Press Releases Archive - About Plumbing Inc.

What Is Sewer Video Inspection Service?

Common Sewer Camera Inspection Services Questions

It's probably no surprise to anyone to hear that sewer lines are buried underneath the dirt and slab of their homesite. While this is the best place for them, accessing them for repairs and inspections can be difficult. Indeed, one of the biggest problems that has always fallen to plumbers is figuring out how to accurately diagnose sewer line problems when they can't see them.

Until recently, inspecting sewer lines wasn't something that could be done. With modern technology, plumbers can now make accurate and detailed inspections of sewer lines regardless of how deep they are under the dirt and concrete of a home. To accomplish this, they use devices called sewer inspection cameras. Here is a quick guide to sewer inspection services and why they can be helpful.

What Is a Sewer Inspection Camera?

Sewer inspection cameras are marvels of modern technology. Combining the utility of a pipe snake and the up-to-the-minute information of high-definition cameras, these devices make inspecting hard-to-reach spaces simple.

A sewer inspection camera is a large tool in a specialized case. The device consists of a long cable reel wound on a spool. A camera and LED are at one end, while the other end plugs into a small LCD screen. The camera is inserted into sewer pipes at inspection cleanouts and fed into sewer lines with suspected problems. As the camera travels down the pipe, the technician can look directly at the pipe walls and look for signs of leaks or sewer line collapses.

When to Call for Sewer Camera Inspection Service?

Sewer inspection cameras are great equipment for diagnosing sewer line problems. However, their main drawback is that they can't find problems in sewer lines if the owner doesn't know when to call for service. Learning to spot the signs that sewer line damage may be present can help owners determine when to call for sewer camera inspection so problems can be found before they get more serious. Some of the signs that indicate sewer camera inspection is needed are:

Frequently clogged toilets
Chronic sewer line clogs
Repeated service calls to get the sewer line snaked or hydrojetted
Wet spots on the lawn
Moisture problems in the floor above a buried sewer line
Bad odors in drains

Keep in mind that sewer cameras need clear pipes to accurately find problems. Often plumbers will clean sewer lines before using their camera so they can see in the sewer line.

Benefits of Using Sewer Camera Inspection

The main benefit of paying for sewer camera inspection is that it can save much money if sewer line repair is necessary. Allowing a plumber to attempt sewer line repairs with nothing but a hunch about the problem is foolhardy and expensive. With sewer inspection services to pinpoint the source of problems, homeowners can get their sewer lines repaired more quickly at a lower cost than conventional repairs.

What Is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. handles sewer video inspection and drain cleaning for residences and businesses. The latest technology allows them to quickly and precisely find sewer line problems to minimize invasive repairs and downtime. Call today for professional sewer solutions in Jefferson County, MO.

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How To Understand and Deal With a Potential Slab Leak

All About Slab Leaks

Many homes are built on what is known as a slab, which is a thick, flat, horizontal piece of concrete that acts as a building’s foundation. Underneath this slab is a network of copper pipes that convey water throughout the home. A slab leak may occur when these pipes get damaged for reasons ranging from corrosion and abrasion to ground shifting.

Most slab leaks on the pressure side of a home’s foundation can usually be detected quickly before they can cause lots of damage. This is because most of the outward signs of a slab leak are apparent when the leak is on this side. It can be trickier to detect a slab leak when it occurs on the drainage side of the foundation. Leaks on this site are usually more subtle and more difficult to spot. Either way, considerable damage can occur in the home if the leak isn’t caught early, so homeowners should know the most common signs of a slab leak.

Watch Out For These Slab Leak Signs

Most slab leaks will introduce themselves in some or all of these manifestations:

Water damage - cracked floors and walls, soaked furniture, and damp, moldy carpets are a sign that water leaks from somewhere. This must be investigated to rule out a slab leak.
High water bill, no visible leak - high water bills are a sure sign of a leak, and if there are none visible above ground, it’s possible that the leak may be occurring underneath it, specifically the pipes under the slab.
Standing water - unusual pools indicate a slab leak, as water collects in strange areas in the home, including, but not limited to, the outside perimeter.
Mold and mildew - mold and mildew indicate that water is coming from somewhere and being retained.
Poor water pressure - plumbing fixtures trickling instead of gushing can mean water is leaking somewhere, possibly from a slab leak.

Potential Dangers of a Slab Leak

Because slab leaks affect a home’s foundation, understanding what it is and its potential dangers becomes an advantage to every homeowner. Knowing what a slab leak is, what the signs are, and how it can damage a home will go a long way in detecting it early so that it can be fixed before it can wreak havoc in the home.

