Company: Scott Plumbing

Commercial Water Heater Maintenance and Its Benefits

Why Schedule Commercial Water Heater Maintenance? 

Many businesses and properties rely on water heaters to provide hot water, so they must work well to prevent problems in their operation and avoid leaving them with no hot water. The best way to ensure commercial water heaters work well and efficiently is the same as residential water heaters, with routine maintenance. This post will discuss the advantages of commercial water heater maintenance. 

Lower Utility Bills 

save money Most property and business owners are acutely aware of their expenses. One way to reduce water heating costs is to schedule routine maintenance on commercial water heaters. Maintenance will help the water heater’s energy efficiency, which leads to saving money. 

Maintenance visits include several tasks that can improve a water heater’s efficiency, including removing sediments from the water heater by draining and flushing it. When maintenance is neglected, sediment builds up in the tank, causing the water heater to work harder and use more energy to heat water. 

Fewer Repairs 

water heater When maintenance is neglected, commercial water heaters can incur additional costs besides higher utility bills. Water heaters that are poorly maintained are more likely to experience problems and damage, requiring more water heater repairs and repair costs. 

By scheduling routine maintenance on commercial water heaters, they will be more reliable and experience fewer issues since many things are done during routine maintenance visits to prevent problems and damage, including replacing anode rods when needed and flushing the tank of sediment. Both these tasks help prevent tank corrosion and damage that can lead to leaks.  

Extended Lifespan 

Another benefit of routine commercial water heater maintenance is that it helps water heaters last longer, which can also save property and business owners money on early water heater replacement. During maintenance, many tasks prevent issues that can shorten a water heater’s lifespan. 

However, allowing plumbers to inspect the water heating system during routine maintenance can also help catch problems early so they can be fixed before the issue worsens and causes damage that can shorten a unit’s lifespan and require an early commercial water heater replacement. So, by extending a water heater’s lifespan, business and property owners won’t have to replace it as often, saving money in the long run. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated residential and commercial plumbing company serving Huntsville and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time arrival, and same-day service. Call them for commercial plumbing and water heater services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Degraded cylindrical pipe resting on a cloth, filled with organic debris, highlighting plumbing maintenance needs.

Understanding Signs of Sewer Line Clogs

How to Spot a Clogged Sewer Line 

Homeowners should get sewer line clogs cleared as soon as possible. A sewer line clog, at best, will interrupt the sewer service to a home and cause some clog symptoms and, at worst, may cause additional damage to the home or plumbing. Understanding the signs of sewer line clogs can help homeowners navigate these challenges and reach out to a plumber for drain cleaning sooner to prevent the problem from worsening. Here are common signs of a clogged sewer line. 

Unusual Sounds and Smells 

bad smell One sign of a clogged sewer line is a strange noise like gurgling that it will make due to the clog. Since the pipes are designed to drain away waste efficiently, the waste moves quickly without interruption. When clogs interrupt the flow, an audible noise can be produced that can signal a homeowner should take action against an impending sewer clog. 

Another sign that can point to the sewer line being clogged is a foul smell. If sewer gas or a sewage smell is noticed, there could be a sewer line clog that is causing it or another sewer line issue that requires professional attention. To eliminate clogs, plumbers can use methods such as hydrojetting or a plumber’s snake. 

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups can occur when a sewer pipe is completely clogged, and the water and sewage have nowhere to go but back into the home through drains and toilets at the lowest points in the household plumbing system. As more wastewater attempts to flow through the main pipe, it will seek the path of least resistance.

When multiple fixtures experience backups simultaneously, it strongly suggests that the clog is located in the primary sewer line rather than the individual drain lines. Sewer line clogs can occur when a buildup of non-flushable items, grease, intrusive tree roots, and more, or a collapse of the line itself obstructs the main line.

Slow Drains 

bathtub Before a backup occurs, the drain will usually show another warning sign of a clogged sewer line, which is slow draining. Most clogs form slowly over weeks or even months. As the clog forms, the flow of water draining from the sink, bathtub, and shower drains will slow down. 

Eventually, the flow can slow down to the point that the blockage nearly completely cuts off the drainage, creating standing water in the sinks and tubs. To prevent this from leading to more problems, always respond to the earliest possible signs of a clog and call a plumber to fix it. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas since 2014. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and on-time service. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Operator using an inspection camera to assess a drainage system for Scott Plumbing maintenance services.

