You may not have the time or knowledge to complete a job, or the job might just be too big. It’s important to know when to hire a plumber and when to do it yourself.

Plumbers have extensive training and experience to ensure that the job’s are done correctly the first time. They know the local codes, obtain permits and get inspections when needed. This ensures that you and your home are protected. Plumbers have the correct tools for specific tasks and are well equipped to handle any plumbing problem.

A DIY is a cheaper option than hiring a professional plumber, but mistakes on your part can be very costly. Common mistakes could result in code violations, and unsafe or ineffective plumbing system. The result more times than not could result in thousands of dollars in repairs to fix the plumbing problem correctly.

To explain it simply hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, like magnesium and calcium. In its most basic form, water doesn’t contain hard minerals and is naturally soft. However, as water passes through ground minerals such as limestone, water begins to retain these hard water minerals.

Soft water has very little to no elements within the substance. This can occur naturally, or soft water can be created through water treatment processes that will remove the hard elements from the water.

If you are experiencing backed up water in multiple fixtures it means either the main sewer line from the home to the city sewer or septic tank has a blockage. When these lines get filled, a small hand snake will be ineffective. It’s the same with chemical clog removers as well. Your way past that point and will require professional plumber. Master Flow technicians are well equipped to handle any plumbing issue.

There are be several reasons why you sewer line may be clogged. They include broken pipes, tree roots, or debris causing improper draining within the sewer system. Tree roots can grow vast distances in search for water, causing them to grow into sewer lines, rupturing or clogging sewer lines. In addition debris like toilet paper, hygiene products can catch on obstructions in the pipes. Often causing a major clog. If your are in any of these situation it’s best to call your local expert like Master Flow. Inexperienced tampering can result in further damages if done improperly.

Galvanized pipes over time fill up with calcium and minerals, and there isn’t a code-approved way to clear the line. Calcium and minerals build up from passing water that attach to the inside of galvanized pipes. From this a rock-like substance forms around the walls of the pipes. These minerals will begin to block off the inside of the pipe and slow the flow of water down. When water pressure slows down, more calcium is removed from the water. Eventually the inside diameter is reduced so much that water does not flow freely. The best course of action is to replace the line with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, this will provide better pressure and won’t accumulate calcium and minerals.

Trees require nutrients and water to grow, thus their root system will seek the water and minerals within your piping system. Their growth rate is affected by its ability to acquire water and nutrients. The common factors are the soil depth, water supply, aeration, mineral supply, and temperature.

Root systems are made up of stability roots for support, and many small, temporary feeder root and root hairs. These smaller roots systems are the primary source of absorbing water and nutrients. Majority of root systems can be found in the top six to eighteen inches of soil, where water, nutrients, and oxygen are abundant.

Roots systems can reach up to two or even three times the height of the actual tree, but can extend as far as seven times the height of the tree. Larger trees can have thousands of feet of root systems searching for their required substances. Roots are less extensive in clay soils than in sandy and or well-drained soils.

You have on your hands much more than your common toilet clog. It is very likely there is a branch line blockage between the bathroom and the main sewer line. You will most likely require the assistance of a professional plumber to clear and clean the drain line. In the situation that you do not have a clean out port large enough to accept a cable with three inch blades, a professional plumber will have no other choice but to take out the toilet to meticulously snake the line.

Professional plumbers have two methods methods of removing a clean-out plug. The first method utilizing an old-fashioned steel chisel and a ball peen hammer on the face of the clean-out aligned at a 45-degree angle pointed in the desired turning direction. Next they will turn it counter clockwise. Once there is a divot in the clean-out, turn the chisel on an increased angle to provide more turning force. If that does not work, you will need to chisel right through the surface of the brass plug or cast plug and cut the rest out with a sawzall. When the center of the clean-out out is removed, use a heavy screw driver will pry out the threads.

There is several possibilities why your sump pump won’t shut off. This is why it’s difficult to fix without the help of a professional. It is crucial to address the issue, because a sump pump that’s constantly running is more likely to burn out its motor quickly and fail.

It is very likely that the problem is with your sump pump float switch. The sump pump switch controls the power supplied to your sump pump. If this is the problem, you will most likely need to call a professional. There are some simple steps you can take to attempt and fix it yourself.

