You may think you would notice a water leak or busted pipe right away. The truth is, sometimes the signs of water damage are hidden. Remember, water leaks can occur anywhere: ceilings, walls, floors, exterior/foundations, attics/roofs, appliances, etc. Here are some warning signs to look for:

• Water Damage – Signs of water damage almost always point to a leak in your home. These signs can include water accumulation/pooling water, discoloration of ceilings/walls, warped paint or wallpaper, changes in floor texture (warping, buckling, sagging, expansion), and an unusual odor.
• Drop in Water Pressure – If you water is flowing at a lower pressure than usual, it could be a sign that some of your water is going somewhere else.
• Sudden Increase in Water Use/Bill – If your water usage has stayed the same but you bill is suddenly increased or is steadily rising, a water leak could be the culprit.
• Unusual Noises Coming From Pipes – Listen to your pipes, they could be telling you something. In noticing leaks people have reported all different types of noises coming from their pipes.
• Mildew or Mold – Mold thrives on moist, dark areas, and a pipe, which is typically hidden in a wall or under flooring. This provides the perfect starting point for mold or mildew if there is a leak.

It is important to regularly check your home for signs of a water leak, especially if your home is older without any previous pipe repair/replacement. Noticing a potential issue sooner rather than later can save you time and money.

If you have any questions or suspect that you may have a leaking pipe, give our office a call at (626) 250-0051 and we can help you.

What you need to know about mainline sewer stoppage and how to fix it

The home plumbing system is a crucial part of everyday living, by it, we wash our hands, dishes and be rid of other unmentionables. All of which is flushed, drained and otherwise expelled from our sight via a complicated set of pipes, often which we do not consider until it is too late. This “too late,” usually comes in the form of Mainline sewer stoppage, a term many have heard and shuddered in fear simply thinking about. For we know the consequences, moreover we know the smell associated with this awful issue.

What is your main sewer line?

In the standard American home, the main sewage line or mainline is a 3-4in pipe that takes all of the waste and drainage from your home to the city sewer or to a septic tank. Everything from the shower to the toilet goes through the main line, and usually without issue. Over time, however, this mainline can become blocked as a result of both normal and abnormal circumstances.

“When not taken care of this blockage can have disastrous results, from ruining plumbing fixtures to costly in-house flooding,” according to plumbing expert Jeff Seale, owner of Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air.

Which is why if you believe your main line may be blocked, then it is extremely important to stop the use of any home plumbing until the clog is removed and your pipes are no longer at risk.

But what is it that causes an issue like this to happen in your home and how do you know when it is actually happening?

The main sewage line can be blocked by a number of different things, especially when the main line is near trees and deep-rooted plants which can cause a large portion of sewer stoppage and mainline clogging. As unfriendly as roots can be for infiltrating your main sewer line, they are not the lone culprit, the main sewage line can also be blocked by a large variety of other things.

• Roots: Like we already mentioned, these bad boys can get into your main line and wreak all kinds of havoc, from blocking the line to grabbing onto debris, among other things, and become a part of building a solid block.
• Grease: Remember all those times you thought you could dump the grease leftover from cooking down the sink? The result of that is a layer of grime and grease that coats the inside of your main sewage line and grabs debris, keeping water from running through the pipe smoothly.
• Grime: Yes, we already mentioned grime, however it is important to note that grime does not mean you were dumping grease or sticky liquids down your drain. Often grime builds up from regular household use of plumbing fixtures, because of this it is extra important to regularly check your pipes.
• Hair: This one is especially common, largely because hair does not break down in water. So when large clumps of hair become stuck in a pipe they work like the roots, grabbing the debris and grime to build a very gross and problematic hairball.
• Debris/Foreign Objects: The best of us do it, we throw things we know we shouldn’t into the toilet and flush them. Unfortunately, that can come back to haunt you when this debris (anything that is not toilet paper or water soluble) clogs your main line. Moreover, if you have young children the likelihood of objects, like toys, being found in the main line is significantly higher.
• Broken pipes: Sometimes it happens, a pipe breaks and it causes main line blockage, leakage and all other kinds of trouble. If you suspect a broken pipe then you should call a professional plumber to deal with this problem.

