My Drain Company Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Glendale’

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What Is a Sump Pump?

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

Here in Southern California, sump pumps don’t get a lot of attention. We lack basements in most of our homes, and our overall dry weather means we don’t worry much about flooding. But here in Glendale, plumbing repair services see their share of flooding, especially when the rains come in the fall and the top soil turns our hills into mudslides. A sump pump can be your best friend in such circumstances.

What Is A Sump Pump?

We’ve provided a brief outline below.

A sump pump is placed in a small pit dug at the lowest point of your property. A drain line is run from the pump to the outside of your house and in many cases, the pump needs to be connected to your electrical grid as well. When a flood hits, the water moves to the lowest point in your house, where it enters the pit. A floating sensor activates the sump pump, which spins a centrifugal fan in the center of the system. That pushes the water to the outside of the pump and creates a vacuum at the center, which pulls the water up out of the pit, into the line and out of the house. As a result, your basement is kept dry and the rest of your property remains safe.

As we said, sump pumps see a lot of use back East, where heavy rains and foods are more of a problem. But Glendale’s hilly landscape has made flooding recurring issue for certain households, especially older ones that feature a basement. If you know what a sump pump is and you think you may need one for your home, then now is the time to act: in the summer before the rains start.

Here in Glendale, plumbing repair services like the professionals at My Drain Company can discuss the ins and outs of sump pump repair with you, then help you decide which particular model will fit your needs. We’re absolutely dedicated to your satisfaction and we won’t rest until the job is done right, so give us a call today if you need plumbing repair services in Glendale!

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Why Small Plumbing Leaks Are Still Damaging

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

Here in Glendale, CA, plumber services are called upon to treat all manner of problems, and none of them are small. Even seemingly minor problems like small leaks have a way of turning into bigger ones very quickly. The sooner you get on a noticeable problem, the better off you and your plumbing system will be.

Here’s Why Small Plumbing Leaks Are Still Damaging

If left untreated, water will damage the materials surrounding your pipes. Wood and drywall can become swollen with moisture, leading to corrosion and rot. Electrical wiring could be damaged and in some cases the water may ultimately cause an electrical short. These problems don’t get better over time, and in fact small leaks may be more damaging than large ones because they can go for months before being detected, wreaking untold havoc in the process.

Furthermore, even small leaks can have a detrimental effect on your plumbing system as a whole. Pressure tends to drop when there’s a leak, even a small one, which makes it harder to clean dishes and can create comfort problems with your shower. More importantly, it often leads to higher water bills. You’re paying for all that water leaking out, after all, and even if it’s not a gushing river, it’s still money that you don’t need to be spending.

Finally, small leaks have a way of turning into bigger ones, especially if they’re caused by corrosion in the pipes themselves. A small leak could be just a warning sign of bigger things to come, and if you get on it, now, you could be saving yourself a create deal in unnecessary expenses.

The good news is that the Glendale plumbing experts at My Drain Company are here to help. We know why small plumbing leaks are still damaging, and we use the latest technological advances to pinpoint the exact source of the problem before fixing it. The longer you delay, the bigger the problem can become, so don’t hesitate! Pick up the phone and schedule a repair session today. Your plumbing system will thank you.

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When Should I Think about Replacing My Water Heater?

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Modern water heaters are durable appliances, but they will not last forever, even with the best possible maintenance care. At a certain point, you will need to replace the system with a new one. However, aside from experiencing a catastrophic breakdown in your current water heater, it won’t always be obvious that the time has come for a new installation. We will examine some of the times when a water heater replacement is your best option.

For a professional opinion, as well as installation services for a new system, call the team at My Drain Company. We handle water heater services in Glendale, CA that will provide your home with a steady and energy-efficient supply of hot water.

The Water Heater Is Older Than Its Estimated Lifespan

Depending of the model, water heaters usually last between 10 to 15 years. Check on the estimated service life of your water heater (it should be marked on the tank); if it is a few years older than it, you should schedule a replacement before the system begins to falter and lose efficiency. In general, any water heater more than 15 years old is overdue to be replaced.

The Water Heater Is Suffering From Corrosion

When corrosion enters a water tank and starts to cause rust in the components, it usually means the water heater has deteriorated beyond repairs. If you see corrosion on the tank, or if your hot water begins to take on a rusty discoloration, call on Glendale water heater specialists to see if the system is worth repairing or not.

