Trenchless Sewer Repair: What Is It and Do You Need It?

Any trouble with your sewer line is serious. It can cause sewage to back up into your home and your yard. This makes it a problem that your neighbors have to deal with as well. Fixing your sewer line used to involve digging out the old pipes to put in the new ones. This is costly, can take a while, and will tear up your yard. The good news is there is another option. Trenchless sewer repair is a great option that takes a fraction of the time.

What is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

When you have a problem with your sewer line, instead of ripping up the whole thing, a technician will use a camera to find where the problem is. Then a tube is put in the pipe, and resin is molded around the inside of your pipe. After this cures, the tube is removed and your pipe is fixed. The new resin pipe will last about 50 years.

Does It Work For Everyone?

Unfortunately, trenchless sewer repair is not for everyone. In some instances, the pipes are too old and damaged for trenchless sewer repair to work. If that is the case, you will have to go the traditional route of digging up your old pipes and putting in new ones.

However, if you have older pipes, then trenchless sewer repair and repiping can still help you. The technology can be used to repair cracks, erosion, and damage from roots before they cause too many issues. This will not fix your pipes forever, but it may save you from having to dig up your yard for a while.

Does It Cost More Than Traditional Methods?

Technically, yes, trenchless sewer repair can cost up to 30 percent more than traditional pipe laying. However, that does not take into account the cost of restoration to your yard that you will have to pay for with traditional sewer repair. When you factor that in, the price is pretty evenly matched. In addition, with traditional methods, the process could take days. Trenchless sewer repair can be done in about a day without damaging your yard or patio.

Signs I Need to Repair My Sewer Line

You don’t have to wait until your lawn is flooded with sewage before calling a plumber. There are a few signs to look for to determine whether your sewer line needs some maintenance. If you notice a foul odor from your drains or if water starts coming up from your bathtub when you flush a toilet, that could indicate a blockage down the line. Also, if you notice bright green patches on your lawn, that is an indicator of sewage leaking under the ground. As soon as you notice any of this, it’s a good idea to call a plumber as soon as possible.

At Team Rooter, we know how inconvenient plumbing issues can be. They usually spring up unexpectedly and at odd hours. That’s why we are available 24/7 so we can help when you need it. We offer 18-month financing plans and free estimates for trenchless sewer repair services. Don’t wait until your sewer line floods your lawn – call us today!

3 Signs It’s Time to Have Your Water Heater Looked At

Water Heater Service

Hot water is such a part of our lives that we barely think about the convenience of it. When our water heater starts acting up, then our entire household can be disrupted. Washing dishes; doing laundry; washing our hands; taking showers: we rely on hot water for cleanliness and comfort. There are a few signs that your water heater needs a water heater service specialist.

Your Water Heater is Making More Noise

A loud water heater is not normal. As long as you are still getting the hot water you might think it’s fine, but this is a sign of sediment build-up along the bottom of your water tank. Since our water heaters heat and reheat water constantly, it causes sediment to build up. So even though your water heater is still producing hot water, it’s harder for it to do so. Getting the sediment cleaned out could extend the life of your water heater and make your water heater more energy-efficient.

If your water is a rusty color, this could be another sign of sediment build-up or rust. It’s best to get your water heater serviced before it goes out and you are left with no hot water until it’s fixed or replaced.

There is Water around Your Water Heater

A leak in your water heater is caused by a couple of things. The first possibility is not with the water tank itself, but the fittings around your water heater or the pressure overflow pipe. These are relatively easy to fix, but they should be done by a professional water heater service technician.

The other reason is that a small crack has formed in your tank. The constant heating of the metal tank makes it expand, then it shrinks as it cools. Over time this expanding and cooling can cause a crack to form. At first, the crack will still be able to keep the water in, but as your tank continues to expand and shrink, the crack will get worse.

Once you notice a leak, it’s important to get it looked at right away. Leaks only get worse, and the water damage that could result from a leak that isn’t stopped will make a simple repair bill into a much larger bill.

Water Heaters Don’t Last Forever

Your average water heater has a lifespan of between 8 to 10 years. This can vary a bit depending on the type of water heater. If you have lived in your home for less than 8 years and are having issues with your water heater, then you may not need a replacement, just some maintenance. The problem is if you notice an issue and don’t get it fixed, you can go from maybe needing a part replaced to needing a new water heater. Calling a water heater service technician can save you money. At Team Rooter, we know how to help your water heater last as long as possible.

