Tag: problems

Bathroom interior featuring pink tiled walls, a wooden cabinet, a white toilet, and a bathtub, illustrating plumbing conditions in older homes.

Common Plumbing Problems in Old Homes and How to Identify Them

Plumbing Issues to Watch Out for in Older Houses

Older houses can be more prone to experiencing plumbing problems due to their aging plumbing systems and materials. So, when living in an old home with old plumbing, homeowners should watch out for plumbing issues and call a plumber when signs of problems are noticed. This post will share some common plumbing issues in older homes and how they can be identified. 

Corroded Pipes

pipesCorroded pipes plague countless older homes and can create expensive headaches for unsuspecting homeowners when they leak, causing water damage. Many pipe materials, including galvanized steel, cast iron, and copper pipes, gradually deteriorate over decades, developing rust, mineral buildup, and structural weakness, which can lead to leaks and pipe bursts. 

So, recognizing the warning signs of pipe corrosion and calling a plumber to replace the pipes can help prevent issues like leaks and burst pipes and the additional consequences they can cause, like water damage and higher water bills, from occurring. Discolored water flowing from faucets and fixtures, reduced water pressure, leaks, and a strange metallic taste or smell to the water can signal corrosion. Rust and corrosion may also be visible on exposed pipes. 

Low Water Pressure

sinkLow water pressure can be frustrating, turning simple tasks like showering or washing dishes into tedious ordeals. Older homes with aging plumbing can experience poor water pressure due to various underlying causes, including outdated plumbing fixtures, clogs, corrosion, and water leaks. 

When homeowners notice reduced water pressure in the shower or from faucets, it’s important to call a plumber so they can determine the underlying cause of the low water pressure and the best solution. They will inspect the condition of the pipes to determine whether a water leak is due to corrosion or not, which will determine whether water leak repair or pipe replacement is needed to replace old and corroded pipes. If water pressure issues are from old fixtures, they can be replaced. The best solution to restore water pressure will depend on the cause.

Sewer Line Problems

Old sewer lines are more likely to experience problems, including clogs, leaks, corrosion, or damage. Some of these issues can also lead to other problems if not addressed promptly. For example, issues such as sewer line clogs and corrosion can lead to leaks and damage. Additionally, external factors can also lead to sewer line problems, including tree roots that infiltrate joints and cracks in the sewer line in search of moisture and nutrients, resulting in a clogged sewer line and further damage. Shifting soil can also cause sewer line leaks and damage.

Homeowners should watch for warning signs of sewer line problems and call a plumber to determine the issue and the best solution to fix it. Slow draining, foul sewage odors, backups, unexplained wet and soggy spots in the yard, and unusually fast-growing, lush patches in the yard can all signal issues with the sewer line. There are several solutions to sewer line problems depending on the issue it’s facing. Sewer line repair or replacement may be necessary, or if a sewer line is clogged, drain cleaning or hydro jetting may be required. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local, family-owned and operated company serving the Huntsville community. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and a no-mess promise. Call them for plumbing services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Tips To Avoid Holiday Plumbing Problems

How To Prevent Plumbing Issues This Holiday Season

The holidays are busy with cooking, hosting, and celebrating, leaving little room for unexpected mishaps—especially plumbing problems. Fortunately, with some preparation, homeowners can prevent most plumbing issues and ensure their festivities go off without a hitch. Here are a few tips from local plumbing professionals to help keep the season merry and bright.

Prevent Holiday Drain Clogs

clogA few things can disrupt holiday plans, such as a clogged drain or an overworked toilet. Whether it’s a sink that won’t drain during meal prep or a toilet that struggles to flush for guests, clogs are unwelcome guests.

The good news is that most clogs are preventable with proper care:

  • Dispose of grease properly: Pour it into a container and throw it in the trash instead of down the drain.
  • Mind food scraps: Cut vegetables and toss peels in the garbage instead of using the garbage disposal.
  • Provide wastebaskets: Ensure toilets have nearby wastebaskets for hygiene products and wipes.
  • Lower toilet lids: Prevent items from accidentally falling in.
  • Flush toilets regularly: Check for strong flushing and address any issues early.
    If homeowners notice slow-draining sinks or unusual gurgling sounds, it is best to schedule a professional drain cleaning before the holidays to avoid surprises.

