Category: Uncategorized

Why Does the Toilet Keep Clogging?

Clogged toilets are among the most common plumbing problems and also some of the most frustrating. When a toilet clogs, a nasty mess is left floating in the bowl. In extreme cases, the sewage may even back up onto the bathroom floor. At that point, there is no fun way to deal with it, but the good news is that most clogged toilets can be prevented by following a few simple rules. 

Don’t Flush the Wrong Materials 

Most people haven’t sat around and thought about exactly how toilets work, but understanding the thought process behind them can help everyone do their part to prevent toilet clogs. Toilets and sewer lines can’t handle materials that aren’t liquefied or suspended in plenty of water. 

When a toilet is flushed, the downward spiral of the water and the shape of the P trap in the toilet macerate the toilet tissue and waste. When the refuse enters the sewer line, the sewage is almost completely fluid and can flow away through the sewer lines. 

The first step in preventing a clogged toilet is remembering that things deemed flushable usually aren’t. The turbulence of the toilet does not break down things like wipes and paper towels. As they flow through the sewer lines, they slow down, allowing the water that carries them to flow faster. 

A clog will begin to form if they stop completely in the sewer line. To be safe, only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet. Throw everything else in the garbage. 

Flush Less Toilet Paper

Just because toilet paper is approved for flushing doesn’t mean everyone can just flush indiscriminately. When too much toilet paper is flushed at once, the toilet can’t properly liquify the load going down the drain. This is especially true of older toilets or even newer low-flow toilets.

The resulting wad will flow slower through the drain piping than the water that is supposed to carry it. A clog will quickly result. 

Instead, users should try to use less toilet paper or gauge the amount of toilet paper in the basin and flush before there is too much. It may take several flushes per visit to the bathroom, so the amount of toilet paper is broken up between flushes. 

Keep Sewer Lines Clean 

Sewer lines, which have to handle the waste stream of multiple toilets, tubs, and kitchen sinks, can also contribute to clogged toilets. Therefore, residents also need to focus their energies on keeping the sewer line clean to prevent clogged toilets. 

The easiest way to prevent toilet clogs that originate in the sewer line is to have the sewer line professionally cleaned periodically. Hydro jetting is excellent at removing blockages and debris that contribute to clogs. 

People should also make efforts at every drain to stop certain materials from flowing down the drain. Keeping grease and food scraps out of the kitchen drain is a great first step. Installing hair catches in bathtubs and showers is also great for preventing things like hair from contributing to a clogged sewer line. By taking these easy steps, toilet clogs can be a thing of the past. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons serve Chatham and the surrounding areas and are available for emergency services. They can also quickly address clogged toilets and determine any underlying causes so quick action can be taken. Call today for clogged toilet repair in Chatham, NJ. 

When to Call for Professional Water Line Repair

Burst pipes or leaky water lines are a major contributor to home damage yearly. When water lines are not sound, they can leak or burst, flooding the area in minutes. Preventing burst water pipes should be a major priority, but most people don’t know they are in danger. Here are three signs that water line replacement or repair is imminent. 

Evidence of Rust and Corrosion

The first sign that water lines are failing is evidence of rust and corrosion. Rust and corrosion only occur on metal lines like iron-based pipes or copper, proving that the pipes are failing. Rust and corrosion eat away at the inside of the piping, making it more likely to rupture and cause flooding in the home. Call a professional for water line repairs at the first sign of: 

• Water with a metallic taste
• Hazy or cloudy water
• Odors in the water
• Crusty buildup on plumbing fixtures 
• Visible corrosion on exposed piping

Numerous Leaks

Pipes are made of resilient materials buried under the ground or safely tucked behind walls. Why would they not last forever? They handle plenty of hazards that can eventually cause them to fail. The vibrations that occur in the pipe as water travels and changes velocity can cause joints to fail and anchors to pull loose. Pressure fluctuations can also strain the walls, not to mention the corrosion discussed above. 

These hazards take a toll on piping and cause it to leak over time. Leaks need to be repaired quickly to avoid water damage to the home, and large sections of leaky piping should be replaced as part of a larger project. 

