Plumbing is the system of pipes used to transport liquids, gases or finely divided solids in a building. The pipe system is an essential part of residential, commercial and industrial systems.
Sump pumps should be tested on a quarterly basis by pouring water into the pump pit and verifying the float switch rises to activate the motor. Also, clean the pump, pit and discharge pipe and lubricate the bearings. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.
Sump pumps play an important role in keeping the water levels in a home’s basement low enough to prevent flooding. They also limit moisture, which reduces the risk of mold and pest infestations. However, just like any other appliance or system in your home, your sump pump will need regular maintenance to perform at its best. During a sump pump inspection, a professional plumber will take note of any issues you’re experiencing with the device and recommend the necessary repairs to keep it in good working order.
For example, if the pump isn’t turning on when needed, it’s likely because of a blown fuse or broken circuit breaker. A loud hum may indicate that the impeller is stuck or that the discharge pipe is clogged. The discharge line may also need to be cleared of residual water that could freeze in winter and burst the pipe, or the pump may be too small for your home’s needs.
More intensive maintenance tasks include removing the pump from the basin and cleaning its inlet screen for rust and corrosion. It’s also a good time to lubricate the pump bearings if recommended by the owner’s manual for your model. Lastly, the pit should be cleaned of debris and a bucket filled with five gallons of water to check that the float switch is properly turning the pump on and off as required.
An experienced professional will also examine the sump’s removable cover to ensure that it fits correctly and is free of holes or cracks. He or she will also look at the discharge location to make sure that it’s far enough away from your foundation to prevent the flow of contaminated drainage water back into your basement. The discharge location should also be at least 20 feet away from your property’s sewer line, septic tank, or neighboring properties to avoid contamination and environmental hazards. Finally, if your sump doesn’t have a cover, now’s the time to install one to protect against debris and radon leaks.
Drain Cleaning
Even the best-maintained plumbing systems sometimes suffer from clogs, slow draining, and other hiccups. Fortunately, these problems are often easy to identify and fix. For example, dripping faucets usually indicate a worn-out washer or O-ring, while persistent running toilets can be caused by a leaky flapper valve or faulty fill valve. In addition to addressing these issues as they occur, regular drain cleaning is a crucial part of plumbing maintenance.
Clogged drains aren’t just an inconvenience; they can also present health risks. Standing water provides a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria and molds that can lead to infections in individuals with weak immune systems. Additionally, foul odors produced by clogged drains can degrade indoor air quality.
The first sign of a blocked drain is typically a slow-draining sink or tub. If ignored, this problem can lead to overflowing and flooding of the affected fixture. For this reason, it’s important to address slow draining as soon as possible.
Liquid drain cleaners are usually effective for clearing minor clogs. However, for a more in-depth drain cleaning job, professional plumbers use a variety of tools and techniques to thoroughly clean pipes and restore proper drainage. These methods can include snaking the drain with a flexible cable and high-pressure water jetting.
In addition to being effective, these drain cleaning methods are eco-friendly. This is important because harsh chemical cleaners can damage drain pipes and surrounding ecosystems. Moreover, these chemicals can be toxic to aquatic life and deplete oxygen levels in water bodies. Fortunately, there are safe alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar and enzyme-based cleaners.
If you plan on performing manual drain cleaning yourself, it’s a good idea to wear protective gear. This includes gloves and eye protection to prevent skin and respiratory exposure to contaminants. In addition, hearing protection like earplugs is recommended to protect against long-term hearing damage. Lastly, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using powered equipment like electric drain snakes. This will help ensure safe operation and minimize the risk of injury. Having regular drain cleaning services performed by professionals can help you avoid costly repair bills and maintain your home’s plumbing system.
Septic System Maintenance
Septic systems are often a necessity in unsewered homes, but they also pose a potential health risk when not properly maintained. A septic system is designed to separate solid waste from wastewater and allow the liquid sewage to percolate through soil layers. The soil acts as a natural filter, removing bacteria and other pollutants before reaching groundwater supplies. However, poorly-maintained septic systems can overflow with contaminated water and pose a significant health risk to your family and community.
A septic tank is the heart of your household septic system. It holds wastewater from your bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, and drains until microorganisms in the septic system have had enough time to break down the waste matter. The liquid sewage then flows into a drain field where it enters the soil for further treatment.
Homeowners can prevent costly septic system failures and environmental harm by practicing good day-to-day management and routine maintenance. A few precautions include installing water conserving fixtures, avoiding grease and fats, and having your septic tank pumped regularly.
The Illinois EPA’s Lake Notes fact sheet, “Septic Systems: Operation and Maintenance of On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems,” provides tips on how to ensure your septic system performs as intended. It also offers a schedule for when you should have your tank inspected and your septic system pump-out.
A well-maintained septic system can last up to 50 years or more. A septic tank that is not pumped when needed can build up a thick layer of sludge or scum that blocks the liquid sewage flow into the absorption field. A buried manhole that is not easily accessible can present another potential problem. If this is the case, installing a riser can make it easier for septic professionals to access the tank and pump out the solids.
Inspect your septic tank at least once each year to make sure the levels of solids don’t exceed the early warning thresholds. You should also check your septic system drainfield for signs of sewage leakage, including odors and wet spots. Performing these basic maintenance procedures and having your septic tank pumped when necessary can help to prevent expensive septic system repair costs.
Leak Detection
Our homes and businesses have complex systems of pipes, water lines and drains. Unfortunately, leaks in these systems can occur in many places and cause significant damage if not detected early on. This is especially true if the leak is in your main water line or a hidden pipe within walls or underground. Leaks in these areas can be difficult to spot unless you are able to smell them, see wet spots in your yard or notice a sudden drop in your water bill.
Fortunately, Staggs Plumbing can help you identify and fix these problems before they get worse. With extensive experience and advanced technology, we can pinpoint the location of leaks without the need for costly excavation. Some of the tools we use include acoustic ground microphone surveys, thermal imaging cameras and Helium gas detection surveys.
The first step is to shut off your water main. Once you have done this, it is important to mop up any standing water on floors or personal property to prevent further damage and potential mold growth. Then, you can call a plumber to come out and inspect your home or business.
Water is an essential part of our daily lives, but when it starts leaking, it can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. If a leak goes unnoticed, it can lead to expensive structural repairs and water bills that add up quickly. That’s why it is important to detect a leak as soon as possible.
Leaks in your home’s water system can be caused by a variety of factors. They may be the result of corrosion, wear and tear or even environmental conditions. Many of these leaks occur in underground pipes that are at the mercy of environmental factors like soil movement, nearby obstructions or changes in temperature.
It is also important to check your water meter regularly and keep track of your water usage. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, this could be an indication that there is a leak somewhere on your property.
