How to Tell When Repiping Is Needed and Its Benefits

pipes

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If a household’s water lines are outdated and experiencing persistent leaks or corrosion, or homeowners notice signs of these issues, it’s likely time for repiping.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. 

pipe leakPersistent 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

save moneyAdvantages 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.

Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?

sump pump

All About Sump Pumps and How to Check They Work

If homes are at risk of flooding, installing a sump pump can be essential. But even with a sump pump already installed, heavy rainfall and flooding risks are inevitable, so it’s important to ensure the sump pump is working correctly and can continue protecting the home from flooding and water damage. This post will discuss sump pumps, different types of sump pumps, and how to ensure they function correctly. 

How Sump Pumps Function

Sump pumps are a home’s defense against flooding and the effects of flooding, such as water damage and foundation damage. They are installed in basements or crawl spaces and work to remove water that has accumulated and transport that water outdoors to a designated area safely away from the home. 

Sump pumps include a sump pump basin or pit located in the lowest part of a house, which is usually the basement or crawl space. Once the water level rises in the basin, the sump pump float switch is activated, automatically turning on the sump pump so that it will begin removing water through a discharge pipe to avoid flooding. 

Primary Sump Pumps

sump pumpsThere are two main types of primary sump pumps: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps. Both serve the same purpose, but each has its own pros and cons. 

  • Pedestal sump pump: Pedestal sump pumps are generally the least expensive of the two options and have a longer life expectancy. However, they are less powerful than the alternative and can be noisy since the motor doesn’t get submerged in the water.
  • Submersible sump pump: Unlike the pedestal pump, submersible sump pumps have a motor that gets submerged in the sump pit and water, making them quieter but with a shorter life expectancy. Submersible sump pumps are also the more powerful of the two types of sump pumps.

How to Keep Your Sump Pump Running Smoothly

sump pumpBecause a sump pump is meant to protect homes from the threat of flooding and all the damages this brings, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the pump is functioning properly so it is prepared whenever needed. The best way to do this is to schedule routine sump pump maintenance. However, homeowners should also test their sump pumps regularly. 

Homeowners can test their sump pumps by pouring water slowly into the basin until the sump pump activates and removes the water. Once the water is gone, the sump pump should also automatically turn off. If it doesn’t turn on or off automatically or the sump pump fails to remove the water, then a plumber should be called for maintenance and repair services. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons are commercial and residential plumbing contractors serving Chatham and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and emergency services. Call them for sump pump installation and repair services in Chatham, NJ

Understanding Trenchless Pipe Lining

pipe lining

Why Is Trenchless Pipe Lining a Good Choice for Sewer Line Repair? 

Depending on the type of materials used for the sewer line and when it was installed, the sewer line can be expected to last for many years. However, most homeowners will have to deal with sewer line repairs at some point. Traditional sewer line repairs can be invasive and time-consuming, requiring a lot of digging to access and repair the damaged pipe. 

However, newer methods of trenchless sewer line repair can be a beneficial and less destructive alternative. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners better understand the trenchless pipe repair method of trenchless pipe lining

Issues That Trenchless Pipe Lining Can Fix 

Sewer lines are buried underground, meaning they are subject to shifting soils, invasive tree roots, and other factors that can create issues for them. Trenchless pipe lining, also known as cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining, is quickly becoming the method of choice for fixing sewer lines. 

Sewer line problems such as broken, cracked, leaking, or otherwise damaged or deteriorating and corroded pipes can be repaired using trenchless pipe lining. When noticing issues with their sewer lines, homeowners should call professionals to inspect the damage and determine whether pipe lining is an appropriate solution.  

How Is Trenchless Pipe Lining Done? 

pipe liningTrenchless pipe lining is a non-invasive trenchless pipe repair method that involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe, which is then inflated and cured to form a rigid, smooth, and corrosion-resistant new pipe within the old one. This process begins with an inspection of the damaged pipe with cameras to determine the problem and its severity. 

Then, a thorough cleaning of the pipeline is needed to remove debris that could cause problems for the pipe lining process. Once the liner is inserted into place, professionals may use hot water, steam, or UV light to cure the resin on the liner, which then hardens to create a new pipe within the damaged one. The last step is to inspect and test the new line. 

Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Lining 

pipe lining service Trenchless pipe lining has many advantages when used to repair sewer lines, including: 

  • Versatility: Trenchless pipe lining can be used to fix damaged pipes of various sizes and materials. They can also repair straight sections of pipes, bends, and pipe connections. 
  • Non-invasive: Trenchless pipe lining doesn’t involve extensive excavation and digging that damages the home and property. 
  • Cost and time savings: Excavation takes a lot of time and, often, more money. By reducing the time it takes to complete repairs, clients may also save money in addition to time. 
  • Durability: Sewer lines repaired using trenchless pipe lining are durable and long-lasting. CIPP pipe lining actually has a longer lifespan than many different traditional pipe materials.  