Some of the signs of leaks are: 

• Soggy spots in the yard
• Lush lawn growth
• Standing water near the foundation of the home
• Wet spots indoors
• High water bills 

Old Piping

Over the years, several different materials have served as piping. These include: 

• Galvanized steel
• Black iron pipe
• Copper
• Brass
• PVC
• PEX

Determining the age of piping can be done fairly accurately by determining what type of piping is present in the home. For example, galvanized steel and black iron piping were used until the middle of the last century because plastics were widely available as plumbing materials. If these pipes are present in the home, they are almost certainly outdated and failing and should be replaced immediately. 

More recently, PVC has become popular for plumbing because of its reliability, longevity, and low cost. It became popular in the 1950s to replace expensive steel and iron pipes. Since PVC has been in service for so long, it is likely nearing the end of its 40-60-year life expectancy and should be replaced. 

PEX piping is the most popular option for installation and repair in modern homes. If a home has PEX piping, it is likely recent enough that it isn’t suffering from old age and shouldn’t cause alarm. If other types of piping are in place, then water line replacement should be seriously considered. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons are available 24/7 for sewer line emergencies. Their teams specialize in handling sewer line repairs and drain cleaning. Call today for water line service in Chatham, NJ. 

Finding A Hidden Clog

Sewer line clogs are not easily detectable from above ground. Inspection cameras usually confirm their location since they are formed deep inside the plumbing system. Most homeowners do not have specialized plumbing equipment, but they can still find clues if they pay attention to their surroundings.

The Mouthwash Clue

Strange noises can often be heard in the event of a blockage. Because the clog effectively dams up running water, this causes a light gurgling sound. This can be heard in showers or bathtubs regardless of where they are located in the home.

Gurgling happens when air bubbles are trapped inside the piping. The blockage disrupts water flow and prevents smooth transfer from the outside to the indoors. Depending on what causes this noise, some blockages can be fixed within an hour. 

A partial or full clog can cause gurgling. In Chatham, most sewer line clogs are caused by garbage disposals, tree roots, and improper flushing. When homeowners discard nonbiodegradable materials down the drain, this will eventually cause a backup, even if it doesn’t happen until weeks after disposal. Materials such as tissue, chicken bones, and medication should never enter the plumbing system. 

Soupy Sinks

Excess water pooling at the sink or tub’s bottom indicates a drain line clog. If the sink basin is unusually large, it may look like a giant bowl of soup. Stagnant water is a nuisance and can become dangerous if the clogged sewer line or drain is not cleared.   

Clogs and backups can occur in the kitchen sink, tub, or toilet. If the toilet is backed up, it can overflow. If a suspected sewer line clogs, do not flush the toilet until a professional has inspected the plumbing. Household drain cleaning will not fix a modern toilet. 

Drain line clogs caused by hair in the shower is a simple fix. A drain snake can remove small clogs, and a shower screen can prevent them. Drain screens are easy to find and can be purchased for under $10. They work by trapping debris such as soap scum and hair before they enter the drain. Clogs formed by tree roots will likely need to be removed by hydro-jetting. This type of sewer line repair uses highly pressurized water to blast away tough blockages deep in the sewer line.

Sewer Backup vs. Drain Clog

Slow draining can happen in one sink or all of the sinks. If there is excess water in only one sink or tub, this usually means there is a drain clog. Drain clogs are caused by hair, grease, or oil. If the sewer is backed up, all drains in the home are affected. 

Sewer line clogs are more likely to cause foul odors and overflowing toilets. In addition to slow draining, backups can also create marshy patches in the lawn. If homeowners notice one part of the lawn is much lusher than the rest, this could be due to a leaky pipe. When sewage escapes the pipe, nutrients are dispersed to the area around it.

A clogged sewer line typically takes between one and three hours to clear. If the sewer line needs to be replaced, this will take longer. Thanks to modern technology, plumbers can replace and repair pipes without wrecking the yard due to trenching. Although sewer line clogs can happen to anyone, yearly maintenance significantly reduces the risk. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons is available 24/7 for residents of Chatham, NJ. They offer personal service, upfront pricing, and long-lasting solutions for any plumbing repair need. Call Sewer Surgeons today to schedule sewer line repairs.

