Etiqueta: Plumbing Snake

It seems easy to determine what kind of materials to use when changing or installing for the first time that network of pipes that will bring water to your house, but for people inexperienced in these topics many are the doubts that arise about plumbing. That’s why we prepared this little guide that will help you.

Placing or replacing the pipes in your house is not as simple as it seems at first sight. Before undertaking this task, it is advisable to find out about the options on the market and to answer certain questions.

Do I want the new pipes to last longer? How strong do they need to be? Are there other lines than the existing ones? Will I also need to buy elbows, connections and other materials? These are questions that will arise and complicate the plan if things are not clear.

Standing in front of the pipe rack can be confusing for those who don’t know the codes that engineers, architects, plumbers and builders handle very well. Although you may not believe it, there are insurmountable differences between sewage and clean water pipes, even between them.

Those made of PVC material come in various colors that determine their use and resistance. For example, white ones are the weakest, with a thickness -but not diameter, which can be as much as three or six inches- of very few millimeters. Then there are the yellows, a little stronger, and the oranges, with a higher quality than the previous ones.

To select the ideal one, you have to calculate, approximately, how much human traffic and weight there will be in the area where the pipe will be buried. If it is a busy passage for vehicles and people, do not hesitate to place the most resistant one.

In the case of white water, the pipes – capable of withstanding the high pressure of the liquid – are thinner in diameter (most do not exceed one inch) and in two colors. The light gray ones, for cold water, and others of beige or dark gray tone, for hot water.

Although the use of PVC is widespread, displacing a little the use of pipes made of metal, these are still used to transport other materials, such as domestic gas, which goes through copper and steel pipes.

Expert advice is vital to avoid getting tangled up when buying not only the pipe required for the characteristics of the job to be performed, but also the additional elements, specifically the connections.

Elbows

These are the elements that allow you to make a curve in the line that is drawing the pipe. They are small and come in different diameters so that they can be coupled to any size. There are different types, based especially on the angle of the curve that is required to be applied: they can be 45°, 90° and 180°.

Plugs

They prevent the passage of the liquid. It is like ending the pipe network without connecting the end to any other or any equipment. It is also available in various diameters and characteristics, according to those existing in the pipes, for perfect coupling. They can be male or female.

“T» type

It is a piece in the shape of the letter «T», used in case it is necessary to maintain the line of the pipe, but taking out a new line perpendicular to the first one. Something like a nipple with another exit in the middle of the pipe. They can be reducing, being the third hole of smaller diameter with respect to the rest of the object.

“Y” type 

Its function is to make a fork in the pipe lines, as if it were a «Y» on a road. It can also make a much steeper curve than the «T» piece if a plug is placed at the end where there is only one exit.

Gearboxes

The reducer is used to shorten the diameter in a first pipe. On one side it is of a certain size and on the other it is smaller. The function is to lower the level of fluids passing through the pipe network. The different combinations of diameters allow the ideal one to be achieved.

Rings

They can be used for joint fastening or for identifying the fluid passing through the pipe. In any case, their diameter and structure are adapted to the different characteristics of the pipes.

If you are thinking of installing new pipes in your home or business, do not hesitate to contact us. Mr. Poronga has the experience and the endorsement enough to help you to place the water network of your house.

Any plumbing problem can quickly become a difficult conflict to solve if it is not addressed quickly and appropriately. That’s why it’s very important to perform routine inspections of the entire water system of the house or business premises to evidence any leaks in time and to fix them as soon as possible.

Below are several signs that can tell you if a problem is occurring or if there is a problem with the building’s plumbing.

Evidence of plumbing problems in your home

Discolored Pipes

Next time you’re in your basement or checking under the kitchen sink, look closely at the pipes for signs of discoloration, especially around a joint. If so, it’s a strong sign that moisture is present.

This can be caused by a dripping sink or drain line, or something more serious, such as a slow leak in the supply line. If it is the latter, then you should definitely put this at the top of the list of pending repairs to be executed. A professional plumber can help you.

