My Drain Company Blog : Archive for the ‘Plumbing’ Category

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The Steps Involved in Plumbing Installation

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

There are plenty of guidebooks and online forums which claim to offer universal advice for the average homeowner to install any particular plumbing fixture, appliance, or even pipes. But it should be noted that every home plumbing system is different, and you may face unique challenges while attempting to install a system on your own that could lead to some costly repairs. At My Drain Company, we recommend choosing experts for any major or minor plumbing installation in Chatsworth. The steps of installation can be tricky, and we’ve detailed some of the challenges in this guide.

  • Choosing a new pipe or fixture – First, your technician must work with you to select the plumbing installation you want or need in your home. However, the part must be compatible with your existing plumbing system or else some remodeling will be necessary.
  • Shutting off the water – Your technician knows all of the many configurations and locations for shutoff valves in a home. It’s imperative to cut off the water supply before beginning work or to turn off the water only at a point of entry, as there are occasionally built-in shutoff valves at the location of fixtures and appliances. Be aware that homeowners may accidentally mistake other valves like saddle tee fittings for a shutoff valve instead.
  • Checking local codes – A plumber must make sure that the planned installation complies with all local codes. In some instances, you’re required to submit your plan in writing to your municipality for approval before work can begin.
  • Removing the previous fixture – Now this is a job that’s going to require quite a bit of heavy lifting and some serious tools. Prying up a toilet, for example, is never easy, and requires special tools and materials to remove large bolts and wax seals.
  • Sealing the fixture – Cutting pipes apart and sealing them into place involves purchasing and utilizing a reciprocating saw and a soldering torch. A professional also needs base knowledge of and access to professional-grade sealants to prevent leaks.
  • Inspection – Finally, a technician is best suited to inspect the fixture for leaks and ensure that the fixture, pipe, or appliance continues to work as needed and that leaks are not expected in the near future.

Call My Drain Company and let our experts take care of your new sump pump, garbage disposal, toilet, sink, piping, or nearly any other plumbing installation in Chatsworth.

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Signs Your Plumbing System Is Worn Beyond Repair

Friday, January 23rd, 2015

Plumbing materials are made to be durable, but they don’t last forever. Depending on the age of your home and when your plumbing was installed, you may have plumbing in your Chatsworth home with a lot of miles on it. The good news is that new plumbing repair can help bring your plumbing fully up to date, making it more efficient and giving it a new lease on time. Not sure if you are seeing the signs of worn-out plumbing? Here are a few to be aware of:

  • Problems with multiple leaks – have you had to repair multiple leaks in various areas of your home’s plumbing? This can be an indication that your plumbing is wearing out in different areas and may be best replaced instead of constantly being repaired.
  • Signs of corrosion – are you seeing brown or yellow water coming through your faucets, particularly after being away for a few days? This can indicate that there is rust on the inside of your plumbing, which means there is corrosion present.
  • Flakes, dimples and other corrosion on pipes and/or tubing – any kind of significant corrosion on the outside of your piping indicates the presence of corrosion; let a trained professional tell you how much corrosion there is and whether or not repair or replacement is better.
  • Age – as mentioned above, the age of your plumbing can play a significant role in whether or not you need to replace failing plumbing.
  • Constant clogging – as with multiple leaks, if you are experiencing constant clogging from multiple drains, you may want to compare the cost of repair calls versus replacement.
  • Poor water pressure – if the various faucets in your home are all exhibiting signs of poor water pressure, this can indicate that your pipes are no longer up to the task of supplying you with needed water.

It is better to stay ahead of worn out plumbing than wait for a significant leak or other major plumbing problem to develop before making the decision to replace worn piping. If you are in need of professional plumbing repair in Chatsworth, call My Drain Company today and schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing experts.

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How Do Professional Plumbers Detect Leaks?

Wednesday, January 14th, 2015

Leaks are very often out of sight, making them difficult to locate until they create such a mess that you can’t miss them. No one wants to wait until serious water damage has occurred before finding out about an existing leak, so how do you go about finding one? Hire a professional plumber to perform leak detection and repair for your Glendale property.

Signs of a Leak

First, let’s take a look at signs that can indicate you’ve got a leak somewhere in your home:

  • Your water bill is unexpectedly high – has your water bill risen significantly but your water usage hasn’t? Water leaks are notorious water-wasters, so if your bill is suddenly sky-high, it is likely a leak has developed somewhere in your plumbing.
  • Sound of constant running water – are you hearing the sound of running water when there are no open faucets? Running or dripping coming from unknown parts mean water is escaping from somewhere, somehow.
  • Decrease in water pressure – your plumbing system needs to maintain a level of pressure inside it to help push the water to where it needs to go. A noticeable drop in water pressure means the air inside the system is no longer balance, and it is likely from a leak that is allowing the air to escape.

