Plumbers Topeka install, repair, and maintain pipes that supply water, carry waste, and connect fixtures like sinks, toilets, and appliances. They also inspect plumbing systems to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
Strong customer service skills are essential for plumbers, as they often interact with clients to understand their problems and provide solutions. They may also need to explain complex issues in straightforward terms.
Clogged drains are more than just an inconvenience. If left unattended, they can lead to flooding, water damage, and serious health issues. The plumbing professionals at plumbers can identify and correct early warning signs like slow draining, gurgling sounds, and even odors. Regular drain cleaning keeps your bathroom and kitchen functioning at their best and reduces the risk of costly repairs in the future.
Many people think that store-bought chemical drain cleaners are effective in clearing clogs, but they can actually be more harmful than helpful. These products often contain high concentrations of sulfuric acid that can cause chemical and thermal burns if it comes into contact with skin, eyes, or lungs. They can also damage polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, which are increasingly used in homes today.
Professional plumbers use specialized equipment to clear even the most stubborn drain blockages. For example, they can use an infrared camera to locate the source of a clog and then snake the drain to break up or remove it. They can also perform a drain cleaning service called hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to remove clogs and debris from the entire pipe.
In addition to drain cleaning, plumbers can also clean the inside of your sewer pipes. This helps prevent a clog that can overflow into your home and result in expensive repair bills and a messy cleanup. A clogged sewer line can also cause unpleasant odors and create an unsafe environment for your family.
Clogged sinks, toilets, and bathtubs are the most common plumbing problems, but did you know that a drain or sewer problem can be caused by tree roots? When a root invades a drain, it causes a chain reaction that can lead to a collapsed or broken pipe. A professional plumber can inspect your drains and sewer lines to see if they are damaged by tree roots. If so, they can recommend the right solution for your home. Moreover, they can also suggest ways to minimize the chances of such problems in the future. It is important to note that a plumber can identify other issues with your plumbing system, such as a cracked pipe or an undetected leak.
Sewer Cleaning
When drain lines get clogged, it’s important to call professional plumbers for sewer cleaning services. Unlike indoor drain pipes, which you can often remedy with baking soda and a plunger, sewer lines are more complicated and require special tools. Plumbers can use hydraulic cleaning to clear blockages and restore the flow of wastewater in your home or business.
Regular sewer cleaning can protect your plumbing system from damage caused by sticky waste substances and reduce the risk of clogs and backups. It can also help to eliminate odors and keep your toilets flushing properly.
Most people don’t think about their sewer systems until there is a problem, but the sewage and waste materials that flow through your home or business’s drains can cause serious problems. If the sewage line becomes blocked, it could lead to severe water and soil contamination and expensive repairs.
Professional plumbers use several methods to clean sewer lines, including hydraulic cleaning, hydro jetting, and manual rodding and snaking. Hydraulic cleaning involves inserting a nozzle at an access point closest to the blockage and releasing water at high pressure. This method can clear a wide range of debris, including gravel, roots, and sand. If the obstruction is caused by a buildup of grease, plumbers can use chemicals to dissolve it.
Mechanical methods like rodding and snaking involve cutting, pushing, or pulling debris out of a pipe with hand rods, hand-held drain augers, or power rodding machines. These can be effective for clearing moderate clogs, but they won’t address more serious issues. Plumbers may also use a motorized snake, which is a high-tech version of the traditional plumbing snake that can break up and remove larger debris without damaging the pipe.
Another way to clean sewer lines is to use a “poly pig.” These are foam capsules sized to the diameter of the pipe that are forced through the clogged line, scraping and pushing debris downstream as they go. This is a more time-consuming option, but it can be effective in heavy debris situations.
Water Heater Repair
When your water heater breaks down, it’s a big deal. It’s one of the largest appliances in your home, and it provides essential household services like hot showers. But, as with most appliances, water heaters break down eventually and require repair. You may be tempted to fix it yourself, but these types of repairs are best left to professionals. A plumber can help you determine what needs to be fixed and offer professional replacement services if necessary.
If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, a plumber should be called right away. This can be caused by many different problems, including broken heating elements or a tripped switch. If you suspect the latter, turn off the water heater, open the access panel, and press the high-temperature reset button (usually red). This should restore power and allow you to restart your water heater.
A plumber should also be called if you notice puddles around your water heater or smell gas. These are signs of a leak or rusty tank, and they can quickly lead to water damage in your home. A plumber will be able to diagnose and fix the problem before it gets worse.
In addition to repairing or replacing your water heater, a plumber can also provide routine maintenance on the appliance. For example, your anode rod — or sacrificial rod — should be replaced every three years. It helps prevent corrosion and extends the life of your water heater. You can do this yourself, or a plumber will do it for about $50.
While you might think about relighting your pilot light on your own, this is only recommended if you can thoroughly follow the safety instructions that come with your unit. A plumber will be able to safely replace or relight your pilot light and also check for any issues that could be dangerous, such as a tripped thermocouple or gas control valve. These are both dangerous to handle without the proper knowledge and equipment, so they should be repaired by a professional. This will save you money in the long run and protect your family’s health.
Pipe Repair
If you have a leaky pipe, clogged drain, or other plumbing issue, a plumber can provide timely and effective solutions. Their skills can save you from high water bills, costly repairs, and potential health risks caused by contaminated water.
The first step in most pipe repair procedures is to shut off the water supply at your home’s main valve, which is usually located near your front or back yard. This prevents water damage and allows plumbers to work on pipes without the pressure of water running through them.
A plumber will also check the location and size of a leak to determine the best method for repair. Using a pipe patch or a rubber patch with a hose clamp, they can repair leaking joints and damaged sections of pipe. For more serious problems, they may recommend a full pipe replacement.
Leaky pipe repairs are typically less expensive than whole-home re-piping. But, it depends on your home’s age and what the cause is. If your pipes are old, corroded, or made from outdated materials (such as clay, cast iron, or polybutylene), re-piping could end up being more cost-effective in the long run.
Whole-house re-piping is commonly recommended for older homes with deteriorating pipes or a history of frequent leaks and blockages. In addition, if your home’s plumbing isn’t optimized for your current layout or you plan on selling it in the future, replacing pipes can help boost its value and functionality.
The plumbing industry has come a long way since its early days, when many homes were built with outdated and dangerous materials. Today, most homes have PVC and PEX piping, which are more durable than traditional copper and galvanized steel. But, even these modern pipes can develop leaks and clogs due to aging, improper installation, or sudden changes in temperature.
A professional plumber can quickly diagnose the problem, install new piping if needed, and ensure all connections are tightened properly to prevent leaks and breaks. They can use a variety of tools and equipment to assess your piping, including video inspections for more precise evaluations. Then, they can perform the repiping process with minimal disruption to your home.