Difference between Trenchless Sewer Repairs Versus Traditional Sewer Repair

Sewer lines are key things you should consider while moving into your new home. This is so since sewer lines are used often on a daily basis. Sewer lines blockages would be one of the most frustrating things in your home. They would then necessitate for inspection of the sewer lines which would ensure they are at their right standards. Frequent inspections should be done even at your own home by a professional to ensure they are at the best. Through proper inspection, you may budget for repairs to be done.

Trenchless technology is a construction which requires use of fewer trenches in which there is use of different methods in repair and installation of new underground infrastructure. The methods used in trenchless technology include; pipe jacking, moling, micro-tunneling, tunneling, horizontal directional and augur bore. The traditional sewer repair will, alternatively, require extensive digging and excavation to get to the faulty or cracked pipes in the underground.

Other major differences between trenchless sewer repairs and traditional sewer repairs include:

• Contaminated wastes are introduced by use of the traditional sewer repair due to the digging was done in the use do this method. The debris in the ground is brought to the landfills which are not so with the use of the trenchless sewer repair method.
• Excavation and much digging done through use of traditional method leads to the destruction of much property. This is so as some property must be destroyed for trenches to be dug underground through the pathway of the trench. This will lead to more expenses which may render it expensive compared to use of the trenchless sewer repair method.
• Traditional sewer repair will disrupt business activities in cases where plumbing is done in commercial areas. This is so since the plumbing system would be under floors or under structures which would be removed first for the repair to take place. Trenchless sewer will in contrast not disrupt any activity as it does not entail any forms of excavation.
• Use of traditional sewer method is time consuming hence making it so unpleasant for use. Digging of trenches and then filling them up again after repair will consume much of unnecessary time. On the other hand, trenchless sewer repair works on any breakage at the specific without digging of the trench.
• Trenchless sewer repair is environmentally friendly as it doesn’t interfere with any natural habitat. This is as compared to the traditional sewer repair which will destroy the natural habitats like through cutting down of trees and plants removal. In addition, traditional sewer repair will add debris, dirt, and silt at the places where the trench.
• Trenchless sewer repair is a cost-effective method compared to the traditional repair method. This method will save much of your energy, time and efforts on the repair. Alternatively, the traditional method from its complexity makes it’s too expensive and ineffective to use.
• Different materials are used in repairing of leaks and bursts in these methods. This makes the durability in both methods to vary. Trenchless sewer repair usually uses long-lasting materials compared to the traditional sewer repair. This, therefore, makes it more preferable compared to the traditional sewer repair.

Trenchless sewer repair is seen to be more advantageous than the traditional sewer repair. This is from its improved techniques in repairing your leaks and breakages in the plumbing systems. Due to being used to the traditional sewer repair method, most people have remained in its usage despite the limitations which accompany it. Trenchless sewer repair is more advantageous; taking less time, cost-effective and durable enough hence the need to implement it in repair for the sewers. In repair, ensure that you get a qualified plumber used in use of trenchless sewer repair method.

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FAQ About Water Leak Detection

The frequently asked questions on water leak detection include the following;

What leads to water leakage?

Water leakage occurs due to many factors which contribute to the leaking. Some main causes of water leakage include; corrosion, increase water pressure, poor installations break led by accidents like drilling, poor soil conditions, and deterioration of the plumbing systems.

What amount of water can I lose in a water leak?

The amount of water leaking will vary depending on the size of the pipe, the pressure under which the water is subjected and the size of the break. The higher the size of the break, pipe and increased pressure will lead to increased amounts of water loss which might lead to increased water bills.

Do I know if I have a water leak by myself and how can I detect instances of the water leak?

Yes, you can detect a water leak by yourself without necessarily having a plumbing expert. Nevertheless, at some points, you may need the expert where the leak detection is difficult. Below are some ways in which you can detect a water leak;

•  Increase in water usage through increased water bills than your usual usage.
• Meter reading positive usage of water while all water devices are turned off.
• Cracks on your walls and floors.
• A decrease in the water pressure in the flow of your water devices like taps.
• Wet and moldy floors in your concrete building.
• Changes in water purity including dirt in water would mean that there is a water leak.