The Water Heater Can No Longer Meet Your Demands

When a water heater begins to lose its regular supply of hot water, or if it cannot heat the water to the level you expect, then the system is probably too worn down to be worth keeping. Sometimes repairs can restore your hot water, but if a technician thinks that repairs will no longer be enough, then it’s time to replace the water heater.

You Wish To Take Advantage of Tankless Water Heater Technology

If your water heater costs more to run than you think it should or if you find that your household uses enough hot water that you regularly run out during the day, then you should look into the possibility of installing a new tankless water heater. These systems do not run out of hot water because they heat up water “on demand” only as you need it. They also cost less to operate since they do not need to keep a supply of water constantly warmed up for use.

If you have doubts about whether it is time to replace your water heater in Glendale, CA or not, call My Drain Company and speak to our experts. We can arrange an appointment to examine your current water heater and help you decide whether you should repair or replace it. We can handle both jobs to make sure you continue receiving the hot water you need for daily life.

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Grease Trap Repairs in Commercial Plumbing Systems

Friday, May 9th, 2014

Grease occasionally goes down the drains of residential kitchens, where it solidifies into a solid waxy material that can lead to clogs. However, this is nothing compared to the volume of grease, oil, and fat go down the drains of a commercial kitchen every day, whether it’s the kitchen of a restaurant, hotel, or cafeteria. These kitchens require industrial strength grease traps to keep their plumbing working, and also to comply with local codes prohibiting excess waste entering the sewer system. Commercial grease traps need to remain in excellent condition with repairs and maintenance.

To protect your commercial kitchen, schedule repairs for your grease trap as soon as you notice any problems from it. You can call My Drain Company any time of the day or night when you need repairs now. We know how important your business is to you, and we will strive to give you the professional service you require to keep it running the way you want it.

Repairs for Grease Traps

You can avoid many common grease trap repairs if you clean out the trap regularly and schedule annual maintenance for it to make sure it isn’t developing issues that could lead to repairs. However, you cannot avoid all problems, and sometimes repairs are necessary.

A common trouble that can affect a commercial grease trap is when the pipes that either enter or leave it develop clogs. Plumbers can assist with this using hydro-jetting equipment, blasting high pressure hot water along the pipes. The scalding temperature of the water is particularly effective at clearing out grease clogs. Drain snakes, which are used to clear standard drain pipes, are not powerful enough to unclog grease traps, and since hydro-jetting can be harmful in untrained hands, this is a service you must leave to professionals.

Grease traps will produce noxious smells if the food waste inside them begins to rot. If these smells continue even after you clean the trap, you may have an issue with the odor baffles. Poor installation could also be at fault, usually from a trap that was incorrectly sized. Call for professionals to investigate; you don’t want terrible odors affecting your business.

Keeping the grease traps for your commercial kitchen in good shape not only makes for a better kitchen, it keeps your business within the parameters of health and sewer codes. Don’t let a malfunction in a grease trap threaten your company: Call for the Glendale, CA plumbing professionals at My Drain Company right away.

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Why Install a Storm Drain on Your Property?

Friday, April 4th, 2014

It may sound odd to suggest that people who live in Southern California install storm drains on their property. Isn’t it too dry here and the rain too irregular for us to worry about storm drainage?

On the surface, the answer would seem to be “yes.” However, there’s more to storm drainage than the name implies, and there’s more to Southern California weather than the rest of the country knows about. A storm drain may be an ideal way to protect your home from water damage that might ruin its integrity and create safety issues.

My Drain Company offers storm drain installation from experts. We also do drain cleaning in Glendale, CA that will maintain your storm drain, no matter what disasters it may protect your home from.

The uses of a storm drain

Southern California doesn’t experience frequent rainstorm conditions, but the ones that have struck us have caused enormous amounts of damage… principally because our hills and streets do not have sufficient drainage to accommodate such a high level of water flow. Hillsides often wash away or turn into landslides because of heavy rainfall, and continuous rain—even moderate—will lead to street flooding because of poor drainage. If your property is in an area that has or could potentially have flooding issues during rainfall, the additional drainage ability of a storm drain will keep the excess water siphoned away from your home. A quality installer will know which type of storm drain installation will work best for your property: drain tile system, yard drain, or stairwell drain.

But flooding damage can come from sources other than harsh weather. A burst pipe in a water main can lead to massive amounts of water flooding onto your property that will continue until emergency repairs can shut off the water and fix the break. If you live on property that has a low water table, excess water can come up through the ground, and this will require a specific approach to storm drain installation in order to prevent it from damaging your home.