Have Questions About Sewer Video Inspection Services? We Have Answers

Sewer Camera Inspection 101

Plumbing problems aren’t the best part of home ownership, but they are part of life, and one way or another, everyone has had to deal with one and the inconvenience that comes with it. Thankfully, modern technology has made it easier to identify and resolve plumbing problems. A sewer camera inspection is one way to help plumbers more accurately identify sewer line problems so that repair is done correctly the first time. This post will discuss sewer video inspection services, their advantages, and some signs that they may be needed. 

The Basics of Sewer Camera Inspection

camera inspection A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a small camera into the pipelines to check their condition or find the source and extent of a particular problem in the sewer line. The camera is on one end of a long flexible cable that can enter the sewer line through an opening called a sewer cleanout or through drains, so the process is noninvasive and doesn’t require any digging. 

This equipment is specially designed to be able to navigate the narrow diameters of a pipe. It can transmit real-time footage to the plumber of the inside of sewer lines as well as the camera's location, which allows plumbers to determine the location of the problem once it has been found to help them better with repairs. 

When Would You Need Sewer Video Inspection?

This non-invasive method of inspecting sewer lines uses state-of-the-art cameras to assess the inside of pipes. So, what signs indicate homeowners may need a sewer video inspection? One of the most common signs is slow draining or frequent clogging of pipes. If homeowners notice signs like backups or slow drainage, this could be a sign of a blockage in the sewer line that requires further investigation. 

Another tell-tale sign is foul odors coming from the drains or yards. This could indicate a break or leak in the sewer line, causing sewage to seep out or a clog. Other signs to look out for include gurgling noises, patches of lush green grass in the yard, and increased pest activity near the sewer line.

In addition to identifying specific problems, there are other situations where sewer video inspection is also necessary. For instance, if someone is planning on purchasing a new property or selling an existing one, it is recommended to have a sewer video inspection done beforehand. This can help identify any potential issues with the sewer line and allow for necessary repairs or negotiations before finalizing the sale.

Advantages of Sewer Video Inspection

tree roots There are numerous benefits to utilizing sewer camera inspection, with its ability to catch all sorts of issues and damage like leaks, clogs, corrosion, intruding tree roots, and more being at the top of the list. One of the greatest advantages of this technology is that it allows for a non-invasive method of identifying potential issues within a sewer system. This means that no property damage or extensive digging is required to locate and diagnose potential problems.

Additionally, sewer camera inspection can be used to identify issues at an earlier stage, preventing more significant and costly damage in the long run. This technology also allows for a more precise diagnosis, ensuring the correct solution is implemented to resolve any problems. With its ability to minimize costs, save time, and prevent further damage, it's no wonder that sewer camera inspection has become so widely used. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local,family-owned and operated company serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They offer clear and honest price estimates, same-day service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for sewer video inspection services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Modern kitchen sink area with organized under-sink storage, featuring sleek cabinetry and stylish faucet by Scott Plumbing.

Best Maintenance Practices to Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Good Shape

How to Take Care of Your Garbage Disposal

The holidays are officially here, and along with the festivities comes preparing big family meals for countless parties, gatherings, or celebrations. For most homes, the kitchen transforms into a busy hub of activity with all the cooking, eating, cleaning, and dishwashing involved.

This also means that the sinks collect mountains of dishes, and the garbage disposal is constantly running in the background. With all the food and cleaning during the holiday, homeowners should ensure that the garbage disposal is in top shape to prevent any unexpected breakdowns or clogs that could put a damper on all the holiday festivities. The following are some of the best ways to ensure the garbage disposal stays in good condition and to prevent clogs. 

Food That Doesn’t Belong in Garbage Disposals

The first thing to consider when preventing clogged pipes and garbage disposal problems is to ensure that particular foods don’t go down the drain and garbage disposal. Oil and grease, for example, are big no-nos because they solidify at lower temperatures inside the disposal or pipes and can cause significant blockages. Rice, pasta, and other expandable foods should also be kept out of the drain because they absorb water and can expand to cause clogs. 

