Make 2023 a Year of Avoiding Plumbing Mistakes!

Tips For Avoiding Plumbing Disasters This Year

Plumbing repairs are unavoidable. At some point, homeowners will have to deal with a plumbing breakdown that needs to be repaired. However, experiencing frequent breakdowns and repairs is entirely avoidable. There are three things, in particular, that every homeowner should know about their plumbing system. These three things can very well make or break a plumbing system. If homeowners want to avoid repairs as much as possible, they should avoid these three major plumbing mistakes. 

Chemical Drain Cleaners Shouldn’t Be Used

clogs Liquid drain cleaners are the bane of plumber existence. They are advertised as the “convenient” option for cleaning drains. In reality, they cause a lot more harm than good. The chemicals in the drain cleaners react with water and cause a heat reaction that clears out the clogs. The problem is that the reaction actually gets too hot and causes premature corrosion of the pipes. Corroded pipes lead to leaks, burst pipes, and other plumbing breakdowns that no one wants to deal with. 

Homeowners should pay a little more upfront by calling a local plumber for drain cleaning and prevent the cost of having to replace pipes earlier than necessary due to corrosion. This is a much safer way of maintaining a clog-free system that won’t damage the pipes if done by a qualified professional. 

Keep Up With Water Heater Maintenance

maintenance A technician performing water heater maintenance will commonly conduct several tasks, including checking the heating element, inspecting the anode rod, flushing out sediment from the tank, and cleaning the area around the unit. Each of these tasks is important for ensuring that the water heater functions correctly and safely. 

The anode rod is essential for neutralizing corrosive elements inside the tank. Without it, the water heater’s metal components would corrode and eventually fail. Flushing out sediment from the tank is also crucial to prevent damage and clogs in the unit’s pipes. If left unchecked, this can reduce the water heater’s efficiency or cause it to malfunction altogether. 

In summary, proper water heater maintenance is essential for its safety and longevity, and technicians must take great care to perform all necessary tasks correctly. This will safeguard against dangerous accidents or expensive repairs down the line.

Just Hire a Professional!

When it comes to plumbing projects, homeowners should always leave these jobs to a professional plumber. Trying to do the job themselves might seem like a money-saving solution, but it could end up costing more in the long run. Professional plumbers have years of experience and specialized tools to handle even the most difficult tasks. 

They also know how to properly install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems, ensuring that the job is done correctly from the start. DIY projects can often lead to costly mistakes or even damage to a home, which will cost more than hiring a professional in the first place. Additionally, many plumbers offer warranty protection for their work, so homeowners can have peace of mind that their plumbing will be fixed correctly and for the long term. Hiring a pro will save money in the long run and ensure everything is done right from the start.

Call Fitzgerald Plumbing Today! 

The plumbing professionals at Fitzgerald Plumbing work hard to provide fast, accurate, same-day service to all their customers. They even have flexible pricing to fit any budget! Call them today for plumbing, drain cleaning, and water heater services in Lakewood, CA.

Tips for Homeowners to Help Find a Reliable Plumber During the Holidays

Common Traits of Reliable Plumbers

The holidays are generally a fast-paced time of year when everyone is busy celebrating and taking care of last-minute business before the new year comes. With everything going on, there are better times of year to deal with a plumbing emergency, let alone having to deal with a plumbing emergency with no leads on a reliable plumbing company. 

When problems arise at this time of year, there isn’t a moment to spare. Homeowners need to know who to call within minutes, but sometimes it can be hard to discern who they should call, especially when so many options are available. Here are a few tips from local plumbers that can help homeowners figure out who to call quickly and how to establish a long-term relationship, so they are never left without backup in a disaster. 

Positive Reviews Online 

reviews Every search for a plumber begins online. This makes finding plumbing companies easy but can lead to a dizzying number of potential candidates. The sheer number of local plumbers can be intimidating to wade through, so it is important to know how to find someone who is trustworthy. Luckily, a search can help resolve this problem quickly. 