Left unchecked, a slab leak will not only weaken a home’s foundation, causing it to shift, crack and eventually become unsafe for a living but also cause a slew of health problems ranging from mold and mildew inhalation to water damage. Slab leaks can also turn an otherwise safe home into a potential fire hazard, with the possibility of electrocution also becoming imminent if slab leaks are left unrepaired.

Leave Slab Leak Repair To The Pros

The good news is that homeowners don’t have to feel overwhelmed with the potential dangers of a slab leak at home. Professional plumbers are trained not just in slab leak detection but also in diagnosing and repairing these types of problems, which is why homeowners should contact a licensed plumber as soon as they observe any warning signs of a slab leak to nip the problem in the bud and prevent it from becoming the health and safety hazard that it can be.

Trust About Plumbing Inc.!

About Plumbing Inc. is a reliable plumbing solutions provider serving homes and businesses in Jefferson County, MO. The plumbers on their team are knowledgeable and experienced in their field, assuring satisfaction backed by a guarantee to come back and make anything right. With straightforward pricing and friendly yet professional service, About Plumbing Inc. offers effective solutions at affordable prices. Call them today for plumbing services in Jefferson County, MO.

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Sump Pumps: a Flood's Worst Nightmare

What Is a Sump Pump? Do Homeowners Need Them?

During the rainy season, floods seem to have one goal: to destroy homes. But what can homeowners do to protect themselves from these unpredictable weather events? The answer? Get a sump pump.

These devices can differentiate between a close call and a life-changing disaster. When they detect excess water in a basement (or another location), they suck up the liquid and direct it away from the home. This reduces the likelihood of indoor flooding and all the headaches that come with it.

Here, homeowners can learn about these appliances and the many benefits of getting one.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

There are many different types of sump pumps, as discussed later on this page. However, they all work in the same way. Each device comes with a float switch and a pump. As noted, sump pumps are generally in basements or some crawl space.

When the basement or crawl space fills up with water, this activates the float switch. From there, the sump pump starts sucking up all the water, relocating it away from the home. Once the sump pump has removed enough water, the float switch turns off, along with the system.

If more water enters the pit, the system will turn back on. The system must suck up as much water as possible, or the basement or crawl space risks flooding.

The Four Types of Sump Pumps

There are four types of sump pumps, and they include:

Submersible units. These are completely submerged in pits. They’re very good at removing excess water in a short period. Plus, they don’t rust easily, despite constantly submerging in water.
Pedestal sump pumps. Here, the pump is in the sump pit, and the motor that turns on the system is above the water on a pedestal. These offer many cost-saving benefits, and they’re easy to install.
Battery-backup sump pumps. These devices are generally add-ons to larger sump pumps. They ensure that the system kicks on, even during a power outage.
A combination sump pump. These are both primary and backup sump pumps. Homeowners rely on these because they don’t shut off during adverse weather events.

The Many Benefits of Sump Pump Installation

Buying and installing a sump pump is a lot like insurance; it offers protection during heavy rainfall. The three main benefits of having a sump pump include:

Protection against water damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notes that even an inch of standing water can cause $25,000 in damage. With a sump pump, it’s less likely that water damage would occur.
Less mold and mildew growth. Water damage can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth, making a home unlivable. The less time that water’s in a home, the better.
Peace of mind. Nobody wants to worry about flooding every time it starts raining. Sump pumps make it so homeowners can enjoy sunshowers rather than fear them.

Call About Plumbing Inc.

About Plumbing Inc. knows everything about plumbing and maintaining a healthy home. These professionals offer more than sump pump installation. They offer help with clogs, leaks, and other issues, too. Homeowners in Jefferson County, MO, can call today to learn more.

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An Ultimate Guide to Drain Cleaning

What is Drain Cleaning, and Why is it Necessary?

A reliable drain and sewer system is necessary for every home and is one of human history's most important public health developments. When drains fail, people can be exposed to nasty and dangerous materials.

Drain cleaning is the best way to ensure drain and sewer lines are free of clogs. Drain cleaning can be scheduled when a drain shows signs of clogs, or it can be done routinely to ensure the clogs never occur. Here is a guide from local experts to help residential and commercial property owners deal with clogs and keep their drains flowing freely.

When is Drain Cleaning Needed?

Drains and sewers have to handle a variety of wastes with a high level of reliability. Building codes developed over the years have ensured that pipe sizes and pitches reliably sweep away everything from human waste to used dishwater. Over time, the sheer volume of effluent that drains and sewers have to deal with can cause problems that lead to a clogged drain. Some of the signs that drains are having a hard time keeping up with the demand are:

Gurgling noises upon draining
Slow flushing of toilets
Bad odors emanating from sinks
Soiled water backing up into basins or tubs

When these signs are noticed, an emergency is imminent. The best action is to call a drain cleaning professional to remove clogs before they cause a total loss of service and a huge hassle.

