Category: Uncategorized

Signs That It’s Time to Repair the Hot Water Heater

There is no better way to drive away the chills than to take a hot shower. While hot showers are a necessity at any time of year, the cooler temperatures make the experience all, the more enjoyable. Water heaters do a lot of work in the home apart from just providing heat for comfortable bathing. They also provide hot water for cleaning clothes and dishes. When water heaters start to fail, these are the consequences. 

Losing a water heater is never fun, but if homeowners pay close attention, they will never have to go without hot water. Water heaters generally offer signs that they are having trouble. If homeowners know how to recognize them, they could schedule preemptive repairs or water heater replacements before the unit fails. Here are some of the most common signs that a water heater is having trouble and what to do about it. 

Temperature Problems 

Water heaters are designed to provide a consistent hot water supply until the tank can’t meet demand. In most homes, water heaters are sized appropriately to ensure enough hot water is always available to complete hygiene practices. When a water heater fails to do so, then it is a sign that repairs are needed. 

Temperature problems most often come in the form of a noticeable drop in the temperature of hot water or the volume. This can signify that the burner or heating elements can’t keep up with demand. It can also be a sign that the water heater has built up sediment that prevents water heating. Call a plumber at the first sign of inconsistent temperatures so they can perform water heater repairs immediately before any issues worsen. 

Visible and Invisible Leaks 

Leaks in a water heater can be a severe problem, but not every leak will require water heater replacement. In many cases, leaks form at pipe joints. Leaks in pipe joints are due to corrosion common around the water heater and stress from the constant expansion and contraction of pipes that carry hot water. Some of these leaks can be quickly repaired by a professional. 

Leaks that aren’t at pipe joints can be more serious. Water tends to cause rust and corrosion on the metal components of a water heater. This can ultimately compromise the integrity of the unit. Some leaks and cracks in the water heater tank can’t be repaired and will require a water heater replacement by a qualified plumber. 

Age of the Water Heater

Water heaters have a big job to do, and all of that work means they won’t last forever. Most water heaters are expected to last around ten years before they will need replacement. Usually, at around ten years, they will have wear and tear that causes them to spring leaks, or repair bills will become so high that replacement is the best option. 

To save some money when it comes time to replace the water heater, consider a tankless water heater installation. Tankless water heaters last longer and typically have lower energy costs than conventional water heaters. 

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated company serving Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate pricing, estimates, and same-day service. Call them today for water heater services in Lakewood, CA.

What to Do About That Scary Banging Sound in The Walls

Many homeowners will recognize the tale: they’re in their house, minding their own business, when they hear a mysterious banging sound coming from behind the walls. They investigate only to find an empty room and a chill running down their spine. Their imagination can’t help but run wild, conjuring thoughts of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins.

But homeowners are probably better off calling their local plumber instead of calling a priest or a ghost hunter to root out the source of these frightful sounds. That spooky banging sound is likely a water hammer, and although it may not be as scary as some paranormal villain, it’s still nothing to scoff at. Read on to learn what a water hammer is, the damage it can do to a home’s plumbing system, and how to fix it.

What Exactly is a Water Hammer, and What Causes It?

A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, is a spike in pressure within a plumbing system that occurs when the flow of water abruptly stops or changes direction. This sudden pressure surge can itself cause a loud “thud” sound as well as cause pipes to jerk and knock against the walls or other pipes (hence the “hammer”). 

Water hammer is often caused by valves closing suddenly (this is common with the automatic valves on washing machines and dishwashers). It can also be the result of excessively high water pressure. Most home plumbing systems are fitted with air chambers, which give water a place to go when pressure suddenly spikes, reducing the impact of hydraulic shock. If these air chambers become filled with water, homeowners will likely experience more instances of noisy pipes and water hammers.

What Are the Dangers of Water Hammers?

Besides being spooky (and annoying), a water hammer can also do a number on the home’s plumbing system. The sudden pressure spikes the water hammer produces can be as much as ten times greater than the system is designed to handle. This can damage pipe fittings, joints, and connectors, potentially causing a rupture or slow leak. It can also harm valves and other components on fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and water-using appliances. 

