Plumbing problems can make many shapes and forms, but few issues are as serious and frustrating as a sewer line problem. Fortunately, at the first sign of sewer line trouble, you can rely on a plumber near me and call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. Our plumbers are licensed and highly trained to perform an extensive range of plumbing services such as pipe replacement, leak repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair and more. Our plumbers are highly skilled, trustworthy, and dedicated to delivering top-notch customer service. When it comes to sewer line trouble, don’t wait to contact us for an evaluation and repair solutions.

Why Is Your Sewer Line Important?

Your sewer line plays a central role in your home’s plumbing system. In short, you can’t do without it. The sewer line connects your house’s entire plumbing system to the city sewer system. If this line becomes clogged or damaged, it can’t transmit the wastewater from your home to the main sewer system. So, where’s the wastewater to go when you flush or toilet, wash laundry, or shower? It will either leak out through the broken pipe somewhere out on your property or back up into the house. That’s why it’s crucial to call a plumber near me when there’s even a suspected issue with your sewer line.

Sewer Line Problems

Your sewer line might experience any number of problems. Some might begin as a mild issue; this is the ideal time to call a plumber near me to check it out. Ignoring small signs can quickly result in a major sewer line problem. Here are some common plumbing problems that could plague your sewer line:

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises are an early sign of a developing clog. But gurgling can occur when the plumbing line is local such as near a fixture like a sink or toilet or it can occur in the sewer line. You certainly don’t want to hear it in either case, but sewer line gurgling is a more serious problem.

One sign that the gurgling stems from the sewer line is if you are using one fixture like a shower but there’s gurgling sounds coming from another fixture at the same time. For instance, someone else in the household might hear a toilet gurgle or even bubble when someone else is showering. This is a sign that there could be a clog developing in your sewer line.

Sewer line clogs can develop because of a buildup of debris such as grease, food, paper, or other items that get into the plumbing system and get stuck there. As this debris piles up, it can form a powerful clog. Tree roots can also cause clogs. We’ll talk more about them later.

Keep in mind that though this is an early sign, it’s a sign that demands fast action. If you don’t call a plumber near me soon, you could experience a water backup as soon as the next day. Sewer line gurgling is a problem that needs quick attention.

Soggy Backyard

Another common sewer line problem is a breach in the sewer line. If the pipe has a leak, wastewater can flow into the ground, causing the area above the pipe to become soggy. If the rest of your property is dry and there’s been no rain but there are soggy patches near the area where your sewer line runs underground, you should suspect that there’s sewer line damage and act accordingly.

When wastewater leaks from the sewer line, it’s a definite concern. First, it’s an environmental concern. You don’t want potentially hazardous material getting into your landscape. Secondly, the waste can attract unwelcome pests to your property. No one wants rodents to show up, so if you notice that you have these soggy spots, let a trained plumber investigate.

Lastly, the water that leaks from the pipe could spell bad news for your home’s foundation. It can also make the soil heavier because of the water saturation and that can cause damage to other underground pipes.

Wastewater Backup

If your sewer line develops a clog or suffers damage that prevents the free flow of water, that water that’s supposed to be leaving your home via the toilet, shower, sinks, etc…can return up the line and into your house. The water might back up from floor drains or even fixtures.

When wastewater backs up, it can be a horribly messy problem. The water itself can damage your flooring and drywall. The wastewater also contains dangerous pathogens that you don’t want anyone in your household, including your pets, to be in contact with. Plus, the water can trigger a mold outbreak, which causes more hazards to your household and can be expensive to clean up if you need professional mold remediation.

Sometimes you can’t ward off a wastewater backup, especially if you don’t know that a clog has developed. You might not have heard any gurgling noises. There may be ways to prevent this from happening, but we’ll explore those options in just a bit. If you do experience water backups, you need a plumber near me to come quickly to clear the clog or repair the damage if that’s the issue.