Look directly at the sump pump and take note of the float switch. It should freely move with the water. It should not be tangled within electrical cord or caught against the side wall of the sump pit. In the case that the float switch still cannot move with the water or stops working, then it is the right time to buy a new float switch. Your best bet is to find them at your manufactures website or occasionally you can find them at home improvement stores. It’s important to note that some switches are more expensive and complicated than others switches. Which could mean that it may not be very cost effective to to replace a float switch on a sump pump that is more than four years old.

Replacing a switch still might not solve your sump pump issues.

Take a look at some information about Sump Pumps.

You may have a defective check valve on your discharge pipe, or the valve might be missing altogether. A sewer leak near your unit may be causing your pump to run continuously. You could possibly even have a clog and or break in the underground discharge pipe. Take note of the size and location of your sump pump. This could have something to do with the performance of the sump pump.

The best course of action to replace a sump pump is to contact your local professional plumber. There may be a need to upgrade your sump pump. However, it is better to check if the sump pump could be fixed before attempting to replace it, which may be costly. Calling Master Flow would be a much less expensive method of fixing the problem than buying a replacement sump pump and in the worst case scenario having to fix the extensive damage caused by flooding in your home.

A sewer line repair and replacement can be a complicated and grimy challenge. Conventional digging methods, would require you to dig a branch through your yard in order to reach the pipes. You then would be responsible for the expensive cost of putting your yard back together. This would include filling the wholes and returning your landscaping to its original look.

Furthermore, if you have any trees in the way they will need to be cut down and removed from the dig cite. This also includes any side walks that you have on your property that are in the way of the dig.

In spite of traditional methods trenches pipe relining has been adopted and has become the preferred method for restoring old sewer pipes compared to digging them up.

If your sewer pipeline is made of clay, concrete, iron or orange-burg, it may already be failing. The materials just mentioned have a lower life span and effectiveness compared to other current options. Not every sewer line is a requires pipe relining but many are in dyer need to replacement. Video camera inspections of the inside will give Master Flow the information to determine whether relining is the best option for your sewer.

Water damage caused by broken pipes is one of the most common homeowner insurance claims. Majority of household water damage is caused by plumbing leaks or appliance failure such as sewer back ups, toilet clogs, bursted pipes and other issues. These problems can come out of know where and are usually covered by homeowner’s insurance. It’s important to note that each homeowner insurance policy is different, so make sure to review yours if you have you doubts. There are some policies that require special riders for any water damage. Your agent can tell you without a doubt if you have coverage.

When you are aware of the common risks, you can conduct regular maintenance to avoid future issues. It is wise to correctly maintain your property, this includes your plumbing and drainage systems. One of the most common maintenance should be too frequently inspect pipes and valves.

Tubs and showers should be maintained by regularly caulking the seals to make sure they are watertight.

Inspect water hoses on appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine often. It’s wise to replace any hoses that show signs of wear and tear.

Stay on alert for leaky toilets, dripping faucets, and outdoor hose bibs in order to avoid potential plumbing problems.

While on vacation, or extended trip you should shut off the water supply to the washing machine and other appliances.

You should never leave the dishwasher or washing machine running unattended. As these are very common sources of water damages caused by clogs or leakage.

Sometimes accidents happen to everyone happen, and this is why we have home owners insurance. When incidents occurs, act promptly to limit liability to yourself . Contact Master Flow to help evaluate and fix the situation as quickly as possible.

Yes, it is possible. When you want to install a bathroom in a house when the pitch of the house runs the wrong direction, you can install a sewage ejector by the bathroom and pump the sewage uphill. A sewage ejector is a 18-gallon basin that rests below the ground. It includes pump grinder with a float, and when the water rises up to the maximum level, the pump turns on and removes the contents by vacuum and forces the waste up to the level of the sewer line. The distance the water travels determines the horsepower of the pump.

You also can drain with the use of gravity. When a sewer line is uphill and is low enough below the surface of the ground, using gravity to drain sewage is achievable. Though, you will require someone with experience to come out and make the appropriate measurements.

Weak water pressure is an annoying problem for lots of homeowners. If you believe your home’s water pressure is not quite up to standard, check out six things we recommend you do before hiring a plumber.

