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Like most homeowners, you likely take your sewer for granted. This is a problem because the second something goes wrong with your sewer line, it has the potential to disable your entire plumbing system. What’s worse, if you don’t get sewer repair quickly, it can cause massive amounts of damage to your property. So what are the signs you need some sewer repair? And how do you find the best Santa Monica plumbers to help with your sewer line? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this issue. That way, you can get your home’s plumbing back on track as soon as possible. What Is a Sewer Line? Before we explore signs that you might need sewer repair, it’s important to understand what your sewer line is. You can think of sewer lines as the infrastructure that transports waste away from your home. Not only does it consist of all of the plumbing found underneath your home, but it also includes all the city lines it flows to. Some common materials used for sewer lines include concrete, plastic, cast iron, and lead in older homes. Most homes have sewer lines buried beneath the house’s foundation. However, if you live in an apartment, multiple sewer lines likely connect into one main one leaving the property. Signs It Needs Repairing In this section, we’ll review some of the clear signs that you’re experiencing sewer problems. If you notice any of these problems, contact one of the nearly 500,000 plumbers in the United States. They’ll inspect the symptom to see if the problem is from your sewer line. 1. Bad Smells Around Your House Does your home smell like raw sewage? If so, you should look into sewer repair immediately. Sewage smells are supposed to stay inside the pipes. If they’re exiting your drain, your sewage line is either backed up or leaking. Now, you might think that the smell of raw sewage is impossible to ignore. And, in many cases, it is. However, sometimes it can be more subtle. This usually happens when it mixes with other strong smells in the house. Cooking, smoking, and mildew can all disguise the smell of sewage. So make sure you smell everything closely, especially around the bathrooms. 2. Gurgling Sounds From Your Toilet When You Flush It’s normal for your toilet to make sounds when you flush it. However, be on the lookout for slow flushes that result in a lot of gurgling sounds and bubbles. In some cases, your toilet might even make these sounds when you’re not even using it. This is usually a sign that there’s a clog somewhere within your sewer line. When the waste reaches this clog, it tends to push back in the direction it initially came from. This results in bubbles and a gurgling sound when you flush. If this issue gets terrible enough, it can result in your toilet backing up after you flush it. This should be avoided since it can cause unsanitary conditions and water damage. 3. Mold Growing On Your Walls If your home plumbing is backed up, it’s likely causing a dramatic rise in humidity within your home. Sadly, as most people know, certain types of bacteria thrive in a wet environment. This specifically includes many types of mold. If you notice mold growing on your wall, it could be from your sewer system. This is especially true if it’s growing on the walls around your toilets. Sadly, mold on the walls doesn’t just look unsightly. It can also represent a major health risk. As such, the second you notice a little bit of mold, you should contact a professional. That way, you can reduce the severity of the problem. 4. Flooding and Soft Spots in Your Yard Lawns should be able to absorb water easily. As such, if you notice large puddles in your lawn or soft spots in the soil, it might be time to call a sewer repair company. This can be a sign that there’s a crack or break in your sewer line. That means that raw sewage is leaking on your lawn. There are a lot of things that can cause cracking in your sewer line. Cold temperatures can cause the liquid to expand into ice and break the pipes. Corrosive chemicals are another common culprit. Or it might simply be old age. Regardless, you should replace the line in question as soon as you can. Otherwise, it might worsen and require an entire replacement. 5. Large Amounts of Pests Around Many pests, like rats, flies, and termites, love the damp conditions that a broken sewer line creates. Often people will make the mistake of calling an exterminator instead of a plumber when they notice increased pests around. However, this is tackling a symptom and not the source of the problem. If you don’t deal with the problem that’s causing the dampness, the pests are just going to come right back. 6. Ultra-Green Patches in Your Yard You might think that bright green patches on your lawn are a good thing. However, this can be a sign that there’s sewage leaking. While the sewage might have a fertilizing effect on your grass early on, it will cause a lot of trouble down the line. How to Maintain Your Sewer Line If you’ve had a close call with your sewer line, you might be wondering how to prevent problems in the future. The good news is that with routine maintenance, you can significantly prolong the life of your sewer system. For starters, never flush harsh chemicals down into your sewer system. These chemicals are bad for the environment. On top of that, they can also be corrosive. That means that they actually eat away at the material surrounding your sewer lines. Instead, consider a more natural alternative. For example, pour some baking powder down your drains. Wait five minutes, then pour down vinegar to create a chemical reaction. You should also read this guide