Regular maintenance is important for so many areas of your home, including your water heater. When the time comes to replace it, we can help determine the best and most energy-efficient option for you. Don’t wait until you don’t have hot water. Give us a call today!

3 Tips for Regular Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning

Most of us don’t worry about drain cleaning until our pipes become clogged. Certain substances can gather in our pipes and cause clogs. These are annoying by themselves, but if you have frequent clogs, they could build up pressure in your pipes and cause a leak. There are ways you can keep your drains clear with some simple drain cleaning practices and precautions.

Prevention is the Best Drain Cleaning Practice

The best method of drain cleaning is keeping certain foods out of your drains in the first place. Some items, like coffee grounds and eggshells, should never go down your drain. Even if you have a garbage disposal, these things don’t break down easily. Also, you never want to put grease or oil down your drains. The grease can solidify and cause a huge clog, while oil can mix with other particles in your drain and cause the same issue. Try to scrape as much grease and oil off your dishes as possible before putting them in the sink.

Also, after doing the dishes, run your hot water down the drain for about 20 seconds, or boil some water and put that down the drain with a squirt of dish soap. This will keep any grease from solidifying, and the dish soap will break down oil. Hot water is a very cost-effective method of drain cleaning.

Use a Drain Catcher

These are especially useful in the bathroom. Cleaning out hair from your drains is just gross. A drain catcher goes over your drain to catch hair or other types of particles that could clog your drains, such as exfoliants from your cleanser.

If you don’t have a garbage disposal, then these can help in the kitchen, too. Even if you do have a garbage disposal, it can only handle so much. A drain catcher can help your disposal not have to work so hard. Some types of food do not break down very well in the garbage disposal. A drain catcher can catch things, such as coffee grounds, so they don’t cause problems in your drains.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another simple drain cleaning tip is putting half a cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar, and flushing that with hot water. You can do this once a month to help keep your drains clear. Alternatively, you can use dish soap and hot water; this is especially helpful for kitchen drains where grease and oil are more common.

It’s not recommended to use store-bought clog removers. Every once in a while isn’t harmful, but if you are using clog removers a lot, you could be damaging your pipes. Also, the chemicals in them are not safe. Instead of using more drain clog remover, you might want to call in the professionals at Team Rooter to get rid of your clog problems for good.

If you are using all of these methods and your drains still aren’t flowing properly, then give Team Rooter a call. Slow and clogged drains can benefit from a professional drain cleaning. Our technicians will get your drains flowing quickly again. Give us a call today!

Is Copper Repiping Right for Your Home?

Copper Repiping

All types of piping have a lifespan. Copper pipes can last about 70 to 80 years; however, other factors such as tree roots and corrosion can cause them to lose integrity. There are a few signs that you might need to consider copper repiping.

Signs You Need Copper Repiping

If your home or business is new or relatively new and you are having issues with your plumbing, there is most likely another issue.  If you have an older home, your copper pipes may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Pipes that are rusting can cause discolored water and lead to unsafe drinking water. Likewise, if there is a weird taste or smell, then you need to get your pipes checked.

How is your water pressure? Any dip in your water pressure can be a sign of a leak somewhere. If your water pressure lowers when the water is on somewhere else, this could also be a sign of a leak somewhere in your pipes. You actually are not supposed to lose water pressure when you turn on the tap in multiple areas of your house. This is something that is usually accepted as normal plumbing. But the fact is that water pressure in your home should be sufficient to have multiple taps running without a loss in pressure.

Old pipes are more susceptible to clogs. This is because the inside of the pipe gets corroded over time, making it easier for dirt and other particles to get stuck. Clogs cause pressure, which could lead to a burst pipe and a higher repair bill. If you notice you are having more issues with clogging and slow drains, then it’s time to have your pipes checked out.

Benefits of Repiping

The cost of repiping your home can put people off. But if you wait until your pipes fail, you are in for a bigger repair bill, you risk water damage to your home, and you will still need to undergo copper repiping anyway. With new pipes, any issues with water pressure are fixed and will save you money on your water bill. In addition to that, old pipes can contaminate your drinking water and make it potentially unsafe. This is a preventive maintenance measure that could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

How Long Does It Take?