 What Is a Sump Pump?

The term “sump pump” is a contraction of the phrase “submersible pump.” A sump pump is a specialized equipment designed to sit in a special basin where water can collect. Once the basin is full, the sump pump cycles on and off, emptying the basin by pumping the water away from structures. What makes sump pumps different from other pumps is that they operate in an open system. 

A sump pump is often part of a system of drains around a piece of property that shunts rainwater to a central basin. Within the basin, the sump pump sits idle until the basin is full. The sump pump discharge often runs to the nearest street to remove rainwater, but it may also simply dump water a certain distance from the home so it can drain away. 

Flooding and water damage are major risks when a sump pump does not protect property. By installing and maintaining a sump pump system, owners can help protect their property from damage. 

When and Why to Install Sump Pumps

Only some homes have a sump pump system. Most often, sump pumps are found in homes with: 

• Basements
• Crawlspaces
• Poor site development
• Soil with bad drainage
• Uneven landscaping

In most cases, sump pumps and drain systems are installed as a part of the construction process. In most cases, homeowners will not have to determine if they need a sump pump; one will already be in place. However, there are certain signs that a sump pump may be beneficial or a system may need repairs. These can include: 

• Water backs up against the foundation
• Flooding around the home
• Damp basements
• High humidity
• Mold problems 
• Insect infestations 

In such cases, a home may benefit from a sump pump to stay safe and structurally sound. 

Types of Sump Pumps

Two types of sump pumps are commonly found in homes that need them. First, a submersible sump pump is the classic choice. With a submersible sump pump, the owner can put the entire unit, motor, and pump into the basin. This allows for quiet operation, but it also means that it is more difficult to inspect or repair. 

Conversely, a home may be protected by a pedestal sump pump. These units have a motor and shaft that turn a pump. The motor sits above the basin while the shaft and pump sit in the water. Pedestal sump pumps are louder, easier to inspect and repair, and usually cheaper. 

Backup Sump Pumps

A backup sump pump may be a good idea on sites subject to flooding with rainwater. Most often, heavy rain that causes flooding coincides with weather that knocks out the power grid, leaving homes unprotected from flooding. A backup sump pump has a battery backup so that it is available to take over if the main sump pump loses power. In some cases, using a primary sump pump with a battery backup is the best idea to prevent the need for two separate units. However, this removes the redundancy of having two pumps. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons helps residential and commercial customers manage heavy rainfall with sump pump installation and repair. They also offer full sewer and drain services, including hydro jetting and trenchless repairs. Call today for sump pump services in Chatham, NJ. 

Take Time in the Fall to Protect the Plumbing in the Winter

Spring cleaning is a time for home maintenance. The less popular version, fall maintenance, is just as crucial but doesn’t share the same pomp. Preparing the home for winter isn’t as exciting as getting out and doing chores first thing in the spring weather, but it is equally important to help the home survive winter threats. The plumbing, in particular, is vulnerable when temperatures drop, and homeowners should take the opportunity in the fall to help prevent it from freezing during the winter. 

Here are some tips from local experts to guide homeowners through the process of winterizing their home’s plumbing.

Inspect and Add Pipe Insulation

Winter is here, and with it comes freezing temperatures. Cold air can cause major problems when pipes aren’t properly protected. The main risk that winter poses to plumbing is that of frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, they tend to burst, allowing the pressurized water within to quickly flood an area. Similar situations can cause massive property damage and loss of water service during the winter. 

The first step in preventing frozen pipes is locating piping susceptible to freezing. Local plumbers can be particularly helpful when looking for pipes in attics, crawlspaces, and basements that may freeze. Once the pipes are located, installing pipe insulation may be all that is needed to protect vulnerable piping. If pipes around the home are already insulated, homeowners should take time in the fall to inspect the insulation and replace it if necessary. 

Keep the Home Warm and Open Cabinets

Homes are designed to protect piping through the winter. Pipes that are routed through the walls are protected by the insulation in exterior walls that keeps the home warm. In some cases, insulation may be inadequate or deteriorated enough that the spaces between the walls can drop below freezing.  

