Reasons to carry out a sewer inspection

If you are buying a house that is older than 20 years, you should absolutely consider getting a sewer inspection. Even if the sewer line is new, the property is old and so there is a risk of running into sewage issues. Plant roots and vegetation can enter the sewage line and cause issues down the road. If your house was built before the city sewers were created, it might have originally used a cesspool. These should have been destroyed when the public sewer system was put in, but often they were left in place and just linked up to the system. Similarly, plenty of houses from the 50s were constructed with pipes made from tar paper, which can fall apart over time. If your home relies on tar paper sewer lines, then a complete replacement is vital. The only way to discover how your sewer system is constructed is with a sewer camera inspection.

What to Expect During Your Sewer Drainage Inspection

Sewer inspections use a video camera attached to a long, flexible tube called a snake, which is inserted into your drains. Your sewer inspection company will maneuver this gadget through the pipes and into the sewer, providing a live feed of the state of your plumbing. Sewer inspectors will need to investigate your home to find the best access point. As the inspection goes on, any blockages or damages will be marked on the floor, usually with tape. Your sewer inspection will find out whether your pipes are blocked or clogged in any way, as well as provide an overall impression of the condition of your sewage system. You’ll also be able to discover what sort of system you have in place, what material it was constructed with, and how modern your plumbing is. Some plumbing materials can stand the test of time, but others will require replacement even if they aren’t currently damaged.

Grease traps are pretty self-explanatory; they trap grease. Grease traps are primarily used in commercial kitchens that produce more grease. Without a grease trap, that grease would enter the wastewater system and clog it. Grease traps are a great tool when used, maintained, and installed correctly. Here are some common mistakes with grease traps we’ve seen over the years.

Improper Maintenance and Cleaning

Grease traps require regular maintenance and cleaning to continue doing their job efficiently. Dirty grease traps are unhygienic too. A dirty grease trap is gross and a serious fire hazard. It doesn’t take much for a big grease container to turn into a burnt-down kitchen. The exact frequency of your grease trap cleaning and maintenance depends on how much grease is produced in the kitchen. In general, most traps need to be cleaned out every 1 to 3 months.

An easy way to tell your grease trap needs cleaned is to use the ¼ rule. When the trap is ¼ full of grease, it needs to be cleaned. You can opt to clean the grease traps yourself or hire a professional to ensure the job is done right. Letting grease traps fill above the ¼ mark increases the risk of bacteria growth, unhygienic conditions, and grease fires.

Using the Wrong Grease Trap for Your Business Needs

One of the biggest mistakes people make is purchasing the wrong grease trap. This can mean buying a grease trap that’s too small, not buying enough grease traps for a larger kitchen, or even buying a grease trap that’s too large.

Grease traps are a part of your plumbing system. Did you try to guess what size plumbing you needed under your sink or in the bathroom? Of course not! It’s just as reckless to choose your grease trap without a plumber’s input.

Consult a professional grease trap company to determine what size grease trap you need and where it should be installed for maximum efficiency.

Incorrect Installation

A grease trap is a special type of plumbing equipment that requires a specific installation process. This isn’t the job to turn into a DIY project. Hire a professional to install the grease trap the first time around. If you don’t, you’ll likely be calling them in a couple of months to come to repair your mistakes anyways, as you’ve seen above with the most common mistakes with grease traps. It’s more affordable to pay for installation than it is to pay for an emergency repair!

Contact ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing today to get pricing estimates for grease trap installation and maintenance! We have experience with a variety of grease traps ranging from small to expansive in size. Our team has plumbing experience to ensure proper installation, cleaning, and maintenance every time. Don’t spend another day neglecting your wastewater lines by filling them with grease!

What is a Slab Leak?

A cement slab is usually found where a basement or crawl space is absent in a home and functions as the home’s foundation. Usually, several pipes are fitted through this cement slab, and if there is a plumbing leak into the foundation, this is characterized as a slab leak. Water damage could prove significant and costly, whether the leak is caused by a crack in the pipes or a rupture.

What Are the Signs You Have a Slab Leak? 

A slab leak can be quite obvious if the leak is large and is caused by a burst pipe or subtle from a small crack in the pipe. Still, some signs of a slab leak include:

• A jump in your water bill
• Noise like water is running when the faucets are off.
• Foundation cracks
• Foundation sinking evident from uneven floors

What is the Cause of the Slab Leak?