Living without plumbing for any length of time is frustrating. The good news is that it usually only takes a few days to complete a copper repiping project. At Team Rooter, our copper repiping services come with a lifetime guarantee. If we have to cut through walls to get to the pipes, we will completely repair and restore the wall ourselves. The only sign that we were ever there will be clean pipes and good water pressure. Pipe issues can lead to bigger problems down the line, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Give Team Rooter a call today!

My Pipe Burst…Now What Happens to My Orange County Home?

A burst pipe can lead to catastrophic damage, especially if it’s not addressed as soon as possible. In Orange County, the experts at Team Rooter are always ready to handle your water-related pipe problems. There are a few things that you can do to help minimize damage and additional risks that come with the situation before the experts arrive.

Orange County Tip #1: Turn the Water Main Off Immediately

When you suspect pipe damage, the first thing to do (after calling a plumber) is to turn off the water. While it won’t stop the water already filling your home, it can prevent additional water from causing damage. The water main will likely be in an out-of-the-way place like the basement, crawl space, or near the water heater.

Tip #2: Completely Empty the Drains

Once the water main has been turned off, it’s a good idea to remove any remaining water in the fixtures. This will include running faucets and flushing toilets. Flushing the fixtures will also help to relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes that likely led to the pipe failure.

Orange County Tip #3: Clean Up Any Water Fast

The next thing to do is going to take up most of your remaining time before the plumbing team arrives: cleaning up. Begin by mopping up water sitting on your floors. Working quickly is crucial to avoid the damaging effects of mold. Mold growth can happen in as little as 24 hours. The mold remediation process will take much longer and be much more costly. Pick up a mop, some towels, and get the water up…STAT!

Tip #4: Consider Preventative Maintenance Along with Repairs

Once the experts at Team Rooter have arrived, it’s time to build a plan for repair and other improvements. Your professional plumber will want to walk through your home to review damage and help develop the next steps. Cleaning up after a burst pipe is just part of a good repair plan–anticipating weaknesses and making improvements can save time, money, and headaches if another water catastrophe happens in the future.

Now What? Call Team Rooter!

Handling a burst pipe quickly and completely makes the damage easier to contain. Team Rooter has been servicing homes and businesses throughout Orange County for over 20 years. When you need emergency pipe repair and water removal, make us your first call. We’ll be there quickly–24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Guaranteed. Contact us today!

What Is a Sewer Clean Out and How Can It Help Me?

As a homeowner, you might have seen a medium-sized vertical pipe sticking out from your yard with no idea what it was. If so, you’re not alone. It’s called a sewer clean out pipe and it can make it easier to access clogged pipes. There are other benefits of having a sewer clean out that we’ll review in today’s post.

Having a Sewer Clean Out Can Save You Money

The first benefit of having a sewer clean out pipe installed in your yard is quick access to the sewer line in the event of a clog. The quicker that a skilled plumber can address the problem outside your home, the less likely it is that the line will backup inside the house. Damage inside the house can go beyond your pipes–overflows and backups can lead to broken fixtures and flooring. According to Homeadvisor, a sewer backup into your home can cost between $1,000 and $7,500 depending on the level of damage.

Protect Your Yard with a Sewer Clean Out System

A second benefit of having a sewer clean out pipe installed involves keeping your landscaping pristine. If you experience plumbing issues and don’t have a clean out pipe available, you are at risk for a lengthy repair process. Without the pipe, a certified plumber will need to dig until they can access the lateral line under your home. Giving a plumber access to a sewer clean out line allows them to immediately check the pipe and begin repairs.

Don’t Delay If You Suspect Sewer Issues

Regardless of your pipe situation, pay attention to how your pipes are flowing throughout your home. If you notice slow running water, odd smells, or strange noises, contact a plumbing professional right away!

Ready to Learn More About Sewer Clean Out? Contact Team Rooter!

Now that you’ve seen some of the benefits of having a sewer clean out pipe in your yard, it’s time to take a closer look at your situation. Take a look around to see if you can find a lonely vertical pipe. In many cases, it will be white but it might be camouflaged to blend into the trees out back. 

If you need help or find yourself interested in adding one, find the right contractor. The team at Team Rooter have decades of experience serving pipes across the Los Angeles County area. When you need sewer services, contact our team any time, 24/7. We’ll be there and get you moving again fast.

