5 Benefits of Water Jetting

5 Benefits of Water Jetting

Maintaining your plumbing in Sacramento can be hard work, especially when it comes to stubborn clogs. While some clogs are an easy fix, thanks to a plunger or drain cleaner, other clogs are hidden deep somewhere in your home’s plumbing or main sewer line. Unfortunately, not every clog can be fixed on your own. For the more intense clogs, you’ll need professional help. While a plumber may suggest a few different tricks, your home should enjoy the water jetting benefits by Crystal Blue.

Why Water Jetting Benefits Your Plumbing

Clogs are a common plumbing problem, but if left untreated, they can cause severe damage to your plumbing. Debris can still accumulate inside your plumbing, no matter how well-maintained, and accidents do happen. That’s why you want to use the best method when it comes to cleaning and clearing your drains and plumbing. While it may be tempting to use other methods such as a snake or drain cleaner, they’re not as safe or effective as water jetting. Clean plumbing that’s clear or clogs is a priority all homeowners should strive for, here’s how water jetting can help.

  • It’s effective at cleaning and clearing pipes. Water jetting uses a high-pressure hose to blast water through your plumbing lines. The combination of high-pressure and water makes for a very effective method at cleaning and clearing any obstructions inside your pipes without causing damages. While other methods such as snaking, may remove the obstruction, water jetting fully removes everything out of the line.
  • It saves you money. While it may cost more money to water jet your plumbing versus other methods, it saves you costs further down the road. Clean and clear plumbings can help prevent other plumbing issues as well such as a cracked pipe or leak, which can be costly to repair.
  • It’s a clean plumbing method. Your plumbing and sewer line are full of toxic contaminants, and the more time your plumber spends on your plumbing, the more there’s a chance of coming into contact with said harmful contaminants. Water jetting is fast and effective, which means less time the plumber has contact with the sewage inside your plumbing. Water jetting also spares you and your plumber the trouble of digging underground or cutting your walls to access your home’s plumbing.
  • It’s good for the environment. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which can be an easy fix but are very toxic for your health and the environment, water jetting is just highly pressurized water. When using a water jet to remove any clogs, the only stuff that gets flushed down the pipes are water and whatever is clogging the pipe.
  • It can prevent future problems. Since water jetting thoroughly cleans and clears your plumbing, it can prevent future clogs and other plumbing problems for a longer period of time than other methods. Since plumbers usually do a camera inspection before they water jet your plumbing, they can detect and treat other potential problems before they get worse.

How You Can Prevent Stubborn Clogs

While water jetting benefits are wonderful for your plumbing, the best you can do for your plumbing is to prevent having to resort to water jetting in the first place. While clogs can be a common and frustrating problem, there’s much you can do to prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Actively preventing clogs not only spares you or your plumber from removing them, it helps your plumbing last longer and function better. To spare yourself the trouble of another pesky clog, here’s what you can do to keep your pipes clear and clean.

  • Don’t overwhelm the garbage disposal. While the garbage disposal is a wonderful, handy kitchen appliance, it can only handle so much food waste. The truth is that most food waste should never go down the disposal in the first place. Avoid flushing down any fats, oils, and greases as they can cool and solidify inside your drain. Starchy foods such as rice and pastas will expand and create a clog-inducing mush inside your plumbing. Eggshells and coffee grounds are also problematic, creating a sand-like consistency inside your drain which can make for a nasty clog.
  • Avoid flushing non-waste materials. The only things that should go down your drain are waste and toilet paper, but there are a few items that try to market themselves as flushable. While they may be labelled as flushable, avoid flushing down any wipes and feminine products, as they can seriously backup your plumbing.
  • Use drain strainers. One easy way to prevent clogs is to start using drain strainers. A drain strainer helps to catch what can easily slip down the drain and cause a clog over time, such as food waste, soap scum, and hair.

Don’t Let a Stubborn Clog Spoil Your Day

Clogs can be a pain, but with the right unclogging methods, they don’t have to be. Water jetting your plumbing is not only an effective way to remove any clogs, it’s safe, clean, and thorough. Your drains deserve to stay clean. If you’re stuck with a stubborn clog, it’s time to call in the professionals. Don’t wait until your home’s backed up with sewage, have a plumber water jet your plumbing today.

 

Call & schedule water jetting service with Crystal Blue today!

5 Signs That a Tankless Water Heater Is Exactly What You Need

5 Signs That a Tankless Water Heater Is Exactly What You Need

Are you thinking about installing a new water heater? Then maybe it’s time to replace your old storage tank model with a tankless water heater upgrade. Here’s what you need to know about tankless water heaters — and five signs that it might be the right choice for you!

