Author Archives: Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts

Plumbing leak repair is a fact of owning a house. They are aggravating and can be damaging if not found and repaired or replaced in time. What is nothing more than a small pinhole leak will cause major damage to a wall, flooring, and more. Then there is the side act that water that is wasted for incoming clean water. If the plumbing leak for outgoing wastewater, the sewage is not only damaging your home, but it is unhealthy too. 

However, leaks happen, and we know that it is possible. So, unless there is water gushing out where you can’t help but see it, but you’re suspecting a water leak, your only option is to call a professional plumber for a plumbing leak repair job. If you don’t see the leak and know where it is coming from, how will the plumber? 

 One of the best services a plumber can offer other than a plumbing leak repair is leak detection. Keep reading, and we’ll discuss the different techniques that an experienced and licensed plumber may use to find the exact spot of a leak. 

How does a plumber check for leaks?

• Acoustic Devices:  With technology today, a plumber can use a ground microphone and listening disc that allows them to hear where water is dripping or running that you may not hear otherwise like a slab leak or a leak buried in your yard.  Once they determine where the leak is coming from, they can do a plumbing leak repair and have your home back in full operating mode again. 
• Heat scan: When the listening devices won’t work, typical in a noisy area or perhaps the pipe is buried deep, plumbers have heat scanners that detect temperature change where water is dripping or running. 
• Video: Today, a professional plumber has cameras and videos to help them detect leaks and busted pipes.  This type of leak detection is the most precise method that uses miniature cameras that are mounted on long cables with fiber optic technology. The camera is placed inside the suspected pipe, and as the plumber pushes it through, it relays images back that will tell the plumber where the pipe is broken. This video method also shows the plumber the exact location of the leak, so they don’t have to bust up the flooring or trench the yard. 
• Experience and Training: The experienced plumber will train the new plumbers to use one of the most invaluable tools they have: Their training. An experienced, licensed plumber will know that sometimes, it is their intuition that finds the leak. 

What is the best sealant for leaking pipes?

Epoxy putty is an excellent sealant but requires the water to be turned off the area that needs patching to be 100% dry of water. This patch is meant to be only a temporary patch, not a permanent repair. You’ll still need to take the steps we mentioned above or call a professional plumber for any plumbing leak repairs if you want to know that it is fixed correctly. 

What are the Signs of a plumbing leak?

An experienced and prepared plumber will use any of the above-mentioned leak detection equipment and systems to help find a plumbing leak.  As a homeowner, there are things you can do that will tell you if there is a leak but finding the exact spot of the leak is another thing. Here are seven signs that will tell you to have a professional plumber do any plumbing leak repairs.

• The water bill increases an astronomical amount. 
• Mildew or mold around pipes, typically under sinks or around showers.
• Bathrooms, kitchen, or any room that is next to the bathroom or kitchens smell musty.
• Ceiling, floors, walls have stains or unexplained damage. 
• The water meter keeps running after you’ve turned everything off in and around the house.
• Unexplained water puddles and wet spots.
• Cracks in the foundation.

If you have any of these signs and you’re not able to find the leak to repair yourself, call a professional plumber. They have the experience and equipment to find leaks and do plumbing leak repairs quickly. Call 708-934-4115 today for your pipe leak repair in Oak Park, Il.

Periodically, the gas company will conduct gas pressure test for inspection to check for leaks in the area or if they have had a complaint about gas odors. They will perform a gas pressure test house where the complaint or report comes from first, then check the neighborhood. Another time a house may have a gas line pressure test is when a new gas line has been added, an old one removed, or a new appliance installed. This testing is typically done by the plumber that has worked on the gas line.

What pressure should you test gas line?

For a residential gas line pressure test, the required test pressure is 3 per square inch gauge. A required result for a medium gas line pressure test is 10 per square inch gauge. In either case, there cannot be any visible loss for fifteen minutes on residential properties.

What is considered high pressure natural gas?

Natural gas is transported through interstate pipelines, dedicated to natural gas only, from the wells where it is found to the grids and then into homes. It requires being at a high pressure that makes it travel through the gas pipelines and on to the grid. The gas line pressure test at various points during this and is expected to be anywhere between 200 pounds per square inch to 1500 pounds per square inch. The volume of the natural gas is reduced by up to six hundred times as the natural gas is propelled through the gas pipeline.

How much gas leak is acceptable?

Your first thought may be “none”, but that isn’t totally true. Let’s talk about the smell of gas first before we answer that question. Natural gas in its purest form does not have any odor. When you smell gas from a burner or pilot light, it is actually the sulfur-based compounds that are added to for detection purpose. 

 In a small Texas town, a natural gas explosion in 1937 killed 295 people, most of them children. The explosion happened at a school and has long been considered America’s deadliest school disaster.  It was that disaster that motivated experts to find a way to give natural gas an odor so that those deadly leaks are found before they become deadly. At this time, gas line pressure testing didn’t exist on the same scale it does today either, so motivation to perform gas line pressure test become more prevalent too. 

