Author Archives: On Call Plumbing

What does water damage look like?

No matter whether the water damage is from a leaking pipe or a flood, it causes structural problems. If water damage repairs aren’t done quickly, it can lead to mold, creating a health risk for everyone in the home. 

The following steps will help you identify water damage inside and outside the home. The sooner you can get water damage repairs done, the better.

The Exterior

• A house should be built at the highest position with the ground sloping away. When the house is on level ground on the ground slopes toward the house, it puts the foundation in a vulnerable position for water damage. Repairs on a foundation must be done promptly and correctly to keep the integrity of the foundation and house. 
• Walking around the exterior, check that the downspouts are installed so the water is diverted away from the house. Make sure the gutters are in good condition and attached securely to the house. Any leak in the gutters or down spout can damage the fascia and siding, as well as other damage, requiring extensive water repair damage. 
• Observe if there are cracked or missing flashing or roofing shingles. This can leave the roof vulnerable to attic leaking that develops into more damage. The damage may appear to be cosmetic, but a professional inspection should be done to determine if any water damage repairs are needed. 
• Check the exterior door and window frames for separation or soft spots. These gaps and separation can lead to humidity issues in the house, harvesting mildew and mold. Proper precautions such as water damage repairs around the doors and windows as soon as they’re needed will save you from more extensive damage later. 

The Interior 

• Check for any water rings and stains on the ceiling or walls. These could be plumbing leaks or a roof leak. Make extra effort to look for smaller water stains where there is plumbing. If you find any, listen for water leaks inside the walls during the night when all is quiet. 
• Sagging or soft areas of the floor can indicate leaks around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Check around the dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, and water heater. These can be small leaks that have gone for some time creating severe water damage. Repairs should be quick within the flooring and walls around these appliances. 
• Check the flooring for any cracks or warping, no matter if it is laminate, tile, or wood. Water damage repairs to any type of flooring is expensive. 
• Check under sink cabinets for discolored cabinet floors or walls, warping, and dampness. If there is dampness, there is mildew and mold too and you should contact a professional immediately. From water damage repairs to mold remediation, this can become a serious issue quickly. 
• Examine the water heater for rust on the tank, behind the tank, on the water connections and PRV. Rust in these areas can be from a previous leak or there may be a current that needs water damage repair.
• The nose knows – if you smell mildew or must, you have a water leak somewhere. Hire a professional if you can’t find the water leak. Repairs should be made immediately. 

How long before water damage causes mold?

Water exposure can cause mildew and mold within 24 to 48 hours. Once it develops, it keeps growing and spreading until the source of the leak is fixed and water damage repairs are completed. Never assume that because you cleaned the mildew and mold up that the cause of it is gone too.  

Is there always mold with water damage?

No matter what time of year it is, summer or winter, if the water isn’t dried within 24 hours, mildew will begin. If more than minor water damage happens, the mold will start soon after the mildew. 

Who do you call to fix water damage?

If the water damage repair is due to a busted water pipe, you’ll need to call a plumber first to fix the plumbing leak. Once the plumbing is fixed, then you need to call a contractor that knows how to repair water-damaged wood, like a handyman or carpenter. If the water damage repair is needed because of a leaking roof, you’ll need to call a roofing contractor. 

You should interview a couple of different contractors and ask what their process is, including how to repair a water-damaged ceiling and how to repair water-damaged drywall. You want to make sure they are going to remove any damaged wood and replace it. Leaving any water-damaged wood behind could keep mildew and mold coming back even if the plumbing issue has been fixed.

How much does water damage repair cost?

It will depend on the amount of water damage repair needed and what is damaged. If the water damage is contained under one sink, the repair could cost $150 to $200 for labor and material. If an entire wall, or a ceiling has water damage, repairs could reach $6,000 to $8,000. 

How do I know it’s an emergency?

Before you call a local emergency plumber and, ask yourself these questions to determine if it can wait: 

1) Is this a problem that can wait?

This is the most important question to ask yourself before calling a local emergency plumber. So, before you dial, answer these questions honestly. Is the affected plumbing something you need right now? If it is a clogged toilet and you have another bathroom, things can wait until the next business day/hours. If there’s a leak in the basement and it’s a winter night with below-zero temps, you probably should make that phone call. 

Can you turn the water off? If you know where to turn the water off and feel comfortable doing that so that you can keep the water from flowing and there isn’t a reason to call a local emergency plumber. The situation can wait until business days/hours.