Sewer Line Damage

Sewer lines can become damaged for many different reasons. Sometimes the pipe becomes old, corroded, and brittle. Sometimes tree roots cause damage as they grow in the line. Sewer line damage needs to be repaired. The damage can become worse, leading to a serious risk of backups. A plumber near me can use a camera to assess the damage to the pipe and recommend the ideal fix.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause clogs or damage to sewer lines. Often, when tiny roots infiltrate the sewer line, they cause a clog as they grow. A plumber near me has equipment to cut away these roots to clear the line, but the roots will grow back once they’ve entered. Older pipes are more vulnerable to this problem. Pipe seams can loosen, which allow those tiny roots entry. The roots are searching for nutrients and water, the two elements that your sewer line is rich in. Once they get in, there’s not much you can do except to clear the line or replace your pipe.

Some people use products that flush down the toilet periodically that can kill the roots. You can ask your plumber if this is a good option for you. However, if the tree roots have substantially damaged your sewer line because they’ve grown so thick, you may need to repair the section of pipe they’ve damaged.

What to Do When There’s a Sewer Line Problem

If you have a sewer line issue like those listed above, you should get a professional plumber to evaluate the problem quickly. Sewer line problems generally require immediate attention. If you experience trouble like gurgling noises or wastewater backup, contact a plumber near me from our team right away. We’ll bring the tools and equipment necessary to assess your sewer line issue. Once we determine the cause of the problem, we can recommend the right solution.

How Do Plumbing Pros Resolve Sewer Line Problems?

Plumbers can fix sewer line issues by carefully evaluating the source of the trouble. Clogs are among the most common causes of sewer line backups. They can be caused by a buildup of debris over time or they can be caused by tree root infiltration. Sewer line clogs can be difficult for homeowners to tackle themselves because the clog can be located far from the house. A simple manual auger isn’t going to reach them.

Plumbers have heavy-duty augers that can stretch deep into the plumbing system–50 feet or more. Our plumbing pros have access to the best clog-bust equipment. These are mechanical augers that power through clogs to clear the line. Once the clog is cleared, the debris will flow into the sewer system.

If the plumber determines that the clog is caused by tree roots, they’ll attach a special cutter to the end of the auger. As they run the auger through the line, it will cut the roots, which will then flow out through the pipe. This typically resolves the problem.

Sometimes the issue isn’t a typical debris or tree root clog. If the pipe is damaged, it will have to be repaired before the sewer line functions as it should. The traditional method for repairing or replacing a sewer line, however, is incredibly labor-intensive. It involves digging up the landscape to access the pipe.

Digging up the ground involves the use of excavation equipment. The process can take a few days to complete, meaning that the plumbing system is unusable until the repair or pipe replacement can be accomplished. The cost is more substantial for a project like this because of all the labor involved.

On the other hand, the damage may be of a type that can be repaired by an alternative means. Trenchless sewer line repair could be the key to a less invasive fix. If your sewer line can be repaired using trenchless repair techniques, the plumbing technician can inject a special resin into the pipe. Then, they use a tool to smooth the resin into place along the pipe’s walls, covering sections that have been cracked or breached.

The resin coats the pipe interior and will harden as it cures. Quite literally, the resin becomes a new pipe within the old pipe. For this technique to work, the old pipe must be a viable host for the resin. That means that the damage can’t be so extensive or the old pipe is so brittle that the technique won’t work. Your plumbing pro can tell you if your old pipe is a good candidate for this type of procedure.

Trenchless sewer line repair is a major job, but not nearly as extensive as conventional sewer line repairs using excavation equipment. With trenchless repair, your plumber near me can dig one hole to access the pipe for injecting the resin. Plumbers have various techniques they can apply to perform this technique. If the pipe is crushed, trenchless repairs won’t be an option. Your plumber will need to dig up the pipe and replace the broken section. Depending on the condition of the rest of the line, you might simply opt for an entire sewer line replacement.

The benefit of a new sewer line is that it will be free from tree roots and in excellent condition. Trenchless repair is also known for the high quality of the resin. It’s strong and water-resistant. It makes for a terrific line that can last for decades. Many people find these different techniques confusing. Our plumbing pros can explain the ins and outs of either job as they might apply to your pipe’s situation.