A single instance may be enough to do serious damage, particularly in older homes with aging pipes, but the cumulative effects can be extensive in any home. That’s why homeowners must address noisy water pipes as soon as possible by calling a qualified plumber.

How Do the Pros Fix Water Hammers?

Fixing a water hammer should always begin with identifying the underlying cause. For example, suppose the water supply system’s air chambers are filled with water. In that case, draining the water lines may solve the problem temporarily – but if they become water-logged due to high water pressure, the air chambers will eventually fill up again, and the water hammer will return.

This is why it’s best to call a qualified professional to diagnose and repair banging pipes. They can thoroughly inspect the system and find the root cause of the water hammer issues. If the high water pressure is the problem, a plumber can adjust the pressure to normal levels or install a water pressure regulator if necessary.

Some homes may not have air chambers, but a plumber can install them. Another option is to install water hammer arrestors near fixtures. Like air chambers, water hammer arrestors are devices installed along supply lines to absorb hydraulic shock. Installing air chambers or arrestors (or both) isn’t easy, so it’s best left to the professionals. 

Finally, suppose the water hammer can’t entirely be eliminated due to a specific fixture (such as a dishwasher with an aggressive valve). In that case, pros may also fasten pipes more securely to studs and walls to prevent excessive vibration and knocking, reducing the likelihood of a rupture or leak until it’s time to replace the fixture.

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

The family-owned and operated Fitzgerald Plumbing has been the go-to plumber for Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas for over a decade. They offer straightforward pricing, estimates, and same-day service. Call them today for water line repair and replacement in Lakewood, CA.

What Corrosion Is – And How To Prevent It

Without getting too technical, corrosion is a natural chemical reaction that causes materials such as metal to degrade. The most common example is rust, which results from iron or iron alloys interacting with oxygen and moisture in the environment. The copper pipes that comprise most homes’ water supply systems are less susceptible to corrosion than iron or steel, but they are not immune.

Indeed, pipe corrosion is quite common in home plumbing systems and can be caused or sped up by various things, such as hard water, excessive heat, overly high water pressure, sand or grit in the water supply, or the soil around buried pipes. Corroded water pipes can rupture, develop pinhole leaks, contaminate the water supply, and cause damage to appliances and other fixtures, so it’s not a problem to be ignored. This article will outline some ways homeowners can protect their pipes against corrosion.

Use Pipe Coatings or Protective Linings

First up for preventing corroded pipes are coatings and protective linings. These are materials applied outside or inside pipes to protect the metal surface of the pipe from corrosive materials. Common exterior coatings for pipes include paints, lacquers, resins, zinc, aluminum, or plastics such as PVC, polyethylene, or polyurethane. 

Pipe linings are applied to the pipe interior to protect against corrosion caused by the water and the minerals and debris in it. Liquid epoxy is often used to both repair and prevent pipe corrosion. This involves cleaning the pipe interiors to remove pitting and corrosion, then using pressurized air to force the epoxy through the pipes, which will adhere to the pipe walls and create a protective seal against further corrosion.

Of course, if corrosion is rampant (as is common in many older homes), another option is to repipe the lines with a corrosion-resistant material such as PEX piping. But either way, it’s always best to consult a plumber to assess the situation and determine the best solution.

Install a Water Softener

Another way to combat premature pipe corrosion is to install a whole home water softener. As the name suggests, a water softener removes calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved minerals from hard water, making it “softer.” Calcium deposits not only can cause corrosion but can also cause many other plumbing problems, including low water pressure, seized valves, and damaged appliances. So the benefits of a water softener go beyond corrosion prevention.

There is a common misconception that softened water causes more corrosion, but this is not true. Naturally, soft water can be somewhat corrosive due to its low pH levels (making it more acidic). Still, the pH level of hard water generally falls within an acceptable range, and water softeners do not significantly affect pH levels. If homeowners are unsure of their water’s hardness or pH balance, they can contact a qualified plumber or local water authority to have the water tested.