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

A conventional water heater has a tank that stores hot water, which is delivered to a point of use when needed. When the water supply runs low, the tank has to fill itself and heat the water before it can deliver hot water — until then, it can only send cold water to the faucet.

In contrast, a tankless water heater, or on-demand water heater, doesn’t have a storage tank at all. Instead, the water runs over a heating element when hot water is “requested” at a point of use, such as a shower or hot water faucet. Because it doesn’t store any hot water at all but instead, heats the water on demand, a tankless water heater provides an endless supply of hot water.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

While there are still many people who prefer their conventional models, more and more forward-thinking homeowners are replacing their storage tank water heaters with tankless models. What follows are five signs that a tankless water heater is just what you need:

  • You’re tired of not having enough hot water. Some people like cold showers. However, they’re few and far between. Most of us prefer a nice, hot stream of water, regardless of whether that’s when we get up in the morning or after we get home from work. If you’re always stuck with cold water because your household uses a lot of hot water, then an on-demand model is a good choice.
  • You want a water heater that will last. While a conventional model lasts approximately 15 years, a tankless water heater has a lifespan of 20 years. So, while the initial investment might be somewhat higher, you’ll definitely get a good return.
  • Your energy bills are high. Storing warm water costs energy, so a storage tank water heater costs more to run than a tankless model, which will bring your energy bills down considerably. 
  • You want to do the right thing for the planet. Because an on-demand model is more energy-efficient, it’s a more environmentally friendly option. 
  • You want to use the space for something else. A conventional water heater is a large appliance that takes up approximately the same space as a fridge. If you don’t have the space or if you want to use the space for something else, then an on-demand water heater is a better choice as it’s approximately the same size as a desktop computer.

Consult With Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air

If you’ve come to the conclusion that a tankless water heater is exactly what you need, then make sure to call Crystal Blue before purchasing one. We can advise you about capacity, brand, model, and other factors that are important to making the right choice. And once your on-demand water heater is installed, you’ll be able to enjoy your investment, as well as hot water and low energy bills, for a long time to come.

Call Crystal Blue Today and Schedule Service for your Tankless Water Heater Upgrade!

Can Too Much Rain Cause Plumbing Problems?

Can Too Much Rain Cause Plumbing Problems?

Torrential rains can cause lots of problems and wreak havoc in your home and beyond. Flooding, power outages, and road closure are just some of the problems experienced after heavy rainfalls. It is of utmost importance to prepare ahead of time for such eventualities. However, even with the best preparation, external forces like too much rain can put a lot of pressure on your home’s plumbing system.

Can too much rain cause plumbing problemsFortunately, the municipal sewer systems usually take the excess water away from your residential property. However, if the downpour is too heavy for your home or sewer system to handle, the outcome can be devastating. The following are ways through which too much rainfall may cause plumbing issues in your home and how you can manage them.

1. Increased Pressure on Pipes

In times of torrential rainfall, a lot of pressure can build up on your piping system. That usually happens when the sand or soil covering the pipes gets soaked up and becomes too heavy. The covering material’s weight can put a lot of pressure on your pipes, causing them to burst or crack.

Old galvanized steel pipes are especially vulnerable to this kind of pressure. If you notice water discoloration and loss of pressure from your taps after a heavy downpour, it could be a sign that your pipes may have burst or developed cracks.

If you suspect broken pipes, you should call your plumbing contractor before the damage causes bigger problems in your home. It is also advisable to replace old pipe fittings if you suspect that they may not withstand much pressure during wet seasons.

2. Shifting Ground

Some types of soils cannot hold much water. When these soils get soaked substantially, the ground may start shifting, causing blockages or broken pipes. In case your home is in an area that is prone to mudslides, it would be best to plant some trees around your property.

The trees’ roots will assist in holding the ground together, reducing cases of landslides. Although the roots from your trees may cause damages to your pipe system in the future, the benefits they offer outweigh the drawbacks.

Galvanized steel pipes are rigid and will break or get blocked even with minimal shifting in the ground. You should consider using PPR pipes, which are more flexible and durable. PPR pipes can withstand small shifts of the ground since they are not rigid and can last longer than steel pipes.

3. Blocked or Overflowing Gutters

Another area where too much rain causes plumbing problems is in the gutters. Gutters can fill up with water and end up collapsing, causing structural damage to your home. Blockages and overflow in the gutters result from sticks, leaves, and other kinds of debris that find their way into the gutters.