Our Skilled Plumbing Professionals

Our plumbing pros are experienced at sewer line maintenance and repairs. These are repairs that require professionals with proper training and tools for the job. Attempting to make the repairs yourself or contacting a contractor who isn’t a licensed plumber can actually lead to more damage, resulting in more cost.

Our plumbers are known for their high-quality workmanship, friendly service, and experience. We also have a reputation for our fair pricing. If you experience sewer line problems, you can rely on us to resolve them promptly and with the expertise we’re known for.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth’s team to schedule a service call if you hear gurgling or have a water backup situation.

You can also rely on our plumbing pros for other plumbing system maintenance and repairs. We offer emergency plumbing service too. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth to learn more about our services or with your questions.

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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Who Needs Water Filtration Systems?

Maintaining the health of your home is critical, and your water supply is one of the most important to manage with a careful eye. Even if you live in a larger city and have never thought about the water quality, there are still benefits to investing in water filtration systems. These systems work to remove as much of the material from within the water supply as possible, minimizing health risks to your family and helping you to enjoy fresh, crystal clear water.

Signs You Need to Filter Your Water

Understanding the quality of your water is important to your health and well-being and that of your home itself. Many people do not realize there are some key signs that you may need to invest in water filtration systems for your home – and you may have no idea that there are benefits to your health for doing so.

Consider a few warning signs that filtering your water is a good idea. If you are not sure if you need to do this, you can also request a water sample and have a professional help you determine if there is a benefit to doing so. Here are a few warning signs to consider.

#1: Your Water Test Results Are Poor

You can have a professional test your water or use an at-home testing kit. No matter what step you use, any indication that there are materials in your water is not something you should ignore. The key to moving forward here is recognizing that there is a need to test your water.

Consider that in most communities, water goes through older pipes to reach your home. It is treated at the plant with chemicals to remove most of the bacteria from it. Yet, before that, the water may have been contaminated with a wide range of materials. You would not necessarily know what is in it unless you have a water test completed. Your water company may be able to help you, but a third-party water test tends to be the best way to determine what is really in your water.

Even if you live in an area where there is a solid water treatment process in place, a lot of things can happen from the point of leaving the treatment center and coming out of your faucets into your glass. This type of accidental pollution in your water supply is problematic and can lead to a wide range of health complications. There are some cities in the US where the water has been contaminated with lead and other chemicals for years, and no one knew it because no one was testing it within their homes.

If you have that water test completed and you have any issues with the supply of water, do not wait to get help for it. When you are unsure if the water quality is good enough for your family, ask a professional who specializes in this process, such as a trained plumber, who can give you an honest opinion about the needs of your home.

#2: Your Water Tastes Off

There are many situations where you need water filtration systems but have no bad taste present in your water. Other times, you may notice a significant taste in the water at your home compared to what water may taste like somewhere else. In some situations, you may taste chlorine, which is one of the most common additives to help clean water from the original source.

Any type of off-flavor is something to be concerned with, especially if it is new. That indicates that something has changed within the lines and may need a plumber to investigate further. Some of the off-tastes many people report include water that tastes like a swimming pool, swamp-like water, or even metallic. If you have these types of tastes in your water, that could be due to the chlorine additive, or it may be due to the presence of heavy metals in your water, like copper. Other times, especially when there is a musky taste, that is an indicator that some type of organic matter is in the lines. In all of these situations, water filtration systems can help to remove the underlying cause of the off flavor.

Not all bad-tasting water is unhealthy for you. However, there are many situations when the presence of these types of chemicals indicates that there is a bigger problem present. It is always a good idea to have these fully investigated to determine what is actually occurring and then to have water filtration systems to remove impurities and improve the flavor.

#3: Your Water Has Odors

Like with tastes, odors are both problematic in terms of their aesthetics of it but also, in some cases, may indicate the presence of harmful substances. In all situations, you want to investigate and find out what is in your water, as it should not have any odor at all to it.

Odors can sometimes smell like rotten eggs, which can begin to occur suddenly, indicating a change in your lines. Other times, you may have a scent that smells musty, or you may smell the chlorine in the water.