Schedule a Plumbing Maintenance Visit

Last but not least, yearly maintenance visits from a professional plumber are crucial for preventing corrosion. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, professional plumbing maintenance involves thoroughly inspecting the plumbing system, so any signs of corrosion can be spotted as early as possible and resolved before the problem spreads or worsens.

Secondly, a professional will perform other maintenance tasks that can help prevent corrosion in their own right. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a rusted water heater tank to release flecks of iron that get stuck in the pipes and cause corrosion, so the seemingly unrelated task of maintaining the water heater can directly help prevent pipe corrosion throughout the entire home.

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing is a local, family-owned and operated company with over a decade of experience serving its neighbors in Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and estimates. Call them today for plumbing services in Lakewood, CA.

Gas Leaks are Dangerous. How Should a Homeowner Handle Them?

While plumbing leaks are often inconvenient or potentially cause water damage to a home, no plumbing leak is more dangerous than a leak in the gas line. A gas leak is a serious issue and can be life-threatening. The potential for fire and explosion can also be terrible for people and property.

Gas leaks need to be dealt with as soon as they are detected. Many things can be responsible for gas leaks, everything from the age of the pipes to earthquakes. As part of National Wellness Month, people should know about the harmful effects of a residential gas leak.

The Alarming Signs and Symptoms of a Gas Leak

There are both detectable indicators of a gas leak and symptoms people experience when exposed to a gas. These will be outlined in two separate lists below. Here are some signs that a home’s gas line has a problem.

Signs of a Gas Leak:

• Foul smells
• Hissing sounds
• Dying grass/vegetation around pipes
• Higher gas bills

Gas Leak Symptoms Homeowners Can Experience:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Disorientation

There’s a Gas Leak. What Happens Now?

If a homeowner notices any of the signs listed above, the first thing to do is to vacate the house immediately. No lights should be turned on or things plugged in as the inhabitants evacuate because this can lead to fire or explosion. Here is how to respond once signs of a gas leak are noticed:

1. Evacuate: Leave the house. There is no reason to stay if there is a gas leak.
2. Maintain Distance: Get to a neighbor’s yard at a minimum or move even further away.
3. Call the Plumbing or Gas Company: Plumbing and gas companies are ready to send someone out for gas leak detection. This keeps the homeowner safe as well as the rest of the neighborhood.
4. Call a Plumber: After a plumbing or gas company verifies the presence of a leak, it will need to be repaired. They may have someone to do it, but it’s time to call a reputable professional if they don’t.
5. Preventative Measures: Take some time to consider getting gas detectors to catch any further incidents.

Safety With a Little Help from the Pros

If a homeowner has not experienced a gas leak but is concerned, they should consider calling in a plumbing technician for gas leak detection. Several different kinds of home gas detectors can act as early warnings, but the professionals have sensitive equipment, and if they find a leak, they can perform gas leak repair on the spot.

This is something that should always be left to trained professionals to keep the problem from getting worse. Gas leak detectors are a great tool but must be used properly. A simple carbon monoxide detector will not work unless it is specifically made to detect natural gas as well.

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company that offers flexible pricing to fit any budget. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and trustworthy local experts. Call them today for gas leak detection and repair in Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Who Knows What Trenchless Repairs Are?

Trenchless plumbing repairs are a type of repair that doesn’t require digging a trench. This means less disruption in the yard, driveway, or sidewalk. Trenchless repairs are quicker and cheaper than traditional underground pipe repairs. If the home needs plumbing repairs, ask about trenchless options. 

How Do Plumbers Perform Trenchless Repairs?

Trenchless repair methods involve creating an access point at one end of the damaged pipe and another at the other end. Professionals can insert a new pipe into the old, bursting it and creating a seamless pipe inside the old line. Another method is known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). CIPP involves inserting a resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe.

How Are Trenchless Repairs Possible?

