, check the basement for signs of leaks such as a musty smell or wall stains. For more tips on preventing home water damage, watch this video from State Farm.

If you notice that your water bills are climbing but you can't pinpoint the reasons why, then call Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical today at (206) 452-4363. We can inspect your home or business and provide you with our recommendations for preventing further water loss.


Understanding the Difference between a Clogged Drain and a Clogged Sewer Line


Your home's plumbing system is an intricate system of pipes, drains, sewers, and appliances that work in harmony to provide you with the water you need to perform everyday tasks. When one of those components becomes blocked, cracked, or clogged, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat without the help of an emergency plumbing professional. Here is a look at the difference between two residential plumbing problems, a clogged drain and a clogged sewer line:

A Clog in a Sink, Shower, or Toilet Drain
The symptoms of a clogged drain within an appliance such as a toilet or sink typically consist of pooling water, an unpleasant odor, and a buildup of matter somewhere in the pipe. The clog itself is typically located in one specific drain, which means that it won't affect other pipes or appliances in the home. There are a variety of different ways that you can treat a minor clog using a plunger, an auger, or by pouring a combination of water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain. If the clog simply won't budge, then leave it to a professional emergency plumbing team to fix.

A Clog in the Home's Main Sewer Line
Unlike a clogged drain, a clogged sewer line will cause disruption to the entire home since the problem originates farther down in the supply line. If you begin to experience low water flow in various kitchen and bathroom appliances or notice bubbling or backup in your bathtub, then call a sewer line repair company immediately, as you are almost certainly dealing with a sewer clog. Your plumber will look for the cause of the clog, such as a busted sewer line, or a buildup of non-flushable materials, such as feminine hygiene products.

No matter what type of clog you're experiencing, the professionals here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical can help you eliminate it for good. We employ a variety of techniques such as high pressure jetting, derooting, and trenchless sewer repair to restore clogged or damaged drains and sewer lines. To schedule our services in your residential or commercial property, call (206) 452-4363.


A Homeowner's Guide to Slab Leaks

The U.S. EPA estimates that on average, American households lost as much as 10,000 gallons of water due to hidden plumbing leaks every year—in fact, ten percent of homes have leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water or more per day. And worse, plumbing leaks under the home’s foundation may not be noticeable until the damage has already been done. Read on for a few tips about the causes and cures for slab foundation leaks:

 
Causes
  • Older homes may have soft copper lines embedded in the concrete foundation itself, which makes them more susceptible to damage as the home and underlying soil shifts and settles. Even a small pinhole leak in the piping will leak constantly, causing your water bill to skyrocket. More modern homes embed the plumbing lines underground, but expansive soil shifting can cause similar damage to PVC sewage and water pipes.
Symptoms
  • Aside from an unexplained increase in your water bill, water leaks can permeate the concrete foundation and cause water damage to the flooring. Additionally, water can leak into the expansive soil below the foundation and cause it to “heave” as it becomes saturated. This upward soil movement creates even more distortion in the foundation and plumbing lines and can cause foundation cracks. You may also notice warm spots on slab floors due to water leakage.
Cures
  • Slab leaks by nature are not easy problems to fix. Plumbing professionals will likely have to dig under the supporting structure of your home to locate and repair the source of the leak. In some cases, professionals may have to create a hole inside your home with a jackhammer. Having a semiannual checkup from a licensed plumbing specialist can help you prevent hidden plumbing leaks and spot them in their infancy.
Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical is a licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing contractor that has been serving Seattle and the surrounding areas for years. Contact our 24-hour emergency line at (206) 452-4363 to schedule reliable plumbing repairs today.