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Living with and Maintaining Cast Iron Pipes

November 4th, 2011 by pabrams

If you are thinking of buying a house with cast iron drain pipes, you should probably invest in having licensed plumbing specialists here in Atlanta camera the line. A fiber optic pipe inspection camera will show you the condition of the piping below the concrete. If there are plumbing problems, a camera inspection is your eyes and ears in the pipe and allows you to be in control of your residential plumbing and eliminate surprises. Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s a lot easier to plan and maintain your pipes:

• Schedule maintenance - clean regularly to keep the piping from backing up

• Save money on repairs – if there are cracks in the pipe, low spots, and/or offsets that need corrected

• Root Infiltration – set up regular cleaning by Roto-Rooter of Atlanta and apply a root destroyer product.

If you maintain cast iron pipes, they will last for a long time. They are much quieter than plastic pipes and are more durable. The difference is they don’t have the same flow characteristics or ease of installation of plastic piping. Roto-Rooter of Atlanta is well equipped to advise customers and work on cast iron pipes and we’re a 24 hour plumbing company that can respond to any emergency at any time of the day or night.

 

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Plumbers have used a variety of materials to make water pipes

October 14th, 2011 by pabrams

I posted a variation of this blog post a few years ago and thought it would be good to revisit this topic again. It seems a few of our plumbers here in Orlando have run across some of these materials lately and have been answering questions about them from customers.

Plumbing contractors have used all sorts of materials to make reliable water supply lines over the centuries. One of the most notorious was lead. It was the mostRoman lead piping common type of water pipe for a very long time because it is a soft, pliable metal and easy to work with. The word “plumbing” actually is derived from the Latin word for lead, “plumbum.” A longtime plumber in Orlando told me that lead pipes aren’t as common here but if you visit older cities in the Northeastern U.S. you’ll still find plenty of old lead pipes. I don’t have to tell you the dangers of lead in water. If you have lead pipes, you should seriously consider changing to safer materials, and at the very least, always run the water tap for two or three minutes after it feels cold before drinking such water or cooking with it. That way you won’t be getting water that has been sitting in lead for an extended period and picking up high concentrations that can effect the brain and body.

Galvanized steel pipes have also fallen out of favor in new construction. After years of use, minerals from water react with the galvanizing material (including lead) to cause scale build up inside the pipe. The scale will eventually narrow the diameter of the pipe like the body’s arteries do from years on a high-fat diet. Scale buildup eventually results in lower water pressure and reduced volume. Companies that offer plumbing services hate the stuff but are happy to replace it with a better material.

Copper water supply pipingCopper is ideal for 1/2 inch and 1 inch water supply lines leading from the main water supply pipe to kitchen plumbing, sinks and toilets. Copper is popular with plumbing contractors because it is clean, doesn’t rust or corrode and is very reliable. Copper will freeze and burst if left exposed to the elements but this is only a problem if the pipes run through the outer walls of your home. Always be sure those pipes are well insulated. Unfortunately, copper has gotten expensive and it has become popular with thieves who will steal it from homes and sell it to a recycling facility for cash.

In addition, PVC is making a comeback as a water supply pipe material and the newer flexible PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) material, long relied upon in Europe is becoming more and more accepted as a reliable, low cost alternative for residential plumbing. You’ll find Orlando plumbing companies who work with all of these materials. At Roto-Rooter, we still prefer copper but its rising cost is making the new PEX and PVC materials more attractive each day. If you have questions or concerns about any of the pipe materials in your home, call Roto-Rooter of Orlando and we’ll be happy to take a look and give you advice you can rely on. 407-886-7311.

 

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Honolulu Plumbers Available 24/7 For Plumbing and Sewer Line Issues

July 9th, 2010 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing problems can happen anytime of the day or night, not just between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. so your Honolulu plumbers at Roto Rooter are available 24/7 and we won't hit you with an after hours charge the way most plumbers will. Roto-Rooter is your 24 hour plumbing company for handling residential plumbing or commercial plumbing problems of all types. Let me say it again so it sinks in: Roto-Rooter of Honolulu does not charge extra for nights, weekends or holidays! How many other Hawaii plumbers will make that promise?