Other foods to be avoided include stringy, fibrous foods and vegetables that can get tangled up in the disposal, hard food like bones, nuts, and pits that could cause the disposal to break, and things like eggshells, coffee grounds, and seafood shells that can damage garbage disposals and cause clogs. Additionally, large quantities of food should never go down the disposal at once, as it can overwhelm the garbage disposal and pipes and create problems. 

Run It With Water and Ice

sinkWhenever homeowners run their garbage disposals, and for a bit after it’s turned off, they should also run cold water from the kitchen tap. Cold water can help clear food debris from the garbage disposal, keep it moving down the pipes, and prevent the motor from overheating. 

Also, running a handful of ice cubes through the garbage disposal occasionally is a good practice because it can help clean any food debris that has gotten stuck while also helping keep the blades sharp. Following these simple tips at home can help keep the garbage disposal working well and prevent clogs in drain and sewer pipes.

Leave Garbage Disposal Repair and Replacement to the Pros

garbage disposalWhile prevention is a big part of keeping garbage disposals in excellent working condition, problems can still arise occasionally despite preventive measures. This is why it’s crucial to have a trusted, professional plumber come in for complex repairs and services that cannot be resolved with the push of the garbage disposal reset button. However, if the reset button must be used often, this likely indicates an underlying problem that a professional should handle.  

Garbage disposal installation and replacement should also be left to a plumber to ensure they are installed correctly and safely. Some more signs of garbage disposal problems indicating a plumber should be called include hearing strange humming noises, foul smells, if it isn’t working well anymore, or a garbage disposal that is leaking.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local, family-owned and operated company serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide clear and honest price estimates, same-day service, and trusted technicians. Call them today for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Person operating a labeled “PERFORMANCE" water heater, pressing a button with visible valves and cautionary labels.

Signs That the Water Heater Needs Replacing

Three Signs That It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement 

Nothing lasts forever––and that also goes for water heaters. Standard storage water heaters only last around 10 to 15 years. But how can homeowners know when it may be time for a replacement? Here are some common signs that water heater replacement is needed. 

There’s Corrosion 

old water heater Once there’s corrosion of the water heater, the entire unit generally needs replacing. That’s because: 

  • A rusted tank compromises the entire unit’s integrity: With a corroded water heater, homeowners could find themselves dealing with chronic leaks, low water pressure, and high energy bills. 
  • It can lead to water damage: As noted, a rusted storage tank can cause leaks. This does more than wastewater. It can also damage homeowners’ property, including flooring and sideboards. 
  • Rust can lead to safety hazards: Rust can damage the tank’s integrity, causing the system to leak or burst and flood the home. This does more than damage property. If the water comes into contact with electricity, there could also be an electrical hazard, making the home unsafe. 

 

It Doesn’t Heat Water as Well 

cold shower There’s no use in having a hot water heater if it doesn’t do its job properly. While some reasons for cold, lukewarm water, or hot water that runs out quicker are fixable, some issues causing them may warrant replacing the entire system. A plumber can determine the best solution for the water heater. Some possible causes of water heating issues include: 

  • There’s an issue with the heating element: While this component could be replaced, if the system itself is more than 10 years old, it’s more cost-effective to just replace it. Water heater life expectancy plays a critical role in when it’s time to replace it. 
  • There’s a problem with the pilot light: The pilot light turns on the heating element and heats the water inside the tank. If there’s something wrong with the pilot light, chances are, there are other components that need replacing. 
  • There are gas supply problems: Many water heaters rely on gas to operate. If there’s a gas leak, not only does this make a home unsafe, but it can affect how the appliances that use them operate. 

It’s Old or Constantly Needs Repairs 

It’s not uncommon for a water heater to need repairs now and then. Yet, if it always seems like a plumber is needed to fix a problem with it, this could warrant replacing the system. It can save money since older water heaters are less energy efficient, and the repair and energy costs add up.

Additionally, if a traditional storage water heater is past the 10-year mark or a tankless water heater is nearing the 20-year mark, it should be replaced. This can be beneficial as a new energy-efficient water heater will cost less to operate, and homeowners won’t have to deal with the problems of an aging water heater or a loss of hot water. 

About Scott Plumbing 

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned business serving Huntsville and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and always on-time service. Call them today for water heater installation and repair services in Huntsville, AL. 

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