What are the ways used in locating the specific area of a leak by the plumbing company?

Different methods can be used in locating a leak and a break in the plumbing system. Current methods are used with the latest technology used to avoid many expenses related with the traditional methods, which focused on the trial and error basis. This latter consume more time as well as cause damage to property. Some current methods used by the plumbing company include; noise correlators, helium detection pressure testing, video detection and use of infrared heat detection. These methods provide accurate areas for the leak detection.

What will be the costs of locating a leak?

There are differences in the rates used in the location of a leak which will be based on the location, length, residential or even commercial locating of the leak. Contacting the plumbing company will give you the estimate which you require.

Is there information necessary for the location of a water leak?

Yes, you need some information for a successful specific location. The plumbing company will take some information before locating the leak such as the location of the plumbing system, the types of pipes used, the diameter of the pipe, and any other necessary information for use.

Will the plumbing company repair the leak?

Some plumbing company offers leak repairing but they really don’t have that service. What they do is redirect you a to reputable and licensed plumbing contractors you are sure to receive high-quality services from.

What can distract water leak detection?

Water leak detection can be distracted by many issues that could interfere with water flow. The main cause of distraction would be led by the presence of noise that lead to the changes in water vibrations. In addition, distraction might be caused by use of water in time of detection.

What is the best method I can use to detect water leak by myself?

The best method to detect a water leak on your own would be checking up your water meter. Turn off all water appliances and then check whether the water meter is reading a positive water usage. If the meter keeps reading that there is water flow while you have all your water devices turned off, definitely there is a water leak.

What do I expect if I don’t fix the water leak now?

The leak will lead to more damage than you would think of.  Ensure you repair the water leak as soon as possible to ensure no more damage occurs. In addition, water bills will always rise as unused water reads from the meter.

What if I had a previous repair and still there is water leak detection?

If you had done repair previously and noticed water leak detection, please consider re-piping as the plumbing system would be vulnerable of having other future water leaks as it would have been completely corroded.

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How to Detect a Slab Leak

Are you worried about leaks available in your concrete walls? Or are you suspecting of slab leak? Then this is the best place for you. In this article, I will cover slab leak detection and repair. Slab leaks would lead to frustration of the homeowners as some move to the extent in which they cannot be easily noticed. Detecting slab leaks at the soonest time possible will be essential as this will save you from many consequences which would, otherwise, cost you more.

In addition, we shall get the know-how on slab leak repair to avoid spillage of water in your building.

Signs of a slab leak

a)      Increased water bills

Have your water bills increased above the normal average bills you are used to? Then you are probably a victim of  slab leak. Though increased water bills doesn’t necessarily mean that it is always due to slab leak, always check the possibility. Seek professional assistance once noticed  as increased water bills indicate a leakage occurring.

Leaks occurring in your hot water pipes create hot spots in the floor. It also makes you water heater work overtime leading to increased gas bills.

b)     Wet carpets and water on the floor

Instances in which you find wet carpets are high indications of slab leaks which should be checked and repaired very quickly. Rooms with tiles will be observed to have water on the floor between the tiles. If not repaired early enough, the slab leak would go to the extent of damaging your building foundation.

c)      Cracks on the walls and the floors

Are your walls cracking and moisture leaking into your house? Then check for a slab leak to avoid more damage. A slab leak saturates your foundation which then concurrently leads to cracking of your floors and walls. Cracks will be observed inside or outside the building and, in most cases, moisture will come out of the cracks giving a clear indication of a slab leak.

d)     Excessive moisture under carpets

In case you notice the presence of mildew or molds under your carpet, there would be a high probability of slab leak in your building. The moisture under the carpet will then be accompanied by a weird odor. This necessitates for a check up, which requires the carpet to be removed and check the areas where the moisture is concentrated.

e)      Water meter check

This will be done by constantly checking your water meter reading. To identify a slab leak, turn off all water devices you might be using and then after a while check the reading of your water meter. If the water levels being used still increases, then it is a clear indication that you have a water leak.

f)       Unpleasant odor in your house

Slab leaks will lead to unpleasant odor which is an unusual smell that comes from the moisture that has concentrated on the walls. In addition to this, stains will be observed on your walls especially if you had your wall painted with a white. This has to be checked and repaired to prevent further damage to your wall.

g)      Running water sound when water devices are turned off

In this, ensure that all water devices are turned off. Then, listen whether you can hear water that is running but while the water devices turned off. In case you noticed that water is running, there is a high probability of a slab leak which needs to be checked to avoid a further leak.