Sewer Odor

A general rule of plumbing is that every drain needs a trap, and every trap needs a vent. All of these traps and drains are designed to prevent sewer gas from entering your home.

Your home’s vents should channel the odor from the sewer to the roof, while the drain traps create a «water plug» that acts as a barrier to prevent sewer odors from going down the sink drain.

So, if you detect a sewer gas odor in your home, that means a trap has dried up or a vent line has broken. A dry trap can be fixed as easily as filling it with water, or you may need to examine it for signs of leakage.

Weak Water Flow in Multiple Locations

A slow flow or low water pressure indicates a problem in the distribution. If the water pressure is low in several places around your home, it is the sign of a major problem.

If that is the case, then you are trying to locate a problem in the water system, the water heater or an active leak in the supply line.

If you are seeing low water pressure along with some of the other items on this list, such as bubble paint, it is imperative that you act immediately and seek help from a professional plumbing service.

Slow drainage

Not surprisingly, slow drainage is a sign of a problem in your plumbing. Depending on where the problem is located, it may be an easily removable blockage near the drain, or it could be a problem further down the sewer line that will require significant action to resolve.

First, check for debris or large blockages in the drains or check the main sewer line and see if tree roots are causing problems.

Pipes Frozen in Winter

If the water pressure drops suddenly or stops completely in the middle of winter, there is a possibility that your pipes have frozen. This is a major problem and should be addressed immediately.

An especially common problem in homes where supply lines run through an attic, crawl space or other unheated space, frozen pipes pose the greatest danger once they thaw.

If your home has any of these problems you can contact us, at Mr. Poronga we have the trained staff and technical equipment to perform any plumbing repairs.

Water leaks in old or deteriorated pipes are very common, but they are also a rather difficult problem to control and repair because many times the pipes are hidden in walls and floors. That’s why a plumbing service or an expert plumber are ideal to help you put an end to water leaks.

At the time of writing, it is estimated that the problem of water leaks in homes and businesses in the United States exceeds approximately $10,000 per insurance claim.

Water damage can result from many problems difficult to predict. For example, a burst hot water tank, leaking copper pipes, a leaking faucet under the sink or a frozen pipe can lead to the destruction of insulation, ruined pipes and sunken ceilings.

Fortunately, the damage that water can cause can be avoided thanks to the leak detection systems that exist today and that are within the reach of any homeowner, you only have to contact the plumbing service nearest you to do the installation.

For example, at Mr. Poronga we have the most advanced equipment and qualified personnel to perform any type of plumbing work. Whether it is pipe plugs, main drains, white water pipes, among other services.

What Is A Leak Detection System And How Does It Work?

A leak detection system monitors the flow of water through a pipe. When abnormal behavior is evident, the device cuts off the flow of water to the entire house.

Leak detection systems are usually installed at the point of entry of water into the home. That way, no matter what the problem, the flow of water can be shut off from all water-using appliances, protecting your entire home from disastrous and costly damage.

Leak detection systems are configurable, allowing you to customize the shut-off schedule to your home’s water usage patterns. 

It’s also possible to connect to smartphones through an application, sending you alerts when they detect an irregular water flow and activate the system before an accident happens in your home no matter how far away you are.

An additional plus and what precisely makes it useful for the winter is that this system is capable of detecting when a pipe is about to freeze. Remember that when a pipe freezes it can explode because of the pressure generated inside it.

In that sense, the device will have the ability to immediately cut off the water supply and restore it when temperatures rise.

Why Is It Convenient To Install The Leak Detection System?

A leak detection system protects your home or business from one of the most common and costly damages, flash flooding.

It also helps control your water bill. In most cases we don’t worry when we see a small leak in the faucets of sinks, showers or dishwashers, but this represents a significant increase in the billing of the water service company.

In addition, water damage goes hand in hand with mold. Mold can present very serious health risks. Mold aggravates allergic conditions, causing eye irritation, sneezing, runny nose and even exacerbating skin rashes.

Plumbing problems often become a stressful inconvenience and most of the time to save time and a little money we usually take our own steps to try to solve it without the help of a plumber. A clogged toilet or a broken water heater are some of the problems we try to solve with our own hands.