A few different factors could cause a slab leak in your home. These include:

• Corrosion of copper pipes due to mineral accumulation from water that passes through the pipes. The corrosion creates holes in the pipes for leaks to occur.
• Excess pressure on underground pipes can eventually result in them cracking. Clay soils typically expand when wet and contract when dry and these changes can cause the ground beneath the foundation to shift. This can add pressure on the slab and pipes. This shift could also be caused by an earthquake.

How Does One Detect a Slab Leak?

Suspected signs of a slab leak need to be confirmed by a professional. With a qualified plumber, you can get a proper assessment of your pipes and slab and a report ensuring if you indeed have a leak or leaks and the source. Remember that the professionals have the proper tools, like thermal imaging cameras, to find hot spots identifying hot water from a leak. They may also track leaks using acoustic listening devices to listen for a leak and pinpoint exactly where the issue is located.

Are Slab Leaks a Plumbing Emergency?

Yes. Slab leaks are a serious plumbing emergency. It can be dangerous if not addressed and can 

lead to structural issues. They can also increase the risk of mold growth that can trigger health issues, from allergies to asthma.

Can I Prevent Slab Leaks?

Homeowners rarely have any control over slab leaks occurring. However, homeowners can ensure that their home’s plumbing remains in peak condition year in and year out. See that your plumbing systems are inspected and serviced annually to prevent leaks. 

Let ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing resolve your slab leak problem immediately. We can stop a bad plumbing problem from morphing into a disastrous one. We are A+ BBB rated and are here to serve you. Contact us today.

A garbage disposal in the kitchen sink can be a convenient and helpful addition – but it can also become a problem if something breaks down. Luckily, many of the issues a disposal unit can experience are easy enough to address. All you have to do is keep safety in mind and be a little patient. Keep reading to learn how to repair your garbage disposal! 

Common Garbage Disposal Problems

1. Unit Won’t Turn On

Do you flip the on switch to your unit and hear no humming or grinding? That means that electricity is most likely not reaching the unit. 

• Check that the unit is plugged in. 
• If the unit is already plugged in, use the reset button on the underside of the disposal. Press the button to reset the tripped internal breaker. 
• If the reset button doesn’t fix the issue, check the main circuit breaker and reset it if it has tripped. 
• If the breaker isn’t tripped or turning it on doesn’t fix the disposal, turn off the breaker to cut power to the unit. Then, make sure that the switch powering the unit is wired correctly and that all connections are secure. 
• Turn on the breaker and the switch to check the disposal. If it still is not working, there is an internal problem. You may need to hire a professional or purchase a new disposal unit. 

2. Unit Turns On But Doesn’t Grind

If there is only a faint humming sound coming from the unit when you turn it on but no grinding sound, the inner flywheel is likely clogged or jammed. This happens when food or non-food items get stuck in the shredder. 

• Do NOT put your hand into the disposal unit. 
• Turn off power at the switch and breaker. 
• Insert an offset wrench into the flywheel hole at the bottom of the garbage disposal. Turn it to unstick the flywheel. You will feel the flywheel loosen and turn easily when it is freed.
• You can also use a flashlight to look into the top of the disposal to identify the object causing the issue. Remove it with a wooden spoon, set of pliers, or another long object. Remember: don’t use your hands!  

3. Unit Leaks at the Sink Flange

The flange is part of the mounting that connects the disposal unit to the sink. When a garbage disposal is in use, its vibrations can cause the flange to come loose, leading to leaks. 

• Turn off power at the switch and breaker. 
• Remove the unit by turning it counterclockwise, then tighten the flange bolts.
• Add plumber’s putty if needed.
• Replace the disposal unit and turn the power back on. 

4. Unit Leaks at the Discharge Pipe

The pipe that removes wastewater away from the garbage disposal to the sink drain can leak if there are disposal issues. 

• Make sure the bolts attaching the unit to the pipe are tightened. 
• If the leak persists, remove the bolts and replace the gasket seal. Then, put the bolts back in and tighten. 

The above tips for repairing your garbage disposal should help you get your unit back in working order. However, if you’re stuck with an issue you can’t fix, the professionals with ASAP Drain Guys and Plumbing is here to help. Whatever the problem is with your unit, we’ll be able to get it sorted out quickly and efficiently. Give us a call today to see how we can help. 

The modern plumbing system is one of the best inventions. It has enabled us to achieve higher hygiene levels and reduce the mortality rate caused by poor hygiene. Despite all these benefits, plumbing systems are not immune to problems. Your home’s plumbing system is very complicated and requires proper maintenance and care. Plumbing inspections are a great way to analyze the condition of your plumbing and determine whether your plumbing system needs any work or not. Here are some essential things related to plumbing that you need to know before you reach out to a plumber.