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Gas leaks in the United States are certainly exploding: In fact, a serious gas leak occurs every 40 hours and over 120 people have died as a result in recent years. Many American homes rely on gas for heating, and gas-powered stoves are still prevalent in older models. If you have a gas line, it is important to know how it works and what red flags to watch out for. Have you ever wondered how to identify gas leaking in or around your residence? Here are some of the main signs of a gas leak and what to do if it happens to you. What is a Gas Leak? A gas leak occurs when gas escapes from a container, usually a pipe, and causes unintended consequences. Since gas leaks usually happen quickly, you need to take action as soon as you know what is happening. Some of the most common places for gas leaks to happen include gas pipes, gas appliances, and gas lines. However, the majority of gas leaks are a result of gas appliances, like stoves. Propane Leaks Propane leaks are extremely dangerous, and if you suspect you have one, you should vacate the building immediately. You should contact local emergency authorities and also the propane supplier to notify them of the leak. You will smell a rotten egg scent or sulfur if there is a propane leak. Manufacturers use this to make leaks easily identifiable so you can handle the situation accordingly. When you have a propane leak, there is a risk that the gas could catch fire. Do not turn on any light switches and turn off open flames to avoid accidents. You should then check the propane tank for signs of a gas leak. You can apply a special solution to reveal leaks, then try opening the cylinder valve on the tank. Bubbles will form if there is a leak. Depending on how severe the leak is, you may be able to get back into your home after a few minutes. Emergency services personnel or your utility company may be able to give you guidance on how long to stay away from the residence. Carbon Monoxide Leaks Carbon monoxide leaks can be some of the most deadly because carbon monoxide gas is both colorless and odorless. This means that if you have a leak, you may not even know about it until it is too late. If you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, it can be extremely toxic and even deadly. The best way to tell that you have this type of leak is by installing a carbon monoxide detector. Check the carbon monoxide detector regularly and make sure that it still works. Most models will give you an alert if the battery is low so you can put in a fresh one. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in a matter of minutes or hours, so once you figure out there is a leak, it is best to get all people and pets out of the house. If you have time, open your windows to bring in fresh air with oxygen. Natural Gas Leaks Natural gas is by far the most common type of gas used in American homes. Although it is generally safe to use, you should still be on the lookout for signs of a gas leak from the natural gas lines on your property. You should look at your natural gas appliances regularly to make sure that they work properly. These can include your stove, water heater, or clothes dryer. Similar to propane, manufacturers of natural gas put odor in the gas so you will be able to tell if there is a leak. If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, you need to get out of the house now. Many homes come equipped with a way for you to turn off the natural gas yourself. If you suspect a gas leak, it is best to turn it off so you do not allow more gas to come into your house. If there is a natural gas leak, call your emergency natural gas department, or emergency services. Get out of the house quickly while the problem is resolved. Most importantly, before you start any construction or projects that involve digging on your property, call local authorities so you do not hit gas lines when you dig. It could cause major damage if you accidentally strike a natural gas line. Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home Although gas leaking can cause many different symptoms in your home, there are some telltale signs to look out for. If you see any of these, you should assume there is a gas leak in your house and take appropriate action. Pilot Flame Color Normally, your pilot flame color should be a bright blue. This shows that it is working properly. Gas appliances that have pilot flames include gas stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and gas fireplaces. If your pilot light goes out for any appliance, it could be a sign that you have a gas leak somewhere else, and the gas isn’t getting to it properly. A yellow or orange pilot light is a sign that you have a carbon monoxide leak. Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, this is a good indicator and you should pay attention to it. Sulfur Scent Propane gas and natural gas give off a sulfur smell, or rotten eggs when there is a gas leak. This is to alert you that there is a gas leak so you can take action. If you have an older grill, you may get a brief scent of sulfur when you turn it on if it has been a long time. However, a strong scent is a red flag, especially on a newer grill. A Hissing Sound A gas leak in a pipe within your home may produce a hissing sound. If your appliance is off and you hear hissing, then it is a good indicator that you