If the plumbing problem isn’t addressed right now, will it cause more damage? Maybe you can’t get the water turned off, but can you diminish the damage sufficiently enough so you can wait to call a local emergency plumber the next day by using buckets, rags, and other measures?  If the problem could create extensive collateral damage, like damaging the ceiling, flooring, or walls, make that phone call. 

2) Is the repair your responsibility?

If this is a case where water needs to be turned off, but it isn’t something you have access to, call the local emergency plumber for the city or utility company. Describe the situation to them and they will advise you on if this is something that can damage your home and other properties. 

If you live in an apartment, gushing water in your apartment isn’t going to just affect you. It could damage apartments around yours too. In this situation, calling the service for emergency plumbing for an apartment is totally acceptable and is your responsibility. In fact, not calling could get you evicted.

3) What if you do need to call a local emergency plumber? 

If the issue can’t wait for the next business day/hours, and you can’t do anything about it yourself, then make that call for a local emergency plumber, but ask yourself these additional questions: 

How much is a local emergency plumber service going to cost? What, if any, other fees are going to be charged?  It may be an emergency but call a few local emergency plumbers for estimates first. You may save some money. 

Can you get an emergency plumber?

In most areas, yes, there are 24-hour emergency plumbers.  The more remote location you live in, the less chance there will be a local emergency plumber available, but you can use Google to locate one nearby. If you are in a remote area, ask how long it will be before they arrive and if they have any advice on temporary solutions for you until they arrive. 

How do you get a plumber in an emergency?

Ideally, you have the number of a local, reliable plumber that offers emergency service. If not, you can ask family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers for recommendations. You can even use social media to find a local emergency plumber. You know those postcards you get in the mail from various services? One of those is probably a plumbing company that offers local emergency plumber services.  Don’t be too quick to throw those postcards away! 

In fact, you can call those plumbers before you need an emergency plumber for a toilet that’s clogged or overflowing. Have them do a general plumbing inspection – this will allow you to meet them and get an idea of the services they offer. Not every local emergency plumber is certified and licensed as an emergency plumber for boilers, for example. Better to know before you need one! 

Is emergency plumbing more expensive?

Absolutely!  Some local emergency plumber services will tout they do not charge for emergency calls and overtime, but you can be almost certain their rates will cover those emergency costs. Most plumbers have hourly rates, typically between $50 to $200 per hour for normal business days/hours. Some have a flat rate for coming out and then start the hourly rate for the repair.  It is acceptable, even expected, that you ask what the charge will be when you need to call a local emergency plumber for service. 

What to Do When a Pipe Bursts

So with all that stated, let’s get other common questions answered, like what happens if a pipe bursts.  Whether it happens immediately or down the road, a burst water pipe will cause damage. A  major burst water pipe can cause flooding, leaving a lot of damage behind. Examples of that damage include, but are not limited to: 

• Damaged Walls

A burst water pipe, small leak, or major break will create water damage to the interior and exterior walls.  Then the damage will spread inside the wall, saturating the insulation, short out the electrical wiring, setting the perfect situation for a fire to spark.  The paint, plaster, and siding will be affected on the exterior walls.  As the water accumulates and saturates the timber and structural component of the wall over time, the structure becomes weak. 

• Damaged Ceilings

If there is a second-floor burst water pipe, water will go the path with the least resistance, which means it is going down to the ceiling of the first floor. Enough wager soaking through will pour through the ceiling, flooding the lower area of the house and damage the light fixtures and wiring. The insulation will be damaged, and the support beams will weaken, making the second floor unsafe.

• Damaged Flooring

Following a burst water pipe, the floors in the area will usually get flooded. The location of the broken water pipe, and flow rate of the water leak will affect how fast this happens. Any carpeting, cement, or wood flooring will likely be damaged. Any linoleum and wood floors will crack and warp, the carpet is soaked and begins to mildew, mold, and smell. Cement flooring that is exposed to long-term water will crack and sink.

• Damaged Interior

A burst water pipe will often accumulate water in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and other living areas nearby. It saturates the furniture from the bottom up, and soaks into the fabric, destroying upholstery, and often destroys wood furniture. The electrical outlets can short out along with anything plugged into them like computers, lamps, televisions, etc. 