If you have a rotten egg-like smell, that indicates hydrogen sulfide is present in your water. This is not necessarily unhealthy for you, but it is something you should address simply because you do not want that to impact your ability or willingness to drink the water.

Sometimes it is difficult to tell if the scent is coming directly from the water itself or from the pipes in your home, such as due to the sink drain. If you are not sure, pour a glass of water and then set it down several feet away. Then smell it.

If you notice any type of odor at all from your plumbing system, call a plumber for help. If you can tell it is coming from your water, be sure to talk to your plumbing team about the need for filtration systems to help remove whatever contaminants are present.

#4: There a Water Problems in Your Area

Some areas of the country are noted for having poor water supply or water quality. If you live in an area like this, you should take action to invest in a filtration system. Do not simply trust that your city would not allow you to consume bad water – that is not often a priority unless the problem is much more significant.

If you are unsure about the water quality in your area, take the time to visit your city’s water department website. Find out what type of testing they do on the water. Then, look for the results. Most departments will post these water tests online to provide you with some indication of the quality in your area. If the report is hard to read or understand, compare it to a larger city to see the differences.

If you are uncomfortable with anything that is present in that report and you are worried about the water quality in any way, it is best to simply have a private water test conducted. Or, simply invest in a filtration system. There are plenty of instances in which the use of whole-home water filtration systems can prove to be very valuable, even if your area is not known for poor water quality. Remember that this is your life and your health on the line – you do not want to put that in the hands of anyone else.

#5: There Are Stains Present

Another key concern to consider is what happens when you turn the water faucet on and let the water run. Over time, you may have stains building up on the surface of your skin. These can be hard to clean. The bathtub is another area where this is commonly the problem.

Another example of water is that stains occur in clothing. If you have stains on your clothing that you are not sure where they came from, especially whites that look dingy or dirty after washing them, that could indicate a problem with your water quality.

Staining can occur as a result of heavy metals or chemicals in the water supply. If you have well water, this is common, and it is a reason why you may have a water softener on your lines to remove some of that material. However, having this does not eliminate the need for an actual filtration system. You may still benefit from one. It is worth having your water tested so you know exactly what is in it, and if you are unsure if the levels are unhealthy, ask your plumber for some guidance.

#6: The Water Is Not Clear

Water should not have any discoloration to it at all. It should be completely clear. If you set a glass of water down on the countertop, you should not see anything in it, and you should not feel like there is any discoloration in the water. Generally, the chlorine and other cleaning chemicals added to water remove this potential risk because it would certainly be something people do not want to see in their water.

However, take a closer look. Did you know that water that is perfectly clear will still have a very slight blue tint to it? That is normal and indicates that the water is not over-chlorinated. On the other end of the spectrum, you may have water that is green, yellow, brown, or otherwise discolored or cloudy. That means there is something in the water that needs to be removed.

Many types of contaminants can change the color of the water, and in some cases, they may be very small amounts that create very limited changes in the coloration. Still, if you notice any discoloration, it is best to turn to a professional to have the water tested by a third party to ensure it is safe for you to drink.

#7: Your Plumber Recommends It

In some situations, your plumber may come to your home to help you with another need, such as fixing a leak or handling a new faucet installation. If the plumber asks you about your water quality, that is an indication there could be something wrong that should not be put off but instead should be considered carefully.

Similarly, if you have a friend over to the home who has not been there yet, and they say there is something off about the water, take that seriously. It is not uncommon for people to become blind to the scent and taste of the water in their homes because it is what they drink on a constant basis. Still, that is an important factor to keep in mind.

What Should You Do?

Water filtration systems can be a very important investment for your home. Even if you do not have any of these warning signs, it can pay to have a filter system installed to prevent problems from occurring down the road. Your plumber can offer help and recommendations on if you need it, what the benefits could be to you and your family, and how to get the process taken care of right away.

Do not overlook the importance of water filtration systems for your home. It is very common for these to improve health and ensure that your water tastes and smells like it should. That may help encourage you to drink it more often.

