5 Reasons You Need More Than a Plunger to Clear Clogged Drains
Persistent clogs, slow drains, and foul odors often signal bigger plumbing issues. Learn how professional plumbers clear tough clogs fast.
A plunger is a great quick fix for minor drain clogs, but for serious drain blockages, you’ll need professional clogged drain solutions to clear your pipes effectively. As professional plumbers, we use specialized tools – like sewer camera inspections, drain augers, and hydro jetting – to address the root causes of recurring issues. Here are examples of when you might need more than a plunger to clear your drains:
- Persistent Clogs: When a Plunger Isn’t Enough
- Slow Drains: Why You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
- Multiple Clogged Fixtures? It Could Be a Main Sewer Line Backup
- Foul Odors from Drains? Sewer Gas Signals a Drain Problem
- Recurring Drain Issues? Causes & Long-Term Fixes
Persistent Clogs: When a Plunger Isn’t Enough
If you find yourself plunging the same drain over and over, there could be a more serious blockage in your plumbing system. A plunger can temporarily restore flow, but it won’t remove the buildup that quickly returns, causing repeat clogs. Professional drain cleaning methods—such as hydro jetting or drain augers—clear the entire line, preventing the problem from returning.
Slow Drains: Why You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
A slow-draining sink or tub can indicate buildup inside your pipes that a plunger can’t clear. Over time, grease and grime accumulate inside pipes, creating stubborn blockages that a plunger can’t clear. Hydro jetting and professional drain cleaning services effectively descale pipes and remove debris, restoring full drainage capacity.
Multiple Clogged Fixtures? It Could Be a Main Sewer Line Backup
When more than one fixture is clogged (your toilet, shower, and/or sink) at the same time, it might point to a backup in your main sewer line. Our first step is to clear the blockage and conduct a sewer camera inspection—a process that requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure the problem is fully resolved.
Foul Odors from Drains? Sewer Gas Signals a Drain Problem
Unpleasant smells coming from your drains can indicate a serious issue like a sewer line problem or problem with the venting system in your home. A plumber can perform tests to diagnose and fix the cause of a sewer gas smell.
Recurring Drain Issues? Causes & Long-Term Fixes
Frequent plumbing problems—such as gurgling sounds or slow drains—often indicate more serious underlying issues. These issues may stem from the aging process, tree root infiltration, or undersized or improperly installed drain lines.
If your drains won’t stay clear, don’t wait—a bigger plumbing problem may be developing. Call our professional drain cleaning team today and prevent costly repairs down the road! We save you time and help prevent bigger drain issues from developing. Plumbers can use a variety of tools to accurately diagnose, repair, and restore proper drainage.
How To Choose a Water Heater: 12 Factors to Consider For Your Best Options
Before buying a hot water heater, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose the right unit for your home:
- Type of Water Heater
- Fuel Type
- Capacity
- Energy Efficiency
- Cost
- Space and Location
- Lifespan
- Warranty
- Maintenance
- Local Codes and Permits
- Recovery Rate (for Tank Water Heaters)
- Smart Features
Type of Water Heater
- Tank Water Heater: Stores hot water in a large tank, available in gas or electric models. These are typically more affordable upfront but less energy-efficient than tankless models.
- Tankless Water Heater: Heats water on demand, so you never run out. They are more energy-efficient and take up less space, but they come with a higher initial cost.
- Heat Pump Water Heater: Uses heat from the air or ground to heat the water, making them very energy-efficient, but they are also more expensive upfront.
- Solar Water Heater: Uses energy from the sun to heat water, ideal for eco-friendly homes but can be expensive and may need a backup system in less sunny regions.
Fuel Type
- Electric: Easier to install and generally less expensive upfront but may have higher operational costs depending on electricity rates.
- Gas: Often more energy-efficient and cheaper to operate than electric, but they require a gas line and proper venting.
- Propane: Similar to gas heaters, but you’ll need access to a propane supply.
- Solar or Hybrid: Highly energy-efficient but come with higher upfront costs.
Capacity
- Tank Water Heaters: Choose a tank size based on your household size and hot water usage. For example, a 40-50 gallon tank is typically enough for a family of 4.
