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Crazy Things Your Plumber Wished You Didn’t Throw Down the Drain

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In a world of modern conveniences, it is easy to believe that drains, garbage disposals and toilets are capable of consuming any waste and transporting it to the big septic tank in the sky. However, All plumbing fixtures are subject to the laws of physics and the basics of volume and liquid flow dynamics.

If something fits in a drain, it does not automatically follow that it will fit in your plumbing. Most people would be astonished at how many yards of pipes are installed between their drains and their main sewer lines. Here are some things your neighborhood affordable plumber would prefer you avoid trying to dispose of using your drains and toilets.

Paper Towels

The exact same manufacturing process that makes paper towels resilient enough to survive television commercial demonstrations makes them nearly indestructible barriers inside plastic or metal pipes. Not only do they plug the narrow openings well, but they act as magnets for every other solid or semi-solid material that passes by, especially hair.

Toilet paper, on the other hand, is designed to dissolve in solution, which is why the former will back up your plumbing system and the latter (if used within reason) will not.

Anything that can Support Weight

Let’s consider the ubiquitous Q-tip. One at a time, they are probably harmless. But once one of them finds a way to get lodged in a pipe, they become the anchors upon which everything else you flush down the toilet or drain attaches. The best plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga know the ultimate one-two punch that will knock your plumbing system unconscious is a Q-tip (or anything similar) followed by one or more paper towels. You may as well glue them all together before you flush.

Anything that Doesn’t Float

Even inside your pipes, solid objects are subject to gravity. At any location where pressure forces water in a direction opposite gravity, objects that are heavy enough to sink in water are likely to accumulate. This is why the bend at the base of your kitchen sink pipe is one of the most common places for a clog. Similarly, when managing complex tasks or workflows, choosing the right tools to avoid build-ups and inefficiencies is crucial. Understanding how to choose the right workflow tools can make a significant difference in streamlining processes and keeping everything flowing smoothly.

You never want to put anything in your pipes that doesn’t float, because gravity will force it to stop moving at the same location where all other such objects stopped moving, and that will create a rather expensive blockage.

Dangerous Chemicals

Anything that is dangerous in the open air can become positively lethal when trapped in a water pipe. This is something your Rancho Cucamonga plumber knows well.

Most household chemicals are not hazardous when mixed with water, but the ones that are can create explosive, fire and poison hazards that can persist for hours, days or even longer. You should think twice before pouring anything but water, soap or edibles into a drain. Not only can such chemicals damage your pipes, they can rapidly build up and become dangerous for anyone near the sink or toilet.

As convenient as it would be to have a universal disposal appliance, when it comes to discarding trash or other inadvisable objects or chemicals in drains and toilets, the best advice is to avoid doing so altogether.

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Rotten Egg Smell in Your House? It’s Time to See Your Plumber

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What does a rotten egg smell mean? You might have rotten eggs in the house. However, that’s typically not the case. What people often mistake for the smell of rotten eggs could be sulfur, it could be sewer gas, or it could be something quite dangerous.

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Take No Chances

If you detect the smell of sulfur in your home, and you have appliances or devices that use propane or natural gas as fuel, the very first thing you should do is evacuate the premises and contact your local fire department or gas utility. This is not optional advice. There is a chemical added to natural gas used in residential utilities that gives it a sulfur-like odor. The chemical is added for safety purposes, as it would be very difficult to detect a gas leak otherwise.

Plumbing Source

Most people don’t know the design justification for the traps in their pipes, but your Fontana plumber certainly does. All of your plumbing that begins with a drain, garbage disposal, bath or shower, or a toilet opens directly to the sewer. As a result it is possible for gas from the sewer to find its way back through your pipes to your home. This is one of the main reasons traps are built into pipes. The water left behind acts as a natural barrier to these gases.

However, if your traps are not working for some reason, then sewer gas may find its way into your home. If that is the case, it is vitally important you contact a plumber as soon as possible. Leaving aside the unpleasant prospect of living in a home full of sewer gas, the truth is methane is flammable and can be dangerous if concentrated.

Water Heater

There are conditions under which your water heater could be introducing a sulfur-like odor into your hot water. If you only detect the odor when you are using hot water, this is an important clue. Because the problem will grow worse if it isn’t addressed, you should seek the services of a qualified plumber and an affordable plumbing service at once.

Broken Sewer Lines

This is the option if all other possibilities have been investigated. Your plumber will be able to test all of your home’s connections to the local sewer lines and make certain none of your drain lines have broken or begun leaking. It is vital to repair any damage as soon as possible, as the same hazards apply to a broken drain pipe as apply to a situation where sewer gases are leaking back into your home.