As a preventative measure, ensure that you regularly check the gutter for leaves and any other kind of debris that can cause blockages. This task is critical during the fall, when most trees shed their leaves.

4. Septic Tank Flooding

If you usually collect your property’s wastewater into a septic tank, heavy rains may cause flooding issues that require urgent attention. A flooded septic system can cause many problems, including contaminating your home environment and water system, posing a health risk.

To avoid such eventualities, ensure that your septic tank is built in an area with good drainage. However, if your septic tank has flooded or filled up, you may need to contract an exhauster to have the septic tank drained out. Additionally, always ensure that you direct the runoff water from all your drains away from your septic tank’s location.

5. Basement Flooding

Basement flooding can be a significant issue if your home is on uneven ground and has poor drainage. It can cause many problems, including weakening your home’s foundation, rotting of wood, ruining fixtures and furniture, and even mold growth.

If you live in a home that has a basement that floods quite often, you may need to install a sump pump to minimize the damages caused by the floods when it rains. If you already have one installed, you need to check it regularly to ensure that it is in proper working condition.

You may also need to improve your basement walls’ water-resistance qualities by applying thick color coats or using silicone sealers. You can also consider updating your doors and windows to make them watertight. That will prevent floodwater from the outside from getting access to your home’s basement.

6. Blocked Drains

Blocks drains are one of the most prevalent plumbing problems caused by heavy rains. Heavy rainfall brings with it dirt, leaves, and small branches that cause blockages to your drains. Because drains are not designed to collect too much water and the accompanying debris and dirt, you may experience some overflow and backup in your gutter drains.

To help you manage drain blockages when it rains, always check to see that your drains are free from any form of debris and blockages before the onset of the rainy season. An awful smell coming from your drains could be an indicator that they are blocked and require unclogging.

7. Sewer Backup

During heavy rains, the municipal sewer system connected to your sewer line can be overwhelmed with too much water. The pressure built up in the sewer lines may cause the sewer to back up and sometimes overflow into homes. Other possible causes of sewer backups could be blockages and clogs, leading to pressure accumulation in the sewer lines.

Sewer backup flooding can be a big problem for your home because it is largely out of your control. It also poses a serious health hazard. However, you can have your plumber install some check valves in your residential property to help prevent sewer water from flowing back to your home.

Final Words

Homeowners need to watch out for potential plumbing issues during the rainy seasons. There are many ways that heavy rainfall can cause plumbing problems, and this list only captures some of the main ones. Nobody can adequately prepare for bad weather. However, it is advisable to put some controls to minimize the potential losses resulting from plumbing-related problems caused by heavy rainfall.

The good news is that some control measures may not cost you much, and you may also implement them yourself without needing a professional. For example, you can clear leaves, sticks, and any other debris from your gutters and drain system. Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating and Air is a company that offers all the specialized help you may need for all your plumbing needs.

With our over 40 years of experience helping homeowners and commercial property owners, you can rest assured that you’ll get the best plumbing services customized to meet your specific needs. Besides plumbing system installations and maintenance, we are also specialists in installing and maintaining all heating solutions, air conditioning systems, and HVAC units. We also provide duct replacement & repair services, air quality services, humidification services, commercial projects, and ventilation services.

If you live in Sacramento, CA, or the surrounding area and are looking for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning experts, please contact us at Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating and Air, and we will be glad to serve you.

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Most homeowners have experienced days when their water flows slower in their homes than expected. It can be a very frustrating experience that happens when you least expect it. You are ready to take a hot shower after a long day at work, and instead of enjoying water spray, the showerhead releases some slow streams.

Additionally, with slower water pressure, your bathtub or sink may take too long to fill. The dishwasher and washing machines will take longer to cycle, too. Luckily, there are various ways to identify when you have low water pressure. While you can quickly fix some issues, other tasks require professional assistance. Here are several causes of low water pressure that you should know about.

1. Problems in the Main Supply Line

Before anything else, it is good to confirm whether your neighbors are experiencing the same problem. At times, the low water pressure might not be connected with your house. First, call your water supplier to confirm whether they are working on any project that could affect the pressure. If they are already addressing the problem, you will just have to wait.

Additionally, your city council might have set some water regulations, and your supplier needs to comply. In such a case, you can buy a pressure booster system and have a professional install it to achieve sufficient water flow.

Other times, you might have done fixture remodeling, and now your main supply line cannot meet the demands. Have a plumber determine the fixture’s compatibility with the existing supply before fixing it.

