5 Situations Where Trenchless Sewer Replacement is the Best Choice

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Fixing sewer problems with trenchless sewer replacement is a faster, simpler, and more appropriate solution than traditional trenched repairs. In some cases, trenchless may be the only logical solution. If you are considering having your sewer lines replaced, take a look at these 5 situations where trenchless sewer lines are the best option.

1. Protect Your Landscaping

If your existing sewer lines run beneath established landscaping, a trenchless sewer replacement will preserve your landscaping investment. It should also be noted that long-established landscaping– especially trees and shrubbery– is the primary cause of sewer line damage resulting from the slow penetration of powerful root systems.

2. Under Your Foundation

Traditionally, replacing the sewer lines beneath your foundation entailed expensive concrete removal, hand-digging, and more. With trenchless replacement, two holes are dug at each end of the installation, and special equipment drills beneath the foundation to insert new lines. The final costs are often much lower than the older, labor-intensive method. Consulting with a qualified plumbing contractor will help you determine which replacement method works best for your situation.

3. Crossing Paved Areas

Unless you want to have your driveways and sidewalks cut out and then patched afterward, trenchless sewer lines are the best way to put new pipes under existing pathways. A common example is when a patio or paved courtyard has been installed over the original plumbing lines.

4. Limited Sewer Access

There are a lot of reasons that plumbing contractors may not be able to get to the area for traditional ditch-based sewer lines. Renovations and household additions that have been built since the original lines were installed, lawn decorations, fixed storage buildings, and other construction are typical. Because a trenchless sewer system only requires 2 access points, it can eliminate extensive tear-down and rebuilding.

5. Municipal Tie-Ins

As cities expand, sewer systems get upgraded and older septic tank systems are replaced with municipal sewer lines. When this happens, new sewer lines need to be installed from the sewer mains to your house, often traversing areas that are difficult or even impossible to reach with traditional trenching equipment. When this happens, trenchless sewer installation is sometimes the only solution.

Trenchless sewers are more versatile than sewers that require long ditches, removal of existing structures, and costly foundation removal and replacement. Even in a situation where a trench system is less expensive at first glance, the additional removal and replacement costs associated with the job can easily make trenchless sewers a more cost-effective solution.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

4 Reasons Your Slow-Flowing Drains Need Residential Plumbing Services

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The first thing to do for a clogged drain– even before arranging residential plumbing services— is to attempt to remove any visible material and then use an ordinary plumbing plunger. If this does not cure the problem, do not attempt to perform any major plumbing repairs on your own unless you have the proper tools and training. Instead, call a residential plumber and have the situation properly diagnosed and repaired.

1. Sewer Line Replacement

There are a number of things that can happen to your sewer lines, including penetration by tree roots, accidental crushing, and the settling of the soil around the lines. Residential plumbing services can repair broken lines or replace them using new technologies like trenchless sewer replacement. Among the key indicators of a sewer line problem are slow-flowing drains, wet spots or standing water, and offensive odors near the defective area.

2. Septic Pump Outs

If you use a septic tank system, it may need to be pumped out more frequently as it ages. Even though most septic tank systems are not designed for household grease, hair, and other contaminants, they end up in the sewer system over time. Grease and hair are particularly troublesome because they can clog the outflow of your septic tank, requiring a pump-out service to renew proper flow. 

3. Aging Drain Field

Another septic tank-related problem that you shouldn’t try to fix yourself happens as your tank’s drain field ages. Plant roots, contaminating materials like grease and hair, and chemicals that counteract necessary biodegradation are all common causes of drain field failure, along with things like crushing drain field pipes accidentally by driving on the area. The only solution for problems of this sort is to remove the damaged area and replace it. Pumping out the septic tank will alleviate the problem for a short time, but once the tank fills up the problem will return.

4. Clogged Drains

Household drains can get clogged with contaminants like those we have already mentioned. A common mistake homeowners make is to pour off-the-shelf acidic chemicals down the drains. These chemicals can dissolve grease and hair, but they can also cause deterioration in sewer lines and may result in severe leaks if the chemicals are used often or improperly. Additionally, objects caught in the sewer lines may not be vulnerable to chemical treatments. The best solution is to have the clogs removed by experienced home plumbing contractors who can identify and address problems using specialized tools and equipment.

Sadly, attempting to fix sewer problems yourself is equally likely to cause additional damages that do not become apparent right away. In the long term, it is more economical to hire plumbing services with the tools and experience to locate the source of the problem and make repairs that will extend the life of your septic system. 

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

5 Things to Look for in a Household Plumbing Inspection Company

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A household plumbing inspection is an important part of buying a home, but you should have one every few years after the closing as well. Keep in mind that not all plumbing inspection companies are the same, however, and work with a company that best suits your plumbing needs.

1. Licensed Contractors

Licensed household plumbing inspectors can repair any problems found during an inspection. They are also authorized to pull any permits and request municipal inspections on the work they perform. Unlicensed contractors can’t get permits or schedule inspections, and that can lead to major problems a few years down the road.

2. Insurance Coverage

Responsible home plumbing contractors carry liability insurance that protects you and your home against faulty plumbing repairs, injuries that occur during the repair process, and more. If you allow an uninsured contractor to perform plumbing repairs, you may not have any recourse if the work does not meet code requirements, uses inferior materials, or results in additional damages. Contractors are licensed to protect property owners and settling for anything less could cost you a lot more.