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When you rent a home, you rely on your landlord to call the shots about emergency maintenance. As a homeowner, however, it’s up to you to know when to call for backup. The number of homes for sale in Palmdale is on the rise, which will lead to an influx of new homeowners. The transition from renting to owning comes with a number of perks, but it also comes with a serious learning curve. Today, we’re going to talk about the signs that you need to call an emergency plumber in Palmdale, CA. Some issues simply can’t wait. Read on for ten signs that your plumbing problems are an emergency and require immediate attention. 1. Toilet Overflow Few surprises are more unpleasant than discovering your toilet has overflowed. Oftentimes, a toilet overflow results from trying to flush a clogged toilet. Because you’re introducing a full tank of water to a toilet that can’t drain, the water has nowhere to go but out. Your toilet may also overflow due to other toilet tank issues, like a float that isn’t properly adjusted and allows the tank to overfill. As a homeowner, the culprit isn’t your main concern when your toilet is gushing water all over the floor. Your main concern is stopping the flow. First, turn off the water at the source by turning the supply valve located on the wall behind the toilet clockwise. Then, call your local plumber. Even if the water looks clean, it could be contaminated with germs that you don’t want all over your bathroom floor. 2. Gas Smells Did you know that natural gas is odorless and that that “gas smell” comes from added ingredients like mercaptan? These additives are designed to empower homeowners to act fast in the face of a gas leak. If you start to smell sulfur or rotting eggs, it’s time to call an emergency plumber right away. That’s right, your plumber is the one to call when you have a gas leak—and you shouldn’t put it off. Gas leaks cause many safety hazards, in part because gas is flammable. Plus, exposure to gas in the air can cause a slew of symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, confusion, headaches, and respiratory irritation. If you suspect a gas leak thanks to that stinky smell or a hissing sound coming from your gas line, don’t stick around to investigate. Head outside and give your plumber a call. 3. Signs of Water Damage Unless you know that the water damage in your home was caused by a leaking roof or a natural flood, you’re going to want to involve your plumber. Signs of water damage include: mold spots discolored walls, ceilings, or floors sagging ceilings or floors persistent wet spots These signs could indicate a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Even a small leak can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water, an increase in your water bill, and major structural damage. Worst case scenario, the leaking pipe bursts over time, leading to a flood. 4. Flooding Unfortunately, pipes can burst for a number of reasons. A single crack can weaken the pipe, and the continued flow of water can cause that pipe to burst. A blockage caused by sediment, clogs, or frozen water can also create a pressure buildup that causes the pipe to burst. No matter the reason, when you realize that a burst pipe is causing flooding in your home, call an emergency plumber. A single burst pipe can release gallons of water at a time. If the flooding is coming from your main supply line, you’re looking at even bigger problems. The longer a flood continues, the more difficult cleanup and restoration will be. Once water seeps into structural materials like your foundation or even your insulation, you’re looking at thousands of dollars in repairs. 5. Changes in Water Pressure You’re taking a shower and suddenly, it’s next to impossible to get all of the shampoo out of your hair. The water pressure in your shower has dropped. What’s the problem? If you’re lucky, there’s a simple fix, here. You can remove the aerator from the showerhead or faucet and check for sediment buildup. If there is, cleaning that sediment may solve your problem. However, if the water pressure has changed all over the house or you don’t discover a sediment buildup in the aerator, it’s time to call an emergency plumber. Detecting the problem will require professional investigation and repairs. 6. Changes in Water Temperature We’ve all experienced the displeasure of running out of hot water halfway through a shower. If it happens every once in a while, you may simply need a bigger water heater tank to accommodate your household usage. If it’s happening all the time or you can’t seem to get any hot water, it’s time to involve a plumber. The average water heater lifespan depends on the type of water heater you have. For example, a typical tank system should last between 8-12 years, while a modern tankless system can last upwards of 20. A plumber can determine if the issue is age or something more serious. For example, you may not realize that your water heater is leaking somewhere in your home or basement. No matter the cause, an emergency plumber can restore your hot water so that you can get back to your day-to-day hygiene needs. 7. Frozen Pipes There was a time when Palmdale residents wouldn’t have to worry much about frozen pipes. However, after the storm system we saw in the LA area last February, it’s clear that we may have more below-freezing days than we used to. Because many Palmdale homes aren’t meant to thrive in low temperatures, this could lead to an influx of frozen pipes. As we’ve mentioned already, when a pipe freezes, it’s prone to burst. There are ways to prevent this from happening, like increasing insulation near your most vulnerable pipes, but many homeowners don’t realize the risk until it’s too late. How do you