• Mold Growth Dangers

A water pipe burst inside a house is probably the worst thing a homeowner can experience. In addition to all the damage we reviewed here, a pipe burst flood will create a breeding ground for mildew and mold. The damp drywall, fabrics, wood, and other materials are going to soak up the water and begin to mildew. Mold begins growing and becomes a health hazard. Anyone in the house that has asthma, lung, or other respiratory conditions will begin having more issues. 

Steps to Handle a Burst Pipe

Should you ever experience a burst water pipe situation, you can take control by following these steps.  The faster you act, the less damage your home will experience.

• Turn the water main off. The first step is to turn the main water supply off. This will stop any more water from flowing into the burst water pipe and house.
• Call the plumber. Next, call the plumber so you can minimize the damage. Most plumbers offer a 24/7 emergency service, but that doesn’t mean the moment you call, they’re available.  You may need to call several plumbers to find one immediately available. This is why turning the main water is necessary. 
• Clean and dry up water. Clean and dry up as much water as quickly as you can.  The faster you get the water off the flooring and away from the electrical and furniture, the better. 
• Drain all the faucets. Drain all the faucets to get the plumbing system empty and relieve pressure from the pipes. Turn the water heater off too so that it isn’t trying to heat water that isn’t there. 
• Let in warm air. If the burst water pipe is from frozen pipes, you need to slowly warm the house and plumbing so there isn’t more damage. Turn the heat up in the house and if needed, use a hair dryer to thaw pipes under sinks. You need to do this slowly to prevent any more burst water pipes.  
• Open the doors. Keep the warm air circulating by leaving the doors open through the house, especially bathrooms and kitchen. The warm air flow will dry things out faster. 
• Install repair sleeves. You can purchase repair sleeves at your local home improvement stores to make a temporary fix for burst water pipes. Simply slide the sleeve over the busted pipe, covering the hole. Have the plumber do a permanent repair. 
• Clamps, rubber, and wood. You can use clamps, rubber, and wood, for temporary fixes until the plumber is able to repair permanently. 

A rocking toilet is typically going to be a toilet repair of tightening the two bolts at the flange, or possibly replacing the flange and the wax ring. Should the toilet be overflowing, the shut off valve on the wall at the back of the tank should be turned until a toilet repair is complete. 

This is all sounds simple so far, but now, we’re going to get inside the tank where all the working parts are, and it can be confusing and makes toilet repair seem overwhelming. The toilet flushes when the handle is pushed down. That causes the chain or trip lever inside the tank to raise up the flapper. With the flapper lifted, water is forced from the bowl to the sewer line and fresh water fills the tank once the flapper is down. 

The parts inside the toilet tank are: 

• Trip lever: Inside the tank, you’ll see a metal bar connected to the flush handle inside the tank. This pulls the tank ball up and then the flapper is raised. 
• The Flapper: There is a flat stop on the chain end that lifts each time the handle is pushed. The flapper keeps water from running constantly into the toilet bowl. 
• The Fill Valve: Water comes from the supply line and flows into the tank through this fill valve. Water fills the tank and float rises with it. When that float reaches the fill valve top, the water stops filling the toilet.

How do you fix a toilet tank, can you replace the inside of a toilet?

Yes, toilet repair can be done by replacing each of the parts inside tank. They can be purchased in a kit or individually and should include instructions how to replace them. If not, you can always find a video online, and remember to always turn the water off at the shut off valve before starting any type of toilet repair.

For a  toilet repair without flapper that has water running nonstop, follow these steps: 

• Step One: Remove the tank cover.
• Step Two: Turn the water supply off to the toilet.
• Step Three: Clean sludge from the drain valve by soaking it in vinegar for 30 minutes.
• Step Four: Adjust the ballcock valve and float. 
• Step Five: Adjust the chain length.
• Steps Six: Adjust the water fill height by adjusting the float.
• Steps Seven: Adjust the water level so that is below the overflow tube top. 

Can you replace just the tank of a toilet?

Yes, most toilet bowls and toilet tanks can be purchased separately. You want to make  sure you are getting the same manufacturing brand and style so that it has a proper fit and will function correctly. 

There are some toilet repairs that need the experience and skills of a professional plumber. However, by knowing the part and the small toilet repairs as we’ve discussed here, it will be easier on the pocketbook and in some cases, faster than waiting on the plumber. 