Why are Plumbing Inspections Required?

A plumbing inspection will be required if you are looking to buy or sell a property. This is done to get the accurate levels of the plumbing system’s efficiency. Generally, homeowners are recommended to schedule a plumbing inspection at least once a year. This is advisable because regular inspections can highlight minor issues that can be fixed on time and can help you prevent more significant expenses. Another scenario in which you might need a plumbing inspection is after a major storm. Whether it’s a wind storm or a snowstorm, the risk of damage to the plumbing system is high. Getting an inspection at this point can be very helpful. 

How long does a plumbing inspection take?

The size of the house paired with problems found determines the length of inspection. On average, you should expect the plumbing inspection to last an average of two hours.

How to Pass a Plumbing Inspection?

Several things need to be in working condition to pass the plumbing inspection. Things such as secure pipe connections, water pressure, and other things determine the overall health of your plumbing system. Since plumbing inspection is a complex process, hiring a professional to get an accurate picture is better.

What does a plumbing inspection consist of?

All the pipes through which water and waste run are a part of the plumbing system and get inspected during any inspection. This includes tubs, toilets, showers, garbage disposals, sinks, laundry rooms, and more.

What do home inspectors look for in plumbing?

Plumbing system inspection checks various parts of the system. Inspection includes examining supply lines, drains, and fixtures. An in-depth inspection of all the above-ground plumbing elements such as the bathrooms, laundry area, sinks, toilets, bath/shower, valves, and traps under the skin is integral to any inspection.

If you are looking to have your plumbing inspected, please do not hesitate to reach out to the experts at ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing in the San Diego area! Contact us today for a free consultation at 760-502-6787.

Below are a few things you should know:

Consistent leaks

Leaking is a typical problem in garbage disposals. It requires a skillful technician to fix the problem of leaking. Often, inexperienced individuals cannot fix leaks because of technicalities. The flange on the disposal could be the problem. Leaks can probably be found in other parts of the garbage disposal. At this point, experienced plumber attention is necessary to fix the problem

No power

Garbage disposal needs electrical power to work. If you discover your disposal is not responding after connecting the plug, it is advisable to unplug it. Ensure that everything is fine with the plug and confirm its firmness to the socket. If the connection is correct, you can check your home circuit breaker. If your home’s circuit breaker is okay, there is a likelihood your disposal is faulty. 

Jammed Garbage Disposals

Your disposal makes a humming noise; the blade might have jammed or been hanged by stubborn particles. This is fixable within a twinkle of an eye. You can attempt to fix it by turning off the power, putting on gloves to avoid hurting your hands and clearing the clog. To prevent future re-occurrence, avoid disposing of eggshells, ample bone, banana peel, and large non-food items.

Draining problem

Suppose it is taking your disposal minutes to grind up a small quantity of leftover food. In that case, a drainage problem is probably the issue. It could be due to a dull blade or a clog in the piping system. The only solution to this is to sharpen the blade or replace it if need be and clear the pipe.

Hire ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing for Garbage Disposals and All Plumbing Needs

Garbage disposal in the house is of great importance. First, aid attention to disposal problems can prevent more significant issues. Every household should always engage in routine cleaning of disposal drains and be mindful of what they drop into the garbage disposal. If you need assistance with fixing your garbage disposal, ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing offers the best services. We are A+ BBB rated and have been serving

1.    Water leaking from the heating tank

Leakage is usually a sign that the water heater is falling. You will see water dripping down the tank’s body or pooling underneath this. This is a bad sign, and you shouldn’t ignore any leakages. A loose valve connection can cause leakage, but it is always advised to consult a professional.

2.    Heater’s Age

If you have an old heater, you need to be extra careful. Heaters also don’t stay with us forever like all good things in life. If you don’t know the exact age of your heater, try to read the labels on the body of the water and check for information online to be certain about the age of your heater.

3.    Running Out of Hot Water Quickly

Old water heaters can cause sediment to settle at the bottom, interrupting the flow of hot water. If you feel like your heater is not putting out as much pressure and the temperature of the water is also not that high, you might have a faulty heater. If the sediment is allowed to accumulate for a long enough time, it can lead to some serious issues that might be totally unfixable.