Even though we like to save money, if we don’t know what we are doing and we are fully skilled, we can complicate the situation and end up spending much more money than we perhaps had in mind.

That is why it is very important that when any plumbing problem arises at home or in your business, you call a professional plumber or a company with a history in the field. They have the necessary expertise to help you, for example, in Mr. Poronga we have a high level professional team.

When Is It Necessary To Call A Plumber?

The help of a professional becomes a necessity, if only for a simple drip, because you can make mistakes if you do not have the experience, tools and knowledge to repair any fault that may arise.

While it is true that in some cases the intervention is quite fast and the damage is not so great, there are other situations in which the work of a plumber is absolutely necessary.

Situations where the damage is beyond your control and is quite complicated to perform. It is good that you know when you can solve the situation yourself, and when you should contact a plumbing expert.

Five Reasons to Hire the Plumber

If you still feel that you have no reason to call a professional plumbing service, here is a basic list.

Hiring a Plumber Saves Time

They spend their days solving pipe-related breakdowns. This means they have a lot of experience and therefore can solve complex problems in a very short time.

It is not recommended that you try to solve pipe problems at home, as a mistake can be fatal, complicated and cost you a lot of money. The intervention of a professional is therefore a necessity every time that, due to fear or inexperience, you do not know what to do to fix a fault.

Contacting a Plumber Means You Don’t Have to Buy Tools

Professional plumbers use specialized tools that most people do not have at home.

This means that to fix any mishaps you must buy these hydraulic tools and materials, which is an additional cost. It is much easier to contact a plumber to fix the problem.

Hire A Plumber To Prevent Flooding

If something were to go wrong during the installation of the drains, it would be a setback, as it could cause flooding.

In fact, not only would you have the problem, but you would probably cause flooding to a neighbor, making the breakdown an even bigger problem.

Calling a Plumber Is the Best Way to Go

If you plan to try to repair a broken bathroom you should be prepared to deal with some of the issues that will arise. For example, the bathroom may not be operational for a few days or worse, if the sump pump shuts down, it could cause a flood.

Save yourself the trouble and call a professional plumbing service to solve these problems.

Hiring a Plumber Can Save Lives

A hydraulic system is surprisingly complex and if you accidentally stop a water supply line flowing near a drain, you can contaminate the drinking water supply.

Septic tanks and sewer lines contain untreated wastewater that is toxic. Therefore, this is a job that should be done by a professional. Obviously there are many other situations as well, but these are certainly the most common. So think twice before trying to repair the pipes yourself. A professional will save you money and headaches.

As a plumbing service, experts in home and commercial mushroom remediation, we have to inform you how dangerous very high levels of mushrooms can be in any room of the home.

That’s why today we prepared this article that will help you verify and constantly monitor if the levels of fungi inside your property are really dangerous or if you have an adequate count of this unwanted guest.

The first thing you should know is that mold can significantly affect your health. The first consequences can be nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes and rashes. 

On the other hand, there are also other more intense symptoms that can be suffered by people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease or even a depressed immune system.

Unfortunately, mold is impossible to eradicate, its spores are always present both indoors and outdoors. The only solution is to control the situations that raise the level of mold inside our homes (humidity), and to make use of the components that are sold on the market to decrease the humidity present in the environment.

Mold can enter the house through doors, windows and open vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in outdoor air can be carried indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and even pets.

How Can a Plumbing Service Help Me Eliminate Mold?

Professional plumbing services use advanced techniques to, first, detect why mold is growing, and second, apply the special chemicals and techniques to remove the mold.

For example, a water canister or a pipe leak may be the perfect situation for mold to settle in your home. Rainwater, whitewater or sewage flooding can also be the trigger for a mold invasion to begin in every corner of your home or business.

It is estimated that mold can develop within 48 to 72 hours after a flood.

That’s why many times, a plumbing service or a plumber you trust can help you get rid of this unwanted pest in the right way.