Besides being able to address all your plumbing needs we are the "go to" people to handle your sewer line problems. Some of the more common problems we can remedy are:
•Broken, cracked, offset or collapsed piping, which is typically caused by shifting soil, settling, etc.
•Blockages: due to grease buildup or foreign object/s restricting water flow.
•Corrosion: causes pipe deterioration and breakage.
•Bellied pipes: when pipe sections have sunken due to ground and/or soil conditions. When this occurs a valley is created in the pipe, which causes a buildup of waste and paper that gradually build a clog.
•Joint Leaks: occur when the seals between pipes have broken.
•Tree root Infiltration: roots can prevent normal cleaning and have the potential to damage the line as they grow and break pipes over time.
•Off-grade pipe: some pipes may be made of a substandard material, which may become corroded or deteriorated.
For a free estimate for all your plumbing and sewer line needs call your Honolulu plumbers of Roto Rooter at 847-3036 or visit Roto-Rooter's Hawaii plumbers page online.

The Honolulu plumbers of Roto-Rooter are fully licensed and insured, follow all OSHA safety standards and local plumbing codes to protect you, our valued customers. We want to be your Hawaii plumbing company. Visit our web site or call us at 808-622-2501.

 

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Municipal Scale Plumbing & Sewer Service in Pittsburgh

June 29th, 2010 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

Area municipalities, engineering firms, commercial development, and industrial relations professionals should be aware that the Pittsburgh plumbers at Roto-Rooter Pittsburgh have unrivaled experience with excavation, pipe relining, pipe bursting and CCTV service (Closed Caption Television Video) for inspection of sewer lines of any pipe size/diameter.

A common misunderstanding is that Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Services only handles minor residential sewer clogs with cable machines. While that was true for the first few decades the company was in business, Roto-Rooter branched out and began offering more advanced plumbing services in 1980 when we began installing sewers and performing all manner of plumbing work.

Roto-Rooter Pittsburgh has grown considerably and will continue to grow into a giant municipal services provider. We're acquiring new CCTV equipment, even larger excavation equipment and we are currently doing large municipal excavation jobs for Forest Hills Borough and continual CCTV work for Penn Hills Borough of Pennsylvania.

I was recently on the Forest Hills job talking to a borough representative whose exact words were, "I am so impressed with Roto-Rooter and what they have done so far. Honestly I was so skeptical about the hiring process for the bid during the qualification process. But you guys are blowing me away with the scope of work you're doing for us."

While Roto-Rooter Pittsburgh is still the Pittsburgh plumbing company of choice for drain clogs and residential plumbing and repair, our business and community leaders should not overlook us when they require expertise for advanced engineering services. Roto-Rooter is the Pittsburgh plumber to trust at home or at the office.  Call us at 412-793-9200 or visit our home page to learn more.

 

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New Orleans Plumbers of Roto-Rooter Offer Sewer Line Inspections

June 7th, 2010 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

If tree roots in your sewer line have caused drainage problems in the past, then you have voids in your pipe. Those tiny roots have a way of growing into big roots that will break apart clay or concrete pipes and eventually cause them to stop functioning.

Roto-Rooter’s New Orleans plumbers will clean out the roots with a Roto-Rooter cable machine and if the cable comes back with mud on it, that’s a good indicator that you’ve got a major break in your pipe. Roto-Rooter will provide a free video camera inspection of the sewer pipe and give you some repair options at a fair and competitive price.

The great thing about video inspection is that the homeowner gets to see for the inspection first hand by watching the video monitor as the camera is pushed through the sewer pipe, its powerful lights eliminating the inside of the pipe and revealing any breaks, offsets or other structural problems. This eliminates any doubt in the customer’s mind that the job might not have been necessary. Visit our New Orleans plumber Web site to learn more about Roto-Rooter’s video sewer inspections or call Roto-Rooter of New Orleans at 504-737-7111.

 

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Manhattan Plumbers of Roto-Rooter Recommend Pipe Shield to Fight Drain Clogs

June 4th, 2010 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Roto-Rooter's Pipe Shield is highly recommended by the Manhattan plumbers. It is a fast acting economical way to ensure free-flowing drains. It prevents materials from building up in your drains and causing clogs. Pipe Shield's select formula uses natural bacteria to breakdown deposits, so it's environmentally safe! When used as directed each month, buildup can be prevented for up to 30 days.

