If you’re a homeowner, or are thinking of buying a home, and you need a sewer line replaced , consult an emergency plumber near Northridge, CA. Common causes of sewer line damage include tree roots breaking into the sewer line, shifts in soil and foundation, and sewer lines made of less reliable materials. When you call your plumber about replacing your sewer line, he or she will typically ask about these three cost-influencing, issues.

Finding the Main
When your plumber asks you to “find the main,” he means the city sewer line that connects to individual houses’ sewer lines. Typically, you can find the main by locating a manhole cover on the road outside your home. Depending on where it’s located on the road—your side, opposite side, or middle—the price to replace your sewer line may be affected.

Finding the House Trap
Next, your plumber will ask you where your house trap is. This pipe is usually in the shape of a U and will be located in your yard or basement. You should be able to spot it by one or two visible caps that connect to the actual trap, which is deep underground. Keep in mind, if the trap is located in your basement, your repair cost might go up in price.

Finding Obstructions
Finally, you’ll look for major obstructions around the line. Trees and concrete porches are the most common culprits for obstructing sewer lines.

Once these few details have been found, your plumber can recommend a course of action. Typically, a plumbing company will offer a free consultation with reputable references. Once you’ve agreed on a price, your plumber might use a sewer camera to determine the exact problem area. Also, ask your plumber about trenchless sewer repair. If your plumbing problem presents as a qualified candidate, your plumber can repair the problem in a few days rather than a week or more, and spare your yard from more damage than necessary.

Garbage disposals and trash compactors are two separate appliances; unfortunately, they’re often used the same. But using your garbage disposal the wrong way can result in clogged drains, chipped blades, and other problems. Watch this video to learn the right way to use your garbage disposal, including information on what you can and can’t put down the garbage disposal.

If you’ve been using your garbage disposal wrong, it’s likely your kitchen drain is full of debris and materials that can be slowing the flow of water out of your sink and into the sewer line. Now that you know how to properly use your garbage disposal, schedule professional drain cleaning with a plumbing services company in Northridge, CA to get your drains clear of clogs and buildups. You might also think about replacing your garbage disposal at the same time to get a fresh start in your kitchen.

Some plumbing issues are unavoidable, but the good news is that most of the common “problems” homeowners will experience are more of an annoyance than a real plumbing emergency. However, that doesn’t mean a major plumbing problems isn’t on the horizon. That’s why homeowners should be diligent in preventing the plumbing emergencies they can control. Although clogged toilets and slow-draining sinks are to be expected at times, here are some things you can do to avoid an expensive plumbing emergency. Even with these tips in hand, it’s still a good idea to have the number of a plumbing services company in Northridge, CA on hand in case a sudden and unexpected emergency does arise.

Watch What You Flush
Toilet back-ups are among the most disgusting and unsanitary plumbing emergencies a homeowner can experience. One of the best ways to keep your sewage flowing in the proper direction is to make sure nothing gets flushed down the toilet that belongs in the trash can instead. Floss, cotton swabs, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products are examples of everyday household items that can build up over time and cause a sewage backup.

Keep Your Drains Clear
Even if you are careful about what you flush down the toilets and pour down the drains, it’s possible that your pipes can develop clogs and buildups over time. Although drain clogs can start out as minor inconveniences, they have the potential to cause major flooding and result in expensive water damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule drain cleaning on a regular basis as part of your home plumbing maintenance routine so you can prevent clogs from developing in the first place.

Replace Old Plumbing
If you live in an older home, consider having your plumbing system replaced or your pipes relined. In either case, investing in pipe replacement or restoration now can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in plumbing repair and water damage renovation costs in the long run. And if your home has galvanized pipes, new pipes can also improve your water quality and water pressure.

Slow-draining sinks? Toilets constantly backing up? Foul odors in your kitchen or bathroom? If so, hydro jetting may be the solution to these and many other plumbing problems you are currently experiencing. The most effective drain cleaning method, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away scale, soap scum, grease, waste, and anything else that might be clogging your pipes. Hydro jetting is more cost-effective than other sewer cleaning options, and much more effective than DIY drain cleaning methods. The results are also longer lasting, since hydro jetting completely blasts clean your pipes.

