Benefits of a Private Sewer Line

By //  by 

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

By //  by 

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

By //  by 

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.

Should You Have Water Heater Repair or Replacement?

By //  by 

Timely water heater repair & replacement is critical for homeowners. Your water heater is responsible for as much as 16 percent of your home’s energy usage, and that number increases when water heaters begin to lose their functionality. Some things that go wrong can be repaired, but other problems indicate that it may be time to replace your water heater. These useful tips will help you make that decision.

Watch Your Energy Bill

Older water heaters become less efficient for a variety of reasons, including sediment buildup on the water heater components and ordinary wear on the heating system. As the system loses efficiency, it takes longer for water to heat and more power to achieve the same temperature. The failing components can be replaced in some cases, but if your water heater is more than 10 or 15 years old, you should contact a plumber.

The 50 Percent Rule

This simple rule of thumb can be used in many areas of home repairs. The idea is that any time the cost to repair an item, including water heaters, is more than 50 percent of the cost to replace it then replacing the item is the best course of action. This rule of thumb can help you avoid thousands of dollars of repair bills for repeat rooter service for repairing similar damages and system failures. 

Repetitive Repairs

Whether the cost of repair exceeds 50 percent or not, it is a good idea to replace the water heater if you find yourself making repairs to the plumbing system frequently. Each repair visit adds to the overall cost of maintaining your equipment, and several trips in a 90 day period indicate that you have a more serious underlying problem. Instead of throwing more and more money at repairs, have your household contractors replace the unit and be done with the problems. At some point, the water heater will break down completely, and you’ll run out of hot water.

Water Heater Age

Water heaters are not designed to last forever. Even tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of around 15 years, and ordinary tanked water heaters are only rated for around 10 years. By this time, the interior of the tanks has a lot of sediment buildup that prevents efficient water heating, and other components, including the thermostat, are nearing their expected failure point. If your water heater is 10 or more years old, replacing it will save you money in the long run.

Your water heater service should always be provided by plumbers who are licensed and insured. This provides you additional protection in the event of a leak or burst pipe while repairs are in progress, and assures you that the job is being performed by an experienced and reputable contractor.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating — Water Heater Repair & Replacement

For assistance with your water heater, contact Ehret. Co Plumbing & Heating through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292. We provide professional and quality service for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water heater repair & replacement service.

Tree Root Invasion: How to Protect Your Sewer Line From a Costly Problem

By //  by 

When residential plumbing services inspect your clogged pipes, they look at the pipes extending into your yard to check for invading tree roots. Tree roots can cause long-term damage that requires intensive repair, so save yourself the cost and hassle of rooter service by following the preventative tips below.

1. Don’t plant trees near your pipe lines

The only way to guarantee your pipes won’t get invaded is by planting trees far from them, or planting nearby trees with small root systems that won’t break pipes. The safest trees for pipes are often small or have slow growth like the mediterranean fan palm and Carolina buckthorn. The worst trees to plant near pipes include the sycamore and elm. If invasive trees are already growing along your pipelines, you can install wood/metal barriers at least 6-12 inches deeper than the pipe to create a barrier.

2. Use carbon sulfate crystals for minor invasion

For drains that clog frequently, you can flush carbon sulfate crystals down a toilet (but not a tub or sink). Fifteen days later, any minor root invasion should be dissolved. Any remaining clogging could be caused by more severe invasion, but don’t use any more carbon sulfate. It isn’t environmentally friendly and too much can be toxic to your pets and family.

3. Contact residential plumbing services for root removal

Though you can use DIY techniques for clearing minor root invasions, the roots will grow back and you’ll have to repeat the process. Only residential plumbers, like Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating company, can provide these long-term solutions:

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting blasts pipes clear with high-pressure water spray that can remove additional obstructions, such as early-stage clogs, leaving your pipes clearer than before the roots invaded. However, roots can still find their way in, as tree roots can sense nourishment through any size breech in your pipes. Your plumber might seal the openings or treat your pipes with a poison that deters future root growth.

Pipe Replacement

Sometimes your only choice is to replace the pipe. In most cases, you can use trenchless sewer replacement. This service inserts a narrower pipe into the old pipe or dismantles the old pipe with a pipe of the same size or wider. Once the new pipe is installed, you’d do well to remove the offending tree.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating — Residential Plumbing Services

For assistance with tree root invasion, contact Ehret. Co Plumbing & Heating through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292. We provide professional and quality service for residential and commercial properties.