Reach Out for Help with Your System

Turn to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth for help with water filtration systems. Allow our team to offer insight and guidance to you about the options available for improving your home’s water quality. Let us offer a test to help you find out what is going on with your system and what steps you can take to improve it.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By Pif Paf Puf Studio at Shutterstock

Is It A Good Idea To Switch To Tankless Water Heaters? Here’s What A Plumber Thinks

Do you know that you can save up to 34% of energy by switching to tankless water heaters? If your first priority at home is to save money on your plumbing, a plumber thinks you might be able to benefit more by switching to the tankless unit. In this article, we’ll talk more about both types of water heaters and what you need to know to help you make an informed decision on which water heater to purchase for your home. If you have questions or when you’re ready to install a new unit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Regular Water Heaters vs Tankless Water Heaters: A Comparison

When it comes to life expectancy, the tankless water heater definitely wins. A regular water heater can last up to 10 and possibly up to 15 years when properly maintained. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, can last 20+ years. Imagine the savings you get when you don’t have to keep buying a new water heater every few years or so. One of the main differences between the two though is the price. Buying a tankless water heater is definitely more expensive but the latter also offers more benefits. If you can’t decide which of the two you should invest in, speak to a plumber. Our plumbing experts can discuss the main differences between the two and even help you choose which one of the two water heaters is best for your home.

For energy savings, the tankless water heaters win again. This is because there’s no standby heat loss with the tankless water heater. You only use electricity when you actually turn on the unit and whereas with the tank-type water heater, you need to regularly use the electricity or it’s going to take forever to turn on the unit. As we said, if your first priority at home is to save money on your water heater, a licensed plumber definitely thinks it’s better to make the switch. Don’t worry, feel free to talk to us so we can help you decide which one to purchase for your home.

When to Know It’s Time to Get a Replacement

How old is your water heater? Are you still using a tank-type unit? If your water heater is more than 7 or 8 years old and is no longer as efficient as it’s used to, you might want to consider getting a new one. Why not call a plumber for an inspection? Our plumbing team can thoroughly inspect your water heater to determine if it might be best to get a new one or to keep the old unit.

If you’ve been having issues with your current water heater, such as you keep running out of hot water or you keep getting inconsistent water temperature, the best thing might be to get rid of that and purchase a new one. A clear indication that it’s time to get a replacement is when you keep calling a plumber for water heater repairs. Remember, plumbing repairs can be really expensive. And the costs can actually add up over time. It might be more cost-effective to get a new water heater than keep paying for costly repairs. Again, talk to us if you need help deciding and we are more than happy to assist.

Just to let you know, our plumbing experts can install both the tank-type and the tankless water heaters. We can also help you pick the right size suitable for your household.

If you’re planning to sell your home and you still have an old water heater installed, we think it’s better to get an upgrade. Homeowners these days actually prefer a more energy-efficient home. Switching to the tankless water heater can make your home more energy-efficient.

Homeowners who are so worried about leaks in the basement might want to also consider getting a tankless water heater. The tankless unit is compact and can be easily installed on the bathroom wall. That’s right, no need to worry about a leaky tank in the basement. You do still need to maintain the tankless unit to maximize its service life. Just refer to the manual or ask a professional how to properly maintain your unit.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

If you still can’t decide whether the tankless water heater is right for your home, perhaps this section can help. Below are the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater:

Energy Savings – As we said, one of its biggest benefits is energy savings. Because you’re not constantly using electricity, it makes the tankless water heater as one of the most energy-efficient options. Do get the professional installation to ensure the unit is properly installed and you won’t have problems with it.

Space Savings – If you’re worried about not having enough space at home, consider switching to the tankless unit. You don’t need to allot a bigger space for it in the basement because you can just install the tankless unit on the bathroom wall. So if you’re a homeowner trying to save some space in the basement, the tankless water heater can definitely help.

Lasts Longer – As mentioned, the tankless water heater can last twice as long as the tank-type water especially when it’s properly maintained. It’s also important to ensure the unit is correctly installed to avoid other issues with it. If you’re tired of getting a new replacement every few years, then it’s best to switch to the tankless unit.

You Won’t Run Out of Hot Water – As long as you have the right flow rate, you will never run out of hot water. To determine the right flow rate, talk to our plumbing team today. We can help you determine the flow rate for your home.