If you would like to give your home’s plumbing system a deep clean, contact a plumbing services company in Northridge, CA that offers hydro jet sewer line cleaning services . When you call, ask about camera-assisted inspections so you know the plumber will get to the bottom of what’s inside your pipes and make sure to remove anything that could be causing a problem.

Although there was a time in America when galvanized pipes were used extensively in home plumbing systems, they are rarely (if ever) used in newer homes. Part of the problem with galvanized pipes is the fact that they have the tendency to react with minerals contained in the water, which develops scale buildup that can lower water pressure, cause clogged drains, and even affect the water quality in your home. Galvanized pipes can also corrode from the inside out over time, which means cracks and potentially costly water leaks. Although your best option is to have your Northridge plumber repipe your galvanized plumbing system, there might be scenarios in which you simply need to fix a small area of piping. In that case, here are some tips for fixing a galvanized pipe that has become damaged or busted.

Turn Off Water Supply
First, make sure you turn off your home’s water supply. The last thing you want to do is unscrew a fitting or cut off a piece of damaged pipe only to deal with a sudden rush of water inside your home. If you aren’t sure where the water shut-off valve is located, take a minute to find out so you know how to turn off your water supply in the event of a plumbing emergency.

Estimate Condition of Nearby Pipes
Before you proceed with repairs, estimate the condition of the galvanized pipe near the damaged section you are working on. If it appears that other areas of the pipe may soon develop a leak, or if corrosion is very bad, consider getting an estimate on replacement piping services instead. In some cases you might be able to save a lot of money in the long run by replacing galvanized plumbing now instead of paying for multiple plumbing repairs down the line.

Replace the Damaged Section
If you only need to replace a small section of pipe, carefully cut the damaged section out on both sides using a reciprocal saw. Next, screw a female PEX or PVC fitting on both ends. Finally, install the carefully measured piece of PEX or PVC plumbing into the fittings and brush a waterproof sealer on the fittings to prevent leaking.

Some plumbing issues are unavoidable, but the good news is that most of the common “problems” homeowners will experience are more of an annoyance than a real plumbing emergency. However, that doesn’t mean a major plumbing problems isn’t on the horizon. That’s why homeowners should be diligent in preventing the plumbing emergencies they can control. Although clogged toilets and slow-draining sinks are to be expected at times, here are some things you can do to avoid an expensive plumbing emergency. Even with these tips in hand, it’s still a good idea to have the number of a plumbing services company in Northridge, CA on hand in case a sudden and unexpected emergency does arise.

Watch What You Flush
Toilet back-ups are among the most disgusting and unsanitary plumbing emergencies a homeowner can experience. One of the best ways to keep your sewage flowing in the proper direction is to make sure nothing gets flushed down the toilet that belongs in the trash can instead. Floss, cotton swabs, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products are examples of everyday household items that can build up over time and cause a sewage backup.

Keep Your Drains Clear
Even if you are careful about what you flush down the toilets and pour down the drains, it’s possible that your pipes can develop clogs and buildups over time. Although drain clogs can start out as minor inconveniences, they have the potential to cause major flooding and result in expensive water damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule drain cleaning on a regular basis as part of your home plumbing maintenance routine so you can prevent clogs from developing in the first place.

Replace Old Plumbing
If you live in an older home, consider having your plumbing system replaced or your pipes relined. In either case, investing in pipe replacement or restoration now can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in plumbing repair and water damage renovation costs in the long run. And if your home has galvanized pipes, new pipes can also improve your water quality and water pressure.

Do you want to avoid a costly plumbing bill? If so, be sure to keep your drains clear. It doesn’t take much time, energy, or money to keep your drains clear, but it can save you a big headache (and costly repairs) later on down the road. This video explains how you can prevent your drains from developing a clog, and why you should contact a plumber when a clog does develop.

