Plumber Woodland Hills install and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances such as sinks, toilets, and water heaters. They also interpret blueprints and building codes to ensure plumbing systems are properly integrated into construction projects and meet safety and health regulations.
Plumbers must have excellent customer service skills to address client concerns and explain complex issues in understandable terms. They often work outdoors in inclement weather, and may spend long periods of time in confined spaces.
Root invasions are caused by tree roots searching for water and nutrients. When cracks or leaks in pipes allow these roots in, the invaders will grow into and around the pipes in search of these resources. This can result in clogging and serious damage to the sewer line.
As these roots continue to grow, they can cause the clogged pipes to break down and rupture. Identifying root intrusion early with regular sewer inspections and taking preventative measures will help you avoid expensive repairs and restoration costs down the road.
Signs of a root invasion include slow draining, unusual gurgling sounds from toilets and other appliances and increased moisture around your property. These symptomatic signs, combined with the presence of large trees on your property, can indicate that there are extensive root issues within your sewer lines.
Fortunately, there are several ways to address these problems, including hydro jetting and other drain line cleaning methods. If the root intrusion is caught in its early stages, these techniques can be used to clear out the line without major excavation. For more advanced cases, pipe relining and bursting can be employed to repair the damaged sewer line.
A well-designed landscape can make a big difference when it comes to your home’s sewer maintenance. Choosing plants and trees with shallower root systems will help you minimize the risk of intrusions into your sewer lines. Additionally, installing a physical barrier, such as metal or plastic shields, can deflect the growth of roots away from the pipes. Chemical barriers, such as foaming root killers, can also be effective in discouraging the growth of invading roots.
If you’re worried about the condition of your sewer system, it’s important to seek professional help right away. A plumber will be able to conduct an extensive inspection of the line and determine the best way to resolve the issue. A thorough inspection of your entire sewer system is a critical part of home maintenance that should be performed regularly. When you take the time to understand your sewer system and invest in preventative maintenance, your plumbing will remain functioning properly.
Pipe Corrosion
Pipe corrosion occurs when metals like iron or steel come into contact with water and corrode, affecting their quality, durability and functionality. Internal and external corrosion can lead to a wide variety of plumbing issues that range from leaks and discolored water to complete pipe failure. It’s important for homeowners to know the signs of corroded pipes so that they can schedule an appointment with a plumber before the situation gets worse.
The most obvious sign of corroded pipes is rust or discoloration in your home’s water. Rusty or brown water typically comes from rusted steel or iron pipes, while blue-green stains indicate copper pipes that have corroded. Additionally, you may notice a metallic taste in your water, which can happen when small bits of metal leach into your home’s supply.
In addition to a change in water color, corroded pipes often lead to low or reduced water pressure throughout your home. This can affect everything from washing clothes to showering and operating household appliances. In some cases, it’s also possible that you’ll hear unusual noises from your plumbing system that can signal a problem with the pipes. This could include gurgling or banging sounds that indicate that there are blockages or leaks within the pipes.
Corroded pipes can be repaired or replaced by a plumber depending on the severity of the issue. Minor problems like surface rust or pinhole leaks can be solved with patching and sealants, while more severe issues may necessitate repiping the entire plumbing system. Eventually, a fully corroded plumbing system can be irreparable, so it’s important to call a plumber as soon as you notice any symptoms of corrosion.
You can check for signs of corroded pipes by inspecting the exposed parts of your plumbing system. In particular, look for signs of rust on the exterior of your home’s pipes. You should also pay attention to any puddles or wet spots around the outside of your house that could be caused by leaking or corroded pipes. It’s also a good idea to have your plumber inspect any cut portions of your plumbing systems when you’re getting other plumbing issues fixed, so they can be on the lookout for corrosion.
Inappropriate Flush Items
While toilets are designed to handle human waste and septic-safe toilet paper, they are not built to flush other disposable items. When people try to dispose of inappropriate items via a toilet, it can cause damage that is expensive and inconvenient to fix. Fortunately, you can help your family stay safe by keeping common inappropriate flush items out of the sewer system.
Many people incorrectly assume that wipes that are labeled with a “Do Not Flush” symbol are okay to flush. However, these non-flushable products are not made of the same materials as sanitary products and they can block and damage pipes. In fact, it is estimated that local public agencies spend $440 million each year to repair sewage collection and treatment systems caused by improperly-flushed wipes.
These wipes aren’t just dangerous to your plumbing; they can also pollute waterways and harm marine life. This is why it’s important to always read labels and dispose of these items properly.
The same goes for cotton balls, swabs, dental floss and cigarette butts, which can all clog your drains and sewer lines. These items can also contaminate your septic system and local environment, and can be costly to remove from your property.
To prevent these items from getting into your plumbing, make sure that you place a trash can in all of the bathrooms in your home. This will encourage family members and guests to toss these items in the trash instead of flushing them.
It’s also a good idea to talk with your family about the importance of never flushing inappropriate items. This will help to reduce the risk of drain cleaning services and other costly repairs.
You can see firsthand the damaging effects of flushing inappropriate items by watching this informative video. It proves that only human waste and septic-safe toilet tissue should be flushed. Other so-called “flushable” items such as kitty litter, cotton swabs, tissues, facial tissue, diaper liners and dental floss can clog City sanitary sewer pipes and much smaller private pipes. It is a costly and inconvenient problem that can be easily avoided.
Sewer Vents
The plumbing vents that connect your drain lines to the roof of your home play an important role in keeping sewer odors out of the house. They also allow air to enter the drain system and keep them working properly. If your vents are clogged, it can lead to many issues with your home’s plumbing. Understanding what causes them to become clogged can help you determine when it is time to call in your plumber for a professional repair.
Conventional venting uses one main vent pipe that connects to the drain line at each fixture, providing a clear path for air to enter and exit the plumbing system. A specialized type of vent called an air admittance valve (AAV) is sometimes installed to prevent backpressure in the pipes. This type of vent is not a requirement in some states and can increase installation costs.
If your home is using conventional venting, it’s good to know that you should regularly check your vents to ensure they are free of debris and positioned appropriately. The most common cause of blocked vents is snow on the roof, which can block the vent’s opening. If this happens, you should contact your plumber to remove the snow and re-angle the vent to improve airflow.
Another common issue is that the vents are obstructed by tree branches or other items. This can also block airflow, causing the water traps to lose their seal. Your plumber can use a special tool to dislodge any obstructions and restore the proper function of your vents.
In some cases, the vents may be clogged with materials like wet wipes or feminine hygiene products that were flushed by mistake. These types of clogs are typically very hard to remove and require the use of an auger. Keeping these items out of the drains and flushing only human waste and toilet paper will keep your plumbing system functioning properly.
Having your vents inspected and maintained on a regular basis will help keep hazardous sewer gasses out of your home. If you notice a smell, hear gurgling, or see bubbles forming around your drains, this is a sign that the vents are clogged and not allowing air to enter and exit the system.