Despite the many causes of mainline sewage blockage, they all yield the same result, a blocked mainline and an unpleasant afternoon. Unfortunately, this blockage often does not make itself apparent until it is too late.

How can you tell when your main sewage line is clogged?

There are several tell-tale signs that something has blocked your main sewage line and is not allowing a clean pass through the pipe. The first and most common sign is that throughout your house you will begin to notice multiple plumbing fixtures backing up at the same time.

• Most often it begins with the toilets because they have a direct link to the main sewage line, meaning when they are used they will not flush and instead begin to fill with water.
• Following the toilets are showers and bathtubs, which will begin to back up after flushing a toilet or while using other plumbing fixtures, especially because they are lower than sinks and are more susceptible to backups.>/li>
• Backed up sinks, washer machines, etc. are another way to identify a clogged main sewage line, because other fixtures in your house begin to backup while you are using others as a result of the mainline stoppage.
• Lastly, you can check your sewer clean out, which is a small 3-4in. pipe sticking out of the ground with a cap on it. Usually, this pipe is located around the exterior of your house and only requires you to remove the cap and check to see if, water is flowing (meaning you may have a different issue) or if water is stopped and or overflowing. If the water is not moving or overflowing then it is most likely a main sewage line block or clog.

What next?

Once you have confirmed, to the best of your ability, that it is, in fact, mainline stoppage, then the next step is to clear the blockage using a drain snake, which will hopefully clear the blockage or by calling a professional plumber service. Learn more about camera sewer inspections here.

Contacting a professional plumber service is often the best option. They have the best tools for the job and the expertise to best accomplish the job and prevent future issues. Especially in the case of an object block, broken pipes or removing roots, a professional plumber will be able to fix the pipe, cut back the roots or remove the object without doing more damage. Ultimately, it is most important to get your mainline clog fixed quick, and while you can do it yourself, it is not recommended because often DIY plumbing leads to bigger problems that require a professional anyways. So why not call a professional from the get-go?

Our plumbing professionals are here to help you with all of your plumbing needs. Call (626) 250-0051 to schedule your appointment.

Have you ever heard a weird noise coming from your car while you were driving down the highway and thought, “Oh man I hope it’s not serious?” You already have a lot on your mind… the workweek is pushing your blood pressure and no matter where you’re headed, you’re already late. You just turn your radio up a little louder, pretend this isn’t happening, tune out, and hope for the best.

Unfortunately ignoring a problem like this is actually dangerous. It is “classic procrastinating a confrontation with a small issue because you don’t want to take the time to deal with it now.” Just because you don’t think it’s important, doesn’t mean it won’t backfire on you like a banana in a tailpipe. Remember Beverly Hills Cop?

This goes for almost anything, but since we’re talking pipes this is especially important when considering your household plumbing. Sure your house might be a little old but it was built well. Unfortunately, even the best of quality needs a checkup every once and a while. Don’t waste time or ignore potential problems… they could turn into massive issues quickly.

Here are 8 signs your pipes and plumbing system may be old or at risk of something bigger:

1. LEAKS – Moisture in unsuspecting areas of your home can indicate that one of your pipes could have a leak. If you find an accumulation of mildew or mold in an area that should be dry, you could have a tiny hairline fracture in your pipe causing that area to rot.
2. WATER PRESSURE – Leaks, depending on how severe, can cause your water pressure to lower. However, a leak isn’t always the reason for this decrease. Pipes coated with zinc can wear away and cause a build-up of calcium deposits. A clog like this on the inside of the pipe can also cause the pressure to weaken.
3. DISCOLORED WATER – It’s possible that if you have discolored water coming out of your tap that you could have a rust problem. Rust can be hard to wash off your clothes, skin, and dishes. This will also affect the quality of your drinking water. If you notice this or visibly see flecks of metal floating in your water your should call a plumber immediately, especially if you have an older home.
4. UNPLEASANT ODORS – A musty smell in a certain area could mean your sewer line is damaged. If you experience that rotten eggs smell (which could also be thought of as a dumpster aroma combined with humid gym locker room stench – but it’s open to interpretation) this could also be a blocked drain vent that’s allowing sewer gas to back up in your pipes.
5. SLOW DRAINING – If there is a blockage in your pipes, there could again be a potential build-up of mineral debris collecting. A good rule is “when in doubt, call a plumber.”
6. STAINS – Visible stains on walls or ceiling can indicate that you may have a leak. If the leak has been present for a while, potential bubbling or molding could take place on the drywall in your home.
7. TUBE CORROSION – If there is a high acid content eating away at your pipes they could be corroding. This goes beyond the simplicity of patching a leak on a strong pipe. If you find flaking in your water you could have a corrosion problem. Sometimes the best way to tell is by running the water in your bathtub to see if it’s brown which is a sign of corrosion.
8. ODD SOUNDS – Remember that weird sound in your car? Don’t ignore it! Sounds in your plumbing can indicate there is air stuck in your pipes or something is wrong with your bleed off system (plumbing valves used to automatically release trapped air from a heating system).

