Serving Palmdale l Lancaster l Los Angeles & Surrounding Areas
E-mail us: oscarz@doubleoplumbing.com
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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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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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People call commercial plumbing services the most when there’s a problem at their homes, according to recent statistics, and businesses are no different. A busted pipe, leaky faucet, or broken toilet are some reasons people call plumbers. When there’s trouble in the pipes, you need the best plumber to handle your situation quickly. Several things to know when choosing a plumber include experience, licensing, availability, and price. It’s also important to ask family and friends for their recommendations. Here’s more on how to choose Santa Monica plumbers for your business. Experience Experience matters. A recent survey found that consumers want “knowledgeable experience” regarding customer service. Ask your potential plumber about how many years they’ve been in business. Will they be doing the job, or will they have an employee perform the work? If you want the job done right, hiring someone with plumbing experience is essential. You’ll get peace of mind knowing your plumber will use the right tools and materials for the job. Moreover, you won’t have to call another plumber to fix shoddy work. Commercial Knowledge You might have a plumbing issue that requires an expert, whereas the area is a tight fit, or the plumbing hardware is a family heirloom. Can they do the job? It’s essential to know how much experience your plumber has in doing these jobs. For example, restaurant sinks can be a tricky fix. They might require special parts and materials you can’t buy at the local hardware store. Additionally, customers, clients, and employees will use commercial equipment far more often than plumbing used at home. It has a higher risk of breakage and will require more maintenance. A clogged drain could become unblocked thanks to a residential plumber, but can they fix a complicated system, such as a sewer system, with multiple outputs and drains? It takes a commercial expert to know the difference. Lost hours due to a plumbing issue means you lose money as a business owner. You need a reliable and dependable commercial plumber to get the job done quickly so you can be back up and running. Licensing A plumbing license is required to do business in California with more than $500 in materials or labor. A plumbing license proves a plumber has the skills and tools necessary to do the job. A state board must approve applicants and must have proven plumbing experience. A license also means your Santa Monica plumber has the necessary professional standards. One of the first steps in hiring a plumber is asking for their license. You should think of it as an ID badge! Never trust a plumber who doesn’t have the proper paperwork. Plumbing Insurance It’s essential to have people fixing your pipes and faucets to have plumbing insurance. However, in California, the law is tricky. California law only requires plumbers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If someone is hurt on the job, the employee can collect against an employer’s workers’ comp policy. For example, they can receive money for injuries and lost wages. Ask if your plumber has workers’ comp insurance. The last thing you need is someone getting hurt and coming after you for injuries in an ‘on the job’ accident. Even though there are no requirements for plumbing insurance, ask if your plumber has contractor insurance. You can go after the plumber’s insurance company if the job is done wrong. The policy also protects plumbers from theft. Availability A broken pipe, water heater, or flooded basement can happen at any time of the day. Ensure to ask your plumber about their availability. You want an available plumber, whether it’s 2 AM or Sunday afternoon. Some plumbers charge extra for off-hours work. Many plumbers will tell you about their upfront pricing policy. Also, it might be better to have a Palmdale, CA, plumber do work during the off hours, minimizing disruptions to your business. Ask if working late into the night is a possibility. Price Will your plumber work by the hour, or will there be a flat rate? Many plumbers work by the hour, so it’s essential to understand how much you will pay. Discuss with your plumber if different types of jobs require a different rate. For larger projects, ask about a contract. When you put things in writing, both parties will know what to expect. In addition, the price will likely be lower than the hourly rate. Find out how you will pay your plumber. Discuss whether you will get an invoice. Bigger jobs might require a payment plan. Ask for an itemized receipt. Paperwork such as this is important for taxes. It’s also a good idea to have a history (and record) of the type of work the plumber did should you need future upgrades. Professionalism Good characteristics and professionalism are important when hiring a commercial plumber. Remember, who you hire for work at your commercial space ultimately represents your standards and qualities. Effective Communication You want a Palmdale, CA, plumber who is on time and communicates effectively. You also want someone who responds to your phone calls quickly. Problems and cost overruns mean good communication between you and your plumber. Plumbers should notify you immediately if something costs more or if they can’t get a part. In addition, if the job takes longer (or there’s an interruption), a good plumber should notify you immediately. Proper Dress There’s a good chance plumbers will work while your business is open – complete with the building’s clients, customers, and employees. You want a plumber adequately dressed. Safety Concerns Ensure that your plumber will secure the area they are working in to avoid contact with other employees. Ask others to avoid the area, so people don’t get hurt. Plumbers should come with the proper signage to close kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and walkways. Proper Tools Having the right tools for the job is important. Improper preparation means more time traveling back to their garage to gather the right tools and materials. Proper tools also ensure that your plumber does the job right. Location Hire a plumber near
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Have you seen the latest drain-cleaning hack? Online creators are suggesting you use bleach to clear away drain blockages. Don’t do it! This seemingly simple solution can cause a whole host of other problems, including creating dangerous fumes in your home. Plus, they’re not even effective at removing clogs. Not to mention chemical cleaning tricks like these aren’t the best for the environment. If you’re stuck with a clogged or smelly drain, what’s the best solution? You need to try hydro jetting! Hydro jetting is a simple, eco-friendly technique that fixes nearly all plumbing clogs. Read on to learn how it can help clear your drains. What Is Hydro Jetting? Have you ever seen how effective a pressure washer is at cleaning houses and patios? Hydro jetting uses the same principle but to a degree suitable to household plumbing. A professional hydro jetting team connects their jet to your drain and blasts away! The high pressure from the jet clears away all sorts of debris, leaving your pipes clean and clear. What Problems Can Hydro Jetting Fix? Because hydro jetting is so powerful, it can clear many clogs that other methods can’t. For example, it can clear clogs caused by debris or hair. But these can also be unblocked by simpler methods. What other techniques can’t do is a clear buildup in the pipe. Over time, wastewater we pour down the drain can line the pipes with gunk deposits. Grease or mineral buildup around the pipes makes the pipe itself thinner. This leads to slower drainage and can even start to smell. But this is a tricky fix! You can’t use a plunger to remove the mineral buildup lining your pipes. The only effective solution is using a hydro jet to clear the entire pipe. How Does Hydro Jetting Work? As hydro jetting uses a lot of pressure, it has to be done by professionals. Here’s how it will work on the day. Step 1: Inspection First of all, the plumbing team will visit your home. Using a camera, they will inspect the blocked pipes. This helps them determine how much pressure they can safely use. Step 2: Cleaning Once they know how much PSI the pipes can take, they’ll begin clearing your pipes with the hydro jet. Any loosened debris and other clogs will break up and be washed away down the plumbing system. Then your drains will be good as new! Call the Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning Experts Hydro jetting is an efficient and permanent solution to blocked drains. The process clears nearly every type of blockage there is. And for many issues, like grease and mineral buildup, hydro jet cleaning is the only solution. Are your pipes draining too slowly for your liking? Or has your kitchen sink developed a smell you can’t get rid of? Then it’s time to call us in for an inspection. We’ll investigate your plumbing problems and identify the best solution. If you want your drains clearer than ever, get in touch with us now!
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