One toilet repair that you should always call a professional plumber is when you’re smelling gas or sewage odor coming from your toilet. This could be the wax ring has moved or it could be the sewage line. A busted sewage line isn’t something a homeowner should attempt to fix if they don’t have the experience. Call 661-201-6016 today for your toilet repair needs in Santa Clarita, CA.

Most people think that home repiping is only done in extreme needs, but there are a few benefits of home repiping that you may not realize you’re missing: 

• Pipe Upgrade: Surprise, surprise!  The plumbing pipes in your home won’t last forever. After a few decades, they start deteriorating. This typically applies to homes that are over fifty years old because that is when most plumbing pipes start reaching their end-of-life expectancy. With two exceptions: Copper piping can last up to 80 years and galvanized steel pipes can last up to 100 years.  However, just because they seem to be good condition doesn’t mean the water quality is still good. Al these years, those pipes have had their share of plumbing problems and probably a good amount of chemical cleaners going through them. Home repiping may be something to think about. 
• Replace Materials: If your home was built between the 1970s and the 1990s, the plumbing pipes are probably polybutylene. During that time frame, the concern for using lead pipes was a big issue, and these pipes were an affordable and popular option. Yes, polybutylene pipes aren’t going to endanger you and your family with lead, but they aren’t sturdy either. In fact, they are susceptible to breaking and cracking. Maybe you haven’t had any problems yet, but you can almost put a bet on it that you will. A home repiping now may not be in the budget, but a busted water pipe later won’t be either. 
• Color and Water Pressure: If you’re running water in the kitchen and somebody starts a shower, creating a water pressure change, or the water in your has color to it sometimes, you probably need a home repiping job. Plumbing pipes will corrode and being to flake after some time. This will create a rust color to the water or affect the water pressure, sometimes both. 
• Leak & Water Damage Protection: There is no need to not do anything because nothing is wrong when it comes to plumbing.  If you know your home’s plumbing is older, as we’ve discussed here earlier, then you know that sooner or later, something is going to start to leak, that leak will lead to damage, and then you’re in ankle deep water. Today, one of the best options for home repiping is using PEX, a flexible type of plumbing that contractors and plumbers are in love with. It is durable, sturdy, and best of all from their standpoint, flexible. 

What is involved in a whole house repiping project?

Home repiping is a labor intensive job that should be done only by a licensed plumber. This is a general idea of the steps they will take: 

• Cover flooring, furniture, and other personal items in plastic
• Mark the areas where pipes are located behind walls with special tools
• Cut those areas out to gain access to the pipes
• Any pipes in the floors will be accessed from the basement or crawl space
• After old pipes are removed, new pipes are installed
• Plumbers and helper will clean up, patch up, retexture, and paint walls

You may want to consider replacing your water heater and upgrade the fixtures to low-flow styles while your home repiping job is taking place. 

Should you repipe your house?

So, maybe you’re thinking home repiping sounds like a good deal, but you’re wondering, “When should I repipe my house?”. If you notice any of the following issues with your home’s pluming, this may be the time to schedule home repiping job: 

1. Aging and Unsafe Pipes 

There are several factors that will affect your home’s plumbing. From basic wear and tear and cold-weather,  but the average age that home repiping is good timing is at fifty-years-old or older.

At that age, they’re probably lead pipes which are outlawed for new install now so the sooner you get them out, the healthier your home will be. If you have polybutylene pipes, after a few years, those will break, crack, and begin leaking. What if your home has galvanized steel pipes? They are probably already eroding. If your plumbing clacks, clangs, rattles or makes other noises, time for home repiping! 

2. Leaking Pipes 

Leaking pipes are not something to ignore. If you know you have a small leak in your plumbing, you’re setting yourself up for disaster if that isn’t fixed soon. If you have had several leaking pipes over the past year, then home repiping is the best way to stop that from happening. 

3. Visible Corrosion 

If you can see corroded plumbing pipes, they’re discolored, flaking, indented, or rusted, home repiping is the best way to get that fixed. In this case, you may be able to get by with a portion of home repiping instead of the entire plumbing system. 

4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be caused by several factors with the most common being corrosion and sediment buildup. These issues will block water from flowing, put pressure on other areas, causing them to burst. 

5. Discolored Water 

If the water is coming out of your spigots is brown, red, or yellow, your pipes are full of rust and sediment  and home repiping is needed, sooner than later.  Why the rush? Because you are bathing, cooking, and consuming this colored water, which is rust and sediments. These can become health hazards. 

