Category: Commercial Plumbing

As the old saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” But what happens when something that’s been out of sight for a while suddenly becomes all too visible? Unfortunately, that’s the unfortunate reality for many homeowners when they discover a broken sewer line. Suddenly, what was once buried beneath their yards and streets is exposed and in dire need of repair. 

It’s a messy, smelly, and inconvenient problem that requires immediate attention. But with the right expertise and equipment, a broken sewer line can be fixed, and your home can be restored to its former glory. So let’s roll up our sleeves and take a closer look at what it takes to fix a broken sewer line.

Can a Broken Sewer Line Cause a Sinkhole?

Sinkholes can develop naturally when the rock beneath the earth’s surface erodes due to water, causing the earth above to collapse into the void below. But did you know those man-made plumbing problems can also cause sinkholes? For example, if you see a depression or trench in your front lawn, there’s a chance that your sewer line is running directly below it. This is because a poorly sealed sewer line can cause erosion over time, leading to the formation of a sinkhole.

And let me tell you, sinkholes are no laughing matter! They can be dangerous for both people and property. For example, cars can be damaged if they drive over a sinkhole, and people can turn an ankle or worse if they unknowingly walk into one.

Unfortunately, in many cases, the responsibility for repairs falls on the homeowner, and the repairs can cost thousands of dollars.

The Age of Your Home Is a Factor

Over time, homes age just like fine wine. However, when it comes to the age of your abode, certain factors need to be taken into account, especially when it comes to plumbing. Fortunately, modern homes built after 1980 have been constructed with updated building codes requiring sewer lines to be gasketed and sealed, eliminating the need for the infamous jute rope wrap used to cover sewer joints before being embedded in concrete. This rope material was notorious for deteriorating underground, causing sewer lines to develop problematic leaks.

Sinkholes are one of the more noticeable effects of water seepage into the surrounding soil and rock, and these are more likely to occur in homes built before 1980. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that newer homes are immune to this problem. Despite all the precautionary measures taken during construction, leaks can still occur due to root intrusion, earthquakes, serious clogs, or corrosion.

If you start noticing any new depressions in your yard, it may be an indication of a more severe problem, and you should consider calling in the experts from Custom Plumbing of Arizona for main line repair.

Signs Your Broken Sewer Line Is Causing a Sinkhole

As a homeowner, it’s important to be alert to any signs that your home might need plumbing attention. And when it comes to sewer leaks, there are often subtle indicators that something’s amiss, well before sinkholes or other major issues appear. Here are the most common signs that you may have a sewer leak to look out for:

  • The unmistakable scent of sewage emanating from your drains, no matter what you do, to try and get rid of it.
  • Multiple drains that are slow or backed up, or all of them having problems at once, which could be a sign of a blockage in your pipes.
  • Frequent clogs that need to be cleared regularly, indicating that something’s not flowing properly.
  • Certain areas of your lawn look greener than others as if they’re getting extra water and nutrients.
  • Wet or smelly patches in your yard could be caused by excess water and human waste.
  • An influx of rodents may be coming in through cracks in your pipes.
  • Cracks appearing on your exterior walls due to soil shifting under your foundation, which could signal a serious problem with your sewer line.

What Happens If I Don’t Fix My Broken Sewer Line?

Dealing with unexpected repairs is never fun, but when it comes to a broken sewer line, ignoring it can lead to some serious consequences. Unfortunately, those cracks in your sewer line won’t magically go away – in fact, they’re likely to get worse over time, causing even bigger issues down the line.

One of the biggest risks of a leaky sewer line is damage to your home’s foundation. If the ground around your house becomes destabilized, you could end up with major structural problems that are costly to fix. Plus, if a clog in your main line causes the leak, you risk raw sewage backing up into your home, which is a mess no one wants to deal with.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to stay on top of your plumbing system’s maintenance and catch any potential problems before they become major headaches. That’s where we come in – The Drain Whisperers at Custom Plumbing of Arizona are available 24/7 to help keep your plumbing in top shape. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 to get the help you need.

Posted on Author adminCategories Commercial Plumbing, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags , , Leave a comment on Can a Broken Sewer Line Cause a Sinkhole on My Property?

When was the last time you cleaned your floor drains? If it’s been a while, here are three simple floor drain maintenance tips to help you out.