Beware: If there are combinations of smaller issues such as air stuck in your pipe and a clog that’s been building up for a while, you risk has just exponentially increased, i.e. your pipes run the risk of bursting.

DON’T WASTE TIME

We don’t mean to scare you. Sometimes these issues don’t end up being that bad but it’s always a good idea to catch a problem in the early stages to avoid an expensive one later on.

If you don’t see any of these warning signs but notice your water bills increasing or your appliances using more energy you may also want to look into the health of your plumbing system.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

First, don’t just turn your music up louder in the shower and rinse off in rust water. Yikes!
Make sure to monitor your home’s plumbing system:

• Check your water hot and cold water pipes and fittings.
• Inspect your sanitary plumbing and draining pipes that collect and release sewage and stormwater.
• Observe your mechanical systems where your water supply is either heated or cooled.
• Keep an eye on your roofing systems where drainpipes, gutters and rainwater gathers.

It’s important to know what types of pipes your building has and the lifespans of those materials so you can know what to expect. A lot of this information can be found from a structural report. If you don’t have a report you can obtain one from your city council. If your house was built before the 1960s you should get your water tested.

GET ACCURATE

Hearing a weird noise, finding a leak, or even a weird smell doesn’t mean you are on the brink of disaster, but it’s always best to take precaution.

Accurate has some of the best plumbers and home service specialists around, all trained professionally and state-approved. Accurate can assess your issue, point you in the right direction, and/or fix it for you.

To support home-owners in routinely inspecting the health of their home systems, we created The Accurate Advantage Plan. Each year, you receive comprehensive checkups on your plumbing, electric, heating, and air systems for less than $10/month. This is the best way to become aware of potential threats before they become a giant banana in your tailpipe. You can see our plan here.

If you have any concerns about your home or want to schedule your next service appointment, please call (626) 250-0051 to speak to one of our Customer Service Representatives.

Let’s get one thing straight. Your toilet is not a black hole. What you choose to flush down does not dissipate out of the space-time continuum. What you flush goes directly through your pipes and eventually to another location, unless what you’re flushing doesn’t make it that far.

Depending on the age of your home’s pipes and plumbing system, you may or may not already have a potential risk of clogging or leaks. You need to mindful of what you flush down your drains. It’s to ensure the longevity of your home’s plumbing, for the benefit of the environment, and because a plumber isn’t an astronaut.

We’ve put together a short list of “risky” items which could likely hurt your plumbing over time. These are the things you should never allow in your plumbing system. Because unlike a black hole, you may see them again, and yes… we know it’s gross.

1.  Tissues/Paper Towels 

Paper Towels and Tissues are meant to absorb various messes and sometimes emotions. Unfortunately, they do not dissolve as easily as toilet paper over time. Flushing these down your toilet on a regular basis can not only clog your toilet and cause a mess in your septic tank, but it could actually affect the water at your local treatment facility.

2. Disposable Diapers

It’s not the baby droppings, it’s one of these diapers going down the drain that could actually get you into a situation only a professional can get you out of. Disposable Diapers are actually pretty common when clogs arise because people don’t realize how harmful they can be to your pipes. Toilets don’t get rid of them easily. Remember when Winnie the Pooh got stuck in that Treehole?  You’re not going to get out of this with a jar of Honey.