Drain Snaking Services

Two main tools drain cleaning specialists will use to unclog a drain. The first is a drain snake. Drain snakes are time-tested tools that allow plumbers to access and remove nasty clogs in pipes that are buried underground. These devices are powerful augers that are fed into clogged pipes. Once the drill has reached the clog, a powerful motor turns a blade to remove stubborn clogs. Debris, like wipes and tree roots, are chewed up by the auger head so that they will flow away as the pipe drains.

Drain snakes are available in a variety of sizes. Home and business owners should purchase small, manual devices to remove hair and debris from smaller drains inside the home. Doing this routinely will prevent serious clogs and exclude more debris from larger pipes where it could cause even bigger problems.

Hydro Jetting Services

A hydro jet is the second option when it comes to drain cleaning. Hydro jets are more modern in design and have quickly become the favored option for routine drain and sewer cleaning. A hydro jet is essentially a pressure washer on the end of a long hose. The pressure head is fed down into clogged pipes where powerful jets cut through clogs and blast grime off the inside of pipes. The result is pipework as clean as the day it was installed. This makes hydro jetting the perfect solution for preventative drain cleaning in homes and businesses.

What is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. specializes in repairing clogged pipes and drain cleaning. Their skilled technicians use drain snakes and hydro jets to deal with emergencies or provide routine drain cleaning before things get serious. Call today for an excellent drain cleaning service in Jefferson County, MO.

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How Can Homeowners Find Underground Leaks?

How To Locate an Invisible Leak

While underground leaks cannot be seen inside the home, homeowners can still find signs of destruction. Puddles of water, a high water bill, and the sound of running water can all indicate an issue with the plumbing system. Leaks need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid mold and costly home damage.

Which Signs Are Important?

Underground leaks can cause physical differences in the outdoors. Small cracks can appear in the foundation if the leak is below a black top or sidewalk. The softer ground may shift. Bulges in the grass or even sinkholes can develop if the problem is neglected.

A decrease in water pressure is one sign that can be spotted from indoors. If a leak is caused by excessive clogging or erosion, this creates a lighter spray in both the bathroom and sink faucets. Low water pressure may require longer showers to feel truly clean. This problem cannot be fixed by purchasing a new showerhead.

Underground water leaks are sometimes heard from inside the home. Unusual hissing noises and the sound of running water are not normal when the plumbing system is working properly. This may indicate damage to the sewer system. Splashing and gurgling noises represent water flow and help plumbers locate the general vicinity of a leak in the walls or floor.

When a home becomes unusually damp, this can give off a foul odor throughout the building. This is usually due to mold or mildew building up under the floorboards. Mold is considered toxic if it is not removed from the premises and can cause several health issues, such as respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea.

If there are puddles of water on the lawn despite sunny weather, a mainline leak may be to blame. Above the leak is usually a patch of grass that is much brighter and overgrown than the rest of the lawn. This is due to the extra nutrients leaking from inside the sewer pipes. A trained technician can locate the exact spot where the line is cracked.

How To Check the Water Meter

A water meter is usually located outside the home near a curb or sidewalk. To check for hidden leaks underground, homeowners can examine the water flow in their plumbing system. If water continues to flow even when the main water valve is turned off, this is a clear sign of leakage.

The asterisk on the meter is supposed to turn when water appliances are in use. This includes washing machines, faucets, and toilets. If the asterisk stops moving when water is no longer in use, this is a sign that the integrity of the pipes has not been jeopardized.

Fixing an underground leak does not necessarily mean plumbers must dig up the yard to replace piping. It means they must use specialized tools to pinpoint the size of the crack and why it occurred.

Leak Detection Services

Water leak detection services find both big and small breaks in the piping. This can be done through acoustic detection, noise correlators, and installation software. A leak detection system is one of the fastest ways to detect leaks.

A leak detection system measures water flow based on a specific household’s water usage. It is designed to understand the busy times and weekly patterns to alert homeowners when there is an irregular flow. This can be used over wifi or an app, depending on the software.

Acoustic leak detection uses microphones to detect moving water. Since copper and steel pipes carry sound long distances, plumbers can diagnose the issue while wearing headphones. Noise correlators are similar in that they use sensory input to detect movement. This automated process responds to the main control unit so leaks can be measured accurately.

Who is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. was founded by Greg Glore, a licensed plumber with over 20 years of experience. To learn more about their plumbing service and straightforward pricing for Jefferson County, MO, call About Plumbing Inc. today.