Category: Uncategorized

Relocating A Water Heater

Posted on | by Drainiacs

Let’s face it, unless you have invested in the new state-of-the-art tankless systems, water heaters take up a lot of space.  In most older homes these units are even positioned right smack in the middle of the house, or “hidden” in some hall closet or just sittin’ right in the kitchen.  This can be annoying, and a thought that fills many people’s minds is ‘what you would be able to do with all of that space if that water heater wasn’t there.’  It’s a great thought, and quite hopeful, but what many people don’t know is how much work and how many different costs go into relocating a water heater, even if it’s just to the other side of the wall.

First, there is the water heater itself: Will you be using your existing water heater or purchasing a new one?

If you plan to use the same unit, you should first find out how old the unit is, if it’s working properly in its current location, and when the last time it was inspected and completely flushed.  If the unit is old and on its last leg, you might want to consider purchasing a new unit to get it all taken care of at once.  Having to go back in to replace the unit will just make it that much harder and more expensive for you.  If the unit is fairly new or in good working condition, wipe your brow because you just saved yourself a few hundred of dollars.

If you plan to purchase a new unit, you need to decide what type of unit you would like to purchase; A new tankless system or a conventional tank water heater.  If you are leaning toward a tankless unit, although they are great space savers and highly energy-efficient, there can be some pitfalls to them, so do a little research first and figure out if a tankless unit is actually a good fit for you and your family.  You can check out our article The Pros & Cons of Going Tankless: Is A Tankless Water Heater Right For You? or contact us if you have any questions.  Either way, keep in mind that water heaters are not cheap, they are a good-sized investment for your home and should last anywhere from  10-15 years depending on their maintenance and weathering around them.

Next, is figuring out where you would like to relocate your water heater to.

This is one of the most highly impactful parts of your decision in regard to cost next to purchasing a new unit.  First and foremost is the safety and code of moving the water heater.  Most cities require a permit, which you can request from your city’s building department (as well as an inspection after the unit is moved).  This is primarily due to the fact that you will most likely be moving some major structural fixtures such as the exhaust, the natural gas lines, and the water lines.  Next, you will need to know if there is a water and gas supply at the location where you would like the unit moved to.  If not, this again can be quite a pocket buster and will require a lot more work, but if there is, go ahead and take another sigh of relief!

Finally, once the location is chosen, it’s all about moving the water heater

This is the part that most people don’t really think about: What actually goes into moving a water heater.  It’s not as easy as just picking it up, moving it, and reconnecting it.  There’s quite a bit more involved.  If the supply lines (gas and water) need to be moved that is the first major issue, then you have to think about the other details:  replacing the exhaust pipe, a new concrete slab, a metal shed,  earthquake straps, exhaust straps, and not to mention any flooring, ceiling and roofing repairs along with some hefty patchwork.

As you can see, relocating a water heater isn’t as simple as you may have thought.  It takes quite a bit more labor and skill than most people may think, but that’s not to say that it can’t be done on your own.  In fact, we have many customers who have taken the DIY route in relocating a water heater and we’re all for it!  But if you’re one of those who would just rather have a professional do it for you, we hope this article has prepared you a little bit for what you can expect.  At Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer, we always take our time in explaining to our customers what each job entails, and always provide you options so you can decide for yourself what works for you and fits in your budget.  If you’re ready to move your water heater though and would like some help, just know that you can always count on us for fair prices, exceptional customer service, and the highest quality work!  Give us a call today!

Check Your Washing Machine Supply Lines

Posted on | by Drainiacs

Did you know that the number one insurance claim on a homeowner’s insurance in Southern California is water damage due to faulty washing machine supply lines or hoses?  Well, if you read our article back in September about Washing Machine Leaks & Water Damage you might, but if you didn’t, you might want to listen up before you fall victim to the $5,308 dollars in repairs it costs the average Southern Californian to fix what could have easily been prevented.

Chances are, as you’re sitting back in your chair staring at your computer reading this (or on your phone reading it as many of us do these days), you’re probably thinking to yourself, “I’ve never even thought about that.”  We’re all guilty of this.  We go about the tasks of our everyday lives, like driving a car or washing clothes, just always assuming that the machine will always work.  Unlike a car though, your washing machine doesn’t have lights on the dashboard to tell you “Check Engine.”  So here’s our BIG TIP OF THE MONTH…

CHECK YOUR WASHING MACHINE SUPPLY LINES

Twice a year you should check these supply lines for signs of failure which include: worn tubing or bulging and blistering of the hose, stress cracks or loosening at the connection, fraying of the lines, and any leaks near the hose ends.

As per manufacturers’ recommendations (and our strong recommendation as well), replace these supply lines at least once every 3-5 years regardless of their visible condition.  These lines only cost $15-$20 but could save you thousands.  Keep that in mind!