So, is natural gas dangerous? On an average day, absolutely not. Each year, there are gas explosions from leaks that kill an average of 17 people. More people die from falling out of a bed kills over 400 a year. Compared to those numbers, we need sleep in the floor! 

Experts and professionals that work with natural gas will tell you that regardless of how much they preform gas line pressure test, no matter how much they repair those gas leaks, there will always, ALWAYS be gas leaks. Why? Today the infrastructure we have channels substances that cannot be fully controlled by us humans. For example: Water eats and rots pipes, clogs form in sewage lines and bursts them, and gas will inevitably escape.

So, if gas leaks are the norm, is there a danger point where a gas leak isn’t acceptable? Absolutely! For new installation, absolutely no gas leak is acceptable. For existing installations, over a five-minute period, a pressure drop is deemed acceptable if it doesn’t exceed as stated below:

• Volume of pipework L of 5 with a maximum pressure drop, kPa 1.00
• Volume of pipework L of 10 with a maximum pressure drop, kPa 0.50
• Volume of pipework L of 15 with a maximum pressure drop, kPa 0.35
• Volume of pipework L of 20 with a maximum pressure drop, kPa 0.25
• Volume of pipework L of 25 with a maximum pressure drop, kPa 0.20
• Volume of pipework L of 30 with a maximum pressure drop, kPa 0.10

To determine the rate of a gas leak in an existing install, professionals will use a manometer for gas line pressure test that determines the leakage rate.

Can a gas line get clogged?

Yes, and usually it is a water clog. It only takes four inches of water to clog a gas line, but the clog isn’t the big problem. Water willcorrode the gas line and it will begin to leak because it is unsafe to have a leaking gas line. When can this happen?  With an outdoor gas appliance or light that is powered off a buried gas line.

What is considered a plumbing emergency?

A plumbing emergency consists of any scenario seen with your plumbing system that is unable to be regulated or controlled and risks damages to, or a halt in, plumbing use. Usually, extreme cases like flooding from a burst pipe, sewer back up, a failed sump pump, or failed water shut off valve are considered to be a plumbing emergency. Yet there are also instances of less severe cases that are considered to be a plumbing emergency as well, like with clogged toilets or sinks. In any case, it’s best to call your local plumber to see what can be done with a given plumbing situation.

How long do emergency plumbers take?

A plumbing emergency with a qualified plumbing company can have emergency plumbers come out anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours from your call. Most plumbing companies will say that they will have someone out within 24 hours of your call for a plumbing emergency. 

Do plumbers come at night?

Depending on the company, the number of available plumbers on hand at that time, and the company’s employee work policies a plumber may be able to come out at night to assess an issue and possibly provide repairs. Sometimes with a plumbing emergency, the plumber may only be able to give a temporary fix in until it can be properly addressed in the morning. Other times they may be able to provide a fix and leave you with advice on what to do as far as water being left behind.

How much does an emergency plumber cost?

A plumbing emergency will usually cost more than normal services as they require immediate attention. Plumbers may even charge higher rates in general for weekends, nights, or holiday work. Make sure to get in touch with your local plumbing company to see what their rates are.

What do plumbers fix?

Plumbers will typically install, repair, replace areas of the plumbing system as well as units, and fixtures. You may see a plumber handle showers, tubs, toilets, kitchen and bathroom sinks, faucets, dishwashers, garbage disposals, gas line, water heaters/boilers, washers for laundry, water lines, sewage lines, pipes, backflow protection, and septic tank systems. 

What is wrong with my plumbing?

Whether you have a plumbing emergency or another issue there are some things that can cause problems with your plumbing. Build up of hair, food items, grease, and oil can build up in drains over time and cause clogs. Outside pipes may have root infiltration from trees or perhaps your slab has moved with your foundation and impacted pipe connections or conditions. Ultimately, there can be many scenarios taking place with your plumbing system so get an inspection from an expert for more informaiton.

How often should you check your plumbing?

Your plumbing system, like other systems of your home, will require maintenance and check-ups periodically in order to maintain smooth operations consistently for a longer period of time. Most plumbing professionals agree to have your property’s plumbing system checked at least once every two years. Yet there are some sources that say annually or seasonally your plumbing should be maintained to go with temperature drops or other changes in weather that could affect your plumbing. Frozen and burst pipes in the winter for example can cause a plumbing emergency so it’s best to modify maintenance duties in accordance with your plumbing materials and property conditions.

When should you call a plumber for a clogged drain?

A clogged drain will range in severity and can sometimes affect other areas of plumbing connections. If there is a clog in the main drain then a professional plumber should be called as this affects the whole property. With more localized issues like with one drain, you may be able to wait unless flooding is severe which can cause a plumbing emergency. 

Can clogged pipe cause leak?

A clogged pipe may cause a leak depending on whether there is a backup or overflow. This can cause pressures to be enacted on the pipe and lead to connection issues, inner pipe corrosion, or punctures to become aggravated which can spark a leak. Usually, a leak will occur a distance away from the source of the clog so a professional will be needed to determine where the leak is with their detection tools or other equipment. It’s best to address a leak as soon as you know it’s there in order to avoid a plumbing emergency. 