Video Pipe Inspections Save Time and Money in Los Angeles County

Having the occasional clogged fixture in your home is not uncommon. It’s annoying, but it’s a fact of life. In a lot of cases, you can remove the clog with some elbow grease and a little extra time. But what happens if you can’t see or remove the clog yourself? In today’s blog, we’ll look at some reasons to use video pipe inspections to find and address plumbing problems throughout Los Angeles County.

Professional Plumbers Use Video Inspections Throughout Los Angeles County

Once you’ve called a plumber and asked for video inspection, the fun really begins. The professional who arrives at your home will insert a snake-like camera into your pipe system to begin diagnosing the situation. The video camera is designed to take pictures and video of all parts of your system. Video inspections are faster, cheaper, and safer than traditional digging inspections.

Video Pipe Inspections Make Los Angeles County Repairs Even Faster and Easier

Using a snake camera to enter your pipe system makes it possible to have some repair work done at the same time. After fixing issues, the same camera can be used to verify that work was done correctly. It’s important to note that a quick assessment of problems can lead to quicker repair and less money spent. The use of the camera is also ideal because it involves no speculative digging into your land, which means less mess to clean up or worry about while problems are solved.

Video Pipe Inspections Can Fix Little Problems Before They Grow Larger…and More Expensive

It’s also a great idea to have your pipes inspected annually. Doing it each year allows homeowners peace of mind that their home’s pipe systems are in good shape. Additionally, any small or growing issues can be addressed quickly–before they become dangerous, expensive problems. In many cases, small problems can be corrected without significant intervention.  Trained professionals can tell if unacceptable items like grease or paper towels have been flushed in your home.

Call Team Rooter For Video Pipe Inspection ASAP

Now that you’ve learned a few of the ways that video inspections can save you time and money, it’s time to contact Team Rooter. Our team has been serving garbage disposals and plumbing systems throughout the Los Angeles County area for decades. Don’t delay–contact our team anytime, 24/7/365. We’ll be there as soon as we can to get your pipes flowing again.

Three Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains Before They Happen

One of the most common nightmares that homeowners will experience is a clogged drain. While many of them can be corrected easily, some clogged drains are only made worse with time. The easiest way to avoid drain problems is to be proactive about keeping pipes free of obstructions. Let’s take a look at the top three methods of preventing a clogged drain: annual pipe inspections, regular in-home maintenance, and keeping a careful eye on what goes into the drain itself.

Annual Pipe Inspections Prevent Clogged Drains

A service that all homeowners should consider is an annual inspection. A certified plumbing expert will use a camera and other tools to take a look inside your entire drain system, inside and outside of your home. Once they have completed their assessment, they can make recommendations for additional services or give your plumbing system a clean bill of health.

Regular In-Home Maintenance Prevents Clogged Drains

On a more regular basis, homeowners should practice in-home maintenance to prevent problems before they happen. Many home remedies for a clogged drain can be used to avoid issues. One method involves pouring boiling water down the kitchen sink. This can be used to clear any remaining food particles in a disposal. Another remedy involves regularly using a snaking tool to clear bathroom sinks and shower drains to remove collections of hair, mildew, and other items.

Careful Use of Kitchen and Bathroom Drains Prevents Clogged Drains

Homeowners should keep a careful eye on the items being put in sinks, toilets, and shower drains. This can be a tricky thing to do–especially if you have a family. While garbage disposals were designed to eliminate food waste, there are some items that should never go down the kitchen sink. These include: coffee grounds, egg shells, grease, and flour-based foods. In small amounts, there will usually be no issue, but large amounts can lead to clogs in your kitchen or larger clogs that impact the whole plumbing system.

When it comes to the toilet, the number of flushable products is very small. Urine, fecal matter, and toilet paper are the only items that should be flushed. So-called “flushable wipes” should never be flushed. This is true because they do not breakdown and may result in dangerous clogs. That being said, small amounts of toilet paper should go down easily, yet small children tend to use too much–parental discretion is advised to keep toilets running smoothly.

Need Clogged Drain Service? Call Team Rooter Today!

