Leak Repair

How Your Trees Are Affecting Your Plumbing

How To Remove Tree Roots From Your Plumbing Without Replacing

An experienced Knoxville plumber can repair plumbing pipes of all types with equal efficiency. However, there are certain types of pipes that they need to repair more frequently than the others. Do you have a tree root problem in your sewer drain? Like thousands of households, tree roots in your drain are a constant problem we can all do without. Blocked drains whether it’s a blocked sewer line or a blocked storm water pipe can be one of the most frustrating and inconvenient not to mention one of the most costly plumbing problems you can have at your home.

Replacement Of Pipes

Unfortunately, tree roots in the sewer line are an indication of damaged plumbing pipes and become an ongoing problem you could do without. The only permanent solution is a complete replacement of your old earthenware plumbing pipes with new PVC plumbing pipes, but if you don’t want to go to all the trouble and expense of replacing your old sewer pipes, calling a plumber has several cost effective options to keep your sewer line clear and free flowing.

Traditionally the use of the good old plunger and the electric eel were the weapons of choice in the constant fight against tree roots overpowering your sewer line; that was until now.

Drain Cameras

Regular maintenance using high-pressure water blasters are the latest technology in combating all, but the most severe tree root blockage found most commonly in household drains. The advent of drain cameras have added a new dimension to drain cleaning and have been a god sent to the plumbing professional and homeowner alike. This piece of high-tech equipment is used to take all of the guesswork out of drain cleaning.

Every nook and cranny can be thoroughly explored using a video camera, and a complete video diagnosis can be supplied to determine the best course of action required, not only that pipe tracing equipment can be used to locate the camera head and find the exact location and cause of the blocked sewer pipe.

Preventative Maintenance Program

A preventative maintenance program will combat the inconvenience of tree root blockages and raw sewage overflows that usually occur at the most unexpected times, like on weekends, the family BBQ or even Christmas day! As you know, this results in costly emergency call outs and your family being exposed to raw sewage overflow.

The roots you cut last year are the same roots you will cut this year and next year as well. Whatever may be the type of pipe installed in your home or office, you must maintain them properly. You are advised to call the plumbing expert even if you notice slightest of crack on the pipes. Additionally, get them checked by your Knoxville plumber once in every six months. The plumbing professional appointed by you will check the pipes thoroughly for cracks and other damages and do the needful to eliminate the defects caused by the tree roots.

If you have trees that you want cut call Smoky Mountain Tree Service.

Slab Leak Detection Knoxville

How to Handle a Slab Leak in Your Home?

Dealing with Slab Leaks

Slab Leak Detection KnoxvilleIs your water bill steadily rising each month with no sign of an end to this trend in sight? You might have noticed high amounts of water running through walls in your home or become aware of a warm patch on your floor in your living room. An increased heating bill is another warning sign that you may have starting noticing. If any of these situations above sound familiar or apply to your home, it is possible that you may be dealing with a slab leak.

Here are a few of the biggest slab leak warning signs and how that present themselves within your home:

Do You Hear a Running Water Noise?

Are you hearing running water sounds when none should be apparent? Whenever you are hearing the sound of water in your home, that sound has to be coming from somewhere. If you can’t see a leak with your own eyes, chances are that you have a slab leak. A slab leak is not visible to the naked eye, but it can cause disaster to your home if left untouched.

Warm Patches

Another common sign of a slab leak involves the presence of warm patches on the floors throughout your home. If you start to notice these types of patches in your home, it is a good idea to have your home inspected for a slab leak. How water pipes in your home are constantly insulated except for when they are a part of a radiant heating system. A sign that you might have warm patches can be pets.

Cracks on Walls and Flooring

Cracks on your walls and floors can be caused in a variety of different ways, but if you are dealing with increased water in the soil surrounding your home, it is likely that the cracks can be attributed to a slab leak. The water flow from the slab leak causes a vacuum effect over time that results in floor and wall cracks. At the first sign of cracking, you need to take action to determine the problem and rule out a slab leak.

Excessive Moisture

Increased amounts of moisture can also be the result of a slab leak. Water can flow through the leak and lead to increased moisture that turns into mold or mildew. You should always call a trained plumber at the first sign of mold growth within your home.

 

 

Low-or-no-water-pressure-fixed-by-your-knoxville tn-Plumber

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

 Low-or-no-water-pressure-fixed-by-your-knoxville tn-PlumberWater pressure in your home is strictly regulated by a simple truth; that water flows from higher altitudes to lower altitudes. The water pressure in every tap or shower in your home will depend on the natural flow of water from a storage tank through the pipes to the eventual faucet. The only way you can determine the water pressure other than the natural flow of water is by using air pressure tanks. Unless you have air pressure tanks, you will have to rely on the natural pressure. There are some plumbing fixtures which can increase or reduce the water pressure but they won’t have the capacity or ability to influence the water pressure through the plumbing network. They can only play a role once the water flows into the special faucet or tap system, after which the pressure is controlled, increased or decreased.

