The Do’s and Don’ts of Fixing a Blocked Drain

blocked drain

How to Fix a Blocked Drain and What Not To Do

Plumbing services will be an essential task for every homeowner at some point in their lives. Whether self-service or with the skilled hands of a trained technician, it will be necessary to fix a clogged or blocked drain. Snaking and hydro-jetting are two fantastic solutions to curing the headache that a blocked drain line can cause. Hiring professionals to do these services are a guaranteed way to fight off homeowner fatigue.

However, many homeowners and renters alike tend to use liquid drain cleaners to expel a blockage without calling professionals. Unfortunately, drain cleaners can pose health risks due to the harsh chemical compounds that affect the lifespan and integrity of a home’s plumbing system

Snaking With a Drain Augersnaking

The famous tool is dubbed a plumber’s snake because it is a wire that is malleable enough to not break along drainage pipes but strong enough to breach a clog or blockage. When using a snake to fix a drain and bust through a clog, an expert must do it, as damaging the pipes or even making the issue worse is possible. Scraping the insides of pipes, especially those in older homes, can increase the chance of corrosion internally, causing more issues in the future. 

There are many signs that a drain may be clogged and need to be fixed, such as having a foul odor coming from a drain generally due to a build-up of hair, skin, food, and other particles. Another sign that a drain may need the help of a snake can be something more obvious, like frequently having a toilet overflow. This could be caused by a clog of toilet paper in the bend of a pipe. Having the assistance of a professional plumber can help determine what issue a homeowner may have and what solutions to follow.

Hydro-Jet Drain Cleaninghydrojetting

The next step in drain cleaning services provided by qualified plumbers is hydro-jetting. It is an efficient and safe method of deep plumbing and pipe system cleaning with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Generally, it is done non-invasive, giving a homeowner and family members peace while cleaning and attending to the pipes.

Hydro-jetting uses highly pressurized water from a specialized hose to forcefully expel grease, sludge, particles, minerals, and whatever else may have built up inside the pipes. This water will flush out any debris and build-up that may have occurred over several years, creating a system that may feel like new. This technique must be done by a skilled and trained technician creating long-term positive effects to a home’s overall efficiency. 

The Dangers of Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners are dangerous, toxic, corrosive cleaners that can harm a homeowner’s wellbeing, family, and finances. When having poor drainage or a clogged toilet, it seems easy enough to use something bought quickly and neatly from a nearby store. However, these caustic and toxic chemicals eat away not only at the blockage of grease, hair, nails, proteins, and other fats but at the metal piping of a home’s plumbing system itself. 

One should avoid these drain cleaners like a bad plague. Essentially, they create more issues in the future by weakening the overall structure of a home’s interior plumbing systems. Not only do they eat away at pipes, but they also eat away at people! Exposure symptoms to toxic fumes can include side effects like; difficulty breathing, chest pain, collapse, and more. 

If these poisons get on the skin or eyes, blindness, severe burns, and tissue damage can occur. If swallowed, loss of life can occur. One should keep these dangerous chemicals out of any home. Getting an appropriate drain diagnosis is important, and having a trained plumber to do so is the only answer.

About Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer

A lifetime of experience has brought Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer to the forefront of plumbing, drain, and sewer repairs. Daniel Cordova Plumbing has a service area of Covina, West Covina, Hacienda Heights, La Habra, and Whittier. They offer 24-hour emergency service, up-front pricing, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for drain cleaning services in the Covina, CA area!

It’s Back to School Time with Water Heaters 101

student writing on paper

Discover the Basics of Water Heaters

August is the time of year when learning is in the air. For some, like the kids, it’s probably reluctant learning. But for the adults around, it’s a great time to brush up on some educational basics about the home’s systems. And the water heater is one home appliance that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Caring for a water heater is fairly simple and doesn’t take much time. But before homeowners can begin to care for their water heater, they first must know a little bit about it. So read on to learn water heater basics. 

