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.

Benefits of a Private Sewer Line

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Having a private sewer line can reduce your need for rooter service. Shared sewer lines increase the workload on the septic system, reducing the likelihood of problems like drains not flowing properly, pumping out septic systems, and more. To illustrate, here are some common benefits of a private sewer line, and why having one can save you money.

Less Maintenance

Reducing the number of people using the sewer line has a direct impact on the amount and type of plumbing service you may need. Fewer clogs and faster drains are 2 examples, but reduced maintenance may also mean fewer pump-outs, and that can save you a bundle.

Faster Troubleshooting

With a private sewer line, it is easier to locate problems when they occur. Plumbing technicians only have to work with a single sewer main connected to the septic or sewer main, and that allows them to isolate problems and perform tests efficiently. By contrast, shared sewer lines increase the potential source of a problem and may require performing the same tests multiple times before the problem is located.

Fewer Clogged Drains

Fewer people using the same sewer line means that you have fewer clogs. This is especially true as more sinks, tubs, and showers are added to the system, resulting in more hair, solid waste, and unwanted material such as grease and food waste. Each call you have to make for plumbing services is another bill that has to be paid, so a private sewer can save a lot over the course of a year.

Septic Vs Sewer

Depending on your location, you may be using a shared sewer line that feeds into the municipal sewer system, or a shared line connected to a tanked septic system. If you must use a shared line, municipal sewers are a better alternative, because septic systems can easily be overloaded by multiple users. Sewer lines can still clog, break, or have other issues, but they won’t require pump-outs or cause the drain field to become saturated, resulting in a failed septic system.

Trenchless Sewer Benefits

If you are thinking about having a private sewer line installed, it may be worth considering using a trenchless sewer line replacement. A Trenchless system typically only requires a small hole at one or both ends of the line and can be installed beneath existing foundations, driveways, and other permanent fixtures that would have to be removed and then replaced using traditional ditch-based sewer installation.

When you think about it, a private sewer line is preferable to a shared line in almost every application. You won’t have to worry about who is responsible for a given problem, and there will be fewer problems to locate and repair. Besides, modern sewer lines tend to be for single residences and businesses anyway, so if you are using a shared line it is very likely that the line is beginning to age. In this situation, replacing the old line before it fails may already be in your future.

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.

Signs You Need a Plumbing Inspection

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You may need to have a licensed rooter service perform a household plumbing inspection if you notice any of the telltale signs of problems in your sewer lines. Faulty sewer lines can cause major problems, including damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. Problems should be identified and corrected as soon as you suspect a problem with your sewer drains to prevent costly additional repairs.

Noisy Pipes

If you are hearing strange sounds coming from your drains, rattling sounds in the walls, or other unusual noises when sinks, tubs, or appliances are draining it is a sign that you should have a rooter service perform a plumbing inspection. Gurgling sounds typically indicate a clog or blockage forming in the sewer line, causing water to back up in the line and “gurgle” through the reduced pipe diameter. 

Interior Leaks

Wet floors, ceilings, or walls, are a possible signal that there is a leak in your plumbing. Once you have ruled obvious spills or other activities that may be responsible, schedule a plumbing inspection with your home plumbing contractors to find the cause and make arrangements for repairs. Depending on the cause of the leak, your plumbing issues can be corrected in as little as one day.

Exterior Wet or Excessively Lush Spots

Only a full-service rooter service can handle every problem revealed by a home plumbing inspection. Sewer problems may have been developing for a long time and may be indicated by a perpetually wet place in your lawn, or a specific area that seems to grow greener and faster than the surrounding area. Slow-developing leaks can be related to many things, including tree roots penetrating the line or the settling of a driveway slab. Repairing problems of this sort may require trenchless sewer replacement that is only available from an experienced plumbing service.

Slow or Non-Flowing Drains

Drains that release water slowly or completely stop flowing indicate a clog of some sort in your sewer lines. This can be caused by everything from tree roots to an excessive amount of tissue or a foreign object flushed down the toilet. It is important to find the problem as soon as possible because a clogged sewer line can lead to additional damages such as mildew, “soft” drywall, or deteriorating floors.

Offensive Odors

If you are noticing bad odors near sinks or drains, it might be a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection. Offensive smells may be the result of waste collecting in the sewer line and creating odors as the decomposition process takes place. Appliances such as the clothes or dishwasher may exhibit these odors as well. 

The importance of tending to sewer problems as quickly as possible cannot be overstated. What seems like a minor issue today could very easily become a flooded basement tomorrow. By getting a plumbing inspection at the first sign of trouble, you may be able to solve the problem through an ordinary and inexpensive rooter service.

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.