Many of these issues can seem obscure and hard to understand, but the alternative of simply hoping the problem will solve itself isn’t advisable from any practical standpoint. Any damage is likely to get worse over time. The safety of your home and family must come first, and that means you should always seek the advice of an affordable plumber at your earliest opportunity.

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How to Detect Hidden Water Leaks and What You Should Do About It

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Water leaks can be rather destructive and expensive to remedy. Anyone who has experienced a flooded home or business can tell you the process of getting the leak or overflow under control and then cleaning up the damage can be both time-consuming and fraught with risks. Now imagine a leak you can’t detect.

Plumbing leaks come in all types and all sizes. A slow leak can be just as damaging over time as a bust pipe can be all at once. If you want to see some examples of how much water can change the landscape, just take a look at the Grand Canyon or the Mississippi Delta. The truth is: undetected leaks can be dangerous and costly and need to be located and repaired as quickly as possible. See more about rancho cucamonga ca leak detection.

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Measure Water Use

One of the easiest ways to find a hidden leak is to use your water meter. If all the water use in your home or business has been discontinued and no appliances are in use, check your water meter to see if there is detectable usage. If so, then you know water is draining from your plumbing system even though you aren’t using it.

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Check Your Bills

Unless your water use habits have changed or your rates have risen, your water bills should fall within a predictable range every month. If they do not, and they begin rising for inexplicable reasons, that is a reliable sign you probably have a leak somewhere.

A consistently rising water bill can also mean the leak is worsening. This can be combined with the above water meter experiment to verify your conclusions. Both of these pieces of information will be useful for your Rancho Cucamonga plumber if you need repairs.

Nature Finds a Way

With water comes all of nature’s glorious flora. One of the easiest ways to detect a water leak is to look for evidence of mold or other kinds of growth in the hidden crevices at the back of cabinets, under appliances and anywhere it is naturally warm.

Also, note any area that is exposed to direct sunlight at any time. There are very few places on Earth where water and sunlight will not combine to produce either insect infestations or mold and plant growth. If you have either, then chances are that area is getting regular water deliveries, probably from some leak.

Water Heater

This is the big one. If you find dampness or puddles near your water heater, or what appears to be a leak of any kind, you need to contact plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga immediately. Leaks in and around a water heater could be a sign it is about to burst, and that can not only be dangerous but potentially damaging to the structure of your home. Your water heater should be regularly inspected by a trained and licensed plumber at regular intervals to avoid any potential for failure.

Water leak detection might make you feel like a scientific investigator. It’s better than allowing a slow leak to increase your water bill and possibly damage your home.

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When Your Septic Tank is Begging for Plumbing Help

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A septic tank is an essential function of the home which is not connected to city sewer lines. It is rarely thought about until something goes wrong. Here are some early warning signs to help you determine whether your system needs to be serviced by your local Fontana plumber. 

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What Are The Signs That Your Septic Tank Is Full?

Time Between Cleanings

When was the last time your septic tank was cleaned? Septic system maintenance is essential. You should have a septic tank cleaning every 1-3 years. Cleaning (or draining) is your best defense against most concerns. 

Your plumber can discuss with you what the recommended time frame is based on size, usage, and other factors.

Odor

One of the most noticeable signs that your septic tank is full is the odor. Your septic tank collects your wastewaters. When it’s not working efficiently, these unpleasant (and unhealthy) smells from sludge and scum can combine and emanate up your sewer system and even into your home.

Slow Drain

Occasionally, debris like oils and grease can clog up a pipe and slow things down. It can be a real problem when drains are slowing or stopping regularly. Septic tanks can have a flow problem deep within the underground pipes or drain field.

Pooling Water 

Pooling water on sunny days can be a real problem, causing unpleasant odors in and near your property. When your drain field pipes become partially clogged, liquid waste leaves the tank and seeps to the top layer of soil. 

Sewage Backups

Backups are unpleasant, especially when they happen inside your home. If you aren’t on a regular maintenance schedule and have ignored any previous, less extreme signs of a full septic tank, you may experience a sewage backup.  This issue can leave your home unlivable until the problem is taken care of. 

Overly Healthy Lawn

It’s a known fact that waste acts like a fertilizer for plant life. When the lawn above your drain field is significantly overgrown compared to the rest of your lawn, this could be a sign that your field is not diffusing the waste properly into the surrounding soil. 