 How Can I Prevent Mold From Invading My Home?

 There are ways to prevent the fungus from entering our homes:

– Watch for water leaks or filtrations.

– Do not extend wet clothes or shoes inside the home.

– Install dehumidifiers inside the house.

– Monitor the levels of fungal spores with a meter to evaluate the humidity levels.

– Air conditioners help keep humidity at bay. 

– Make sure air flows efficiently through your home.

– Add mold inhibitors to the paint before painting. You can buy inhibitors at paint or home improvement stores.

– Wash bathrooms with mildew-killing products.

– If you’ve had a flood, replace wet carpets and furniture upholstery that can’t dry quickly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas such as bathrooms for basements that may have high humidity.
If you are having problems with mold and mildew in your home, don’t hesitate to call us. At Mr. Poronga we do our best to determine the full extent of the fungus intrusion. Our goal is to clean the fungus growing inside your building and eliminate exposure to any mold. 

Usually the rainwater collection system is neglected by the owners or homeowners. This fact unfortunately contributes to its easy deterioration and incidents, so it is important that you go to a plumber.

In these cases, professional plumbing service recommend constant inspections of the rainwater gutters in order to evaluate in depth, what the condition of the gutter is and whether it is advisable to make a repair or simply perform preventive maintenance.

A damaged or clogged rainwater gutter can cause serious problems in the roof, walls and floors of the home since leaks will occur at any time due to inadequate water deposition.

There are many reasons why rainwater pipes are often damaged. Many times people think that only the leaves of the trees cause problems, but this is not the case. There are many other reasons and we will detail them below.

What Elements Can Damage Rainwater Pipes?

Continuous monitoring of your gutters will save you a lot of trouble, money and time if you watch out for the following common causes of rainwater gutter damage.

Grass

The grass is a plant that can grow disproportionately and under almost any condition. All it needs is a little moisture to start developing.

If this happens in the drainage pipes of your house then you will have a problem in the future, because the roots will start to grow inside the system and can cause blockages or maybe even break the pipe.

Bird Nest

The birds are another inconvenience to be aware of. They are attracted to establish their nests in rainwater gutters because they provide security against possible predators. Unfortunately this can cause the sudden blockage of the pipe and bring you trouble.

To avoid this situation, it is recommended that you call your trusted plumbing service and have the gutters checked periodically.

Manure & Mold

The organic waste that is deposited on the roof of your house with the rains is washed away into the gutters. Many times they get stuck and over time become a black, viscous material that can rot the pipes that make up the rainwater collection system.

Toys

If you have children who play constantly in the yard, make sure toys like balls or frisbees don’t get stuck in the gutters. Usually, the circumference of balls like baseballs are similar to those of sewage pipes and can easily clog them.

Check that these elements are not left on the roof or in the gutters to avoid greater problems in the event of a torrential rain.

Rain gutters should be cleaned twice a year – in early fall and early spring. If you clean your gutters in early fall, the grass will still be dry and therefore easier to remove. When the rainy season begins, water will flow freely through the gutter and downspouts, ensuring little or no damage to the gutter.

Cleaning the gutters again in early spring will again prepare them to redirect the heavy rain of this new season.    

If you are looking for a plumbing service that will help you do this work efficiently you can contact Mr. Poronga, we have the specialized technical team to perform these repairs quickly. 

If you have a commercial location, the last thing you want is for it to flood or have a sewage overflow. This fact can generate great economic losses and also negative comments about your business, to avoid any inconvenience a plumbing service can be your best ally.

A correct maintenance of drains and pipes will help you keep bad smells at bay and eliminate clogs. It will also serve to quickly eliminate excess rainwater that can also be a problem.

At Mr. Poronga we have extensive experience in all aspects of plumbing, moisture control, mold remediation and flood water removal. We can help and advise you to effectively improve any plumbing problem in your facility, home or industry.