Finding Leaks

As mentioned above, many leaks are not readily visible to the eye. This is why professionals use different tools to help them locate leaky plumbing:

  • Audio equipment – professional plumbers have specialized listening equipment that allows them to hear the smallest drip through drywall, plaster, cabinets and even concrete. This equipment allows the plumber to pinpoint the exact location of a leak and commence repair.
  • Infrared detection – infrared technology can detect areas of moisture by temperature. Typically a leak will be cooler than the air that surrounds it, so infrared can be a fast, efficient way to find the source of a leak.
  • Video – using a camera placed on a fiber optic cable, professional plumbers can look deep into any plumbing system. The camera sends back real-time video of the inside of the piping, and many cameras are equipped with dye injectors that can help pinpoint any other additional leak problems.

As you can see, accurate leak detection entails training and using professional equipment that most homeowners simply won’t have. If you suspect you have a plumbing leak, call My Drain Company today and schedule an appointment for professional plumbing repair in Glendale.

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Signs You Have a Slab Leak

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Many homes are built on what is known as a slab – a concrete block that serves as the foundation for the whole house. It isn’t unusual for certain piping, including your main water line, to be embedded in this cement for protection. However, cracks can develop with the piping, usually due to poor installation or damage, and these cracks can create a leak inside your slab – aka, a slab leak. It isn’t all that easy to spot a leak inside a block of cement, so to help you, the experts at My Drain Company have put together a small list of signs that can indicate you have a slab leak.

Constant Sound of Running Water

Unless you have a stream on your property, you don’t want to hear the sound of constantly running water while you are in your home. This does not include the sounds of water running from a tap or faucet; instead, this would be a trickling sound coming from an unknown location. If you are hearing this sound, and can’t locate its origin, call an expert for help.

Significant Drop in Water Pressure

If you have noticed a uniform drop in water pressure throughout your home, and have no other plumbing issues of which you are aware, there is a chance it could be a slab leak.

Significant Increase in Water Bill

Seeing a large increase in your water bill when you haven’t changed your level of water usage is usually indicative of a leak somewhere; let an expert determine where the leak is so a plan can be made for repair.

Foundation Shifts

If the leak has been there long enough, or is big enough, it can cause shifting in your foundation. This is because the soil beneath the slab is wet and unstable and as a result of the weight from your home, is causing the concrete to shift and even crack. This is a serious problem and should be handled immediately.

Slab leaks are serious business; allowing one to continue can cause tremendous water waste and even damage to your home’s foundation. If you are seeing the signs of a slab leak, call My Drain Company today and schedule an appointment for slab leak repair in Glendale.

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Don’t Make These 3 Simple Mistakes with Your Garbage Disposal

Friday, December 19th, 2014

The garbage disposal is a wonderful invention, and has succeeded in making the lives of homeowners quite a bit easier over the past decades. Despite its tough reputation, however, a garbage disposal does have its weaknesses and vulnerabilities. If you want your garbage disposal to live a long, productive life, don’t make these 3 simple mistakes.

Putting Bones in the Disposal

This should be a no-brainer, and yet we still run into people every year who insist on putting small bones in the garbage disposal. The misperception is that the garbage disposal is strong enough to handle bones as long as they are small and relatively thin. This is false. Bones splinter and crack when they come into contact with the garbage disposal blades, but they won’t be ground up finely enough to be washed away without a problem. Instead, they are more likely to break your disposal by jamming it.

Oils and Grease

It’s always a pain to get rid of oils and grease. When dinner is over and you’re trying to get the dishes done in a timely manner, it is very easy to just pour it all down the disposal. If you want to preserve your garbage disposal’s health, however, you’ll abstain from doing this. When oils and grease get into the garbage disposal, they harden and clog the drain. This causes the disposal to fill up with waste that can’t drain properly, causing your kitchen area to smell as well as needing a plumber to clear it out.

Vegetables and Fruits

Now, this last one really depends on the kinds of fruits and vegetables you’re putting down the disposal. The two kinds you’ll want to avoid are hard ones and fibrous ones. Putting something like a potato down the disposal can cause it to overheat, as it will require more work than the disposal is designed to do. Fibrous fruits and vegetables like celery can tangle the blades, causing the disposal to jam.

If you’re having issues with your garbage disposal, call My Drain Company. We provide garbage disposal services throughout Glendale.