If you want to keep your pipes flowing and avoid major plumbing issues later on down the road, contact a residential plumbing company serving Northridge, CA and the surrounding areas. Plumbers who offer hydrojet drain cleaning services can blast away even the most stubborn blockages from your home’s plumbing system. A plumber might also utilize an inspection camera to get a look inside your home’s pipes, which means he can pinpoint trouble areas in your plumbing and recommend the best services to avoid a major problem later on.

You can find countless resources on the web to help you deal with a clogged bathroom drain, but wouldn’t you prefer to avoid dealing with the problem in the first place? Keeping the water flowing through your sinks and shower drains is actually pretty easy and doesn’t require you to have any real plumbing skills or experience. If you detect the early signs of a blockage in the drains, call your Northridge plumber to prevent the clog getting any worse. That being said, here are some prevention tips that can help you avoid clogged bathroom drains.

Install Drain Screens
A drain screen is only a few bucks at your local hardware store, but it can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and water damage restoration down the road. These screens catch hair and other debris that can get trapped in your pipes. You’ll need to empty the drain screen once or twice a month, but it’s much preferred to dealing with a drain clog that might have been prevented with this simple and affordable device.

Flush the Drain Pipes
Another easy step you can take to keep your home’s pipes flowing like normal is to occasionally pour boiling water down the drains. This helps loosen hair, soap scum, grease, and other gunky deposits that can lead to clogged drains. To really get your pipes clean, pour baking soda down the drain and then flush with hot water and vinegar. Just be cautious of chemical drain cleaners since many of these products are known to damage pipes.

Don’t Ignore Blockage Signs
Drain clogs, like all other plumbing problems, won’t go away on their own. Quite the opposite, in fact; over time, drain clogs will only get worse and lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. That’s why it’s a good idea to contact a plumber in Northridge, CA and schedule professional drain cleaning when you notice the early warning signs of a drain clog .

A burst sewer used to be a nightmare for homeowners to deal with, but then trenchless repair methods came along. Although trenchless repairs aren’t suitable in all cases, this is your best option if you Northridge plumber determines that your sewer problem can be fixed without digging. Just consider these benefits of trenchless sewer line repair and replacement :

• Trenchless sewer repair only requires two small holes to be dug, which means your landscape will remain intact and look great after your plumber finishes up
• No large trench digging means a faster sewer repair, so you can get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible after your sewer line bursts
• Trenchless sewer repairs are also considerably less noisy and disruptive than traditional repair methods, which will keep your family and your neighbors happy
• The speed and ease of trenchless sewer repair means no heavy equipment and less labor, which translates to lower total repair costs

Although there are worse plumbing emergencies than clogged drains, a blockage in your home’s pipes can cause all sorts of headaches. Depending on where the clog is located and how bad the blockage is, a clogged drain has the potential to cause flooding or sewage backup that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to clean up. To help you maintain your home’s pipe, here’s a look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for clogged drains, including a word on when you should call a plumber in Northridge, CA for professional drain cleaning.

Clogged Drain Symptoms
Ignoring a clogged drain will only lead to bigger problems down the road, so it’s important that you learn to recognize the early warning signs so you can take steps to clear the blockage from your pipes. Slow draining sinks or a gurgling sound in your toilet are two of the most common early symptoms of a clogged drain. Water unexpectedly appearing in the bathtub when doing laundry is another sign of a clog in the main line.

Causes of Drain Clogs
There are lots of reasons why your home’s plumbing can get clogged . The most common culprits include hair, soap scum, grease, oil, and mineral build-up associated with hard water. Pipes can also develop clogs after becoming corroded, which most commonly occurs as the result of salts, sulfates, and other contaminants in the water.

Home Remedies
If you catch a clog early enough, you might be able to clear it easily enough on your own. One common home remedy for treating clogged drains is pouring baking soda down the drain and flushing with hot water and vinegar. Try to avoid chemical cleaners since many frequently lead to pipe corrosion.

Professional Drain Cleaning
For stubborn drain clogs, professional drain cleaning is the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to remove whatever blockage has developed in the pipe. Plumbers in Northridge, CA that specialize in drain cleaning services typically utilize high-powered water jets (known as hydrojets) to blast soap scum, hair, mineral deposits, and other debris from your pipes.