6. Bad Smell and Taste

If the water in your home is smelling or tasting bad, it is probably because the pipes are in bad condition and you may need a home repiping job. Have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing and advise you accordingly, because it could be something outside of your home causing this issue. 

7. Fluctuating Temperature

Fluctuating water temperature could be the water heater going out or it could be the pipes. Either way, you should have a professional plumber check both out and advise you accordingly. 

Should I repipe my house with PEX?

This is something that the plumber you choose to work with can advise, but most plumbers prefer working with PEX for several reasons, one being that it is flexible. They are able to work it around in tight corners and spaces. PEX plumbing piping is freeze resistant, doesn’t degrade like copper and is less likely to burst. It is also cheaper, which will make your home repiping a little cheaper too. 

How long does it take to repipe a whole house?

This will depend mostly on the size of the house. The average repiping home size is completed in two days. Larger homes may take a full week to complete the home repiping job. 

Because the trenchless method and process is complex, the equipment used is a new technology, like anything new, it takes some time for it to pay for itself. So, it may be as much as the traditional method of sewer line repair or even more. A trenchless sewer repair can cost up to $2,500 and for trenchless sewer replacement, $3,500. Some factors that affect the cost are: 

• The Trenchless Method: There are different methods of trenchless technology that can affect the price you’ll pay. CIPP is the Cured in Place Pipe Lining technology that uses an epoxy pipe lining, which has a higher price tag. The Pipe Bursting technology is less expensive but will require the plumber to dig more holes.
• The Sewer Pipe Size: The diameter size of the sewer pipe is a factor in material costing, the larger the more expensive.  How deep your sewer pipe is in the ground will affect the cost because he deeper the more the plumber will need to dig down. 
• The Accessibility: Depending on where the trenchless sewer repair is located, under a patio or the house, if there is landscaping to work around, are things that can affect the cost of a trenchless sewer repair.
• The Current Pipe Condition: The existing sewer line may be destroyed, making the trenchless sewer repair method impossible to take place. A cast iron pipe will need to be descaled before the plumber can proceed with the trenchless part of the job. This takes more time and could cost you if you’re paying by the hour. 

How does trenchless water line repair work?

Before any type trenchless plumbing work begins, the plumber will do a thorough inspection. Then a epoxy coated tube that has been cleaned by hydro or mechanically method is installed into the existing plumbing or sewer line.  The epoxy coated plumbing trenchless pipe replacement hardens and forms the new line. Essentially, this process is creating a new pipe within the existing pipe, completely sealing the existing and eliminating any previous issues. Including any channeling, cracks, deterioration, holes, scaling, or tree root intrusions. 

After the new lining has been installed, the plumber will use specialized robotic technology through the existing branch line pipes and reopen them. This new technology consists of cameras and a small television type screen where the plumber watches what is going on inside the sewer lines. This is all operated by a remote control. 

This tube that is inserted is flexible as it is inserted, allowing it to be navigated around any bends and plumbing connections while adjusting to any changes in the pipe diameter. After a period of curing (hardening), this liner becomes 100% solid and sealed, giving you up to 50 years or longer life expectancy. 

Can trenchless sewer repair fix a belly?

Not at this time, the trenchless sewer repair technology is adaptable to repairing a belly. The sleeve will follow the existing pipe only to end up with a belly. The belly repair requires the plumber to dig up at the belly and install new pipe.

Do I really need to replace my sewer line?

Well, it depends on what condition it is in and what kind of problem you’re having. Some indications that will tell you that sewer line repair is needed are any of the following: 

• Gurgling noises in the toilet.
• Shower, sink, or tub  drains become terribly slow.
• Sewer smell in or outside your home.
• Dark green, thick patches of the lawn are sinking.

These things will mix together and create gas hazards, dangerous pathogens, and bacteria. The natural reactions of microorganisms that are inhabited in residential sewage is definitely hazardous.

If trenchless sewer repair is something you’re interested in for your home, you’ll want to call several plumber contractors and inquire if they know how to do trenchless sewer line repairs.  This isn’t a brand new technology, but not all plumbing contractors have taken any training and won’t have access to the equipment.  The last thing you need is a novice plumber trying something they aren’t experienced or trained to do and make your sewer line problem worse than it is already. Call 661-201-6016 today for trenchless sewer repair in Santa Clarita, CA.

Will Frozen Pipes Thaw On Their Own?