Homeowners should start looking at ratings and online reviews within minutes of searching online for plumbing companies. Most search engines include these as part of a company’s profile, so it will be easy to find ratings and long-form reviews. Scan the reviews for buzzwords like “professional” and “prompt.” These are good indications that other satisfied customers would likely use a company again, meaning that the visit will probably go smoothly. Find a few companies with good reviews and attractive profiles and move on to the next step. 

Licensed and Insured Experts 

The next step is all about checking the qualifications of potential plumbing contractors. Plumbers worth doing business with will be licensed and insured to prove they are reliable. Every company that is licensed and insured will prominently display its qualifications. Licensure takes years of experience to earn, so every reliable plumber is proud to display it or provide it when asked. 

Insurance is an added business expense that proves that the contractor protects their workers and customers from accidents, meaning that every plumber will also readily supply this information. Check websites or make a quick phone call to verify that plumbers have these valuable documents and protections. 

Remember Routine Plumbing Maintenance 

maintenance Holiday plumbing emergencies are bad enough to deal with, but what if there was a way to reduce the likelihood of the problem in the first place? Plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning are important services for preventing plumbing emergencies at any time of the year. Most plumbing companies offer plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning as a service or as part of a package, and they will complete tasks like:

  • Inspection of visible pipes for corrosion or damage
  • Repair small leaks
  • Drain and flush the water heater
  • Routine drain cleaning
  • Water pressure tests

With routine maintenance and drain cleaning visits, homeowners can discover how well their plumbing works with professional attention and prevent future issues. 

About Fitzgerald Plumbing

Fitzgerald Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated company serving Lakewood, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, upfront pricing with no hidden charges or fees, and estimates. Call them today for plumbing services in Lakewood, CA.

Keep the Water Heater Warm During the Colder Months

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 

shower 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 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.

Is the House Being Haunted by a Water Hammer This Halloween?

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?

pipe 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?

professionals 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.

How To Help Prevent Pipe Corrosion

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

coating 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

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.

Raising Awareness of Gas Leak Safety During National Wellness Month

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

foul smells 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

gas detector 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.

Got Questions About Trenchless Pipe Repair?

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?

pipe 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

save 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.

Stop DIY Plumbing Repairs

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

clock 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

cost 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.

Beware of Common Spring Plumbing Problems

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

tree roots 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

slow draining 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.

Enjoy a Healthy and Reliable Plumbing System When you Follow These Leak Preventing Tips

It goes without saying that you’d do everything in your power to protect your Lakewood, CA home investment. Don’t forget that protecting your home means protecting its components, like your plumbing systems.

The good news is that this is easily accomplished with a little preventative maintenance on a regular basis. Don’t be daunted by the prospect of maintaining your plumbing; the following tasks are easy and entirely manageable:

Corrosion Protection

Over time, your plumbing system will most likely corrode. This is caused by a combination of factors, like iron and other minerals in your water that eventually cause damage and breakage to the pipes, causing leaks.

There are certain steps that you can take to extend your plumbing’s life. First, if your pipes are made of copper, you may want to consider switching to PVC.

PVC is far more resistant to rust. Check your water’s PH balance. If it is out of balance, put in a water softener. Make a point of running your water often, as standing water will promote corrosion too.

Drain Cleaning

The right way to clean your drains? With a professional drain cleaning on a regular basis, which can help to reduce the likelihood of clogs ever even having the chance to form.

The wrong way? Dumping a bottle of commercial drain cleaner down the pipes. The same chemicals that work to remove the clog bind to the sides of the pipes and will eventually cause them to leak. It’s not worth the long-term damage for a quick fix.

How to Source Leaks

One of the most important tasks you can do is to find water leaks before they have a chance to develop into something more serious.

Taking care of a small leak is usually a small job with a nominal cost, whereas a bigger leak means more mess and more cost.

Do you know what some of the indications that you’ve got a leak are? Pooling water and moisture on pipes are two major signs. Also be watchful for dropping water pressure, rising water bills, sunken patches on your lawn and mold growth.

Water Pressure

If your water pressure is running too high, that could create damage to your pipes and cause leaks.

Check it regularly to make sure that it is in a good range. Ideally, try to set it between 40-45 psi.

Don’t wait until plumbing leaks damage your home. Follow these tips to avoid leaks in the first place.