Maintenance and repair

After you have the proper storm drain put in, make sure that you keep it in good repair and well-maintained. Like any drain inside your home, a storm drain can develop clogging that will need cleaning. The extent of a storm drain requires that only professionals handle this task.

For professional drain cleaning in Glendale, CA and for all your needs for storm drain services, contact My Drain Company. If you are unsure about installing a storm drain, contact us for advice.

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Understanding Your Plumbing Installation Needs

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

The plumbing system in your home encompasses more than the pipes running through the walls and floors. Your plumbing consists of all the systems hooked up to water lines and waste water lines, which includes the sewer line, the fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms, and large appliances such your hot water heater and your laundry machine. Sometimes it can be difficult understanding what new installations you’ll need to get the most from your plumbing. What updates are best? What fixtures will help you reduce water?

There’s no better way to understand your needs for plumbing installation in Glendale, CA than to seek help from professional plumbers. Call My Drain Company today and make use of our more than 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry so you’ll receive the installation that will improve your life and your budget.

What are some possibilities for plumbing installation?

We’ve listed some options to consider for your plumbing that will help you start thinking about how you want to upgrade.

  • Low-flow toilets: Let us take out your old toilet and put in a unit that will make a significant cut in your water bills each month. Low-flow toilets can work as effectively as standard models. According to the U.S. EPA, a low-flow toilet will reduce water use from 20–60%, approximately 13,000 gallons for the average family.
  • Garbage disposals: Older homes often do not contain garbage disposals, and installing one can make much easier, as well as eliminate a large amount of food waste. Installation requires professional plumbers to hook up your new disposal to a waste water line.
  • Whole house-repiping: Here’s another option to consider for an older home. The pipe material for most homes used to be galvanized steel. A durable material, but one also prone to corrosion with age. A whole house repiping job will prevent numerous repair problems as well as increase the value of your home.
  • Sump pumps: If you live in an area with a high-water table, you can experience high levels of moisture and even flooding in your basement. A sump pump will remove excess water from an area and place it into the waste water system, helping to prevent damage to your home and the growth of mold and mildew.

There are many more possibilities for upgrading your plumbing with new installation. Call our specialists at My Drain Company today and talk to them about ways to better your home and your life with new plumbing installation in Glendale, CA.

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Common Problems with Storm Drains

Wednesday, March 5th, 2014

Here in California, we don’t normally get a lot of rain. Unfortunately, that often means that our civic drainage systems are unprepared for any kind of serious storms, like the kind we experienced at the beginning of the month. Storm drains exist to prevent the kind of flooding that heavy rains engender, keeping your property safe and dry during even the biggest winter storm. Here in Glendale, drain cleaning services can install a storm drain for you, as well as correcting with your existing storm drain. Common problems with storm drains are usually something a trained expert can fix.

Most storm drain problems all stem from the same source: clogged or overloaded pipes.  Clogs can occur via build-up in your system, damage to the pipe itself, and saturation of the ground, as well as more direct causes like tree roots or even animals lodging debris at the grates. When rain storms hit like they did at the beginning of the month, those clogs can quickly turn disastrous, leading to all manner of serious problems. What kinds of problems? The most troubling is flooding, which can severely your yard and basement, and lead to a great deal of costs to repair. Yard erosion can be a particularly big problem, especially if your home is on a hill or somewhere else with higher elevation (very common in Glendale)

In some cases, storm drains that are too small can also cause flooding problems. This is actually fairly common in California, where we consistently underestimate the severity of our rains. In any event, the result is much the same as it is with clogged storm drains: flooding, backing up and wreaking havoc on your property in the process.

A reliable professional service can come to the rescue when you’re dealing with common problems with storm drains. Drain cleaning and repair services in Glendale, CA can be performed by the experts at My Drain Company. As our name implies, drain cleaning is our specialty and we have years of experience treating problems with storm drains. We also offer 24-hour emergency service for those times when the flood waters are rising. California’s rainy season can be a lot more destructive than people give credit for. Call us today and let us help you cut the damage off at the pass.

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Why You Should Get an Estimate Before Plumbing Installation Begins

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Plumbing installation is a big job, and requires a lot of planning and foresight on the part of the homeowner. A proper installation can enhance your home for years or even decades to come, while a poor installation means leaks, burst pipes or worse coming far sooner than you would like.  Here in Glendale, plumbing installation also needs to account for earthquakes and shifts in the ground. These are only a few of the reasons why you should get an estimate before plumbing installation begins.