One common trenchless repair method is called pipe bursting. Pipe bursting is a trenchless repair method that consists of breaking up the old pipe and replacing it with a new one. The new line is usually made of high-density polyethylene, which is more durable and corrosion-resistant than the old pipe. The process starts with a small hole in the ground, through which a bursting head is inserted and connected to a cable. The bursting head is pulled through the length of the old pipe, bursting the old pipe and pulling the new one behind it. Once the new pipe is in place, it is connected to the existing water or sewer lines. Pipe bursting is a fast and efficient way to repair pipes without digging up the yard.

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is a trenchless pipe repair process that involves lining the inside of the pipe with a resin-impregnated sleeve. The sleeve is then cured with hot water or steam, creating a seamless, jointless liner that bonds to the existing pipe. CIPP can be used to repair pipes of different sizes and materials, making it a versatile option for many different pipelines.

Slip lining is a trenchless pipe repair method in which a new pipe, called a liner, is inserted into an existing line. Then, grout is injected between the liner and the existing pipe to create a watertight seal. Slip lining is often used to repair damaged or deteriorated sewer lines. This method can be used on clay, cast iron, asbestos cement, concrete, and PVC pipes.

When Should Trenchless Pipe Repair Be Used?

Trenchless sewer line repair is often used to repair damaged or broken septic lines without digging a trench. By not needing to dig up the hard, homeowners will save tons of time and money that would’ve been spent on fixing the landscaping and any concrete or patio on top of the pipes. 

It can be used to fix problems that are difficult or invasive to repair with traditional methods, such as corrosion in pipes caused by rust, minor pipe misalignment, tree roots infiltrating pipes, sewage backups, and cracks in pipes made of clay, lead, plastic, and cast iron. As a result, trenchless sewer line replacement can be an effective solution for various issues.

What Makes Trenchless Pipe Repair Better

There are many reasons to opt for trenchless pipe repair when fixing plumbing or septic lines. First and foremost, it is much less invasive than traditional repair methods, which often require digging up the entire length of the pipe. 

Trenchless pipe repair only requires access to the damaged section of pipe, meaning the lawn or driveway will not be disrupted. Furthermore, trenchless pipe replacement is faster and less expensive than traditional methods. In addition, it’s a more environmentally friendly option, as it does not require the use of heavy machinery or chemicals.

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing is a local, family-owned and operated company that serves its neighbors in Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, estimates, and flexible pricing to fit any budget. Call them today for trenchless pipe repair in Lakewood, CA.

The Dangers of DIY Plumbing

In most instances, embarking on a DIY home project can save money and create fun memories for the family, but there are some instances where doing it yourself can cause more problems than it can solve. Generally, the problem is straightforward, but plumbing is not an easy fix. If corrected improperly, the problem can multiply and end up costing more than it would if homeowners had called the professionals first. 

Water and sewer lines are a delicate and intricate system that runs under the home’s foundations and throughout its interior, efficiently pulling and pushing the desired substances to their designed location without a second thought. Once one of these lines is damaged, the system can be a hard code to crack to the untrained eye. 

Inexperience Means Guesswork

To the untrained eye, a problem may seem simple but be something entirely more detailed. For the normal homeowner, a simple crack in the piping looks like a trip to the hardware store for some sealant, but the professional knows the real secrets. 

Plumbers are highly trained, certificated, and insured to spot, diagnose, and repair damages that homeowners may overlook or not even see. Homeowners can pick up on the signs that there could be an issue somewhere in the plumbing, but it takes a professional to find the problem accurately. Hiring experts can help homeowners take the guesswork out of the equation and avoid misdiagnosing their plumbing!

Repairs Take Extra Time

Once a problem is identified, the homeowner would have to research and then make a trip or two to the hardware store to gather the correct equipment for the job. Professionals would not need these trips and time spent researching the potential cause of a leak or crack if a homeowner executed a quick call to a plumbing company. A full weekend with the family and friends could be wasted by not calling the professionals and trying to solve the problems themselves. 