4.    Inconsistent Water Temperature

Another major sign that the heater might be failing is the inconsistent water temperature in the shower. If you feel that your heater sends outbursts of hot water immediately followed by cold water, your heater might be giving up. A well-functioning water heater gives our consistent supply of hot water, and if you are battling this issue, it might be time to avail the services of a professional.

5.    Water Discoloration

Another sign that your heater is failing is the discoloration of the water. If you notice rusty or muddy water coming out of any faucets, you shouldn’t take it lightly. It could be a major sign that your water heater is going out of order. This discolored water might not necessarily damage your health, but it could stain the clothes and your kitchen utensils.

If you suspect issues coming from your water heater, contact ASAP Drain Guys and Plumbing right away and allow us to fix the problem right away. Contact today for a free consultation!

Having family and friends over for thanksgiving adds strain to your plumbing. The extra traffic becomes the little push that reveals plumbing issues in your home. The following are common post-thanksgiving plumbing problems to watch out for.

Toilets Getting Clogged

You may quickly blame this on your guests, and this isn’t entirely false! When you have a lot of people around, it is easier to have clogged toilets. Several things can cause clogging when many people use a toilet—not flushing at all, flushing toilet paper excessively, or flushing down the wrong things. The clogging happens gradually as more than one person repeats these things. 

To fix a toilet clog, you will need to use a toilet plunger. In case the plunger does not work, add almost boiled water to the toilet bowl. 

Kitchen Sinks Getting Clogged

This is the most common and frustrating plumbing problem to encounter post-thanksgiving. The sinks get clogged when you’re pouring the wrong things down the kitchen drain while washing Thanksgiving dishes. The clogs can either be caused by food remnants going down the drain or by accumulated fat, oil, and grease. 

Try to use a plunger to unblock the drains first. In case this doesn’t work, pour boiled water into the outlets. 

Running Out of Hot Water After Thanksgiving

It can be frustrating when hot water runs out during your Thanksgiving hosting. Your guests or your hot bath suddenly turns cold. The reason is that your hot water tanks are still getting refilled. You can take shorter showers or have everyone take showers on a schedule to manage this situation. If the problem continues, it might be a fault with your water heater. Try flushing out the water heater to solve this.  

ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing for your Post-Thanksgiving Needs

As the host, you’re fully occupied with many things. Running up and down to fix plumbing issues surely won’t be part of your Thanksgiving plans. Rather than get disturbed about fixing post-thanksgiving problems, ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing will help you solve them! Contact ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing for any plumbing issues you encounter in the Thanksgiving season. We are A+ BBB rated and available 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day.

Lack of Hot Water

Not getting any hot water can result from several possible issues, and how you fix them will depend on whether your heater is electric or gas-powered. 

• The most common reason for not hot water is an electric heater may not be receiving any power, which is needed for it to function.  If you circuit breaker has been tripped, just turn it off and turn it back on again. If your fuse is blown, a replacement is needed. 
• Check the high-temperature cut-off. Open the panel and press the red “reset” button. Check to see if hot water is flowing. 
• A faulty heating element(s) could also be the source of your hot water issue. Test each of these elements and make the replacement as required.
• If your heater is gas-powered, the gas valve may be open. Check if this is the case, and if not the issue, check the burner or the pilot. 

If you fail to identify the source of the problem, get professional help. 

Limited Hot Water Or Water Not Hot Enough

Depending on your type of heater, the cause of any of these problems could be different. 

• A simple reason could be that your heater tank is not large enough to support your heating requirements. For instance, with a heater tank that’s too small, the hot water may run out before everyone in your large household gets to shower in the mornings. You need a water heater that matches your needs. 
• Another cause of limited hot water could be a heating element failing, which you should check and replace if it’s the source of the problem. 
• Your thermostat may not be at a high enough setting to sufficiently hot your water, and in this case, simply adjust to a higher setting. 

Get professional help if you can’t find the source of the problem. 

Water is Too Hot

A thermostat that is set at a temperature that is too high can leave you with scalding water. To resolve the issue, adjust to a lower setting on the thermostat. If this fails, a faulty temperature pressure valve could be the issue, where the heater fails to shut off when it reaches the correct temperature. Get a replacement valve immediately because this is a dangerous situation.

Water Takes Forever To Heat

If your water takes far too long to heat, you could be looking at faulty heating elements, sediment build-up on the heating elements, or a defective thermostat. Check these individually and replace them as required. If it’s a gas heater, the problem could be the burner, which you should check and take the necessary measure to restore proper functioning. 