Different Kinds of Water Heaterswater heater

There are many different kinds of water heaters out there. The most common among these are called conventional or storage tank water heaters. Most homes have one of these large cylindrical tanks in the garage, the basement, or tucked away in some other place, like a utility closet. These water heaters use either gas or electricity to continually heat the water, making sure it’s ready for whenever it’s needed at a plumbing fixture in the house. 

Another increasingly popular way to heat a home’s water is the tankless water heater. Instead of continually heating water in a storage tank, these appliances heat water very quickly when needed in the home. These are generally more efficient than conventional heaters, and they, too, come in both electric and gas models. 

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

No matter what specific kind of water heater the home uses, it’s important to perform essential maintenance on the appliance to keep it functioning properly and efficiently. Once a year, one should do three things for conventional water heaters. They should be drained and flushed to remove sediment buildup. The temperature and pressure relief valve should be inspected and tested to ensure proper function. And one should inspect the anode rod to see if it needs replacement. 

Tankless water heaters also require some maintenance. The air and water filters should be cleaned and checked annually, and the unit should be flushed once a year. Most of these things homeowners can do themselves with the help of their owner’s manual. However, some things should be left to a professional, such as cleaning a gas burner or addressing a severe leak. 

water heater Signs It’s Time for Water Heater Repair

While proper annual maintenance should prevent the most common water heater issues, it’s always good to know the signs that something is wrong. Knowing when to seek professional help for a water heater can mean the difference between a cheap repair and a total replacement. 

The most common signs that a water heater needs repair include fluctuations in water temperature, discolored water, and strange-smelling water. If the hot water stops altogether or the water pressure becomes low on the hot but not the cold, it’s generally an issue of sediment buildup in the tank and should be addressed as soon as possible. Homeowners that keep these tips in mind can help ensure a long and productive life for their water heater. 

About Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer

Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer has served West Covina, CA for years. They offer 24/7 service and upfront pricing as well as excellent customer service. They also guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job! Contact their staff to learn more about water heater service

Honor Independence Day With These Patriotic Plumbing Facts!

Independence Day

Wacky But True Plumbing Facts

Independence Day is just around the corner, and that means it is the best time of year for homeowners to show how patriotic they truly are. To do this, it is important to get American history facts straight – after all, history has played a crucial part in getting society to where it is today!

As a homeowner, in particular, knowing American history facts about plumbing will be the greatest show of patriotism. Not sure where to start? Here are some American history plumbing facts, along with other little-known plumbing facts!

American History and Plumbinghotel

One of the most interesting plumbing facts that many homeowners probably didn’t know is that the Tremont House in Boston was the first hotel to offer indoor plumbing and running water for its guests. Yes, that’s right – it is crazy to think about now, but there was once a time when indoor plumbing and running water were true novelties!

Most homeowners probably also didn’t know that there was an actual someone who first invented toilet paper. His name was Joseph Gayetty! He invented toilet paper back in 1857, to be exact. However, he originally created it for medical purposes – of course, that is not exactly how things turned out.

Last but not least, there is nothing more American than some presidential history. Few people know that Millard Fillmore was the first president to have flush toilets installed in the White House. People probably remember him more for his policies, but he has left an even longer-lasting legacy!

Toilet Factstoilet

Most people visit the toilet several times a day, yet few know much about toilets at all! Now is the time to change that. Here are some interesting facts about toilets:

  • Safety – it is essential to be careful when using the toilet, as tens of thousands of people endure toilet-related injuries each year
  • Time – studies have found that people will sit on the toilet longer if they have more entertaining features on their phones
  • Usage – on average, people use the toilet roughly 2,500 times per year
  • Water consumption – a single toilet flush can use several gallons of water

These are just some of the many interesting toilet facts. Perhaps people will remember some of these the next time they use the toilet!