High Nitrates

If you have well water, you will want to have your water tested yearly. If the nitrate level becomes too high, your drain field could be leaking into your well water system due to an overflow. This can cause serious health issues, so if this is happening you should immediately stop drinking your tap water and call a plumber.

Now Is The Time To Call

Is your septic tank begging for help? Your local Fontana plumbing experts can help. 

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4 Commercial Plumbing Tips from the Experts

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Business and property owners know that commercial buildings can be difficult to maintain. Like any other building, they can have a slew of problems. This includes costly plumbing repairs that can often be avoided by performing simple routine maintenance.

Even when a proper maintenance schedule is followed, issues can still arise. Bobby Blue’s commercial plumbers in Fontana have offered up some professional advice on what you can look out for to help prevent a commercial plumbing catastrophe. Here are 4 commercial plumbing tips from the experts.

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Be on the lookout for a faulty water heater

Having a faulty water heater can be a serious problem. If your water system shows any of the following signs, it could mean that your hot water heater is leaking or failing and you should call a professional commercial plumber immediately.  

  • The water is too hot to wash your hands with.
  • The water is either too cold, or it never gets very hot at all.
  • There is hot water, but only a very small amount.

Never try to block off the valves or leaks or try to fix the hot water heater yourself. Unless you have plumbing experience, you run the risk of doing something wrong and causing the hot water heater to explode.

Have Preventative Toilet Maintenance Done

There are consequences to not properly maintaining all of your toilets. A clogged toilet is one of the more common and less severe consequences of a drain problem. However, a clogged toilet could easily overflow, causing damage to the surrounding area, requiring even more repairs.

If your toilet requires constant plunging or doesn’t seem to flush quickly and smoothly, it could be a sign of clogged or leaking pipes. In any of the above cases, you should contact a professional for an inspection and service.

Identify Plumbing Leaks

Dripping faucets and pipes can be an indication that there is an issue with your plumbing. While leaks may not always be an immediate concern, they could lead to high water bills and also cause more severe problems such as damage to walls, flooring, and surrounding items.

How to Identify A Leak

To identify a leak, make sure the handles of your sink are in the off position and see if your fixture drips. Next, inspect the area around the plumbing for any signs of water damage.

While some leaks are visibly and auditorily detectable, others are silent and invisible. A leak from a pipe or a sewer could be wasting thousands of gallons of water each year. Check your water bills each month and compare them so that you can note any changes in your water usage.

Here are a few visible signs of water damage that could mean your commercial property is experiencing a leak:

  • Discoloration
  • Sitting Water
  • Peeling Paint

Pay Attention to State Regulations on Commercial Plumbing Systems

Make sure that your commercial plumbing system is in full compliance with local and state regulations. If your commercial sewer system is connected to a private sewer main, you will have to follow compliance requirements.

A qualified professional will not only inspect your commercial property to make sure that all of your plumbing fixtures are running smoothly, but they will also examine your property to ensure compliance with all local ordinances.

Need help? Contact Fontana plumbing professionals.

In order to stay in business, prevent damage, and keep your commercial property tenants happy, plumbing problems need to be addressed immediately. Furthermore, you need someone who can be trusted to perform cost-effective preventative maintenance and inspections.

You owe it to yourself and your business to get a group of dedicated experts. Contact Bobby Blue today, and our Fontana commercial plumbers will go the extra mile to ensure that your building’s plumbing system is in optimal shape and fully compliant.

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Top 7 Commercial Plumbing Issues That Require Professional Help

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Commercial plumbing problems are something every business owner must deal with. They occur more frequently than residential plumbing because of the amount of traffic a business sees every day. Getting a plumber on site quickly to fix the problem can keep your overhead costs down by helping you save money on your water bill.  

If you’re experiencing one of the following plumbing problems commercially, call Bobby Blue Plumbing for a professional commercial plumbing services Rancho Cucamonga.

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Leaks

Leaks can be found anywhere in your plumbing. Often times, they are visible, like in a faucet. However, leaks can be hidden behind walls and under flooring. 

Leaks cause problems like rot and mold. Even the smallest of leaks need to be addressed as soon as possible because they can create more significant, more expensive problems down the line. If you notice that your water bill has gone up drastically, you may be experiencing a hidden leak.  

If you have a visible or hidden leak that’s spiking up your water bill, it’s time to call the professionals. While not all leaks are plumbing emergencies, some can be detrimental to your business.

Running Toilets

We’ve all experienced running toilets, whether in our own homes or at a business. While it may not seem like a huge deal to have a toilet that runs well after its flush, your wallet can still take a serious hit.