Are you wondering if frozen pipes will thaw on their own? From leading online experts, it’s important to not let them thaw on their own. This is because you could have a burst pipe on your hands, and that can easily cost you thousands of dollars in damage. You will want to manually unfreeze your frozen pipes in order to mitigate further damage. To thaw your pipes, you can turn on your water faucets. Moving water will accelerate the thawing process. Your frozen pipes will usually be in an outside wall, in an unheated crawl space, or under a sink. There are several different methods that you can use to unthaw pipes. You can use electric heat pads, electric hair dryers, portable space heaters, and towels soaked in hot water.

What To Do With Frozen Pipes?

Are you wondering what to do with frozen pipes? In order to become better informed, let’s review the following list to discover more.

• Locate the pipe or pipes.
• Turn on some faucets to facilitate moving water.
• The frozen pipes will likely be outside, in an unheated crawl space, or under a sink.
• After the pipes have been located and water is moving, you can apply a heat source.
• Your chosen heat source could be a heating pad, a hairdryer, or hot, wet towels. Inevitably, you will need to apply as much heat as necessary to thaw the impacted area.

A professional plumber is always a great resource when it comes to dealing with emergency plumbing issues.

How Long Does it Take for Pipes to Unfreeze?

Are you wondering how long it will take for your pipes to unfreeze? According to a leading plumbing authority, it can take anywhere from between thirty to forty-five minutes. This is if you use the assistance of space heaters, hairdryers, and heat lamps which are all common household appliances that can be used to thaw pipes. However, it is entirely important that you seek out a professional plumber if your pipes have burst from pressure build-up.

At What Temp Will Pipes Unfreeze?

If you are in the process of unfreezing your pipes, you will naturally want to understand a few basic parameters. For instance, how long will it take? At what temperature will your pipes be thawed out properly? For the latter question, the answer is twenty degrees Fahrenheit. You will need to have both hot towels, hairdryers, and heat lamps to assist the process if you want it to go at its fastest possible rate.

How Frozen Pipes Burst

Are you wondering how frozen pipes burst? It’s all due to the nature of water and how it reacts in a closed pipe. When water freezes, it expands in volume by nine percent. In the enclosed area of a pipe, the ice will displace the water which in turn, increases the pressure. For as long as the pipe is under pressure, the pipe itself is in jeopardy and could burst.

How Prevent Frozen Pipes

It is incredibly important to secure burst and frozen pipe repair as soon as possible when such circumstances arise. Furthermore, are you wondering how you can prevent frozen pipes? The first thing that you can do is you can insulate your pipes. There is specially designed pipe insulation that is available for you to purchase at hardware stores. Other things that you can do include keeping your garage doors closed, opening your cabinets, letting faucets drip, and keeping your thermostats consistent.

How To Thaw Frozen Pipes Underground

For thawing frozen pipes underground, you will want to connect your hose to the tap and begin running hot water into the pipe. You will want to slowly feed the hose through the pipe as the ice melts. After the pipe is completely thawed, you can remove the hose and repair the pipe as necessary.

If you are worried about frozen pipes in Santa Clarita, CA, please feel open to giving our capable staff a phone call. You can reach us at 661-201-6016 today.

Mold Issues

One of the major things from lack of water damage repair is mold growth, and that takes place within days and weeks of the water breaks. The adverse effects are on your family’s health and wellness with irritating allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing issues. Mold requires water to survive, so if the water damage repairs are not made, the mold will keep thriving. 

The smell if mold will linger almost indefinitely, lowering the air quality of your home.  If you can smell it, it is damaging the structure of your home too.  The sooner water damage repairs are completed, and the mold removed, the better. 

Appliances and Furniture 

One of the components of your home that water damage will harm the most are the appliances and furniture. The wooden bed frames and wooden furniture, computers, televisions, and other possessions and valuables can be damaged within a few minutes. When wooden furniture is damage by water, it weakens the structures and allows mildew and mold to form and grow. 

Your electrical appliances that are water damage, repairs may not be possible, meaning you’ll need to replace those items. Electronics are typically totaled when they have become wet, exceedingly rare are these things salvageable. 

House Structure 

Like wooden furniture, water damage to the house can affect the structure of your home too. It weakens any wooden frame and the flooring. The longer water damage repair is delayed, the more damage it is causing the structure and the more mildew and mold will grow. 

How long does it take to repair water damage?