It’s any easy process; apply it once a month to kitchen, bathroom, shower, tub and other drains. Add 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of Pipe Shield to 32 oz. (4 cups) of warm water and pour into your drain. Let it stand overnight, then flush with hot water for one minute. For drains that clog more frequently, use on a weekly basis.

Pipe Shield can be purchased directly from your Roto-Rooter Manhattan plumbing branch location.  Contact us at (212) 687-1662 for more information or visit our Manhattan plumber Web site for online scheduling.

 

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Philadelphia Plumbers of Roto-Rooter Offer Video Camera Line Inspections

June 3rd, 2010 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

If you are in need of a video camera line inspection, the Philadelphia plumbers of Roto-Rooter are more than willing and able to provide you with this service.  What does a video camera line inspection involve you ask; video camera inspections have become one of the most valuable tools for diagnosing a number of plumbing problems. We use fiber optic cameras to visually inspect underground sewer lines and other piping to determine the condition of the inside of a pipe.

A flexible rod with a camera at the tip is inserted into the pipe, the video images are then transmitted to the operator and are recorded and can be saved for permanent record.  There are also radio transmitters on the camera, which provide the depth and physical location of a defect or obstruction. Once the problem is located, it can then be addressed based upon the gathered information in the most cost-effective manner.  Video cameras can also be used to locate lost jewelry and other valuables, even animals that have become lost or trapped inside of pipes.

If you would like to schedule service in the Philadelphia area, we can be reached at (215) 345-5212 or visit our Philadelphia plumber web site for more information and online scheduling.

 

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Tampa Plumbers of Roto-Rooter Provide Septic System Specifics

May 19th, 2010 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Our Tampa Plumbers offer a variety of services to ensure your septic tank is working properly.  They can pump, repair and even replace the septic tank and drainage pipes at your home or business.  Here are a few informative facts about septic systems below:

  • Septic tanks and drain fields serve more than 25 percent of North American households.
  • A properly functioning septic tank can provide several years of trouble-free service.
  • The need for septic tank pumping is dependent upon the size of your tank; some tanks require an annual cleanout, while others can last years without much maintenance.

Roto-Rooter also offers a septic tank and cesspool treatment, which breaks down greases, proteins and other organic materials, which can cause clogs.  Additionally, our treatment is environmentally safe and can be purchased directly from a Roto-Rooter plumber.

If you are in the Tampa area and would like to schedule service visit our Tampa plumber Web site for online scheduling or call us at (813) 980-6000 and we’d be happy to assist you with all your septic system needs.

 

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Seattle plumbers of Roto-Rooter highly recommend Pipe Shield

April 29th, 2010 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

The Seattle Plumbers of Roto-Rooter can offer you a great drain care product called Pipe Shield.  It is environmentally safe and uses "good bacteria" to clear and maintain drains, thus making it a green product! It helps prevent sludge and grease build-up in drains and pipes and is recommended by plumbers and customers alike.

For further questions regarding Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield or any of our other drain care products feel free to contact us at (206) 935-6600 or visit the Seattle plumber web site where you can schedule a plumbing service call as well.

Roto-Rooter is always happy to assist you.  We want to be your one-stop Seattle plumbing company.  We can take care of sewer repair, clogged drains, kitchen plumbing jobs and any other potential plumbing or drain need you may encounter.

 

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Roto-Rooter’s New Earth-Friendly Plumbing Program is Available in Seattle

April 27th, 2010 by pabrams

Roto-Rooter’s New Earth-Friendly Plumbing Program is Available in Seattle

The Seattle Plumbers of Roto-Rooter are eager to introduce, ROTOGreen to our customers. Conservation efforts have  become increasingly more important with each passing moment  and now is the time to make an impact. With that said, Roto-Rooter has created a new program committed to conserving water and pipe reparation, which can     negatively affect fresh water supplies if disregarded.  Going green is not only beneficial to our environment, but it can also save a substantial amount of money in the long-run.

ROTOGreen is available to our residential and commercial plumbing customers, as well as a variety of green products, including our most popular, Pipe Shield. Visit our ROTOGreen page for more information.  Seattle, as a whole, has made several strides, which have aided in conservation and we feel it is important to contribute.

We are inviting our customers to join our efforts, if interested our Seattle plumbers can provide plumbing services to make your home or business more earth friendly.  To schedule service in the Seattle area, call (206) 935-6600 or visit our Web site www.rotorooter.com/seattle/.

 

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