A few other good rules of thumb is to always turn off the supply valves when not in use, such as when leaving on vacation or if your washing cycle is only once every week or two, and always remember that it is best NOT to use your washing machine (and dryer too for that matter) when no one is home!

We truly hope this tip helps keep your home safe and in the best shape possible and helps keep you worry-free!

If you do notice water damage though, or would like help changing these supply lines, please contact us today at (626) 968-0885!

We’re always happy to help!

 

Root Intrusion & Drain Clogs

Posted on | by Drainiacs

Trees are beautiful for landscaping around your home and provide lots of shade during hot summer months, but beware! The roots from these beauties are the number one cause of sewer line damage in homes and are definitely the most expensive sewer maintenance problem as well.  These roots can cause major backups in your system, or worse case scenario, can even cause a complete collapse of your system. Learn how to prevent and maintain your pipes from this damage, or, if you’re already experiencing a problem, learn what you need to do to stop these roots from causing any further damage.

Root Intrusion & Drain Clogs
Root Intrusion & Drain Clogs

How do roots get into my pipes in the first place?

A tree’s roots are actually made up of a couple different parts; the larger more permanent roots, located closer to the base of the tree, are for support and stabilization, and the smaller, more hair-like roots which travel away from the tree, are for water and nutrient absorption.  When water travels through your pipes, its warmth radiates vapors in the piping, but if a small crack or leak is apparent, or if any of the joints are loose, these vapors radiate out into the soil surrounding the pipe.  The small hair-like roots of the tree attract toward these vapors and enter the pipes at these small cracks and leaks or loose joints looking for water and nutrients.  This is mostly apparent during hot summer or drought periods, or extremely cold winter months when there is no rain.

How do the roots affect my pipes though?

The hair-like roots will begin to grow within the pipe and form masses surrounding each point of entry.  As you continue to use your sinks & showers, debris from your drains flows through these pipes trying to make its way to the main sewer line, but like a net, the roots become a catchall for this debris and slowly begin to clog your pipes causing backups and reduced flow in your drains. If not taken care of, these roots can cause a complete blockage in your drains, or worse, the roots will expand putting lots of pressure on the crack where they entered, causing the pipe to break and a complete collapse of your pipes to occur.

 What do I do if I’ve already noticed my drains begin to slow?

Since the problem is underground and out of sight, it is usually kept out of mind until it’s too late.  Slowing of your drains and gurgling from your toilets though, are the two biggest indicators of root intrusion in your pipes.  Your best bet is to call a local plumber as soon as possible, like Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer, to come check out the problem.  Often a sewer camera inspection can help determine the extent of the damage; If the damage is minor, a plumber can remove the roots by using a root saw or a high pressure flushing system, but if the damage is severe, where the pipes are structurally damaged, they might require complete replacement.

How can I prevent roots from entering my pipes?

The best way to prevent root intrusion is first, to make sure that when you plant or re-plant trees and other shrubs around your home, that you find out where your sewer lateral pipe is located, the pipe that connects your home plumbing system to the main sewer line, beforehand, and make sure to plant at least ten (10) feet away from it.  Second, is to schedule a regular cleaning of your sewer lateral pipe.  Once roots have already entered your pipes though, and once you have had them cut or cleaned out, it is important to keep up with this maintenance because when cut from the inside of the pipe, the root is still located at the same entry point and will continue to grow eventually causing a major break of the pipe.

Since the sewer line is located in city property though, wouldn’t they have to take care of it?

Keep in mind that although the sewer line is generally located in the street, which IS city property, homeowners are still responsible for maintaining their sewer lateral pipe that connects their home plumbing to the sewer line.

Summing everything up, what is the overall story about root intrusion in my pipes?

Overall, roots can cause a lot of damage to your home plumbing system, and if not taken care of correctly, will eventually end up causing a complete collapse of your system.  So make sure to get your drains inspected and cleaned regularly (we recommend scheduling an appointment at least once a year) and make sure to take care of any problems as soon as they occur.  Waiting to fix these problems will only cause you bigger and way more extensive and expensive problems in the future.

Low Water Pressure & The Vinegar Fix

Posted on | by Drainiacs

If you begin to notice the water pressure on any of your faucets or showerhead getting low, try this: Fill a small sandwich-sized baggie with vinegar.  Put the baggie over the faucet so the facet is completely submerged in the vinegar, and tie it down with a rubber band or two, leaving it to set overnight.  That should break down the mineral build-up and clear the holes that caused the pressure to backup.  Rinse it thoroughly and begin use as normal.  You should be able to notice an immediate difference.  If the pressure is still really low, the problem might be something deeper into your system. Give us a call and we’d be more than happy to check it out for you.