Plumbing services include the installation and repair of water, sewage and natural gas pipes. They also install irrigation and drainage systems.
Plumbers can work in factories, homes and businesses. The size of each job varies depending on the need for plumbing. Read on to learn more about plumbing services.
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. They can be caused by hair, food residue or some other substance. Some clogs are easy to resolve on your own, while others are difficult and require professional services.
Some simple, home remedies that don’t involve chemicals are also helpful in unclogging a drain. For example, running a few cups of boiling water down the drain will often dissolve much of the sticky “gunk” that’s causing the clog.
You can also try a solution of baking soda and vinegar, poured down the drain. Cover the drain with a plug and let it sit for 20 minutes to a half hour before following up with more hot water.
Adding a pinch of dish soap is also an effective way to break down clogs. It’s a gentle, natural cleaning agent that works to break down the grease and food residue in your pipes.
If your clog doesn’t clear with these methods, you may need to try using tools that are designed to get into the drain and remove a clog. Plastic drain cleaning tools are 24-inch to 36-inch long strips that have barbs cut into them that can grab ahold of a clog and pull it up out of the pipe.
A wire drain snake is another good tool for unclogging a clogged pipe. To use it, remove the pop-up assembly in your sink and gently feed the wire into the drain while cranking the handle. Once you feel resistance, advance a bit more wire to break up the clog and push it through the drain.
For a more thorough unclogging, you can hire a plumber to use hydro-jet drain cleaning. It’s a more powerful tool than a plumbing snake and does a better job at clearing out a clog.
But before you hire a professional, it’s important to make sure they’re licensed and insured. Many drain cleaners aren’t, so you can be left with a messy and dangerous situation if you don’t hire someone who has the proper qualifications.
If you want to avoid a major headache and save money, learn how to avoid clogs in the first place. The most important thing is to limit what you put down the drain and always flush items that shouldn’t be in your plumbing system.
Pipes can leak and break for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common issues include freezing, changing water pressure, and age. These problems can be costly to fix and require an expert plumber to diagnose and repair.
When a pipe bursts or overflows, it can damage drywall, flooring, and other materials. It can also cause mold to grow. In addition, a leaking pipe can lead to allergy reactions and asthma in susceptible individuals.
If you notice a puddle of water under your sink, this is a sign that you have a leaking pipe. If left untreated, the puddle can cause significant damage to your home and increase your water bill.
You can do some repairing yourself at home with a few supplies, but you may need the help of a professional to avoid serious damage. The cost of repairing a leaking pipe depends on the location and complexity of the problem.
A leaky pipe in a basement or crawl space can cost $150, while one that requires digging through a wall or underground can cost $800 to $850. You can also save money on a plumbing repair by scheduling regular inspections of your pipes two to four times a year.
Some leaking underground pipes can be fixed by inserting a new liner. This technique can be used for pipes made from clay, cast iron, PVC, HDPE or concrete.
Another repair method involves using a moisture-cured urethane (MCU) fiberglass wrap. This product can stop leaks that are below 50 psi, but it has poor adhesion and can only serve as a temporary fix.