There is another factor that homeowners negate when trying to fix things by themselves. And that factor is the serious risk of damage that DIY plumbing can have on the plumbing system and health risks for the homeowner. Because the homeowner is not an expert and is most likely not certified in dealing with water and sewer lines, there is a higher chance that another problem could occur while trying to solve the first one. Or the increased chance for the homeowner to injure themselves while trying to save a few bucks. 

Mistakes Create Extra Costs

With the added risk of damaging the plumbing further and the increased risk of injury to the homeowner, the cost of trying to DIY plumbing repairs also increases exponentially. Even if everything goes right and the problem is solved, there are many more costs to fixing plumbing issues through DIY methods than calling an expert. 

A professional can pull onto a job site with a van or truck equipped with everything they need to handle plumbing problems. Homeowners would have to purchase or rent any tools and equipment they don’t already have. Plus, because professionals are insured, that saves homeowners a ton of money if something goes wrong. Homeowners may be liable to cover costs out of pocket if an emergency happens during DIY plumbing repairs.  

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing has over a decade of experience serving its neighbors in Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, straightforward pricing, and estimates. Call them today for plumbing services in Lakewood, CA.

Spring Vegetation Can Interfere With Plumbing

An overflowing toilet is an urgent plumbing problem that can cause a lot of stress. It can often be the symptom of a much deeper problem. When sewer lines become blocked, the consequences can be truly horrifying. Toilets won’t flush. Bathtubs won’t drain. Sewage may back up into the yard or house.

These problems become all too common in the spring. Luckily there are easy ways to deal with blocked sewer lines. In this article, homeowners will discover why blocked sewer lines are common in the spring, what problems they cause and how professionals will deal with them.

Intruding Roots Wreak Havoc on Drain Lines

Spring sewer problems can result from plants and trees. Trees emerge from dormancy in the spring, and they send out new roots to find nutrients. These tiny roots are strong and can often find their way into sewer lines through cracks or where pipes meet.

Once tree roots can get inside sewer lines, they will rapidly grow. The contents of a sewer line are like food for the tree, so the tree aggressively sends out roots to lap them up. The result is further damage to the sewer line and a giant tangle of roots growing inside the sewer line. If left untreated, they can even damage a home’s foundation and structural integrity. 

Complications from Intruding Tree Roots

The homes’ drains are all connected and flow to the main sewer line. This means that problems in the main sewer line– the large, single line that runs through the yard to municipal sewer lines– will quickly be apparent around the whole house. Signs that tree roots have penetrated the sewer line are:

• Chronically slow-flushing toilets
• Bathtubs and sink that won’t drain
• Sewage backups in basements
• Sewage backing up into bathtubs
• Burst pipes
• Lush growth in landscaping
• Insect infestation near the home

Fixing Problems Caused by Root Obstruction

Professionals have a variety of solutions to help fix clogged drain lines. Some options are:

• Drain Augers: Plumber’s snakes offer temporary relief from backed-up sewer lines. However, a permanent solution will be necessary once the pipes are breached.
• Root Barriers: Digging up the yard to replace sewer lines is invasive. Instead of trenching the entire yard and replacing a whole sewer line, try having root barriers installed around pipes close to tree roots. This is a cost-saving option that is quicker and less invasive than repiping.
• Repiping: For many homes with chronic drain problems, the cause of drain problems is poor installation and proximity to new landscaping. Repiping is a great option because it can reroute pipes around existing landscaping and eliminate issues that are caused by poor installation.
• Upgrading Piping: In many cases of root obstruction, the problem is due to old piping. Metal piping can rust through, and clay pipes eventually degrade. Upgrading piping to modern PVC sewer lines can seal out invading roots and ensure that none can invade in the future.

A professional sewer line service is the best resource to help find the right solution in every situation.

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing is a local business that has provided the residents of Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas with exceptional customer service from trusted professionals since 2008. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and estimates. Call them today for sewer line repair in Lakewood, CA.