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Steps You Can Take at Home to Prevent Drain Clogs

Friday, December 12th, 2014

Drain clogs are never a fun thing. They make your water appliances unusable, send up gross backflow, and it’s just a pain to get rid of them. So, how do you stop them from happening? That depends on the drain, but in general the idea is pretty simple: don’t put things down the drain that can get stuck down there. Let’s take a look at some specific locations, and the things you can do to stop them from getting clogged.

Shower/Bathtub Drains

These drains get clogged less than other areas of the house, but it still happens often enough to warrant some precautions. The number one cause of shower and bathtub drain clogs is hair. One or two strands here or there is no big deal, but over time hair can catch in the drain and accumulate until it becomes a problem.

The first thing you want to do is check your drain periodically. Hair that makes it past the cover over most shower and bathtub drains often collects on the crossbars below. It may be gross, but you can just pull out most of the hair with your fingers if you spot it on the drain itself.

You can also try pouring boiling water down the drain every couple of months or so. This loosens anything that might otherwise be building up inside the drain. Run some warm water for a few minutes afterwards just to make sure that everything is cleaned out.

Sink Drains

Clogged sink drains are usually caused by a clogged garbage disposal. With all the junk that most of us put down there on a regular basis, it’s no surprise that it gets clogged sometimes. The best way to avoid a clogged sink drain is to be careful what you put down the garbage disposal. Never put grease of any kind down the disposal, as it can solidify and gum up the drain. Bones and other hard objects are a bad idea as well. As long as you’re careful, it should be fairly easy to avoid a clogged sink drain.

If you have clogged drains, call My Drain Company. We provide plumbing services throughout Glendale.

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When Should I Call a Plumber for Leak Detection Services?

Friday, December 5th, 2014

Leaks can be difficult to find, which is why it’s important to call an expert if you suspect you have a plumbing leak. Not sure whether or not it’s time to call for help with leak detection?

Here are some examples that may help:

  • Decrease in water pressure – the water in your plumbing flows easily due to a level of pressure in the system. Should a leak develop, the water pressure is decreased and can cause a noticeable reduction in flow.
  • Sound of running water – if are hearing the sound of running water and you are not operating a dishwasher, washing machine or haven’t recently used your bathroom, it is likely that you’ve developed a leak. Water left to run can cause serious water damage, so if you hear running water for no reason, call for assistance.
  • Soggy ground – are there areas of ground around your home that are always soggy and wet, even in dry weather? This can indicate that an underground pipe is leaking and the water is seeping into the surrounding dirt. It’s important to have this repaired as this kind of leaking can affect your home’s foundation if the leak is close enough.
  • High water bills – if you have noticed that your water bill has increased significantly, yet your water usage hasn’t changed, it is likely a leak has developed somewhere in your plumbing.
  • Wet spots in strange places – are you seeing wet spots in places like ceilings or on flooring that haven’t been caused by a spill? This can be an indication that a leak has developed and is seeping into your home’s building materials. Water damage and mold growth can be a result of these kinds of leaks, so it’s important to call for a plumber as soon as you detect an unusual wet spot.
  • Increase in mold growth – mold needs moisture to grow, so if you are noticing an overwhelming smell of mold in a particular area of your home, it’s worth having the area inspected for an existing leak.

The trained experts at My Drain Company can handle any kind of plumbing repair in Glendale, so if you have a leak, call us today!

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Reasons for a Leaking Toilet

Friday, November 21st, 2014

Leaking toilets can be more than irritating; they can result in serious water damage if left to leak for long periods of time. There are multiple reasons that can cause a leak to develop with your toilet, but no matter the cause, it’s important to take care of any toilet leak right away. For over 15 years, My Drain Company has offered comprehensive plumbing services in Glendale, and our expert plumbers can help with any kind of issue you may have. If your toilet has been leaking, give us a call today!

Why a Toilet Can Develop Leaks

Here are some common ways a toilet can develop a leak:

  • Problems with the overflow tube – the overflow tube in your toilet relocates the water in the tank should it start to overflow. However, if the overflow tube is obstructed or malfunctioning in any way, the water may not relocate as needed and instead overflow the tank.
  • Worn bolts/Issue with tank-bowl gasket – two large bolts and a three-inch gasket help keep the tank of your toilet attached to the bowl. Bolts can become worn or loose, creating a gap between the bowl and tank through which water can leak. Additionally, any problems with the gasket can also create a leak.
  • Cracked tank – any crack in the water tank of your toilet will cause water to leak. If left unattended for a long period of time, this kind of leaks can cause serious water damage. A cracked tank requires replacement of the tank.
  • Crack bowl – a cracked toilet bowl needs to be replaced immediately.
  • Corrosion – corrosion typically develops from water impurities and chemical reactions. Corrosion can occur on your toilet components or in the piping that supports your toilet. The main problem with corrosion is that it may not be seen right away, so if you are seeing any signs of corrosion, call for a plumber to review it.
  • Problems with the fill valve – fill valves refill your toilet tank and bowl after a flush. Fill valves can wear out or malfunction, causing issues with the water level.