Invest in Plumbing Maintenance

Even with excellent drain habits, scheduling professional plumbing maintenance is the best way to prevent emergencies. Regular drain cleaning ensures wastewater flows freely and keeps clogs at bay.

Professional plumbers use tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting to clear blockages and keep the plumbing system operating efficiently. Experts recommend annual drain cleaning, so scheduling this service during the holiday season can become a helpful tradition to ensure a trouble-free home.

Don’t Forget About the Water Heater

water heaterThe water heater is critical during the holidays, providing hot water for showers, dishwashing, and cooking. With increased demand, a poorly maintained water heater can falter at the worst time.

Annual water heater maintenance ensures the unit can handle the extra workload. During a service visit, plumbers will:

  • Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup
  • Inspect the burner or heating elements
  • Check electrical connections and safety devices
  • Test the anode rod for wear

These steps improve the water heater’s efficiency, speed up recovery time, and lower utility bills. Adding water heater maintenance to the holiday prep list ensures comfort for everyone during the busiest time of year.

Overall, plumbing issues don’t have to be a concern during the holiday season. With some preemptive maintenance and assistance from a local plumbing company, homeowners can enjoy a stress-free experience even when their plumbing system takes on extra use from all those house guests.

About Scott Plumbing

For over 10 years, Scott Plumbing has been the company that Huntsville, AL, homeowners rely on for their plumbing needs. With every service call, you can expect trustworthy technicians who offer personalized advice, upfront pricing before starting work, and long-lasting solutions. Contact them today to ensure your home’s plumbing is ready for those holiday demands. 

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Common Causes of Sewer Line Problems That Hydrojetting is Used For

High-Pressure Drain Cleaning

Home plumbing fixtures drain into the city sewer via the main sewer line. A clogged sewer line can be a nightmare for homeowners. Blocked drains are one of the most common reasons homeowners call plumbing companies since fixing some clogs requires more than a common household plunger. 

Hydro-jetting services are one of the ways that professional plumbers can quickly clear a tough clog. When the sewer line needs to be cleared, homeowners should call a qualified professional to hydro jet the pipes. Hydrojetting involves shooting water through the line at high speeds to easily remove even the toughest clogs. 

In this blog post, plumbing experts explain how hydrojetting services can be used to fix three common causes of clogged sewer lines. High-pressure drain cleaning is the recommended method for removing blockages and cleaning sewer lines. 

Infiltrating Tree Roots

treeroots A lot of a home’s plumbing system is located underground in the yard outside or underneath the home’s foundation. Tree roots can grow into underground plumbing in search of water. Infiltrating tree roots can cause blockages in the pipes, reduce water flow, and eventually lead to a burst pipe. 

Hydrojetting is the best way to clear tree roots from sewer or water lines. The pressurized water from the hydrojetting machine will blast away the clogs made of tree roots to clear the route for the water. After the roots are removed, any cracks where they may have entered the sewer line will also need to be fixed. 

Grease Build-Up

grease Homeowners should always avoid pouring grease, cooking oil, and animal fat down the drains. It may be tempting to dispose of liquid grease by pouring it down the drain, but when the liquid cools, it hardens and coats the inside of the plumbing. Debris can get caught in the grease build-up and form nasty clogs. 

Homeowners can try to use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to clear away the grease clog. Liquid drain cleaners should never be used because they contain dangerous chemicals. Pouring hot water down the drain can also help to melt away hardened grease to unclog the drain. 

When DIY drain cleaning methods fail to get the job done, homeowners should call a trusted local plumber for hydrojetting services. High-pressure drain cleaning can unclog the line and remove all the grease build-up from the pipes to prevent future clogs. 

Flushing the Wrong Things

Flushing the wrong things down the toilet can wreak havoc on the plumbing system. A sewer line clog can make it impossible for any of the home’s plumbing fixtures to drain correctly, including the toilets. Homeowners should avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper to prevent a sewer line clog. 

Homeowners may think they are getting away with flushing trash down the toilet because the toilet doesn’t immediately clog. However, non-flushable materials can build up in the underground sewer line and damage the plumbing system even if the toilet does not clog initially. The safest way to clear clogs made of non-flushable materials from the sewer line is to use hydrojetting to blast away the source of the clog.

About Scott Plumbing

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated company serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and a no-mess promise. Call them today for hydro jetting services in Huntsville, AL.

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