Running toilets cause your water to continuously run, meaning that you are using water even when you’re not physically present. While many business owners may have a few tricks up their sleeves to prevent running toilets, the only way to properly fix the issue is by calling the plumbing experts.

Drain Clogs

Drains can get clogged from almost anything. Debris can build up in your drain over time, and you may not even know until there is an overflow. Drain clogs can be smelly, but they can also create a health hazard. Commercial bathrooms usually are not as well maintained as the one at home.

Clogs can happen because there is too much debris in the drain or because the facilities have not been properly maintained. A clog can completely disrupt the business day, and a serious one could mean that you have to close down for a short period of time.

If you’re faced with a business-devastating clog, it’s time to call the commercial emergency plumbing experts in Rancho Cucamonga. On the other hand, if you want to prevent future clogs from destroying a potentially high-earning business day, our professionals will do a drain cleaning to provide you with peace of mind.

Sewer Blockage

Have you ever heard the gulping sound coming from your drain? This could be one sign of a sewer blockage. If sewage is backing up through your skin, toilet, or another train, the cause is somewhere in your line. 

These blockages can occur for many reasons, but the most common is foreign objects being flushed down the toilet. A sewer blockage requires professional commercial plumbers to detect and fix the issue. 

Water Heater

Because of added usage, commercial water heaters will experience problems more often than residential heaters. Commercial water heaters need to be inspected every few months and cleaned regularly. Without a properly functioning water heater, your business could be left with no hot water. Diagnosing and repairing the problem requires a professional because tinkering with a water heater, whether it’s gas or electric can be dangerous. 

Broken Toilet Handles

Toilet handles are delicate, and commercial handles especially see a lot of flushes each day. It makes sense that they would be more susceptible to breaking because they weaken faster. It’s important to have them changed regularly and kept in working order. 

If your toilet handle breaks, it may no longer be able to flush, or it could potentially not stop flushing, depending on its position. Both of these dilemmas could be detrimental to a business as customers and employees will have to leave the premises to find another bathroom. 

Don’t Ignore These Problems

While many of these issues may seem minor, they can cost you in the long-run. Little problems can add up to a significant increase in water bills, while restroom inconveniences can cost your business. It’s better to address these issues immediately. 

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What to Do When Your Drain Cleaning DIY fails

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Drains get clogged. It’s a fact of life in many households. However, a clogged drain doesn’t have to ruin your day. Drains can get clogged for many reasons, with foreign objects being the number one culprit. Like most homeowners, you’ve probably tried a few plumbing DIY’s that didn’t pan out, especially when it comes to your drains. If you have a clogged drain that just won’t budge, call the Bobby Blue professional plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga.

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Why DIY Drain Cleaning Often Fails

Homeowners have a few options when it comes to clearing clogs. They can use a plunger, a drain snake, or drain cleaning chemicals. While each one can temporarily clear a clog, they don’t clean the drain completely, so the problem will come back eventually.

A plunger relies on suction to dislodge the clog in the pipe below. Unfortunately, it dislodges only a portion of the clog, allowing the water to move through. Some part of that clog remains, just waiting to grow larger and clog again.

A drain snake can break through a clog, allowing water to pass. However, like the plunger, a snake doesn’t get rid of the entire clog. Plus, a drain snake can’t reach into the depths of your home’s drainage system.

Drain cleaners claim to break up the clog and clean the drain completely. However, they come with certain risks. First, they are caustic chemicals, capable of inflicting severe damage to your eyes and skin. Second, they can cause damage to the pipes, especially if you use them too often.

If you need your home’s drains cleaned, call your friendly, experienced Rancho Cucamonga plumber.

What Can a Professional Plumber Do

Today’s professional plumber has tools in his arsenal that weren’t available a few decades ago.

Video Sewer Imagery

Video sewer imagery allows the plumber to see what is going on inside the drain network. The plumber feeds a special camera into the drain system and goes exploring. It allows him to see where clogs are occurring, if there is damage in any of the pipes, or if tree roots have infiltrated the sewer pipe.

Hydro-jetting

Hydro-jetting uses a jet of water under high pressure to clear clogs and to clean the sides of the pipe. Cleaning the inside of the pipe helps prevent clogs and clear debris throughout.

Trenchless Pipe Lining

Trenchless pipe lining is a method plumbers use to line cracked drain pipes without the need to dig up your yard. It is a cost-effective way to keep your wastewater flowing smoothly. Read more about drain cleaning in rancho cucamonga.