3. Clean and Courteous

Reputable home plumbing inspectors should be professional in appearance and attitude. Don’t be taken in by contractors who are rude or try to push you into repairs that aren’t necessary. With only a few exceptions, your home plumbing contractor will show up wearing company uniforms, leave the work in a safe and tidy condition at the end of the day, and will always treat you and your family with the respect and courtesy you deserve.

4. Complete Plumbing Services

Ideally, your home plumbing inspectors will also be the contractor who makes the repairs. In fact, an inspector who advises you to seek repairs elsewhere may not be the best choice to perform the inspection at all because they aren’t backed by years of practical experience in plumbing repairs. Finding the source of a problem is only the beginning, and no inspection is complete if they leave your home without addressing the problems they find.

5. Reviews and Testimonials

Look for positive reviews and testimonials from people who have had the same type of work performed. This is an important final step in the selection process because even contractors who are licensed and insured will occasionally turn out to be unprofessional or even dishonest, and their faults will only become apparent by first hand comments from previous customers.

A household plumbing inspection is only the first step in locating and repairing faulty plumbing or sewer systems. Once you have chosen a responsible company, ask them to perform a complete inspection and provide you with a checklist of what has been inspected when the job is done. In some cases, uncorrected problems multiply, so getting a complete picture of what needs to be done may save a lot of money over the course of home ownership.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

What Happens If I Ignore the Need for Water Heater Repair & Replacement?

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It is never a good idea to ignore the signs indicating you need water heater repair & replacement. Minor problems that are not repaired often get worse and may lead to significant repairs. Even worse, what begins with water heater malfunctions can affect your walls, flooring, and more.

Reduced Water Pressure

Older pipes and tanks can become clogged with rust and corrosion. The first signs of trouble may be nothing more than discolored water coming out of the tap or reduced pressure. Ignoring this key indicator may lead to a complete loss of pressure at the tap or dangerous pressure behind the clog. Since your plumbing is only rated for a specific amount, excessive additional pressure has the potential to cause joints or the tank itself to spring a dangerous and damaging leak.

Variations in Water Temperature

There are a few causes for your water to stop heating properly. The heating element is the most common and least dangerous. The most dangerous cause is a bad thermostat on your water heater. And while this may first be noticeable as a loss of hot water, it can just as easily become jammed, allowing the water in the tank to heat far above what the tank is rated for. Although rare, a combination of a bad thermostat and a faulty pressure relief valve may even result in an explosion of boiling hot water.

Creaking and Banging

If your water heater or the pipes connected to it are making unusual noises such as tapping, knocking, or whistling your water heater is telling you that you need service right away. Loose pipes are perhaps the most benign source of tapping and knocking, and even that can become a major water leak at any time. Other sources of unusual noises include a faulty thermostat, worn valves, and over-pressured water. Call a home plumbing service to have the situation corrected as soon as possible.

Water Damage

Bad pipes and water heaters are only the beginning once the situation becomes critical. Water damage can affect everything from your floor joists to your ceilings, causing mold and mildew, turning gypsum to mush, and more. Water damage is expensive and may not be covered on all home insurance policies. On the other hand, having your water heater repaired promptly may be covered by a home warranty.
The key thing is that a faulty water heater is always an immediate concern because it can easily lead to far more dangerous and costly problems. If you have noticed any of these warning signs and haven’t called a home plumbing contractor, time is not on your side.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

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If it is time for water heater repair & replacement, you should consider a tankless water heater instead of replacing that big tank you’ve used for years. Tankless water heaters offer quite a few benefits, from saving energy to hot water on demand. Take a look at these benefits of tankless water heaters, and you will quickly see how upgrading is a great choice.

Instant Hot Water

Plumbing contractors typically install tankless water heaters under a sink or in the attic, or some other location near where the water will be used. That means you get hot water on demand without any long waits as the hot water is pushed from a distant tank. 

Easy Installation

Tankless water heaters take up very little space and are designed to be installed inline. That makes installation fast and easy. Upgrading to a tankless system can be done in as little as a day, so you could be enjoying hot water on demand tonight.

Energy and Water Reduction

Tankless systems do not waste water pumping the hot water from your water tank to the sink the way that a standard water heater would do. That reduces the amount of water you use as well as using less power because you only heat the water you need instead of filling your pipes with hot water that will be cold before it is used.

Space-Saving Design

Not having a tank means your tankless water heater is more versatile. It can be placed in the attic, the basement, or simply installed under your sink. When the old tank has been removed, you will actually reclaim some of your home’s square footage. Hot water on demand and brand new storage space make upgrading an enticing idea.

Longer Lasting

Tankless water heaters can last up to twice as long as a traditional tanked water heater. Tankless water heaters are rated for up to 20 years of trouble-free operation, so your installation will save you money in the long run. Additionally, there are fewer components so you will be able to avoid future repairs such as failed thermostats, bad valves, and more.

You don’t have to wait for your existing water heater to fail before you install a tankless system. If your hot water tank is more than 5 years old, the day that a system component fails is getting closer. Before you wake up to water that just doesn’t get hot anymore go ahead and set up an appointment to upgrade to a new, on-demand hot water system that your family will love.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.