Miscellaneous Plumbing Facts

Some people might be thinking, why should toilets get all the attention?! This is a valid question, so here are some general plumbing facts that may just wow the crowd:

  • Hoses – garden hoses derived from fire fighting hoses, which are thought to have originated in Holland
  • Lawn sprinklers – air compressors can save sprinkler systems from damage during the winter freeze
  • Pipes – since 1963, over five million miles of copper piping has been installed in buildings in the United States
  • Sinks – while there is extensive plumbing throughout modern homes, the kitchen and bathroom sinks are most prone to clogging

Who knew there was so much to learn about home plumbing! People should remember these facts as they utilize their home plumbing systems this Fourth of July!

About Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer

Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer of West Covina, CA believes in providing “unmatched quality through traditional service.” Their team of skilled technicians offers top-notch workmanship, upfront pricing, 24-hour emergency service, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed for all of their customers. Call them for plumbing help today!

3 Plumbing Problems That Can Quickly Ruin This Summer’s Backyard Fun Fest

enjoying summer in your backyard

Don’t Let Your Summer Plans Get Washed Away By Outdoor Plumbing Issues!

Summer is finally here, and it’s time to get the party started. Backyard barbecues, lounging by the pool, basking in the warm sunshine… there’s nothing quite like it. The days of summer are just beginning, and there’s plenty more fun to be had. But when the perfectly kept lawn suddenly turns into a swamp or the slip-and-slide goes dry after the garden faucet stops working, the revelry can come to an abrupt end. 

Outdoor plumbing issues tend to spring up at the worst time and catch homeowners off guard, so awareness is half the battle. Here are three of the most common outdoor plumbing problems to watch out for this summer.

Broken Irrigation Systemsprinkler

Most homeowners will deal with an irrigation system malfunction at some point. The most common issue is a damaged or clogged sprinkler head, the symptoms of which can include a fountain of water, flooding, incorrect spray patterns, or no water at all. The solution is typically as simple as excavating the riser and either cleaning or replacing the head.

Other common issues may not be so easily remedied. Low water pressure could mean that a section of the underground plastic water lines has sprung a leak or become crushed. Unless the ground is soggy in one spot, it can be hard to pinpoint the problem. If the drip lines or sprinklers in one or more zones won’t turn on, a valve may be stuck or damaged, or there may be an issue with the electrical system that controls the valves.

hose

Hose Bib Problems

A home’s outdoor water spigots or hose bibs are another area that many homeowners have issues with – either expressed as a leak or a lack of water. If there’s a steady drip coming from the spigot, the compression washer that acts as a seal is likely worn out, which is normal after many years of use. 

If water is leaking from where the valve handle meets the spigot, the packing string wrapped around the valve stem has probably worn down, allowing water to seep up through the valve when the water is on. Other leaks may be caused by corrosion or a damaged coupling, in which case the whole hose bib may need replacing.

A lack of water or adequate pressure is most often the result of mineral deposits clogging up the pipes, particularly in areas with very hard water. The problem may also be an underground leak or a faulty or corroded valve further upstream.

Damaged Sewer Lines

As frustrating as the above issues can be, they’re nowhere near as bad as the worst outdoor plumbing fiasco – a damaged sewer line. This is most often caused by tree roots wrapping around and breaking into the pipes, especially in older homes with clay sewer pipes. On newer properties with cast iron or steel sewer lines, corrosion or shifting soil are often to blame. 

A damaged sewage line, whether it’s one of the smaller drain pipes coming from the house or the main sewer pipe where they converge, can cause enormous problems. Sewage can seep into the soil and make its way to the surface of the yard. It can also back up into the home’s drains. In any case, sewage can pose serious health risks, so these issues require immediate intervention from a professional. Depending on the ultimate cause and extent of the damage, they may be able to repair the sewer line without tearing up the yard and replacing the pipe.

About Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer

Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer has been serving the West Covina, CA community since 1996. Their licensed, insured, and bonded technicians arrive on time in full-stocked trucks, ready to handle any job with courtesy, efficiency, and attention to detail. They back up every service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are available 24/7, 365 days a year in case of emergencies. Call now for plumbing services!