- Tankless Water Heaters: These are sized based on flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM) and temperature rise. Ensure the unit can handle the simultaneous demand of your household (e.g., running a shower and dishwasher at the same time).
Energy Efficiency
- Look for the Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings, which indicate how efficiently the water heater converts energy into hot water. Higher numbers mean greater efficiency.
- Energy Star-rated models are a good choice for reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
Cost
- Consider both the initial cost of the unit and the long-term operating costs. While tankless and energy-efficient models are more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run through reduced energy use.
- Don’t forget to factor in installation costs, which can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and whether you’re switching between fuel types.
Space and Location
- Ensure the water heater will fit in the intended space. Tankless water heaters are compact and can be installed in small spaces, whereas tank heaters require more room.
- Consider ventilation requirements if choosing a gas-powered unit.
Lifespan
- Tank water heaters typically last 8-12 years
- Tankless models can last up to 20 years. A longer lifespan may justify a higher initial cost.
Warranty
- Check the manufacturer’s warranty for both the unit and its parts. Longer warranties typically indicate a more durable and reliable product.
Maintenance
- Some types of water heaters, like tank models, need regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment. Tankless heaters also need periodic descaling if you have hard water.
Local Codes and Permits
- Make sure your new water heater complies with local building codes. You may also need permits for installation, especially for gas and solar water heaters.
Recovery Rate (for Tank Water Heaters)
- The recovery rate for tank water heaters measures how quickly the heater can reheat water after it has been depleted. A higher recovery rate is better for larger families who use a lot of hot water.
Smart Features
- Some modern water heaters come with smart controls that allow you to monitor and control the water heater via a smartphone app, helping you adjust temperatures and maximize energy savings.
By considering these factors, you can select the best hot water heater that fits your household’s needs, budget, and energy goals.
From traditional gas and electric water heaters to modern tankless and high-efficiency models, we’ll help you choose and install the perfect system for your home. At Plumbing Express we offer the latest Rinnai® tankless water heater technology and the most reliable Rheem® tank water heaters.
Prevalent Class Action Lawsuits Against PEX Piping
A comprehensive overview of the
Pex Piping ERA
Legal experts possess compelling evidence suggesting that PEX pipe manufacturers might be culpable for the widespread pipe failures reported by consumers. The crux of their argument is that these PEX pipes exhibit pinhole leaks in a disappointingly short span of time.
To bolster their case, attorneys are enlisting scientific specialists who aim to demonstrate that the chemicals typically used to ensure potable public water inadvertently induce corrosion in PEX pipes. Essentially, PEX materials and these chemicals are incompatible.
For these class action suits to gain traction, lawyers are identifying homeowners with consistent PEX pipe issues. These individuals serve as the “representative plaintiffs”, embodying the grievances of numerous others facing analogous predicaments.
PEX pipes have become a focal point for class action litigations largely because of the substantial financial setbacks many are encountering, stemming from the pipes’ inadequate design.
Flowguard Gold CPVC a great pipe for your homes repipe
Flowguard Gold CPVC is made in the USA by Lubrizol, is the ideal material for home water pipes, supported by stringent production standards that guarantee exceptional quality. In contrast, imported pipes often prioritize cost-cutting measures, resulting in substandard manufacturing tolerances.
One of the key advantages of CPVC pipe lies in its purposeful design to facilitate the transportation of chlorine. As we know, chlorine is an essential and effective element used for water sanitization. However, many other pipe materials, such as PEX, copper, and gray polybutylene, suffer from chlorine incompatibility, leading to their eventual failure. This crucial drawback renders them unreliable for maintaining water safety. On the other hand, CPVC pipe boasts unparalleled resistance to chlorine, making it the optimal choice for conveying chemically treated water.
It is worth noting that the presence of chlorine is ubiquitous in the chemicals utilized to ensure the safety of our drinking water. This reality further solidifies the significance of CPVC pipes, as they are specifically engineered to handle the corrosive nature of chlorine, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for water transport.
In summary, the United States’ adherence to rigorous production standards for CPVC pipes guarantees an exceptional product. Its unique ability to withstand chlorine, a vital component in water sanitation, sets it apart from other pipe materials prone to failure. By choosing CPVC, you can have the utmost confidence in maintaining water safety and reliability. Flowguard Gold CPVC makes a great option for your home repipe.