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Leaking faucets are a common plumbing problem that can cause water wastage and lead to high utility bills. Our plumbing professionals have the skills and knowledge to fix your leaky faucets promptly, saving you money.
Plumbing Excavation
Plumbing excavation involves unearthing pipes for repair or installation. This can be necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, outdoor kitchens often require plumbing excavation to install gas lines. Likewise, when drain lines become severely clogged, they may require plumbing excavation services for proper diagnosis and repair. This is because most water supply pipes are located underground and therefore not easily accessible by plumbers using standard drain cleaning/clearing tools.
While many homeowners are hesitant to allow a plumber to dig around their property, there are certain situations where drain excavation is unavoidable. Most commonly, this occurs when a sewer line is damaged and needs replacement. Tree roots are frequently to blame for this issue as they can grow into and damage underground sewer and water lines. In addition, poor soil conditions can cause shifting that requires plumbing excavation services.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be a major pain and even lead to serious plumbing problems if left unattended. This is especially true for main sewer lines. If they become full of sewage or water, the line can back up into the home and cause widespread flooding and other major issues.
When you notice a clogged drain, the first thing you should do is shut off the water. This prevents accidental or automatic processes (like washing machines) from sending more water into the clogged pipe and making the situation worse. It also keeps the clogged drain from flushing out household chemicals, such as soap scum or laundry lint.
Then, try a few DIY techniques to clear the drain. A plunger is effective in most cases, but if the clog is deep — such as a sink or shower drain that’s completely plugged — you might need something more powerful like a wire snake. You can also use a bent wire coat hanger by positioning it over the drain, bending one end to create a hook and fishing out the build-up.
High Water Bills
Water bills are an important part of your monthly expenses, and when they suddenly increase out of the blue, it can be upsetting. Water leaks can waste hundreds of gallons each month, contributing to higher-than-normal water bills.
Fortunately, most plumbing problems that cause high water bills can be fixed with some detective work and ingenuity. One obvious culprit is a leaky toilet. Toilets account for about 31 percent of household water usage, and a leaking or running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons in a day.
Another common cause of a sudden jump in your water bill is water-intensive activities that took place during the billing period, such as using a washer or filling up a pool. Other potential causes include a leaky irrigation system or underground pipes that have sprung a leak. If you suspect a leak, shut off your water and check your meter to see if the dial has moved. If it has, you may be able to request a bill adjustment with your municipality.
Pipe Repair or Replacement
Pipes need to be repaired or replaced as they become damaged. This type of repair is usually done when the old pipes have reached their life expectancy or when they are made from dangerous materials like lead or polybutylene.
A professional plumbing inspection may be needed if you notice repeated drain blockages. This involves using a camera to look at all exposed plumbing and check for holes, discoloration, warping, or other damage. This can help locate the source of the problem and prevent further issues down the line.
Plumbers often recommend regular inspections to spot problems before they become major issues. Leaking and clogged drains are obvious problems that need to be fixed, but other issues like visible mold and mildew could also indicate the presence of an untreated leaky pipe. In these cases, a licensed plumber will be able to assess the situation and recommend an appropriate solution. If your repairs require excavation or work on public property, a DEP and NYC DOT permit will be needed which the plumber will obtain on your behalf.