Water Pressure Low

Not being equipped with broad enough pipes could be the reason for your low water pressure. Many older homes are outfitted with ½” pipes, while modern homes typically have ¾” pipes installed. If the issue isn’t the pipes, it could rest with the boiler, which you should have checked out by a professional. 

Leak From Tank or Connections

Loose connections could be at fault if you experience leaks related to your water heater. Simply tightening the connections with the use of a wrench is the fix. If faulty valves are to blame, replace them to resolve the issue.  A leak directly from the water heater tank creates a serious situation and could signify tank corrosion. A corroded tank is a dangerous unit and should be replaced.

For a resolution to your water heater problems, ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing’s team of skilled professionals will put your worries at ease with quality service. We are thorough with our assessment and present the best solution for your particular water heater problem. Don’t hesitate to call us.

Should I Lock Off My Water When I Go on Vacation?

Yes. If you’re like most folks, you have a checklist of “things to do” before your vacation. From what to pack to find a sitter for your beloved pets, you try not to forget anything by sticking to your checklist. However, did water shut-off make it on your vacation checklist? It should because you can’t predict if your pipes will burst or leak because of a plumbing issue when you’re away. To minimize the chance of damage or flooding in the event of unforeseen plumbing issues, before heading out on your vacation, shut off the water to your home.

Where Is My Main Water Shut-Off Valve Located?

Knowing where you’re main water shut-off valve is important, especially in the case of an emergency plumbing issue, such as a burst pipe or sewage backup, but also if repairing a leak. Your main water shut-off valve could be located in one of several areas. Homes built on a slab usually have the valve near the hot water heater or inside the garage. If you have a basement or crawlspace, look at the interior wall close to the front of the home. You may also find the shut-off valve where the main water line meets your outdoor water meter. If you’ve done a home inspection report, you should find a notation of the location of your main water shut-off valve. 

Why is My Water Cloudy and How Do I Fix It?

Your water may be cloudy for a few different reasons:

• Air bubbles: This could be the simple reason for your cloudy water, and it often occur during the cold season when the water is under a bit more pressure and/or the temperature decreases as it travels to the faucet. The air bubbles will disappear naturally with time to rest in an open container.
• Dirt: Tiny particles of dirt and sand can enter your water supply and make it cloudy. A sediment filter should be enough to rid your water of the cloudiness. 
• Sulfur: If sulfur is present is your water, it may not only be cloudy, but it may also smell like rotten eggs. Sulfur bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which is typically trapped in the water. Have your water tested if you suspect sulfur is present and install a home and water filtration system to eliminate the sulfur bacteria.

Why Is Water Leaking Through the Ceiling From My Light Fixture?

This is a scary scenario, but your walls and flooring can conceal small leaks, and oftentimes, the first sign is when the water travels through your flooring and into the light fixture. This is a plumbing emergency that requires particular care. Water and electricity do not mix. First, DO NOT tough the light fixture or attempt drain the water. Do NOT use the light fixture’s switch. SHUT OFF the power directly from your home’s breaker box. SHUT OFF the water from your home’s main shut-off valve. Finally, call in a professional plumber who will find the leak and repair the damage. Get an electrician to find out if your light fixture should be replaced or if it’s safe to use again. 

Why Is My Water Bill So High?

There are several factors that could cause your water bill to spike, from significant plumbing problems to easily-fixed minor issues like leaking toilet, leaky faucets, leaky irrigation, leaky line, outdated and inefficient fixtures, water usage changes (e.g. more laundry rounds), and water wastage(e.g. overwatering lawn). A simple solution, to begin with, is cutting back on your water usage.

Why Does My Home Smell Like Sewer? 

The unpleasant smell of sewer in your home can be caused by a couple of different things. 

• The most common cause is missing or loose sewer trap plugs. Your home’s sewer access pit has a house trap containing water that acts as a barrier between the city sewer and your home, and the plug on this trap keeps the stench away. When poorly fitted or missing entirely, public sewer odor usually enters the home. A simple replacement of the plug or fitting it properly should clear the air. 
• The U-trap becomes ineffective when the water dries up, no longer functioning as a barrier to the sewer odor. You can rid your home of the odor when you recreate the barrier by running water into the trap.
• If the problem isn’t in your home, there could also be major plumbing problems with the city sewer. However, if the smell persists, your drainage system may be compromise and not functioning properly. Get a professional plumber to check your drainage system.

What plumbing issue do you need help with? ASAP Drain Guys and Plumbing has the right team for the job. We guarantee excellent plumbing service no matter what your plumbing problem may be. Call us today.