Tag: problems

How To Avoid Plumbing Problems This Summer

Keep Plumbing Problems At Bay With These Easy To Follow Tips 

With summer in full swing, it’s practically a sin to think of anything but having fun and enjoying the warmth of this most glorious of seasons. So if there’s anything homeowners can do to keep maintenance issues at bay, then so be it, plumbing problems included. To ensure that any pipe issues don’t crop up just as the summer barbecues and parties ramp up to their peak, homeowners may want to take the following steps and take note of the subsequent tips.

Pay Attention to Leaks, No Matter How Small

leakSmall plumbing leaks become big problems when left unattended, so professionals always recommend fixing leaks immediately. Some leaks, however, aren’t visible, so homeowners have to rely on other signs to let them know that a leak needs fixing. Some of the most common signs include mold and mildew or water stains along walls and ceilings, low water pressure, the improbable sound of water running even when all fixtures are turned off, and a higher-than-normal water bill.

As a confirmation of these signs, homeowners can check the leak indicator in their water meter to figure out if a leak is a problem. A leak indicator that continues to spin even when the water main has been shut off is a surefire way to confirm the presence of a leak. Once a leak is confirmed, homeowners would contact a professional plumber to fix the issue before extensive water damage occurs.

Dispose of Grease and Oil Properly

greaseWith summer barbecues and grilling parties taking center stage at the season's peak, it’s easy to accumulate a good deal of oil and grease. Though these cooking byproducts are liquid and look like they might be easier to dispose of down the drain, this is the opposite of what homeowners should do. Because oil and grease tend to solidify once they’ve cooled, they are the primary culprits of clogged sewer lines and create serious problems when enough of it gets lodged in the pipes. A better way of disposing of greasy substances is to store them in a container, preferably a glass jar, and throw them away with the rest of the trash.

Keep Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Maintenance on a Schedule

Most people would agree that prevention is always better than coming up with a cure, and the same is true for dealing with plumbing issues. Aside from timely repairs and proper waste disposal, homeowners can benefit from regular plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning, usually done at least once a year. By engaging in preventive maintenance, clogs, and blockages can be cleared before they obstruct pipelines completely, and leaks can be fixed before they create greater water damage. 

About All Pro Plumbing

All Pro Plumbing is a trusted plumbing services provider covering the greater Polk County and Lakeland areas in Florida. Their team of highly skilled, expert plumbers provides award-winning services and solutions no matter the scope or scale of the plumbing problem. With flat-rate, upfront pricing, and flexible financing options, it is no wonder that All Pro has been the plumbing services provider of choice for over 25 years in this community. Call them today for all plumbing services in Lakeland, FL.

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Hydro-jetting Can Solve These Sewer Line Problems

What Is Hydro-jetting? 

At its core, hydro-jetting is high-pressure drain cleaning. It relies on specialized equipment to deliver a pressurized stream of water into a drain, clearing away clogs, grease, tree roots, and other debris. Currently, hydro-jetting is the only technology available that clears sewer line clogs. It’s also best left to the professionals! Not only is hydro-jetting a delicate craft, but the equipment itself can cost homeowners thousands of dollars. 

Hydro-jetting can remove these obstructions that cause sewer line problems: 

Tree Roots and Other Plant Matter 

Tree roots can span tens of feet away from the trunk. These roots can uproot sidewalks, threaten a home’s foundation, and, perhaps worst of all, start growing inside sewer systems. Here’s how this happens: 

  • A leak in the sewer line releases water
  • Tree roots grow toward the moist dirt
  • The roots begin growing through the pipe’s gap and into the plumbing system

Hydro-jetting clears away tree roots before they cause irreversible damage. It’s also a non-invasive way of addressing this problem without having to remove large sections of pipe. A professional can determine the extent of root intrusion and offer the homeowner some options. In addition to hydro-jetting, they may suggest cutting down trees to prevent future issues. 

Grease, Oils, and Fats 

The University of Florida warns against pouring grease, fats, and oils down the drain. A homeowner might think, “Out of sight, out of mind.” This is wrong. Over time, these substances can build up inside a sewer line and congeal into a “fatberg.” These are large globs of material that bind together and impede water flow. Fatbergs can lead to serious clogs, burst pipes, and other issues. 

Thankfully, hydro-jetting can break apart these substances. The water pressure wears down on the fatberg and causes it to dissolve. How much water a plumber needs to use depends on the fatberg’s size, composition, and weight. It could take anywhere from a few gallons to a few hundred gallons to remedy the problem. 

The best way to address fatbergs is to avoid them in the first place. Homeowners should refrain from pouring grease, fats, and oils down the drain. They should pour these substances into a plastic bag, then toss the bag into the trash can. 

Non-Flushable Materials (And Yes; That Includes “Flushable” Wipes)

According to the Polk County Utilities Commission, homeowners should refrain from flushing these items down the toilet: 

  • Baby wipes
  • Napkins and paper towel 
  • Condoms 
  • Menstrual products, such as tampons and pads 
  • Food residue 
  • Q-tips and cotton balls 
  • Medications 
  • Diapers 
  • Hair and beard clippings 

Sometimes, however, these items make their way into the toilet anyway. When that happens too often, the items above can cause serious obstructions. Thankfully, hydro-jetting can break down these substances and push them deeper into the sewer main. They can also prevent main sewer line clogs and sewer line backup from happening in the future. 

About All Pro Plumbing 

All Pro Plumbing is all pros and no cons. Since 1996, these professionals have offered 24-hour emergency services, outstanding service, and licensed plumbers. There’s nothing hydro jetting can’t fix with these professionals handling an issue. One can set up an appointment today for more information on their drain cleaning services.