Preparing Your Bathrooms for a Long Vacation Away from Home

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It can be disheartening to return from vacation only to discover your sewer lines are clogged, a water line has broken, or some other type of rooter service is required. To save you time and money, here are a few things you can do to guard against water and sewage problems when you are away from home. Note that it is still a good idea to have a friend or relative check on things if you will be gone a long time.

Clean and Disinfect

It is important to clean and disinfect everything in your bathrooms before leaving home for a period of time. Even a weekend away from home gives mold and mildew an opportunity to grow unfettered and longer trips can have even bigger problems. Clean everything from your toilet bowl and tank to your shower stall and sinks. Keep in mind that the other sinks and showers in the home need the same degree of cleaning.

Shut Off the Water

After cleaning up the area, you should also turn off the water to guard against leaks and freezes while you are away. This step isn’t necessary for a short getaway, but if you will be gone a week or more it is a good practice to get into. It’s best to turn off the water main but if you have appliances like an ice maker that need water regularly you can still turn off the water to your bathroom toilets.

Empty the Tank

After the water is shut off, flush the toilets a few times to empty the water out of them. It is rare for a toilet tank to spontaneously begin to link, but it could happen, especially if you live in an area that is prone to seismic disturbances. Don’t worry about any residual water in the tank. It won’t be enough to be a major problem.

Add Antifreeze

If you are traveling during the winter months, the biggest plumbing issue to worry about will be frozen pipes. Turning off the water main is the best protection against burst pipes, but tanks, traps, and drains can freeze during an extended power outage. The solution is to use marine antifreeze, which does not contain harmful chemicals or create the noxious fumes of regular antifreeze. Add a little to your toilet bowl, and an ounce or so to every drain, from the shower to your kitchen sink.

For Long-Term Absence

If you will be away for a month or more, it might be a good idea to work out a plan with a family member, friend, or neighbor to perform some regular activities. In addition to checking the mail and mowing the lawn, inspecting your plumbing is a great idea. If you were able to turn off the water main that won’t be a big deal, but if the house has water pressure,it will benefit you to find out about a problem expeditiously.

It is far more cost-effective to prevent plumbing problems while you are on vacation. The consequences of not taking a proactive stance could include having to make an emergency call to your local rooter service, and that is an unappealing way to end your holiday.

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.

DIY Checklist for Your Annual Household Plumbing Inspection

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An annual household plumbing inspection is an important part of homeownership. During the inspection, you can make repairs yourself or note items that require a professional home contractor. These repairs prevent leaks, burst pipes, and avoid having to pay for more extensive home repairs related to water damage.

– Drains

Begin your inspection in the bathroom. Inspect your bathtub, shower, and sink drains for damage or clogs. If the water seems to flow out slower than it should, that may be an indication of a clog forming in the P-trap or elsewhere in your plumbing line. Some clogs can be corrected by the homeowner but others require specialized equipment and more in-depth knowledge of plumbing systems.

– Faucets and Hose Bibs

Look for leaks around all faucets, and make the necessary repairs. In some cases, hose bibs wear out and must be replaced to stop the leak. Faucet and hose bib leaks indicate worn valves that need rooter service. If you can’t find a leak but your bathroom smells bad, check if your wood or flooring is soaked.

– Valves

There are a variety of valves in your home plumbing system. Every faucet will have at least one, and usually two if that fixture provides hot water. Leaking valves are the cause of leaks around faucets, at pipe junctions, and near your water heater. In most cases, valve replacement should be left to professionals.

– Filters and Aerators

Remove the aerator filters at your sink faucets and clean or replace them. Clogged aerators may cause the water to run more slowly from the faucet or result in unusual water streams as it emerges from the aerator. Filter and aerator cleaning can be done by the homeowner or included as part of a full-service household plumbing inspection performed by plumbers.

– Water Heater

Your water heater is an important part of a household plumbing inspection checklist. A water heater should be flushed out at least once a year to remove sediments that accumulate in the tank. You can connect a garden hose to the water heater drain outlet and flush the system yourself, but leaving the job to professionals will avoid many potential problems including water spillage.

– Water Heater Temperature

If the water from your water heater doesn’t seem to be as hot as it used to be, it may be time to replace the thermostat or heating anode. This part is submerged in the tank and provides heat in the heater system. Over time, sediment buildup on the metal rod will prevent it from working properly or lead to other water heater problems. This type of repair is typically performed by a licensed contractor.

A household plumbing inspection is not especially difficult, but it does require extensive knowledge of how the household plumbing is piped and where individual parts of the system are located. If the task seems daunting or confusing, you always have the option of hiring a plumbing specialist to perform the inspection and related repairs for you.

Household Plumbing Inspection — 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.