In case you find out the presence of a slab leak in your building, it will be necessary to repair it otherwise the slab leak would lead to several damages in the building. A slab leak is difficult to avoid in the long-run, the pipes used in the plumbing systems corrode and break down hence the need for maintenance. The use of state of the art technology will be used in the detection of a slab leak at a very accurate manner and reduce the further damage of your property while checking for a slab leak.

After the leak is identified, slab leak repair should implemented as soon as possible. The process may include; spot repair which excavates an area to repair the leaking pipe, rerouting the plumbing system, epoxy pipe coating and direct access to the water companies to ensure clean water which prevents collision of the plumbing systems.

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15 Ways to Keep Your Home’s Plumbing in Optimal Condition Year Round

Tired of dealing with leaks, unpleasant odors, and other plumbing annoyances? While it’s usually impossible to prevent every plumbing issue through maintenance, taking care of your plumbing system can cut down on your risk of dealing with annoyances and costly repairs.

From preventing frozen pipes to avoiding chemical-based damage to your pipes, we’ve listed 15 ways to keep your home’s plumbing in an optimal condition below. All of these tips are quick, easy and require no plumbing expertise, making them ideal for yearly preventative maintenance.

Avoid using store-bought drain cleaning chemicals

Got a blocked drain? While store-bought chemicals might seem like the best option, the reality is that they’re far from good for your drains. Over time, the chemicals used in drain cleaners erode your pipes, increasing the risk of your home’s plumbing system experiencing a leak.

If you’ve got a blocked sink, shower or drainpipe, a better solution is to contact a plumber. Most of the time, they’ll be able to remove the blockage and solve the problem without needing to use corrosive chemicals.

Clean minor blockages using enzyme-based cleaners

Feel like clearing out a blocked pipe by yourself? If you’d prefer not to call in the experts and want to remove a blockage by yourself at home, switch out the conventional chemicals for a natural, enzyme-based pipe cleaning solution.

Enzyme-based cleaners use natural bacteria to soften and free clogs in your pipes. While they aren’t quite as effective as harsh chemicals, they’re more than suitable for minor blockages and produce much less wear and tear on your pipes.

Run a small amount of water to avoid frozen pipes

Worried about frozen pipes this winter? One of the easiest ways to avoid frozen pipes is to keep a small amount of water running from your kitchen or bathroom faucet throughout the night and day, which keeps a stream of water running through your home’s pipes at every moment.

Prefer a less wasteful solution? If you live in an area with cold winter weather, consider investing in plumbing insulation to keep your pipes warm and protected from the cold.

Pay attention to common signs of a leak

From damp spots on your flooring to rings on the ceiling of your home, a variety of signs tend to appear as leaks develop. Staying on top of these signs and acting quickly helps you fix leaks as they appear, reducing the risk of long-term damage to your home.

Leaks can quickly develop from minor inconveniences into major problems, making it important that you act quickly. If you notice any of the signs of a leak, contact an expert plumber and have the leak repaired as soon as possible.

Older home? Consider replacing your pipes

Pipes are one of the most common points of failure in older homes, particularly homes built 30 to 40 years ago. Generally, older pipes are more likely to incur damage than new pipes. They also tend to be less efficient and capable of withstanding changes in temperature.

If you live in an older home without a recently updated plumbing system, replacing your pipes could be a good decision that helps you avoid common plumbing issues.

Use a water softener to avoid hard water

Many parts of the US have a problem with “hard water.” That is water that’s overly rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This can make your water less pleasant to bathe in while increasing the level of strain on your plumbing system.