When winter temperatures reach this point, there are two things to do. First, turning up the thermostat a couple of degrees can help keep pipes warm by keeping the walls warmer. Second, allowing warm air to circulate next to the interior face of exterior walls can increase their temperatures. For example, opening cabinets that cover the piping of sinks with pipes in exterior walls can stop cool air from pooling in the cabinet and allow warm air to circulate next to the wall. 

Disconnect Hoses and Drain Outdoor Plumbing

The final step that needs to be taken to prepare the plumbing for the winter is to drain hoses and outdoor plumbing fixtures. Disconnect hoses from their bibs, drape them over a fence or chair to let them drain, and coil them and store them until spring. Adding hose bib covers can help prevent the piping that serves them from freezing. 

Outdoor kitchens or irrigation systems should be turned off at shutoff valves and allowed to drain. Some manufacturers may recommend using RV antifreeze to prevent portions from freezing. Plumbers can help with this process or at least help identify vulnerable fixtures. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons know what local homeowners are up against during the winter. Their teams help solve various plumbing problems and are always available to help in emergencies. Their services use the latest technology with flat-rate pricing and are performed by licensed and fully insured technicians. Call today for plumbing service in Chatham, NJ. 

Basics of Home Plumbing

Homeowners need to know the plumbing basics to maintain a safe and functional household. The basics include a network of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that supply water, remove waste, and provide essential services like heating water. Familiarity with this system can help homeowners quickly identify issues and take appropriate action, like getting emergency services, to prevent damage and costly repairs.

How to Recognize Water Leaks

Water leaks can cause significant damage to a home if they remain unfixed, especially if the main concern is leaks along a piping run. Some common signs of a water leak include:

• Unexplained increases in water bills
• Damp spots on walls, floors, or ceilings
• The sound of running water when all fixtures are turned off
• Musty odors which can indicate mold growth due to prolonged moisture exposure 

Leaks can occur in different parts of the plumbing system, such as under sinks, around toilets, or along visible pipes. Homeowners must immediately call a plumber for leak repair if they detect any of these signs. Ignoring it can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and increased water bills.

Noticing Sewer Line Problems

Sewer line problems can manifest in two forms: clogs and leaks. Sewer line clogs may be common, but it can cause major headaches. Common signs of a sewer line clog include slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets, gurgling noises from drains, unpleasant odors emanating from drains or around the property, and foul sewage back-ups.

Sewer leaks, however, can be more subtle but are equally important to recognize. It can cause great inconvenience, especially if neglected for a long time. Some red flags to look for are unusual green or lush patches of grass in the yard, soggy lawn spots, rodents, and insects attracted to moisture, and standing water around the home’s foundation.

If any of the abovementioned signs start showing in your home, it is best to schedule a plumbing maintenance. Contacting a plumber who can diagnose the issue and determine whether drain cleaning or a more extensive sewer line repair is necessary.

How Can Plumbing Maintenance Help?

Plumbing maintenance can help prevent issues and ensure the longevity of a home’s plumbing system. Making this a habit can help catch problems such as small leaks, blockages, or corroded pipes early.

Plumbers also clean clogged drains, checking for leaks in exposed pipes, ensuring optimal water pressure, and checking the water heater for signs of wear or possible sediment build-up. It also involves inspecting toilets for leaks and investigating constantly running water, which can be a waste and increase utility bills. 

By proactively keeping the plumbing system in good condition, homeowners can enjoy a reliable water supply, efficient drainage, and peace of mind, knowing their plumbing system will malfunction unexpectedly.

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons specializes in sewer repairs and offers 24/7 emergency services to address unexpected malfunctions. Their teams use state-of-the-art methods to address sewer line issues, including the latest cameras for sewer video inspection and trenchless pipe repair equipment. Call today for sewer service in Chatham, NJ. 

What Exactly Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a highly effective method for clearing and cleaning sewer lines to eliminate clogs and buildup. It’s particularly useful for addressing severe clogs or sewer lines that experience frequent clogging. This post will discuss hydro jetting, its advantages, and whether it’s safe for the pipes.

What Is Hydro Jetting and the Signs It’s Needed?