It’s easy to forget about the floor drains in your place of business, but they are an integral part of maintaining sanitary conditions for workers and customers alike. They catch the water when you need to deep clean your floors. When you have a commercial sink overflow or a burst pipe, they can prevent significant damage.

But only if you keep them working right. If they are clogged, they won’t be much help. If they start to smell, they probably won’t do much to help you attract customers or keep your employees happy.

If you want to make sure that your floor drains are ready for when you need them, try these tips.

Keep Your Drains from Drying Out

Sometimes, floor drain maintenance is as easy as dumping a bucket of soapy water down the drain.

Floor drains, like the drains in your home, have p-trap pipes. These pipes allow water to become trapped. Why? If it didn’t, your commercial space might start to smell bad.

When your p-traps get dried out, gas from the sewer system often escapes up through the drain. These unpleasant odors can make it unbearable to inhabit a room for very long. If you start to smell unwanted odors, try emptying a bucket of soapy water down the suspected drain.

Avoid Pushing Debris Down Drains

If your commercial space requires a lot of cleaning of dirty floors, you could be clogging your floor drains without even realizing it. Sometimes you can’t help sending dirt down the drain, but if you can avoid it, you could save yourself some trouble.

For starters, if your business is in food service or another industry that deals with lots of waste, be sure to clean your traps often.

Floor Drain Maintenance Means Taking Care of All Your Drains

Some drains can be easy to forget. The drain in the storage closet might not get much use, but if you leave it to sit too long without maintaining it, it can lead to problems. When drains get dried out, the debris that has already gone down them can solidify, which could mean a clogged sewer line.

Clogged sewer lines are much more expensive than floor drain maintenance. Be sure to mop and pour water down all your drains, at least once a month, if you want to avoid paying an exorbitant bill.

How To Clean A Floor Drain: 3 Steps That Will Save You Time

Cleaning a floor drain can be a messy and time-consuming task. Here are three easy steps that will help you clean your drain quickly and easily:

Method 1: Use boiling water

Boiling water can be a great way to clean floor drains. Simply pour boiling water down the drain and wait 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the drain plug and use a plunger to suction the debris down into the drain. Next, pour a pot of cold water down the drain to clear the debris and wash your hands. 

Method 2: Use a plunger

Floor drains can become clogged with debris over time, mainly if there is a lot of rain or snow in the area. This can cause water to back up and flood your home. To clean a floor drain using a plunger, follow these steps:

  1. Remove any objects that may be blocking the drain. This includes toys, clothes, newspapers, and other materials.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain opening and hold it in place with one hand.
  3. Push and pull the plunger up and down in a circular motion to dislodge the debris. Be sure to use enough pressure to remove the obstruction.
  4. Pour a pot of hot water into the drain and let it flow for about 10 minutes to loosen any remaining debris. Repeat this process if necessary.

Method 3: Use a Drain snaking

If your floor drain is clogged and you can’t unclog it using the methods described in Method 1 or 2, you may need to use a snake to clear the drain. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate the floor drain in the room where the problem occurs.
  2. Open the drain door, so you can see inside.
  3. Place the end of the snake into the drain and push down until the snake reaches the obstruction.
  4. Use your hands to feel around for any pieces of debris or objects that may be blocking the drainage system. If necessary, use your fingers to remove them.
  5. Continue pushing and pulling on the snake until you can clear the obstruction.

How Often Should You Clean a Floor Drain?

There is no “one size fits all” answer to this question, as the frequency of cleaning will vary depending on the type of floor drain maintenance, the number of people working at your business, and other factors. However, a general rule of thumb is to clean your floor drains at least once a month. You may want to clean them more often if there are particularly heavy or wet periods.

Schedule a Commercial Floor Drain Maintenance Visit from Custom Plumbing Today

Has it been a while since you had your floor drains maintenance? It’s not too late to start taking care of them.

If you need professional help with your floor drain maintenance, Custom Plumbing of Arizona is standing by to help. All you have to do is get in touch with us, and we will send someone out to assist.

Posted on Author adminCategories Commercial PlumbingTags

Commercial boiler repair is a critical service for businesses across Arizona. Here’s the best time to schedule maintenance for your system, how often you should schedule service, and other times to consider calling a professional.