2. Water Meter Valve Is Shut

If you recently had plumbing work done in your house and experienced low water pressure later, check the main water valve. Chances are, the plumber did not fully open the valve after completing the job.

You will most likely find the meter valve outside the house on an attached box in the garage’s exterior. Some can be difficult to access, especially those located underground. Either way, someone will need to open the valve completely to fix the pressure issue.

3. Main House Shutoff Valve Is Not Fully Open

Check the main shutoff valve, located inside the house, near the main supply pipe. When it is partially open, the valve limits water flow to your residence. If it has a gate valve, turn it in a counterclockwise direction, as far as it can go. For those with a lever valve, turn it until it is parallel with the water pipe.

4. Failing Pressure Regulator

Another problem that affects water pressure at home is a faulty pressure regulator. If all of your neighbors have a good water flow while yours is still low, check whether you have a pressure regulator. Note that not all properties have this device, but if the former homeowner had installed one, it could affect water pressure.

Its primary role is to limit water pressure from the supply lines to safe levels. Nonetheless, if it fails, it can push the water pressure up or down very low. Fix a water pressure gauge to the exterior spigot near the pressure regulator and take readings. If it is somewhat lower than what the pressure regulator indicates, you need to replace it.

5. Clogged Pipes

If you notice slow pressure from various faucets in your house, most likely, it is due to debris buildup. These clogs can happen anywhere throughout the plumbing system. When sediments disrupt the water flow, the pressure goes down as well.

If you have a water heater, it would be best to drain it often to remove any sediments that can cause a blockage. On the other hand, calcium and other mineral deposits can accumulate and clog the tiny showerhead holes. If you notice low pressure from a single pipe, check the nozzle for sediment accumulation.

This problem is prevalent in areas with a hard water supply. Temporarily, you can remove the limescale from your fixtures by using vinegar. It soaks up and loosens the deposits. The last thing you would ever experience is tearing apart pipes and not being in a position to put them back together correctly. Hence, it would be best to seek help from a qualified plumber.

6. Old Corroded Pipes

The most expensive cause of low water pressure is corroded water pipes. If you live in an older home, you need to inquire about the plumbing system’s state from the previous home occupants. Galvanized steel water pipes begin to corrode as quickly as after 20 years. As a result, rust will build up, limiting water flow, and the pressure will reduce, too.

Additionally, if you add modern appliances to your plumbing system like washing machines, they can overwork your pipes, causing them to corrode faster. In such a case, you need to enlarge branch lines to meet the increased water demand. Unfortunately, the only solution for corroded pipes is to have the entire plumbing system replaced with copper or plastic ones.

7. Water Leaks

Leaks misdirect the water flow, and this could be the reason why you have low pressure. Look around your basement or garage to detect any water drip signs from the main supply line. Do not ignore pipe leaks in your residence since they can contaminate your water and extensively damage your property. Even a small opening can increase your water bills.

To avoid this, shut off the water supply and then dry the leaking spot completely. Using electrical tape or a pipe repair clamp, attach a rubber patch to the leaking hole. This will help prevent further damage for some time, especially if it is a little crack. For extensive leaks, call a plumber immediately.

8. Shared Pipelines

Your neighbors can also cause low water pressure in your house. If you use shared pipelines that supply water into different homesteads, it creates a high demand for the water. Hence, it might be challenging to maintain consistent water pressure.

Any time your neighbors are using the water, you will experience reduced pressure on your side. The easiest solution here is coordinating use. You will have to find out when your neighbors are not using their water and adjust your routine. If you find this unbearable, you can contact your water supplier and consider pipe replacement.

Conclusion

Slow water pressure can be very inconvenient. It is also an indication that your system needs immediate attention. Some people choose to fix plumbing issues by themselves to save on costs. However, since you are inexperienced in performing such tasks, you might end up causing worse and more expensive problems.

Sometimes, a seemingly simple issue can have a difficult solution. Professionals have the required tools to pinpoint any hidden problems in your system to prevent reoccurrences. If you notice any of the low water pressure causes discussed above, reach out to Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air for professional assistance.

Our company has a team of certified plumbers who services like pipes, drains, trench sewer repairs, hydro jetting, shower repair and installation, and pipelining. You can also contact us for duct repair and replacement, dehumidifiers, ventilation, and other commercial project services.

In addition, we deal with heating and air conditioning replacements, installations, repairs, and maintenance. We offer comprehensive services throughout Sacramento County and the surrounding areas. Contact us today and book an appointment to enjoy unmatched services.