3. Tampons/Maxi Pads

It may seem convenient and quick. Yes, sometimes you’re at somebody else’s apartment and it’s embarrassing to throw hygiene products away in the wastebasket. However, Tampons and other feminine hygiene products actually have the ability to create deep clogs and can be very difficult to get out. You should try to avoid flushing these whenever you can.

4. Condoms

Being safe is a good thing. That’s responsible. But putting latex and lubricants in your plumbing system is irresponsible. Latex and lubricants from condoms are actually bad for the interior of your pipes and if you flush them on a regular basis it could cause problems later on or possibly even cause immediate clogging.

5. Kitty Litter

It might even say ‘flushable,’ but don’t. Cat litter reacts poorly to your sewer system and can actually end up staying in your pipes for a long time. Kitty litter does not dissolve easily. If your neighbor is watching your Cat while you are in the Bahamas because you won the Accurate Cruise Vacation Giveaway, make sure they don’t take the easy way out by flushing the litter. There are other methods of poop-scooping that don’t have to involve putting your plumbing system at risk.

6. Cotton/Swabs

Cotton Balls, Q-Tips, Swabs and anything else made of cotton should not be flushed. Cotton absorbs water as well as Sponge Bob Square Pants, and it doesn’t break down easily either. Cotton in your pipes could cause major problems over time. Don’t put Sponge Bob in your toilet either, he doesn’t deserve it.

7. Dental Floss

It may be a small item but it can bundle up and wrap around other objects in your pipes, causing a bigger problem. The next thing you know it’s like a lobster net full of Cotton, Kitty Litter, and Disposable Diapers (we hope you’re not flushing one, let alone multiple items on this list).

8. Hair

If you are cleaning out your sink or tub and think, “hey this is easy,” think again. You are basically transporting a potential clog from one drain to another. Just throw your hair away in the trash and be glad you have hair.

9. Medications 

This is for the benefit of the environment. Pills and other meds may not clog pipes but they definitely could infuse toxins into the sewer system. Sewers are not equipped to break down prescription drugs all the time so it’s always possible pharmaceuticals could find their way back into yours or somebody else’s water supply.

10. Pets

If Puffcorn the Hamster has seen his last days of chewing seeds on the exercise wheel or Moby Nick the Goldfish has come up for the last breath of air, pay their respects indeed. But don’t put them down the drain. They’re not going to be sent out to sea. They’ll be stuck in your pipes. Pets (as well as Cat feces) can actually contain parasites that can affect the health of sea animals too. There are plenty of better burial options.

What if you have a clog?

Obviously, if you clog your toilet it’s not the end of the world, but you should call a professional in Glendora to assess the situation right away before the problem gets worse. Accurate plumbers won’t judge you for what’s stuck in your drain. We just want to help you solve the problem, so please give us call.

4 Key Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

You may have heard of tankless water heaters but are you aware of the benefits they provide? The benefits of tankless extend far beyond longer showers – they will lower your water heating bill, ensure demand is always met, and free up space. Here are some key benefits of making the switch.

1. Saves Energy and Money – Tankless heaters only consume electricity when there is a need for hot water. Storage tanks, however, continuously use energy to keep a reserve of hot water. This is wasted money when no one is in the house. Over the years, a tankless water heater will actually save enough to cover its original cost.
2. Always Provides Hot Water – Never take another cold shower again. This is especially helpful for large families or when you have company. As long as there is a demand for hot water, the tankless water heater will provide it… you are no longer limited to the size of your storage tank.
3. Creates More Space – Traditional storage water heaters can be massive and take up a ton of space. Because of their lightweight size, they can be wall-mounted or stored in a utility closet. And they do not need to be located where your old water heater was. You could save more than 12-15 square feet of space.
4. Extends Life of Unit – Tankless water heaters were created to allow individual part replacement.
   This way if you are having an issue, instead of replacing the entire unit, individual pieces can be replaced to extend the life of the unit.

If you have any questions or are ready to upgrade to a tankless water heater in your home, please call (626) 250-0051 to speak to one of our Customer Service Representatives.