Many businesses and commercial property owners have to contend with high heating costs during the cold months, even here in Arizona. Maintaining an efficient heating system can keep your operational costs down when the temperature plummets, and if your building uses a commercial boiler to keep the indoors cozy and comfortable, you need to know the best time to service your system.

Wait, why are we talking about heating during one of the hottest months of the year?

Well, it turns out that…

 

Early summer is one of the best times for commercial boiler repair!

Think about it. First, when are heating specialists the busiest? In case you don’t know, the answer is during the fall and winter months. Even during early spring, heating service and repair can be in high demand if winter takes a long time to fade.

Second, if you want to be prepared for the cold, it’s best to take care of any problems while you do not need to worry about staying warm, especially if you need to budget for any costly repairs. You do not want to get caught without heat when it gets cold at night.

Even though Arizona has relatively mild winters, having your heat go out can keep you from running your business. Scheduling commercial boiler repair now will help you stay open all year, without any interruptions.

 

How often should I service my commercial boiler?

Regular tune-ups are essential for any heating system. Maintaining your system is usually less expensive than repairing a broken boiler, so you shouldn’t neglect to schedule regular service. At a minimum, you should have a professional inspect and service your boiler once a year.

Regular maintenance will also improve efficiency, which can drive down your operational costs. As a business owner or commercial space owner, you know just how important it is to save costs wherever you can.

 

Are there other times when I should schedule service?

In addition to annual commercial boiler repair service, you should also consider scheduling a maintenance call when you purchase new property. There is no telling when the previous owners last serviced the heating system. It is better to know about any problems from the start so you can plan for future repair costs.

Servicing your new property’s boiler will also start you on a regular schedule, which can increase the lifespan of your heating system. The longer your boiler lasts, the less you will have to spend. Anyone who has had to replace their commercial boiler knows how expensive it can be.

 

Schedule Your Service Now

Custom Plumbing of Arizona is here to help you keep your boiler in great shape so that you don’t have to worry about the heat going out when it gets cold. To schedule your annual service, contact us today.

Posted on Author adminCategories Boiler Repair, Boiler Repair and Replacement, Commercial PlumbingTags Leave a comment on Commercial Boiler Repair: The Best Time for Service Is Now

The knowledge that a commercial plumber must have to do quality work is different from the knowledge of a residential plumber. While both professions use the same principles to fix and maintain plumbing systems, a plumber whose experience is with residential plumbing may have trouble completing a commercial job to the high standards the customer needs.

If you operate a business or own commercial space, you should ask whether your plumber’s resume includes commercial work. Before hiring a plumber for your place of business, be sure to ask these four critical questions, as well.

Are You Licensed?

In the State of Arizona, you must be a licensed plumber before performing work in the profession. Of course, that does not stop everyone from doing work under the table. Your business space cannot afford to suffer the expensive consequences of poor workmanship, so be sure to ask to see proof that your commercial plumber is licensed before hiring them for a job.

Another thing to consider—in Arizona, there are two different licenses for commercial and residential plumbers. Does your plumber have the correct one?

Are You Insured?

Unfortunately, costly mistakes can still happen if your plumber is licensed, which is why asking about liability insurance is a must. Liability insurance protects you and the plumber in case damage occurs during repairs.

How Long Have You Been a Plumber?

In addition to being licensed, your commercial plumber should also have plenty of experience. If the job that you need help with is complicated, do not be afraid to ask if your plumber has experience working on similar jobs. Companies that have several plumbers on staff are more likely to have someone who has experience with the type of repair that you need.

What Are Your Rates?

As a business, you need to make sure that you are bringing in more money that you are spending, which means you need to watch your costs on things like plumbing repairs. When you hire a commercial plumber to make repairs so you can run your business without interruption, don’t hesitate to ask up front what their rates are. Also, don’t forget to ask whether their rates are a flat fee or hourly. As the customer, you are entitled to know approximately how much you might have to pay when the job is done.

Even before you decide to hire a plumber, make sure you know whether they charge for an inspection.

Talk to a Commercial Plumber at Custom Plumbing Today

When you run a business, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your plumbing is going to cause problems for your bottom line. If you are looking for a commercial plumber you can trust to do the job right the first time, get in touch with us today. The plumbers at Custom Plumbing of Arizona are happy to help.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Commercial PlumbingTags