A residential plumber installs, repairs, and maintains the piping systems inside a home. This includes the water supply pipes, drain pipes, and sewer lines.
A reputable plumber at Plumbing Northridge has good reviews from previous clients and is licensed in your area. They also have insurance that covers damages caused during plumbing work.
Clogged drains and toilets are some of the most frustrating plumbing issues you can face. These problems make it impossible for your home to function normally until the blockage is cleared. The most serious clogs may require the help of a professional.
A professional plumber can clear even the most stubborn clogs. These clogs happen when debris builds up in your pipes, preventing water from flowing properly. The problem is most often in your main sewer line, which carries waste from your sinks, bathtubs and toilets to the municipal sewer line or your septic tank. If the line becomes clogged, all of your drains will stop working.
Most clogs are caused by human and household waste. The most common culprits are fats, oils and grease, or FOG, which cause major clogs in your drains when they cool and harden. Other causes include food scraps and other debris that goes down the drains, such as egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags and hair. Soap scum is another big issue for your drains, which can build up over time and then clog everything in its path.
Non-flushable items also contribute to clogged toilets, including paper towels, so-called flushable wipes and sanitary products. These items don’t break down or dissolve like toilet paper, and they can wreak havoc on your home plumbing system and the larger municipal sewage line.
The best way to avoid drain clogs is to never put anything other than toilet paper and human waste down your toilets. However, if you have trouble keeping your pipes free of debris, a plumbing snake can be used to clear out the line. This device is a long rod with a flexible metal wire that is turned by hand crank to go through the pipe and break up or pull out the clog. You can also find disposable plastic versions of this tool that don’t require a hand crank and will work just as well. If the clog is farther down in your sewer line, an auger or plunger might be required. These devices can be purchased or rented from most hardware stores and home improvement centers.
Appliance Installation
Residential plumbers can install a variety of appliances in your home, including dishwashers and washing machines. Having these appliances installed by a professional can save you time and money in the long run, as they will ensure that the appliances are properly connected and work efficiently. Residential plumbers can also help you save money on your utility bills by installing energy-efficient appliances.
Another common service that residential plumbers offer is water heater installation. When your water heater breaks down, it can cause a lot of inconvenience and stress for your family. A residential plumber can install a new water heater quickly and efficiently so you can get back to your daily routine.
One of the most common problems that residential plumbers deal with is clogged toilets and drains. Clogged pipes can lead to overflowing and flooding, which can be a health hazard. A residential plumber can use a variety of tools to unclog drains and toilets, including power snakes and augers. They can also repair toilets and replace faulty parts.
In addition to clogged toilets and drains, residential plumbers can also fix leaky faucets and shower heads. These repairs can be simple or complex, depending on the problem. Some simple fixes might involve tightening a loose screw or replacing a washer. More complicated repairs may require removing and replacing the fixture. Residential plumbers can also install water filters and garbage disposals.
Another important job function of a residential plumber is sewer line repair and installation. This can be dangerous, as plumbers must enter crawl spaces and basements to access the sewage system. They must also wear protective clothing and masks when working with sewage, which can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
Residential plumbing is a great career choice for people who want to work with their hands and be independent. Most plumbers don’t need a college degree to start their careers, and many go through an apprenticeship program that mixes paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. After completing the program, plumbers must pass a background check and obtain a license before they can work independently. Plumbers must also maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service to keep their customers happy.
Water Heater Repair
If you are noticing that it takes a while to get hot water, this could mean that your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan. A plumber can help you determine whether or not it makes financial sense to replace your water heater.
It is possible to perform some maintenance on your water heater yourself, depending on the issue. Some examples include relighting the pilot light and checking the dip tube for corrosion. A corroded dip tube can cause a lot of problems, including not having hot water. Replacing the anode rod can also prevent corrosion, which will extend the life of your water heater. The average anode rod lasts for about five years, so it will need to be replaced about once every other year.
Another common problem that people run into is not having enough hot water for all of their needs. If this is occurring frequently, it may be time to invest in a water heater that has a higher capacity. A plumber can help you calculate how much water your household uses and recommend an appropriately sized water heater for your home.
Other things that can affect your hot water supply include a faulty thermostat and the high-temperature cutoff switch. These can both be tested with a multi-meter. If either of these is faulty, the switch can be reset by pressing the reset button. The thermostats are more complicated to test, but can be done by following the safety manual that accompanies your water heater.
A leak from your water heater can be a serious problem and should only be fixed by a licensed plumber. However, if it is only a small leak from the bottom of the tank, you can often fix this by using a pipe wrench to tighten the leaking connection. This can save you the cost of having to replace your water heater and will prevent damage to your property.
If your gas water heater is leaking, make sure that you turn off the power to it before attempting any repairs. This can be done by turning off the main gas valve on the water heater, if there is one, or going to your circuit breaker box and turning off the breaker for your water heater. You should also check the fuses in your electrical panel to ensure they are not blown.
Commercial Plumbing
Unlike residential plumbers, commercial plumbing professionals deal with large-scale water systems that are used by many people at once. These systems are more complex than the typical home and require special equipment to maintain. They also must follow building plans and design specifications. This type of plumbing usually involves work on office buildings, hospitals, apartment complexes, grocery stores, restaurants and other large commercial structures.
A commercial plumbing company can help with installing and maintaining these systems, but it is important to understand the difference between residential and commercial plumbing before hiring one. While both systems have similar components, such as taps and toilets, the main differences are usage and size. A commercial plumbing system will likely have much more use than a residential one, which means that it will need to be maintained more frequently and with higher-grade materials.
When a residential plumber encounters a problem, they typically only need to look at the affected area. For example, if a kitchen sink has a clogged drain, they can snake it and send in a camera to see what caused the clog. This isn’t always the case with commercial plumbing, as many of the pipes are connected to other parts of the building. For example, a clog in a bathroom on the 20th floor could impact hundreds of people. If it’s not repaired quickly, the damage may spread and cause other problems.
Additionally, the water pressure in a commercial building must be balanced to ensure that everyone has enough pressure for their needs. If there is too much pressure on the bottom floors, it can cause flooding, damage to pipes and fixtures, and even health issues. A reputable commercial plumber will know how to fix this issue and ensure that the right amount of pressure is being generated throughout the building.
Another challenge with commercial plumbing is the number of people who will need to have access to the plumber. Often, plumbers must make repairs during business hours when the majority of people are using the building. This can be a major inconvenience and is something that should be considered when choosing a plumber for a commercial space.