Hydro jetting involves using a high-pressure stream of water to clear clogs and clean the inside of sewer pipes. This method effectively removes blockages, including those made from grease, tree roots, and more. A plumber inserts a specialized nozzle and hose into the pipe, blasting water with pressures up to 4,000 PSI, effectively cutting through debris and flushing it out of the system.

Signs that hydro jetting might be needed include:

• Frequent clogs 
• Slow drainage throughout the house
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains
• Unpleasant odors from the drains
• Backups in drains and toilets

Is It Safe for Pipes?

Hydro jetting is generally safe for all types of pipes, including PVC, cast iron, and other pipe materials, provided they are in good condition. However, it could damage very old or fragile pipes. Therefore, a professional plumber will inspect the pipes beforehand to ensure they can withstand the high pressure used in the hydro jetting process. When performed correctly, hydro jetting is safe and can thoroughly clean and clear the pipes, reducing the likelihood of future blockages.

Hydro Jetting Benefits

There are several advantages of hydro jet drain cleaning, such as:

• Prevents Future Clogs: Hydro jetting cleans the entire pipe, unlike drain snakes or drain augers, which might only punch a hole through or dislodge the blockage. This comprehensive cleaning helps prevent future clogs by removing all debris and buildup.
• Environmentally Friendly: Hydro jetting uses only water, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and the pipes. This makes it a more eco-friendly option for drain cleaning compared to chemical drain cleaners.
• Versatility: It can be used for many clogs, including sewer line clogs caused by tree roots, grease, and other materials. Hydro jetting is also suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons is a third-generation family-owned company serving the Chatham area. They offer flat-rate pricing, emergency services, and the latest technology. Call them for hydro jetting services in Chatham, NJ.

How to Help Prevent and Identify Sewer Line Issues

Sewer lines in a home’s plumbing system are vital as they transport wastewater and sewage safely away from the house and into the municipal sewer system. When sewer lines clog or leak, they aren’t able to function as intended and can create messy and costly consequences.

So, households should care for their sewer lines by helping avoid problems and identifying sewer line problems quickly so professionals can be called to repair them. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners prevent and spot sewer line problems.

Clogged Sewer Lines

Household residents can help prevent a clogged sewer line by implementing some good habits regarding their drains and toilets. Some tips to help prevent a sewer line clog are:

• Nothing but toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down toilets
• Discard food waste and grease in the garbage instead of putting them down the drains
• Use drain screens to catch things before they enter the drains

If a clog does occur, it is important that homeowners notice it so they can call professionals for drain cleaning to clear it. Some signs of sewer line clogs are slow-draining drains or trouble with flushing, gurgling noises from the drains, foul odors, and backups.

Leaking Sewer Lines

Not only do good waste disposal habits with drains and toilets help prevent sewer line clogs, but they can also help prevent a sewer line leak. This is because a sewer line clog can cause a leaking sewer line by putting pressure on the pipe, causing it to crack or burst.

If a sewer line leak occurs, it’s crucial to call for sewer line repair quickly to avoid the consequences of sewage leaking from the line into the surrounding environment. Some signs that can signal a leaking sewer line include:

• Soggy spots or puddles on the lawn
• Unusual grass growth, such as more lush areas
• Insect or pest infestation
• Foul odors
• Unusual sounds like running water noises
• Cracks in the foundation

Professional Maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance and inspections can also help prevent problems with the sewer line and allow any potential issues to be caught and fixed before worsening. Sewer lines are underground and out of sight, making it difficult to detect problems until they become larger. However, regular inspections of the sewer line with sewer video inspection allow problems to be caught non-invasively without any mess or digging.

Any issues can be dealt with before they become bigger problems. For example, if there is a clog or buildup that is forming a clog inside the sewer line, hydro jetting can be done to clear the line before a leak, backup, or other problem occurs. Additionally, cleaning and clearing the line with hydro jetting helps prevent future clogs from forming.

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons is a residential and commercial sewer and drain services company serving the Chatham area. They provide flat-rate pricing, emergency services, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for sewer line repair in Chatham, NJ.