Measures to Avoid Sewage Overflow 

When a flood occurs, of whatever type, not only is it known that there is damage to the water evacuation system, but also that there will be damage to the infrastructure that will obviously cause additional expenses in the bills at the end of the month. Nobody wants to be in the situation of fixing every single damage caused by a flood

Then the best measure you can take is prevention. To do this, it is essential that you carry out periodic maintenance work on the pipes to eliminate any element that could become a plug in the immediate future.

Additionally, it is important to know that not only clogging can cause problems. Pipe ruptures or cracks are also a silent problem that can prevent optimal performance, for which a video camera inspection is the best option.

How to Manage a Flood?

The first thing you need to know is what is causing the flooding in order to act accordingly.

For example, if it is a torrential rain, then this means a large amount of unexpected water for which the water disposal system was not prepared. It is also important that you check the condition of the electrical connections, as well as the gas or other energy sources for your business premises.

The most recommended thing is that you entrust this work to a professional plumbing company you trust to carry out this task using bailer pumps to eliminate excess water and then carry out an industrial cleaning.

A broken boiler can also be a problem that generates flooding and for this work it is necessary to use high pressure machinery that performs the task quickly and effectively.

Maintenance And Prevention Is The Key

Completely neglecting the plumbing and drainage system of your premises is a serious mistake that will cost you dearly in the near future.

Preventive maintenance in the evacuation facilities and the constant revision of each one of the components is vital to anticipate any failure that may occur and evidently you will be able to avoid inconveniences, damages and unnecessary repairs that cause a flood.

If you need help in this aspect, you can contact us immediately. We have the trained and instrumental team necessary to solve any problem with your pipeline.

In Mr. Poronga we are available 24 hours a day, just contact us at the following phone number 313.687.6905 or even schedule an appointment through our website and you will be attended immediately under your own needs. 

Maintenance is a very important activity to extend the life of any appliance, system or object and plumbing is no exception. Taking proper care of the pipes and drainage system of your home or business will help you avoid problems in the future and especially expenses of money and time.

For this article we have prepared a guide on how to perform such maintenance, as well as when to do it, so you can prevent any unpleasant situation that forces you to call an emergency service to a professional plumber or to the plumber you trust.

Let’s start with the most important thing and what we always remind all our customers, the best maintenance for a drainage system or a pipe is the care we give it from the beginning so if we are careful we will be able to extend the life of the house drains for a long time.

Recommendations for the maintenance of the drainage system

One of the most important aspects is knowing how and why the house drainage system works. The idea is that it can be kept in optimal conditions so that flooding does not start in the bathroom, in the kitchen or even the appearance of bad odors anywhere in the house.

Don’t Dispose of Large Items Through Drainage

The house’s drainage pipes are not designed to dispose of large objects through them. Be alert and never let large objects or waste go through the toilet or sink. If you are not aware of this at any time this action will take its toll.

For example, the toilet and the pipes that connect it to the sewer line are not large enough in diameter to allow a baby’s diaper, a sanitary napkin or a large amount of toilet paper to flow easily. Even wet wipes can become a reason for clogging the drain.

Perform Annual Inspections or Maintenance Work

As we said at the beginning of this article, maintenance is practically a fundamental aspect to keep the drains of the property in good condition, that is why it is vital that at least once a year you send a plumbing company to do a preventive maintenance of the pipes.

In cases where the houses are very old and have been built for a long time, then it is best to perform this action every six months. Remember that over the years the pipes begin to corrode or even deteriorate due to the action of time.

How Your Home Drainage System Is Made Up

The drainage network in your house is quite extensive and is not made up of just one line of pipes. The drains usually run from the outside of the roof to the basement, and here we detail each of its components:

Rainwater Drainage: This is all the pipe that drains the rainwater and the winter thaw. They are on the outside of the roof.

Black water system: These are the ones that come from the bathrooms and kitchen. They collect all the water used to wash our utensils and our personal hygiene.

Main collector: The main collectors are in charge of joining all these sources of sewage to later send it to the main sewer that is connected to the municipal drainage system.

If you are looking for a plumbing service that can help you professionally solve any problem with the drains in your house then you are in the right place. At Mr. Poronga we specialize in small, medium and large scale plumbing jobs.