A leaking toilet can result in serious water damage and gallons of wasted water that can increase your water bill. Repairing a leaky toilet as soon as possible can help prevent the development of these problems. Are you seeing the signs of a leaky toilet? Contact My Drain Company today and schedule an appointment with one of our certified plumbing experts.

 

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Reasons for Low Water Pressure in Your Bathroom

Friday, November 14th, 2014

When you take a shower, you expect a certain amount of water pressure to make showering easier and more comfortable. A slow stream of water or a low trickle is off-putting and unpleasant, and simply will not do the trick in your bathroom. Your water supply is kept pressurized so that it can easily flow from the sink faucet or the showerhead. So when you notice low pressure, not only is it an inconvenience, but it also most likely indicates a serious problem.

Low water pressure is not an issue you can continue to ignore. It likely indicates a serious issue with your plumbing, and it may even result in damage to the structure of your home. Always rely on trained plumbers for any type of plumbing problem, like the professionals at My Drain Company in Glendale. These are just a few of the reasons your water pressure may dwindle.

  • Leaky Pipe: If the low pressure is localized in your bathroom, it could have to do with a leaky pipe in the walls behind the shower. If you let this go on for too long, water will begin to drip onto the walls and support beams. Mold can start to form, which poses a health risk for your family, and the damage can ruin the structure of your home, resulting in costly renovations.
  • Tree Root Infiltration: If the problem is in multiple areas of the home, your reduced water pressure may be caused by blockage in the water line. Tree roots grow naturally toward sources of water, and the water line underneath your property may be the perfect target. Tree roots can wrap around the pipe and force their way through at a weak spot in the pipes, causing blockage that won’t allow enough water to reach your home.
  • Scale Buildup: Scale is a problem that occurs when an excess of minerals collects inside of a pipe. If this occurs in your bathroom, a plumber will have to descale the pipes and may recommend further solutions to prevent the problem from occurring again.

Call My Drain Company at the first sign of plumbing problems to speak with friendly professional plumbers in Glendale today!

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Two Different Types of Sump Pumps

Friday, November 7th, 2014

Are you prepared for a potential flood in your home? Here in Southern California, many homeowners don’t take the time to think about the effect of flooding on their home. In other areas of the country where storms and high water tables are common, people take the right steps to prevent flooding from damaging their property, ruining their belongings, and allowing the growth of mold and mildew. In our part of the country, we tend to neglect this possibility, which could easily prove to be a preventable mistake.

Even in our part of the country, flooding is a very real possibility. You read about it in the newspapers and hear about it from friends and neighbors: flooding does occur when a home is poorly suited to handle harsh whether and when pipes burst. And even a small amount of water can be a big issue. Water damages irreplaceable relics and eats away at the foundation of a home. A pool of water can be a breeding ground for bacteria or produce mold spores which your family members then breathe in, spurring illness and aggravating respiratory problems.

You can protect your home with a plumbing installation known as a sump pump. Sump pumps drain water outside before it becomes a problem in your home. We’ll go over the two types of sump pumps here: pedestal pumps and submersible pumps. Call My Drain Company to find quality plumber in Glendale for all of your plumbing installation needs.

Submersible and Pedestal Pumps: Similar Operation but Different Configuration

Both a pedestal pump and a submersible pump rely on the same principles to operate. First, a technician digs a pit, or “sump,” in the ground at the lowest point in your home. This may be in your basement, or at the lowest point of a crawlspace. In any case, a sump pump is placed in the sump and contains a motor. When water fills up the pit, the motor turns on and impels water out through a drain pipe that leads outside.

The only real visual and operational difference is the configuration of the pump. A submersible pump has a waterproof encasement so that it can be submerged inside of the basin. A pedestal pump is perched on a pedestal above the pit instead. In general, you’ll probably purchase whichever type of pump is best for the size of the pit; a smaller pit may only fit a pedestal pump. However, there are a couple of other considerations. A submersible pump may be safer around children and pets, while a pedestal pump is less likely to need repairs.

Do you want to protect your home from damage, increase the property value, and have peace of mind with a new submersible or pedestal sump pump? Call My Drain Company to speak with skilled plumbers in Glendale today!

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