You will have low water pressure in your house in certain specific circumstances. You may have very little water in your tank, to the point that it is unable to exert any additional pressure other than gravity pulling the flow of water downwards, to the eventual faucets, showerheads or taps. Or, you may have some problems in the plumbing network that is disrupting the water pressure.

The problem in the plumbing network can be due to leaks or cracks in some pipes, joints or some fissures somewhere. The low pressure may also be due to clogged pipes. Over years of use, pipes can have buildup of sediments. Pipes can corrode and rust, wear down and such obstructions will obviously reduce the water pressure.

It is very difficult for a homeowner to identify these problems without professional help. You may know if a faucet is leaking or if you have some problems with the sink, the flush in the toilet or the showerhead. But you cannot possibly locate a problem in concealed pipes or inside the pipes. That calls for the expertise of a trained and experienced plumber.

You should always get your water pressure checked, ideally much before it begins to become worrying. Leaky pipes, water oozing out from some place that you are not aware of or extremely clogged pipes are not ideal situations for any homeowner. From unclean water to property damage, there can be very serious consequences of not taking low or reduced water pressure seriously enough to call in the experts.

Knoxville tn repipe

Signs That Your Home Needs to be Repiped

Signs That Your Home Needs to be Repiped

Knoxville tn repipeIt might not be as easy to spot, but an old rusty pipe in your home can act in much the same manner as thief in the night. This is due to the fact that they burst when you least expect it and cause extensive damage that ravishes your home. You won’t be able to believe your eyes when you see the amount of damage and destruction that a bursting old pipe can do to your home. However, we are a plumbing company that can help you avoid this type of damage and destruction by taking advantage of our repiping services. Repiping projects are quite complex and are best left in the hands of experienced and qualified plumbers that you can count on.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The fact is that your day is pretty jam-packed with important tasks. This means that you have little free time to waste and hardly have a minute to give your pipes an extra thought. However, it is essential that you give your plumbing the attention that it deserves to ensure that you never have to deal with the damage left behind by bursting pipes. Plumbing is a convenience that you likely take for granted and just expect to be at your beckon call. Having a repipe in Knoxville is in the back of your mind.

When you turn on your shower faucet or flush your toilet, you hardly give your plumbing a second thought. However, when your pipes burst in your home you will have to pay attention and act fast. The best way to avoid bursting pipes is to be proactive and look for early warning signs that can help you avoid damage. Paying a little now for plumbing services is preferred to paying a lot later when your pipes actually burst.

Keep A Close Eye On Water Pressure

Water pressure is one of the main warning signs that you should be on the lookout for. If your water pressure becomes low or you notice that the actual color of your water is changing, you need to call on a plumber. If your water starts to look like the color of rust, chances are that your pipes are close to bursting and require immediate attention. If you notice leaky pipes this should also be a red flag. If you simply pay attention and look out for signs of aging pipes, you should be able to catch the problem before they burst.

 

 

Knoxville Plumbing-Inspections

Should My New Home Have a Plumbing Inspection?

Should My New Home Have a Plumbing Inspection?

For most people, a home is the biggest investment they will ever make, and a home is more than just paint and shutters. We inspect for termite damage, so why not plumbing and electrical

Knoxville Plumbing-InspectionsHaving a trained and licensed professional inspect that important part of the house will give you the relief and security to move in and live comfortably. While he cannot see what is inside the walls, he can judge the condition of what is inside, by looking at the condition of what is visible outside the wall; by looking at how and where a pipe enters the wall, and the way it was constructed. Their trained eye will spot things that may look fine to you, but shows signs of poor practices and materials.

Outside – A proper inspection may start at the street to see if the piping, whether galvanized iron, plastic, or copper tubing, is of the proper size and up to current codes. They will insure the water shut off valve is accessible and working. At this time they will make sure the sewer drain line has the proper cleanout trap near the house.

While still outside they will check that there are the proper outside spigots for garden hoses and that they are in usable locations and working condition. They will look to the roof to ensure the vent pipes are in place for all drain locations.

Inside – They will inspect every water access location in the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, and accessories, such as water softeners and icemakers. They will determine that the faucets are new, or in excellent shape and not leaking. They will look under the sinks to ensure there are shutoff valves on all fixtures, and the fittings are tight and not corroding. They will be alert for loose pipes where they exit the wall, and check if there is a bang when the faucets are turned off, indicating the air cushion has been lost, or not installed properly.

