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!

How to Find Commercial Plumbing in Orange County

commercial plumbing

One common misconception about plumbing is that a residential plumber can do all the same things that a commercial plumber does but on a smaller scale. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s take a look at four factors to consider when hiring a commercial plumbing company in Orange County and the surrounding areas.

Availability

When you are in the market for a plumber to handle jobs at your commercial property, chances are that you need your situation evaluated and the work to be completed quickly. This is particularly important when leaky pipes or broken toilets are a part of the equation. Look for plumbing companies that advertising 24-hour emergency services. A plumbing service that’s available on your schedule is far better than a service that leaves you waiting. Waiting time is wasting time for your business.

Location

Similarly, you should look for local commercial plumbers first. Considering how long it can take to get from another job on the other side of town in Orange County traffic, that’s a lot of wasted time. It’s also important to consider how billable hours, travel fees, and fuel surcharges can quickly increase your cost. As an added bonus, supporting the local business community can pay dividends as time goes on.

Experience

It might sound like common sense but be sure to review the experience of the commercial plumbing companies you’re considering. Verify that they are licensed, certified professionals that will be able to complete your specific job effectively. Consider the level of experience that the potential companies have in your unique situation. Similarly, check online reviews on sites like Yelp. Previous customer reviews can reveal a lot more than a company would tell you on the phone or face to face.

Guarantees and Warranties

Finally, consider hiring only commercial plumbing companies that will stand behind their work. Many commercial companies will provide limited or extended warranties on parts, labor, or both. A guarantee or a warranty shows that level of pride that the company holds in their parts, their employees, and the quality of work to be done for their clients.

Ready to Hire the Best in Commercial Plumbing?

Now that you’ve learned what to look for in a commercial plumber, give Team Rooter a call. You’ll see that we’re your go-to team for commercial plumbing needs in Orange County. Contact us today!

The Risk Of Putting Unapproved Items Down Household Drains

clogged drain sewer service

To prolong the life of your household drains and prevent clogging, it’s important to execute proper practices when utilizing them. There are many items that cannot be flushed or poured down drains. Read on to learn the risks of allowing these unapproved items into your pipes, resulting in clogged drains.

Which Items Pose A Risk For Clogged Drains In The Bathroom

When it comes to the toilets in your home, the only thing you should be flushing is regular toilet paper and human excrement. Below is a handy list of things that are commonly flushed down the toilet that will result in clogged drains:

  • Feminine products, such as tampons
  • Any type of wipe or cleansing pad, including baby wipes
  • Dental floss
  • Q-tips or cotton balls
  • Diapers
  • Pills
  • Facial tissues or paper towels

These items are not formulated to break down in your pipes the way toilet paper is, which can result in a backup in those pipes.

Items That Can Cause Clogged Drains In The Kitchen

In the kitchen, it’s important to be wary of what you pour down your sink drain. It might be convenient to use the drain as a garbage disposal, but there are some items that just aren’t worth the risk. Grease, for example, is one of the leading causes of clogged sink drains. Though the grease is in liquid form when you pour it, it will eventually harden and cause a clog.

Below are a few other items that are commonly poured down kitchen sinks but should be avoided:

  • Coffee grounds
  • Eggshells
  • Fats and oils
  • Paint

What Happens When Unapproved Items End Up In The Pipes

More often than not, an unapproved item ends up in your pipes because it’s “easier” to get rid of items that way than bringing them to the garbage. While it seems like an easy solution, it’s a practice that will cost you big bucks later on down the line.

Clogged drains can result in a backup in your home. This can result in water damage and/or sewer damage. Water damage in your home can result in mold and mildew buildup, which can make your family sick. A sewage leak poses even greater health risks.

Broken pipes can occur from a clogged drain as well. The clog will build up with water and can eventually cause the pipe to burst. Water damage is imminent here and then you also need to deal with the cost of fixing your pipes.

Who To Call If You Have A Clogged Drain In California

If you live in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Ventura, South Bay, or Orange County and you’re dealing with a clogged drain, call Team Rooter. We can help you get your drains unclogged and bring them back to working order. Call us today to learn more about the services we offer.