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons are residential and commercial plumbing contractors serving Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, emergency services, and the latest technology. Call them today for trenchless pipe lining service in Chatham, NJ

Sewer Video Inspection: Your Questions Answered

camera inspection

A Brief Guide to Sewer Camera Inspection Services

Sewer line experts use a wide variety of tools, equipment, and methods to solve the many problems that homeowners can face. One of the most valuable and helpful of these is sewer video inspection, yet many homeowners may not know how it works or what problems it can be used to solve. This article will shed some light on sewer video inspection by answering some common questions about it. 

How Does Sewer Video Inspection Work?

camera inspection Sewer video inspection works by sending a camera down into a sewer line or branch line, one of the smaller drain pipes connecting the home’s fixtures to the sewer line. These tiny sewer cameras are on the end of a long, flexible cable fed down into the pipe. Professionals watch a monitor that shows what the camera sees in real time.

This equipment allows sewer line specialists to see what’s happening inside the home’s sewer system and identify problems like clogs, leaks, corrosion, and more. Most sewer video cameras also emit a signal that can be detected with a special locator device above ground, so once the camera has arrived at the source of the problem, technicians will be able to tell precisely where to direct their repair efforts.

When Should Homeowners Get a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera is an invaluable tool for identifying a variety of sewer line problems, and sewer line issues can manifest in several ways. Signs of a sewer line clog and signs of a sewer line leak or damage can indicate a sewer video inspection may be needed. These include slow draining, backed-up drains and toilets, frequent clogs, foul sewage odors, and soggy spots or lush patches of grass in the yard. 

If homeowners notice these issues that point to a sewer line problem, they should call a professional for sewer video inspection. Experts can determine the underlying cause, location, and severity of the problem, allowing them to make the best and most accurate repairs to restore proper drainage in the sewer line. Additionally, a sewer camera inspection should be done before buying a home to determine the condition of the pipes. 

What Benefits Does a Sewer Video Inspection Provide?

tree roots Sewer video inspection has several advantages. One significant benefit of sewer video inspection is that it is non-invasive. Before this technology was adopted, people often had to dig exploratory holes or trenches to find the problem with and fix sewer lines. However, with sewer camera inspection, sewer experts can diagnose and pinpoint issues without excavation. If the inspection reveals that the issue can be resolved with trenchless sewer line repair or drain cleaning, homeowners can also avoid excavation for the repair, which saves both time and money!

Another benefit is that sewer video inspection can be used to catch all sorts of problems before they get worse. Regular video inspections of the sewer line allow professionals to spot many issues like corrosion, cracks, clogs, tree root intrusions, and other damage. Catching them early on can prevent them from causing more problems; for example, detecting and fixing a clog before it causes problems like a sewage backup or cracks in the sewer line. 

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons is a third-generation family-owned company serving Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, emergency services, and the latest technology. Call them today for sewer video inspection services in Chatham, NJ

Common Questions About Hydro Jetting

hydrojetting

FAQs About Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning

Hydro jetting is an advanced drain-cleaning technique used for clearing clogs in piping, and it is a fast and efficient way to keep pipes clean. This post will discuss and answer questions about hydro jetting, its benefits, and signs that it is necessary.

How Does It Work?

how does hydro jetting workOver time, pipes can become clogged with debris, grease, hair, and other substances, leading to blockages and reduced water flow. Hydro jetting is one way for plumbers to eliminate these stubborn clogs using pressurized water to blast through tree roots and other tough blockages and obstructions. Because hydro jetting involves using high-pressure water to clear out debris from the inside of pipes, it is a highly effective method for clearing even the toughest clogs and preventing more from occurring.

However, it is essential to note that hydro jetting may not be suitable for all types of pipes. Older or more fragile lines may not be able to handle the force of hydro jetting and could potentially crack or break. It is always best to consult with a professional plumber before deciding on the method of clearing clogged pipes. They can assess the condition of the lines and determine if hydro jetting is a safe and effective option for a home’s specific plumbing system.

When Is Hydro Jetting Necessary?

signs indicate hydro jetting is neededThe signs that hydro jetting is necessary are the same as signs of clogged sewer lines. However, if a home experiences frequent clogs, this is another indication that hydro jet drain cleaning should be done since it can help reduce the likelihood of future clogs, unlike other drain cleaning methods. Some signs hydro jetting may be needed include:

  • Frequent clogging
  • Slow draining
  • Foul odors
  • Gurgling sounds
  • Backups from the drains

What Are the Benefits of Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning?

Hydro jetting is a highly effective drain-cleaning method that has gained popularity over the years due to its numerous benefits compared to other drain-cleaning methods, such as drain snakes and chemical drain cleaners. One of the main advantages of hydro jetting is its ability to completely remove all debris, grease, and buildup from the inside of the pipes. Drain snakes can only poke holes in or remove clogs, leaving behind residue that can build up into clogs again.

While store-bought chemical drain cleaners may dissolve some of the blockage, they often leave harmful chemicals in the pipes that can corrode or damage them over time. Additionally, hydro jetting is a safe and environmentally friendly option for drain cleaning since it only uses water. Unlike chemical cleaners, it does not release any harmful substances into the environment.

About Sewer Surgeons

Sewer Surgeons is a family-owned business serving Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, the latest technology, and emergency services. Call them today for hydro jetting services in Chatham, NJ.