What Makes Scheduling Routine Plumbing Maintenance Important?

Every home has a plumbing system that works hard to ensure the home’s needs are met. These systems have a big job, from delivering clean water to fixtures and water-based appliances to moving wastewater out of the home. But, like other essential systems within a home, the plumbing needs regular maintenance to continue operating correctly, last longer, and save homeowners money. This blog post will discuss the advantages of scheduling routine plumbing maintenance. 

Keep Things Running Properly

The plumbing system needs to operate smoothly and safely. When a plumbing system fails or a component breaks or malfunctions, it can lead to problems like backups, leaks, water damage, and other major issues. The best way to be proactive and help prevent issues with the plumbing is to hire a professional to perform regular plumbing maintenance services.

Having a plumber inspect the plumbing and perform prevention tasks will help keep the plumbing working well, lower the likelihood of problems occurring, and lead to fewer repairs. The same goes for water heater maintenance, which will help prevent problems from occurring and reduce the risk of needing repair.   

Ensure the Longevity of Plumbing Systems

The best way to ensure that components of the plumbing system last as long as possible before replacements are needed is also by scheduling routine plumbing maintenance. Plumbers will inspect and check the home’s plumbing system during a maintenance visit, allowing any problems to be addressed before they get worse or cause damage to the plumbing, such as corrosion, that require replacement.

Plumbers also perform tasks to prevent corrosion and extend the life of the plumbing. For example, checking the water pressure is important because high water pressure can cause pipe corrosion. Also, important tasks during water heater maintenance help prevent corrosion, such as replacing the anode rod when needed.    

Save Money on Bills and Service Costs

Regular plumbing maintenance can also benefit homeowners by allowing them to save money in several ways, including: 

• Fewer plumbing repairs lead to repair cost savings
• A prolonged lifespan for the plumbing leads to replacement cost savings
• Water leaks can be caught early during the inspection, leading to water bill savings
• Protecting the energy efficiency of water heaters with maintenance leads to utility bill savings

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons is a third-generation family-owned business serving the Chatham area. They provide flat-rate pricing, the latest technology, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for plumbing services in Chatham, NJ. 

Reasons and Signs to Repipe the Water Lines 

If a household’s water lines are outdated and experiencing persistent leaks or corrosion, or homeowners notice signs of these issues, it’s likely time for repiping. This post will explore common reasons why repiping may be necessary, the signs that indicate these reasons to repipe, and the benefits of repiping water lines. 

Persistent Leaks 

When the home’s water lines are old and experience water leaks, it could be time to repipe them instead of having to fix leaks often. Leaks can cause many problems for homeowners and a household, including high water bills, water damage, mold growth, and other problems, so it’s crucial to have them fixed quickly. Some common signs of water line leaks include: 

• Increased water bills
• Wet spots or puddles inside or outside 
• Reduced water pressure from the home’s fixtures
• Water-stained or damaged ceilings, walls, or floors
• Mold and mildew growth
• Running water sounds

Corroded Pipes 

Corrosion causes the deterioration of materials over time, usually metal, and is a problem that affects older piping. When the water lines become corroded, it signals repiping is needed because it can lead to more frequent water leaks and clogs due to the line becoming weakened and rust building up to reduce the water flow. Some common signs of a corroded water line include: 

• Water comes out of the pipes discolored 
• The water has a strange metallic taste
• The water has an unusual metallic smell
• Water leaks occur
• More frequent clogs

Advantages of Repiping 

Repiping is a big project that most homeowners don’t look forward to. However, when it is necessary, repiping the water lines can be beneficial. Repiping reduces the risk of future problems with water lines, such as leaks and clogs, reducing future repair costs and water damage. Additionally, repiping will eliminate any leaks, reducing water bills.

Another benefit of repiping the water lines is restoring good water pressure to the home’s plumbing fixtures by solving the water pressure issues caused by leaks and corrosion in old piping. Additionally, replacing old, damaged water lines with new, durable ones can increase a home’s value if homeowners are considering selling their homes. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons has more than three decades of experience serving the Chatham area. They offer flat-rate pricing, honest recommendations, and financing options. Call them for repiping services in Chatham, NJ.