The first thing to water damage repair is allowing the damaged items and parts to completely dry, typically this takes up to 72 hours. A larger area can take longer to completely dry, so patience is of the essence. For the quality of any water damage repairs to be proven, allow things to completely dry before attempting repairs. 

Is drywall ruined if it gets wet?

It can depend on the amount and time the drywall was exposed to water. While it is a fairly sturdy material, the longer drywall is wet, the softer and weaker it becomes. After a length of time being wet, the structural integrity becomes compromised and may have to be replaced. If it hasn’t got that wet for exceedingly long period of time and allowing it to thoroughly dry out before making any water damage repair will be sufficient. 

How do you fix water damaged walls?

Water damage repair isn’t as complicated and daunting as you may think when you follow these easy steps:

1. Clean: The water damaged area needs to be thoroughly cleaned before starting water damage repair. 
2. Clear any buckled, cracked, or flaked area on the wall. 
3. Apply a seal binder over the water damaged area. 
4. Apply any filler needed to create a smooth surface then sand.
5. Brush the sanding residue off and allow the area to dry.
6. Apply a water-based primer and sealer and allow to dry.
7. Paint the wall and decorate! 

1. Hair
2. Soap
3. Dirt
4. Fat, grease, oil
5. Food 
6. Diapers and wipes
7. Foreign objects
8. Feminine products 
9. Cotton swabs
10. Cat litter
11. Leaves, plants, tree roots
12. toilet paper
13. Mineral build-up
14. Offset pipes

Can Coke unclog a drain?

Seems odd, but yes, coke can unclog a drain and is of several DIY remedies to try before you call the plumber. Keep in mind, if you keep trying DIY remedies and you’re not having any luck, the longer you wait, the worse that clog could be getting. You could also be doing more damage than good too, but it doesn’t hurt to try these two DIY  clogged pipe cleaning tricks: 

Coca-Cola or Pepsi: Both are hard on enamel as dentist warns. They are both excellent at defeating a clogged drain too because of strong dissolving agents.  How do you use these products for clogged pipe cleaning? 

• Let a two liter bottle of either one become room temperature.
• Pouring the whole bottle  down the drain
• Allow it to fizz for two hours as it works its corrosive power
• Run hot water for a few minutes

The phosphoric acid in these beverage will break down the buildup that causing clogged drains! This isn’t a DIY remedy that plumbers like everyone to know about because, well, it keeps homeowners from calling them!  An effective home remedy using a refreshing beverage! 

 A Plunger: When your bathtub or sink becomes too clogged for a Coke or Pepsi to clear, then get the old fashioned plunger out and try these steps. 

• Completely cover the drain with the plunger

• With rapid motion, press and pull for 30 to  35 seconds
• If water slowly begins to drain, add more water then plunge another 30 to 35 seconds
• If water begins to drain fast, you’ve conquered the clog

While these are good DIY home remedies, and if the plunger method didn’t work, then call your plumber. 

What to use to unclog pipes?

With the following techniques, you can do your own clogged pipe cleaning and save that money you’d pay a plumber for something more fun! 

Unclogging Tools: We’ve already covered the plunger method. Another tool is a drain snake that can be purchased at any home improvement store and is a great back up with the plunger isn’t doing a clogged pipe cleaning. This tool is a  flexible, long piece of steel called an auger and has a handle on the other end.  

• Feed the auger end of the snake down the drain
• Spin and twirl the auger as you insert it into the drain snake
• After it has gone as far as it will, begin to pull it out slowly

 This technique will break-up the clogging debris, and sometimes takes two or three rounds of this process. 

 How do you unclog a drain pipe without a snake?

Non-Chemical Solution: No need to buy over-the-counter chemical products. Using baking soda, vinegar, and water is economical, eco-friendly, and effective at clogged pipe cleaning.

• Pour one pot of boiling water down in the drain.
• Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain
• Let this sit for five  minutes.
• Pour a solution of one cup vinegar and one cup boiling water. 
• Let this sit for ten minutes.
• Pour another  pot of boiling water down the drain

As soon as you notice a drain isn’t draining, that is the time to perform one of the non-tool tricks we’ve discussed.  With weekly pre clogged pipe cleaning, you can avoid these panic moments. When you do have a clogged drain that can’t be cleared using any of these steps, calling your plumber is the best solution. Call 661-201-6016 today for your clogged pipe cleaning in Santa Clarita, CA.