These points, and probably a hundred more, are what they will be checking. Sometimes it may be that something is just not right, and should be looked at more closely.

When you are purchasing a new–to-you home, and looking for a Knoxville Plumber to inspect that home, we would encourage you to give us a call! 🙂

Water Heater Leak in Knoxville Tennesee

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Water Heater Leak in Knoxville TenneseeA water heater is a much needed appliance. It is difficult to do without a water heater and thus if there are problems, then the days without the heater can be quite troublesome and painstaking. While a water heater is a sturdy device and can perform regularly without much tantrums or problems, it is still an appliance at the end of the day and it will have some problems from time to time. If you have a new water heater then you have your warranty and most common problems are taken care of. But if you have an old water heater, then not only would you have to brace for more problems but you will also have to attend to those problems without any warranty’s help.

One of the most common problems with water heaters is leaks. Water heaters can have leaks, regardless of their status of new or old.

There are many reasons why your water heater may be leaking.

The most common reason for leaks in a water heater is a malfunctioning drain valve. If the drain valve in the water heater is loose or not fully fitted into the heater, if it becomes loose due to the water pressure, if it is too tightened which has caused cracks to develop or some fissures to form, then water will seep through this type of valves. You need to check the valves and tighten them if they are loose. But the valves should not be too tightened that contributes to an abnormality. Absolutely unusable valves need to be replaced. Ideally, you should replace the drain valves of very old water heaters.

Another common reason for your water heater leaking is an excessive pressure inside the unit. Every water heater has a capacity, a certain volume of water it can heat in a certain period of time. This capacity is related to the pressure. Also, the pressure has a correlation with the temperature that you have set on the thermostat. If you set the temperature much higher than what the water heater can take and if you are not draining out the hot water, allowing cold water to flow in to the heater, then the pressure can build up inside which will force the water to gush out. In the absence of openings or vents, it will cause leaks. A similar problem can also occur if the temperature pressure relief valve is defective.

Water heaters can start to leak if they are too old. General wear and tear, corrosion and rusting can cause leaks.

You may find some water on the heater or beneath it due to natural condensation, which has nothing to do with leaks.

 

Repipe plumbing in Knoxville Tennessee

Does Your Home Need To Be Repiped?

Signs Your Home Needs To Be Repiped

Repipe plumbing in Knoxville TennesseePipes are sturdy installations. They are meant to last for years, unless a compromise had been made initially to install poor quality pipes. Plumbing installations are usually durable if the right brands and specs have been chosen at the right prices. However, everything has a lifespan and that holds true for pipes as well. Pipes are not meant to last forever. While some poor quality pipes may last just a year or few years, most pipes will show signs of ageing after several years. Also, the type of use and other external factors also play a role in determining the life of your pipes.

Ideally, you should attend to the maintenance of all your plumbing fixtures and that should include pipes. If you indulge in regular maintenance, which could be twice a year or at least once a year, then you will be safeguarded against some rude surprises. Else, you can refer to these signs that your home needs to be repiped.

  • If you find a major leak from any of the pipes in your home, then you obviously need to replace it. You can easily spot such leaks by looking for water damage. A serious leak springing a lot of water will cause damage to your property and that would be very hard to miss. A minor leak will also show signs of water damage or at least buildup of moisture in certain areas of the home which will also be hard to miss. If you find any such signs, then you should not wait any longer. Call an expert and get the pipe or pipes replaced. You should not think of repairing or sealing the leaks in these pipes. Sealing them will be a temporary solution and you will be spending money needlessly without any long term assurance that the leaks won’t recur.
  • You should keep an eye out for the water pressure in your home. If you see that the water pressure in the faucets or taps and showerheads has reduced substantially, then you may want the pipes to be checked. Leaks in the pipes, buildup of sediments, corrosion and other problems in the pipes can cause a drastic reduction in water pressure. You should also look out for water bursting through the taps in short spells. This also indicates obstructions or air gushing into the pipes, both of which are signs that you need repiping.
  • Another very helpful sign is colored water or water that tastes different. Buildup of chemicals, rusting, corrosion and sediments of various kinds will cause this problem. Repiping should be a wise choice at such a stage.

 

 

Knoxville TN Faucets Dripping

Why Are Your Faucets Dripping?

Why Are Your Faucets Dripping?

Knoxville TN Faucets DrippingThe water faucets that are featured in your home are pretty basic devices that normally don’t malfunction in any way very often. However, it is likely that some of eth mechanisms within your faucet will begin to age over time and the results is a leaky or dripping faucet that not only gets on your nerves, but also costs you more on utility bills. The cause of your leaking faucet is what results in either an intermittent dripping faucet or a constant dripping faucet. If notice that you have a leaking or dripping faucet, it is important to call on a professional plumber right away to correct the issue. In many instances, eroding connections can be the problem leading to the dripping of water from your faucet.

