Should I Call a Rooter Service If My Sump Pump Stops Working?

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Sump pumps are a peripheral sort of plumbing device that is typically used to remove water seepage from a basement or other in-ground area. A full-service rooter service can identify problems with sump pumps and make the necessary repairs to get them going again.

Check the Power

If your sump pump is not working at all, you should check the power supply before calling a rooter service. If the unit is plugged in, check the circuit breaker for that outlet, or check the pump documentation to see if there is a circuit breaker or fuse built into the device. If the outlet is working but the pump will not start, a plumbing inspection is the next step. 

Rooter Service for Clogged Drains

A specialized rooter company may not arrive with the equipment needed to repair or replace a sump pump. Rooter companies are focused on clearing clogged drains, pumping out septic tanks, and similar services. Only a full-service plumber can perform those jobs plus anything else related to your plumbing, including sump pumps. On the other hand, if your problem is related to a sump drain that isn’t working, the rooter services may be all you need.

Sump Pump Plumbing Services

Sump pumps may or may not be tied to your sewer lines. In some cases, the pump simply extracts water seepage to a location outside the home. Licensed plumbing contractors can examine your installation and recommend the best course of action before any work is done. For your protection, always make sure that contractors are licensed and insured before they begin work at your home.

Benefits of Home Plumbing Inspections

Home plumbing inspections allow you to locate problems before they become a major ordeal, or isolate the source of a problem when it isn’t easily identifiable. You can think of a plumbing inspector as your first line of plumbing defense. Additionally, most plumbing inspectors are one division of a full-service plumber that can handle repairs and replacements as soon as the need arises.

If you want a rooter service that can diagnose and repair your sump pump, you will have to schedule an appointment with an actual plumbing company or septic service provider. From cleaning out clogged drains to replacing faulty pump mechanisms, a complete plumbing provider will have the equipment and experience to handle all of your plumbing needs and will have your sump pump back in service before you know it.

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 Situations When a Household Plumbing Inspection is Appropriate

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A household plumbing inspection can save you a lot of time and money. Plumbing issues that are not promptly repaired may lead to more expensive problems, and cheap DIY solutions don’t always work as well as expected. Here are 5 symptoms that deserve attention as soon as they pop up.

1. Slow or Clogged Drains

Drains can become fully or partially blocked for a variety of reasons, and a household plumbing inspection is the best way to diagnose your problem and get the correct repairs underway. From exterior damages caused by recent construction, root growth of nearby trees, or interior problems such as hair clogs or toilet stoppages, drains that aren’t flowing properly can cause other problems without prompt repair.

2. Interior Wet Places 

Wet places in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom may be an indication of many types of problems, ranging from broken pipes to the failure of the wax ring under your toilet. Since plumbing problems often occur inside walls or under floors, plumbing inspections are commonly used to identify the source of leaks.

3. Hot Water Issues

If your water heater is misbehaving, schedule a plumber to take a look at it before it fails completely. Water heaters are subject to problems such as failed thermostats, corroded heating elements, and the deterioration of aging water tanks. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, it is approaching the end of its expected longevity, and replacement of the water heater may be more appropriate than repairing individual parts.

4. Foul Odors

Unpleasant odors near sink or tub drains could be an early symptom of serious plumbing issues. Organic material that gets trapped in your drain pipes will decompose over time, releasing gases that are offensive to the nose. If you are noticing bad smells coming from your septic tank or drain field, the problem may be related to an organic imbalance in the tank, a blockage in the drain field, or even sewage pipes affected by tree roots or erosion.

5. Exterior Wet Spots

Another symptom of problems involving sewage pipes and drain fields is the presence of perpetually wet areas in your lawn. Over time, your sewer lines can be broken or pushed out of place, allowing water to escape the lines before reaching the septic tank or sewer main. Having the septic tank pumped out is a temporary fix, and may be necessary before beginning the actual repairs. 

A lot of things can go wrong with a residential plumbing system, and identifying the source of the issue is not always as straightforward as you may think. Home plumbing inspections eliminate the guesswork so the problem can be repaired efficiently, saving you both time and money when compared to trying to make trial-and-error repairs on your own.

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.