The most important ones involve money. A proper estimate will itemize all of the expenses and explain them to you before you sign anything. That way, there’s no surprises along the way and if additional, unexpected work required, the service can’t simply tack it onto your bill without your knowledge. And just as an estimate protects you, so too does it protect the installing technician by ensuring that all work is okayed beforehand.

Beyond that, however, it also buys you peace of mind. With an estimate, you can see how the project is going to come together and understand all of the pieces involved. If something seems out of place, you can speak to the plumber about it, but otherwise, you’re left relying on whoever you’ve hired to do the job properly. An estimate acts as a piece of insurance against that, allowing you to relax while the plumber sets about his task.

Good plumbing services know why you should get an estimate before plumbing installation begins, and work with the homeowner to provide that. Plumbing installation services of all sorts are provided by the expert Glendale, CA plumbers at My Drain Company. We’re fully insured, our plumbers are all trained and licensed, and you can request an estimate from us anytime on our website. Beyond that, our staff works with only your complete satisfaction in mind, and we will go the extra mile to make sure you leave the experience happy. Give us a call today to set up and appointment and discuss your options. You’ll be glad you did!

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How Does a Drain Snake Clear the Clogs?

Monday, February 17th, 2014

You may have seen drain snakes for sale in the local hardware store for use in unsticking clogged pipes, and you might own a dilettante’s model yourself for those times when your plumbing backs up. You might also have seen mechanized models used by plumbers and/or drain snakes with fitted heads for use in clearing up very specific drain issues. Generally speaking, you should leave the use of drain snakes to the professionals; for homeowners, our in Glendale plumbing repair experts are on call to do the job right. But how does a drain snake clear the clogs exactly? The answers can help explain why it’s best to use a professional in all but the mildest drain clogs.

Clogs can be created by any number of materials, from soap and hair to vegetable peelings and cooking grease to scale build-up in the pipes themselves. Snakes serve two basic functions in dealing with them: breaking them up so they can be washed safely down the drain and pulling them out so that they are out of the plumbing system entirely. In both cases, a snake requires the force to wedge itself safely into the clog and a properly shaped head to both hold the clog and remove it (or break it up) properly. The plumber sends the snake down the pie until it reaches the clog and then either pulls it loose by slowly retracting the snake or twisting and turning the snake in an effort to break the cog into smaller chunks which can then be washed safely down the pipe.

In the case of professional plumbers, that’s fairly easy. They can use motor-driven snakes to apply the proper force and fitted heats tailored to the precise nature of the clog to make sure the process doesn’t damage the pipe along the way. In Glendale, plumbing repair services like My Drain Company can clear the clogs with a drain snake specially fitted to do the job. Don’t trust a one-size-fits all snake bought over the counter. Give us a call today and leave it to the professionals to do the job right!

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Reasons to Get a Sump Pump in Glendale

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

A sump pump is placed in your basement and acts to keep your home safe and dry in the event of flooding. As water seeps into our basement, it gathers in the pit holding the sump pump, and the pump can then move it safely out of your home via a drain pipe. It’s very useful in places prone to flooding, and here in Glendale, plumbing services can install one quite easily.  But that doesn’t cover why you might need a sump pump here in traditionally dry Southern California. Believe or not, you do. Here are some reasons to get a sump pump in Glendale.

The biggest reason entails the suddenness and ferocity of our rainstorms and the way they can result in flooding. Our sewer system can’t always respond to a sudden deluge of rain, and when our local hillsides have lost vegetation due to wild fires, a little rain can turn into an ugly mudslide very quickly. Homeowners in Glendale can often be caught flat-footed by such development, precisely because they’re a winter phenomenon and we don’t need to worry about them for the rest of the year. When those moments come, however, a reliable sump pump is worth its weight in gold.

Then there’s the threat of burst pipes and similar damage, which again isn’t normally a concern here in So Cal since we don’t get a lot of freezing temperatures. We do, however, see our share of earthquakes, and even a mild one can rupture your plumbing with little or no warning. When that happens, you can use the sump pump to quickly remove the flooding water before it can cause much damage. It beats bailing your basement out with a bucket by a long shot.

Other reasons to get a sump pump in Glendale include improving the resale value of your home and helping with potential costs of homeowner’s insurance. If you live in Glendale, plumbing services like My Drain Company can install a sump pump safely and with a minimum of fuss. If you’re interested in a sump pump in your home, pick up the phone and give us a call today.

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