1. Foundation shifting: When a house with a foundation settles and shifts, it can adjust the water lines. When those adjustments are exactly right, they can slightly disconnect or loosen pipes, causing them to start a slow leak. Or worse,  or maybe it would be better because you wouldn’t need professional plumbing leak detection, the shifting and settling can break pipes and create a massive rupture of water.
2. High water pressure: Did you know you can often adjust your water pressure at the water meter? This would be more so in older homes, but if you’re having a constant water line break in a certain area, it can the water pressure is high. As water zips from the meter and through your water lines, if the pressure is too high, it can weaken and damage the pipes, causing them to break and bust. If that water isn’t just spewing upward, it may take professional plumbing leak detection to find where the leak is before it can be stopped.
3. Tree roots: The job of tree roots is to find water to nourish the tree. Your water pipes could have the tiniest crack with the slightest of leaks and tree roots will find that water. When the0 tree roots sense moisture, they start growing towards that water and will force their way into those cracks. Before you know it, there is clogged sewer lines and/or busted water pipes. 
4. Pipe Corrosion: This is more common in older homes were copper pipes or galvanized pipes were used the most. Metal piping is easily susceptible to rust and rust weakens the metal. Eventually the pipes break at that rusted areas and then there is leaking.
5. Changing Temperatures: Areas where the weather can make extreme changes can cause water pipes to break. Ground is cold and the pipes are cold, then it heats up only to get cold again. Water pipes can only take so much back and forth in temperature before it wears them or their connections out.

How do you find a plumbing leak?

As much as we depend on water, it can be the enemy too when it comes to water leaks around the home. Your furnishing and the structure of your home can be damaged beyond repair.  Unfortunately, plumbing leaks are pretty common and there is a bigger chance you will experience one than you won’t at so point of homeownership. However, if you know ways to find a suspected water leak, you can get a jump on it before it becomes a problem. 

• Monitor Your Water Bill: Monthly water bills are often the best plumbing leak detection. When they become extremely high for no obvious reason (like guests or watering the lawn), it is usually an indicator there is a water leak. 
• Water Meter Watching: This is the next best plumbing leak detection tool. If you suspect your home has a water leak and you’re not finding any obvious signs, watch the water meter after turning everything off  that is water driven. With everything water using thing turned off, if the water meter moves, you have a water leak somewhere. 
• Greener Grass Patches: A lush lawn is beautiful, but if there only one area, or a patch that is greener than the rest of the law, there may be a buried water line leaking. If there are puddles in that area and it hasn’t rained, then that is a great plumbing leak detection indicator. 
• Appliances and Fixtures: Check under your cabinets, behind the washing machine, and around the toilets. Anywhere water is used, check for small leaks. If you find any, turn the water off to that appliance or fixture and if you aren’t a DIY homeowner, call your plumber. 
• Toilet Testing: Another easy plumbing leak detection you can do is test the toilet for an interior leak with food coloring. The flapper could be brittle and worn, allowing a constant trickle of water. A few drops of food coloring in the tank and you’ll know when you see colored water in the toilet bowl.  This is a simple fix, but if you’re not comfortable with replacing that rubber flapper, call a plumber. 

Can plumbers detect leaks?

Yes, along with installing and repairing plumbing, leak detection is one of the main things they are trained for doing. They will use the same things we’ve discussed above, and they also have plumbing leak detection equipment. They have audio and visual tools to help them find leaks that are int the foundation, in the wall, and underground. 

Is plumbing leak detection expensive?

There are few factors that can determine the cause of a plumbing leak detection, beginning with where you are located.  Prices for anything can vary from city to city, state to state. Other factors that will affect the cost of a professional plumbing leak detection is finding the general area of the leak, where the leak is located and the equipment (if any) that is used by the plumber. Different plumbing contractors and company charge different rates also, so you may want to call around a get a few phone estimates before scheduling an appointment. 

How does plumbing leak detection work? 

A plumbing leak detection system can be installed inline to your home’s plumbing that will meticulously monitor the water flow  as it passes through the water pipes. When it detects an irregularity, it shuts the water off at the main point of entry. 

That irregularity can be a jammed toilet flapper or water left running in a sink or tub. It can be water pipes busting in the walls or under the house, anywhere that water shouldn’t be flowing for long, or at all, escalated water use signals to this method of plumbing leak detection and the water is automatically turned off.