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Homeowners pay thousands of dollars for home repairs every year. This includes everything from repairing broken windows and fixing broken patio pavers to renovating your kitchen or cleaning clogged drains. When you own a home, you will inevitably encounter problems with your plumbing. After all, no pipe or piping system is made to last forever. Problems with your plumbing are almost endlessly varied. Some issues are challenging to fix and should be tackled by a professional, while others can be done DIY. If you currently have blockages in your plumbing system, your plumber may suggest hydro jetting. But why should you consider this method? Here are some of the main benefits you will get if you decide to invest in this cost-effective, efficient option. What Exactly Is Hydro Jetting? Hydro jetting is a technique that plumbers use to clean clogged pipes and drains. Instead of using chemicals, it uses heavily pressurized water to remove debris that may have blocked your pipes. The water is used to give your pipelines a thorough scouring. This scouring will remove mud, dirt, grime, and bacteria. While hydro jetting is highly effective, it may not be suitable for older pipes. This is because the water has a lot of weight as it goes through the piping system to remove blockages. However, if you have newer pipes that have become clogged, hydro jetting is the perfect cost-effective solution to getting these pipes cleaned out without much contamination. During the hydro jetting process, the plumber will use what is known as a jetter. The jetter will contain a tank of water, a nozzle, and a hose. It will also have a device that will pressurize the water so that it shoots out into your plumbing system. It’s Versatile Hydro jetting is very versatile, making it one of the best ways to unclog your pipes. It is often felt that hydro jetting is only helpful for commercial pipes, but this is not necessarily the case. Hydro jetting can work wonders on domestic piping as well. The good thing about this method is that it can remove even the toughest clogs. The clogs you have been unable to remove through snaking, chemical drain cleaners, or other (typically ineffective) DIY methods can easily be removed by hydro jetting your pipes. Hydro jetting can remove grease and sludge build-up in your pipes as well. If food particles are clogging your drains, hydro jetting can also take care of this. It’s Effective on All Kinds of Plumbing Systems Hydro jetting is effective on a variety of different plumbing systems. It rarely matters what type of piping you have; hydro jetting will remove clogs effectively. It will work on steel, cement sewer, cast iron, resin-based, and clay pipes. It will also effectively remove particles such as soap, sand, and mud from your pipes. If bacteria is trapped in your plumbing system, hydro jetting can also remove this. Additionally, bacteria can leave your pipes smelling unpleasant. There are times when you may be able to smell this coming up through the drains, especially in your kitchen. Hydro jetting will clean all the pipes, solving the problem once and for all. It’s Environmentally Friendly One of the most significant benefits of hydro jetting is that it is very environmentally friendly. It does not use chemical methods to remove clogs from your pipes and drains. It uses only pressurized water, and this will cause no harm to the environment. If you live near a major water body and want to clean and unclog your pipes effectively, you don’t have to worry about chemicals draining into that water body. Hydro jetting your pipes with pressurized water is an environmentally friendly, non-invasive way of dealing with clog removal. It’s Extremely Effective Some homeowners hesitate to try hydro jetting because they believe it is too simple a method. Since it does not involve many tools, it can seem as if this method is too easy and will not work for unclogging more challenging blockages. However, the fact that it uses so few tools and is not invasive is one of the reasons why hydro jetting is so beneficial. Other traditional plumbing methods can cause build-up from the residue left behind from the work. This can mean your drains will clog up more quickly over time. Hydro jetting, however, cleanses your pipes thoroughly without leaving any chemical residue or debris behind. The pressurized water is so intense that it can remove large or tiny particles that may be clogging your drains. It’s One of the Most Sanitary Method Available Another benefit of cleaning your pipes through hydro jetting is that it helps eliminate all the mess that can happen when you are trying to clean your pipes. For example, traditional methods of unclogging pipes may cause sewage and other waste materials to back up. All of this waste can get into your home and must be cleaned up as quickly as possible. This makes the entire process unsanitary, which is detrimental to your health—and your children and pets if you have a family home. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, provides a quick and easy method that unclogs your pipe without putting your plumber or your home into a lot of contact with sewage. This will prevent contaminants from entering your home and causing unpleasant cleanups or illnesses. It Prevents Clogs and Blockages From Forming A great benefit of hydro jetting is that it prevents clogs from forming in the future. For some plumbing procedures, you may not be able to proceed before you have thoroughly cleansed your pipes. For example, you may be unable to do pipelining or section point repair without first unclogging and cleansing your pipes. Hydro jetting provides an essential first step toward these processes. However, an essential benefit of hydro jetting is that it is a preventative method for future clogs. When you use hydro jetting to remove clogs that are just beginning to form, it prevents them from getting even more extensive and damaging your pipes over time. When minor
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