Now that you’ve learned about the best ways of preventing clogged drains, you should also know your Los Angeles area experts. Team Rooter has been handling commercial and residential plumbing needs for over twenty years. Whether you need a clogged drain cleared, an annual pipe inspection, or something in between–make us your first call. We’ll answer 24/7/365. Contact us today!

Five Facts About Garbage Disposals For San Gabriel County Residents

One of the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen is also the most mysterious one. Chances are that you don’t often think about your garbage disposal – but there’s so much to know about it! Here are five quick facts about garbage disposals that every homeowner should know before turning it on again, especially if you live in or around San Gabriel County.

San Gabriel County Resident Fact #1: Garbage Disposals Have Many Benefits

Installing a garbage disposal is beneficial for a variety of reasons. They are designed to reduce food waste, which leads to a reduction in the methane gases that occur as food decomposes. Disposals are designed to make food removal quicker and easier. In the greater scheme of things, garbage disposals are the cheapest appliances to install and maintain.

Fact #2: Large Cities Benefit From Garbage Disposals

The more citizens that live in an area, the more food they consume. Where there’s food, there’s vermin. When garbage disposals are installed and used to remove food, there is less for rats, mice, and bugs to eat. When there’s less food thrown in the trash, vermin start to go elsewhere. To put it plainly: disposals discourage pests.

Fact #3 for San Gabriel County Residents: Not All Food Can Go Down the Sink

While garbage disposals are intended to decrease trash, there are a number of things that shouldn’t be thrown down the sink. These include grease, eggshells, starches like potatoes, and bones. These no-go foods are known to clog kitchen sinks, immobilize disposal systems, and cause bigger plumbing issues throughout your home.

Fact #4: Garbage Disposals Tend to Break During the Holidays

One last fun fact about garbage disposal usage: the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is the busiest day for plumbers. Why? In the midst of getting ready for and cleaned up from Turkey Day, people will try to force the wrong kinds of food items (like the ones we just discussed) down the disposal. This leads to clogged drains and headaches.

Experiencing Problems With Your San Gabriel County Disposal? Call Team Rooter!

Now that you’ve learned the top five facts about garbage disposals, you’ll know the signs that require maintenance for your system. When you see those signs, it’s time to contact Team Rooter. Our team has been serving garbage disposals and plumbing systems throughout the San Gabriel County area for decades. Don’t delay–contact our team anytime, 24/7/365.

Hydro Jetting Vs. Snaking: Which is Better For Clearing Clogged Drains?

As a home or business owner, one of the last things you want to find out is that you’ve got a clogged drain. When it does happen, it’s important to act quickly to get things back to normal in the impacted fixture. In today’s blog, we’ll look at the two most common ways of clearing clogged drains: snaking or hydro jetting.

What is Hydro Jetting and How Does it Help?

Hydro jetting is a process that uses water pressure to clear clogged drains. It utilized water pressure that reaches between 3,000 and 8,000 psi to clean the walls of your pipe system. A water stream can create enough pressure to uproot a healthy tree, so it’s important to take care when using this method. It’s an option that plumbers will use for private and commercial pipes. It’s fast and effective!

What is Snaking and How Does it Work?

Snaking involves using an auger, which is a long piece of steel with a coil at the end. The coiled end of the steel digs into any obstructions like hair, grease, or other debris. Snaking has been used successfully throughout the history of modern plumbing. It can be utilized for a variety of plumbing situations, but it’s particularly useful for older pipe systems.

How Do I Choose Between Snaking and Hydro Jetting?

While snaking is the old-fashioned method, it can be used as a first step for all kinds of pipes. Homeowners can also use homemade snaking tools to attempt to clear small clogs. While hydro jetting is the new industry standard, it can do damage to older pipes due to the intense psi of the water. Snaking is the slower method, but it can only clear clogs that appear in the path of the auger. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, is designed to clear the entire pipe, including the walls. As long as your pipes are strong enough to withstand the pressure, hydro jetting is the best method due to its speed and success in clearing pipe systems. 

Have A Complicated Clog That Needs Hydro Jetting or Snaking? Call Team Rooter!

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about the differences between snaking and hydro jetting your clogged drains, call our team of experts to get your pipes serviced. Team Rooter has been cleaning tough clogs throughout the Orange County area for more than 20 years. When you need a problem found and removed, contact our experts. We’re available when you need us, 24/7/365. Call Team Rooter. We’ll be there!