Does Your Faucet Still Have Washer?

Many old faucets still have a washer mechanism inside that is often the problem causing the dripping. However, new faucets that don’t feature washes can still have other issues. The center cartridge is often what is most susceptible to wear and tear over time and high water pressure only combines to cause more issues. If you are not sure what the cause of your dripping sink is, you should turn to a reliable plumbing professional to get the job done right. Diagnosing the cause of your dripping faucet is just the first step in fixing it correctly.

Defective Parts

Even new faucets can drip or leak due to defective components or connections. This is not normally a common occurrence, but it has been seen before. This means that if you have a new sink that is dripping, you should call on a professional plumber to inspect the components and connections of your faucet to ensure that they are not defective. If you have any defective parts it is important to address these issues right away.

Don’t Wait For The Dripping To Go Away On Its Own

Many people assume that a leaky faucet is not a big deal and simply avoid addressing this issue for long periods of time. However, it is never a good idea to forget about dripping faucets in your home. The issue causing the drip will only worsen with time and cause more extensive damage. If you want the cheapest and easiest fix it is a good idea to call a professional plumber right away to fix your dripping faucet.

 

Knoxville Repipe

Some Homes In Knoxville Needs to be Repiped… Is Your Home One?

Some Homes In Knoxville Needs to be Repiped… Is Your Home One?

They say nothing lasts forever, and the pipes in your home won’t either. Sooner, or later, you may be faced with the question of whether or not to have the pipes, the plumbing, in your house, replaced.

Leaking-galvanized-pipe | Knoxville RepipeIn very old Knoxville homes

The galvanized iron pipes came in nominal lengths and every joint, connection, elbow, or tee, had threads in all the outlets and may very well begin to leak. In addition, iron rusts and often clogs the pipe so you have very little flow.

In newer Knoxville homes

Copper pipe replaced the galvanized iron pipe, and used soldered joints to replace the threaded ones. When properly installed, they should last for the life of the house. However, due to ground settling, earthquakes, remodeling and other unseen happenings, copper pipe and fittings may  crack, or a solder joint fail.

When Copper is in Short Supply in Knoxville

Which happens from time to time, various replacement materials, usually plastic have been used. Plastic is also commonly used in mobile homes and RVs.

So, How Do You Know If You Need To Repipe your Home?

Before you face the situation, and have your whole house repiped, do some checking. Are you having more leaks, and have your plumber on speed-dial? Does the water flow slowly and have a weak stream at your faucets? Do your pipes bang when the faucets are shut off? Is there rust in the water? If any, or all, these things are happening to your water system, you may need to have your home repiped.

A Major Job

Repiping a home is a major proposition,  so think carefully about the plumber you have do the job. Be sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Check with the Better Business Bureau, to see if any complaints have been filed. Ask if you can contact any of their customers.

If the repiping will require walls, ceilings, or floors be removed, or opened up for access, you might want to consider doing a remodeling and rewiring during the same period. That way there is no need for each profession to close up and finish the openings. In addition, a permit will likely be required to do any of the jobs and a contractor can manage the job and coordinate the sub-contractors

When undertaking such a job, we would recommend looking on line to see what Knoxville Plumbing LLC has to offer. http://knowvilleplumbingllc.com

Knoxville frozen pipes, burst repair prevention

What to do if your pipe’s Freeze:

If you have frozen pipes, before thawing, you are going to have to take some precautions.

First… turn off the water supply. Second…call a professional plumber, to assess the situation and determine the extent of the damage.
The plumber will be able to determine the cause of the frozen pipes and then devise a plan to thaw the pipes.frozen-pipes

It’s important that frozen pipes be thawed slowly and carefully to prevent bursting of the pipes.
If you already have a broken pipe, the plumber will need to make the necessary repairs.
As the plumber thaws or repairs your frozen pipes, he can address the lack of insulation that caused the problem in the first place. He may recommend foam pipe wraps or heating tape if the area is subject to severe cold.

While at your home, ask the plumber to inspect all of your pipes and other areas of your house so that future problems can be avoided.

Frozen pipes require a slow thawing process. It will be necessary to open a few faucets in order to allow the melting water to escape. It is very important not to heat the pipe until it is hot.
In order to prevent pipes from freezing during the cold winter months, you should shut-off the water specifically to the pipes that supply water to the outside faucets. The faucets and pipes that are closest to the outside elements have the best chance of freezing.

Also, if you allow a slow drip from some of your inside faucets, it will help keep water flowing through the pipes making it harder to freeze during the extremely cold weather.
And most important disconnect all hoses that are attached to your outside hose bibs. This will prevent freeze damage from inside the wall.