1. Test your water pressure

You can purchase a water pressure test gauge at most home improvement stores. Turn off all appliances that use water. This would include appliances like your dishwasher, and washing machine. After these water using appliances are turned off attach the water testing gauge to an outdoor hose spigot. It’s just like screwing on a water hose. Next, turn on the water then notice the reading. If it reads less than 60psi then your water pressure is on the lower spectrum of water pressure. Between 60psi and 75psi is the ideal water pressure ranch. If your water pressure reads anything above 80psi is too high, and can cause damage to pipe joints and plumbing fixtures.

If you use well water, you could have issues with your well pump.

2. Ask Around

Find out if your neighbors are having the same issues when it comes to water pressure. It could possibly be related to the city water system by talking with your neighbors or your landlord. If your neighbors are experiencing similar issues contact your local water provider. They will be able to let you know your water pressure issue is known, or they can begin taking the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

3. Check the water meter, shut-off valve, or regulator

After you have deciphered that you are the only one experiencing water pressure issues. The first thing to do is check your water meter and the main shut-off valve. You will need to locate them and ensure that both are completely open. Sometimes, contractors shut off the water to conduct basic maintenance. If you have a water pressure regulator you will need to check it as well. If the regulator is functioning incorrectly water pressure may steadily drop.

4. Check for leaks

Damaged or cracked pipes allow for water to seep into your home over time. This can result in damaged walls or ceilings and decreasing the amount of water pressure. You will need to check for hidden leaks as well with the use of your water meter. Firstly, turn off all water in your home and record the number present on your water meter. Next, wait 20-30 minutes to return to check the meter once again. If the meter reading changes, you have a leak.

To locate the leak, check tank parts of your toilets.Check the flapper valve inside the toilet. Also, look under kitchen and bathroom sinks. You will be looking for drips. You should also check for puddles around your water heater, and possible leaks in your washing machine hoses.

5. Check your faucets

If your water pressure reading comes back in the preferred range of 60psi and 75psi then you will need to take a close look at the faucets and shower heads. Overtime minerals build up around the inside of fixtures and can cause a reduction in flow of water. Loosed or worn down washers also contribute to leaks, and reduce water pressure.

6. Consider clogged pipes

Your water supply pipes may be clogged from years of buildup and residue. Thus, decreasing the amount of water pressure in your home. This often does not happen in homes with PEX pipes but it occurs often in galvanized and iron piping. If you have completed the check list above and still are experiencing water pressure issues, it may be time to give your local experts at Master Flow a call to determine if build up in your piping is the issue affecting you’re home’s water pressure.

Jetting equipment cleans sewer lines better than snakes can. It’s because jet equipment uses varying degrees of water pressure to cut right through grease and other debris that build up in drain pipes. Restaurants often run into this situation, the jet draws grease and debris where it can be vacuumed out, providing a more thorough cleaning. A Enzyme type sewer, drain cleaning, and maintenance products can be automatically injected into the line to help keep grease and food waste from building up in the line. The enzymes eat the grease and turn it into a liquid, which washes away with water, preventing most backups.

Copper has been the Industry standard for a long time. Copper is a durable material and reliable for water piping. Although, PEX or plastic piping works nicely because it is a flexible material, is weather resistant, has fewer joints, and less expensive to install than other options.

Copper’s natural qualities are what make it ideal for plumbing. It is very durable. It creates a biostatic atmosphere, which makes it difficult for bacteria to grow inside of it. It also resists corrosion and it is not affected by ultraviolet rays, which allows you to use it outside.

The disadvantages of copper piping is that it has become more expensive in recent years. in Addition, copper can corrode based upon water’s PH balance, and in cold climates copper piping can burst.

PEX installs easily and quickly, reducing over all costs. This is because of the pipings flexibility, and fewer fittings, which reduce the chance for leaks. PEX pipes do not corrode and are not susceptible to freezing.

The few disadvantages are that PEX piping cannot be used outside. Furthermore, since the material can expand and contract, it is not completely impermeable like copper. This may lead to water contamination. Lastly, reports have surfaced of rodents chewing through or eating PEX piping.

The short answer is no.

The reason why you have to de-root drain lines is because the roots have entered the pipes through holes in the joints. Every time you cut off the roots on the inside of the pipe, the root in the joint remains. Every year that root will get larger and larger. As it grows it puts pressure on the inside of the joint. Eventually the pipe will break and dirt and other contaminates will enter the pipe. A sewer line inspection would be the next step. After being able to see the condition of the inside of the pipe and the amount of the roots within the pipes, you can come up with a solid plan to removal the roots when the time comes.