Reduces Chances of Leaks – You greatly reduce leaks in the basement if there’s no huge tank stored there. Just make sure you learn how to protect your plumbing pipes to avoid other issues with your plumbing system.

Increases Value for Your Home – For homeowners who want to sell, switching to the tankless water heater can increase your home’s value. For the best brands of water heaters to install for your home, feel free to talk to us today.

Requires Less Maintenance – If you have a water heater tank, we’re sure you’re pretty much aware of what you need to do to properly maintain the unit. You need to flush the water heater at least once a year to remove the sediment building up in the tank. If you don’t remove the sediment buildup, it’s going to affect the efficiency of your water heater. You’ll start to have problems with your unit. It’s also important to get your unit professionally inspected to ensure its heating elements are still working and your water is clean.

Why You Need Professional Installation

If you’re planning to get a new water heater, the next step is to choose the right plumber to professionally install the unit. Never attempt to install the unit on your own especially when you have a brand-new unit. Manufacturers usually request that homeowners get professional installation only to keep the warranty.

Call us when you’re planning to get a new unit and we’re more than happy to help. Our plumbing experts are familiar with most water heater brands. We’re also experienced with both tank-type and tankless water heaters. Talk to us if you need assistance in choosing the right unit and we’ll do our best to help.

If you own a commercial property and you want to install new water heaters, let us know as well so we can advise you which type is best for your home.

Homeowners who haven’t decided yet whether they should get a new unit or not should get an inspection. Our team can thoroughly inspect your unit and advise you if you should keep it or you should get a new unit instead. For all other issues with your water heater including water heater repairs, we can help as well. Call us today and we will quickly send someone over. We offer both residential and commercial plumbing services and also accommodate emergency plumbing. If you need assistance, we’re just a call away.

How to Protect Your Water Heater and Your Plumbing

When it comes to water heater maintenance, we suggest you refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation in the manual. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch with a plumber as well. Our team can discuss best practices for maintenance so that you won’t have any issues with your water heater anymore.

If you decide to install the tank-type water heater, please make sure to drain the unit at least once a year or twice when you have a low water pressure or high levels of hard water in your plumbing. You need to drain the water heater to remove the sediment buildup and ensure your unit stays efficient. Otherwise, your unit will only work harder, consuming more energy and costing you more money. In addition, hire a plumber as well to regularly inspect the heating elements of your water heater and ensure it’s still in good condition. Don’t forget to also periodically check your water heater for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you suspect a problem with your unit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime.

Those with old water heaters still must make sure the tank is also protected. During winter, cover the tank with an insulating blanket to conserve more energy. Insulate the basement as well. And don’t forget to also protect exposed pipes or the water inside them will freeze and cause significant damage.

We also suggest you consider installing a leak detection device and place it near the water heater. Connect it to your mobile phone so that you’ll get alerts when there are abnormal activities in your plumbing or when there’s a possible leak. Every time the device detects something, you will get a notification. Some devices can also automatically turn off the water supply to prevent further damage to your plumbing. Talk to us if you’re thinking about getting leak detection devices so that we can help you make an informed decision.

For your basement (if you have one), consider installing a sump pump as well to protect your home from water damage and safeguard your appliances. Get some backup batteries though to make sure the pump will still work when there’s a power outage. Don’t forget to test the sump pump as well. Just pour about a bucket of water into the pit and watch the pump drain the water. If there are problems, contact us right away so we can help you resolve them.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

If you need a plumber for your home or place of business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. We can take care of any plumbing-related issue from broken water heaters to burst pipes and overflowing toilets. For clogs, our plumbing experts are equipped with drain cameras that let us see the interior of the pipes. We also have hydro jetters for very serious clogs. If you suspect leaks in your plumbing, our plumbing company offers professional leak detection as well. Call us anytime and we’ll make sure to locate the leak and fix it for you.

As a plumbing company committed to providing top-notch services, our goal is to ensure all clients are satisfied with our services. Rest assured, we’ll work hard and go the extra mile to ensure you’re completely happy with the services we provide.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today for an appointment.

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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