If your area has an issue with hard water, consider buying a water softener. These devices reduce the level of calcium and magnesium in your home’s water supply, resulting in more pleasant water for you as an end user and a reduced level of strain on your pipes.

Memorize the location of your home’s shutoff valves

Do you know where your home’s shutoff valves are? From leaks to overflows, shutoff valves let you quickly shut off the supply of water to your home and minimize the amount of damage from common plumbing issues.

If you haven’t already done so, take a minute or two to memorize where the shutoff valves for your home are located. In the event of a plumbing problem, the knowledge could save you a huge amount of money in the form of prevented damage.

Notice a bad smell? Solve it as early as possible

A bad smell emanating from your toilet, shower or kitchen sink can often indicate a damaged or completely broken pipe that’s not draining properly. In some cases, it can even be an early sign of a serious leak that could cause damage to your home.

Instead of opening a window to reduce the intensity of the smell, act quickly by calling an expert plumber to diagnose the problem and complete a repair. This way, you’ll reduce the risk of leaks and other odor-resulting damage leading to serious property damage.

Avoid flushing all women’s sanitary or hygiene products

Want to reduce your risk of dealing with a blocked toilet? Keep a simple rule: other than human waste, the only thing you’re allowed to flush down the toilet is toilet tissue. No sanitary pads or tampons and no contraceptives – nothing but waste and tissues.

Following this rule is a great way to avoid the most common causes of toilet blockages, helping you reduce the total amount you spend maintaining your home’s plumbing system over the long term.

Check cupboards, storage areas, and other locations regularly for leaks

Leaks can develop without you noticing, often inside cupboards and other storage areas that are hidden from view.

If you’re concerned about potential leaks, it’s a good idea to open your cupboards and storage areas every one to two weeks to check for moisture. A small buildup or water or extra humidity can often signal a leaking faucet or damaged pipe.

Frequent leaks? Try lowering your water pressure

Believe it or not, leaky faucets and damaged pipes can often be the result of excessive levels of water pressure. Over time, the extra pressure can wear downpipes, faucets, shower heads and other items, causing them to develop leaks.

If you frequently get leaks at home, reducing your water pressure could be the optimal solution, particularly if you live in an older home with plumbing that’s been subjected to several decades of wear and tear.

Memorize the location of your sewer valve

Dealing with a clogged sewer line? Instead of wasting valuable time asking a plumber to search for it (potentially at your own expense), it’s worth memorizing the location of your sewer valve so that you can quickly point the plumber in the right direction.

Doing so won’t only save you time, it could also result in a cheaper plumbing bill due to lower labor time.

Reduce your water usage

Another easy way to reduce your likelihood of dealing with plumbing problems is to reduce your level of water usage. Less water consumption means less wear and tear on your pipes, faucets and other plumbing equipment, saving you money in the long term.

This means switching from long showers to shorter ones or using the dishwasher every second day instead of every day. Small decisions like these can have a surprisingly large effect on your water consumption, helping you save money and reduce long-term plumbing wear.

Keep track of your water heater

Water heaters, in particular, conventional tank heaters do require a significant amount of ongoing maintenance to remain in good condition. Over time, sediment can build up inside a tank heater, increasing the amount of wear on the tank and making maintenance essential.

From noises to an increase in sediment in your water, there are numerous signs that your tank heater needs maintenance. Keep track of these signs and you’ll be able to tackle problems as soon as they appear, helping you avoid more costly repair bills.

Not sure what to do? Call in the experts

Finally, one of the best ways to keep your home’s plumbing system in optimal condition all year is to leave most problems to the experts.

From blocked drains to leaks, it’s usually best to call in a plumber instead of trying to solve your plumbing problems on your own. This way, you’ll get expert quality repairs without the same risk of damaging your home’s plumbing system through a DIY repair.

Would you like to speak to an expert plumber? Contact us now to talk to a member of our team and learn more about our plumbing services. We’re available 24/7 to provide instant service for plumbing emergencies and urgent situations.

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