Contact Your Local Plumber For Assistance

If you’re confused as to what could be happening with your plumbing system give your local plumber a call. When a plumbing emergency occurs they will be able to respond within 24 hours of time and address issues so that you can get back into your daily routine. With a plumbing emergency attention will be necessary as soon as possible and only an expert will be able to determine what courses of immediate action to take to halt property damages and get problem areas fixed. Contact your local plumbing today for quick and efficient assistance.

If you need help with a plumbing emergency in Oak Park, Il call 708-934-4115 with Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts!

Who Fixes Sewer?

If you require sewer service for your home or property, you will need to find a competent and experienced plumbing professional. In order to find someone in your area, there are a couple of different ways for individuals to find a good plumbing professional. The first way is to conduct an internet search with the appropriate search terms. Such search terms include “sewer services near me,” or “sewer line plumber near me.” Another pathway forward is to ask a friend or neighbor for a referral. It’s always best to secure a plumber with years of experience with whatever plumbing problem has surfaced.

How Do You Replace a Main Sewer Line?

Replacing a main sewer line is a difficult and arduous process. To find out more, please review the following bullet points to learn more.

• First, locate the sewer line. Because sewer lines are underground, it’s not safe to assume anything about their layout. Unless plumbers know where the sewer line is upfront, it can make it very hard to be productive.
• After that, a plan must be established for what needs to be done. The plumbers will pull a permit with the county or the city official that governs the area.
• Other utility lines will need to be marked so that any underground lines for utilities are not harmed in any way.
• Excavation will take effect. During that time it is important to have a great machine operator.
• In the end, the new sewer line will need to be laid and applied by expert plumbers.
• The ground will be replaced. The landscape will need to be looked after by the homeowner because plumbers are not usually responsible for replacing grass or plants.

Is Sewage Backup an Emergency?

It is important to consider sewage backups as emergencies. This is because the water in a sewage backup can contain viruses, bacteria and other microbes that cause very serious illnesses. Not only are sewage backups disgusting, but they are also dangerous for home inhabitants to be around. If sewage is backing up into your home, it is absolutely a plumbing emergency.

Is it Safe to Stay in a House with Sewage Backup?

If, and only if the proper steps are taken after a sewage backup, it can be safe to stay in a home that has sewage backing up from the pipes. As previously mentioned, a home that is experiencing sewage backup is not safe to stay in. This is because sewage can contain bacteria, viruses, and dangerous microbes. 

Can Sewer System Be Shut Off

The traditional method for shutting off sewage is to turn off the water to the home or property. Typically, the water lines and sewage lines are provided by the same city organization or organization in general. When these two lines are not owned and operated by the same organization, there is usually a joint agreement between the two organizations.

Who is Sewer Service

Your sewer provider is usually your city or county that provides water to your home. For example, if the city authority distributes water to your home, they will also be your sewage provider.

What is Sewer Service

While your water lines will funnel fresh, clean water from your cities resources, the sewer is typically the portion of plumbing inside your home that funnels waste through your pipelines and into the main sewer line that is on your street or in your neighborhood.

Your plumbing services must be handled with professionalism. Our staff at Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts are ready to assist. Please call us at 708-934-4115. Discover more about how we can help you with your sewer service in Oak Park, Il!

How Do I Connect Plumbing to My Kitchen Sink?

While there aren’t a lot of reasons why the drain pipes under a kitchen sink would need be to changed or dismantled, it does occur during a kitchen renovation. Typically, the steps for installing the sink drain will rely on how different the new installation is from the old one. There are some basic supplies that you will need. These supplies include a kitchen drain trap kit, a tape measure, a marker, a hacksaw, and channel-type pliers. For the operation, the drain outlet height will need to be checked. If necessary, the drain will need to be lowered. The garbage disposal and strainer will next need to be installed. Next, the tailpiece and continuous waste pipe will need to be accurately and precisely fitted. Finally, the drain trap is the last critical piece of the puzzle. For assembly, it is best to refer to a licensed and insured plumber. He or she will be able to advise.

How Does Kitchen Sink Plumbing Work?

Sink drains work through the use of several parts working together. The kitchen sink has a strainer that is fitted into a strainer body. The strainer body is inserted down through the sinkhole and it is sealed to the sink with a bead of plumber’s putty. Underneath the sink, the strainer body connects to the drain’s tailpiece and the rest of the drain plumbing.

What Are the Parts of a Kitchen Sink?

Are you wondering what the parts of a kitchen sink are? Please look no further than the provided list. This list comprises the main components of a kitchen sink.

• The faucet. The faucet and the handle are essentially the controls for how the water is turned on and off, and what temperature is deemed necessary. In modern kitchens, the handle is singular and can be moved forward or back to adjust the water pressure.
• The sprayer. Depending on the model of the kitchen sink, there may be a sprayer hose attached to the sink. The faucet will not run if the sprayer hose is being used.
• The supply lines. Underneath the bed of the sink, there are hot and cold water supply lines. These lines connect to the faucet. 
• The trap. Plumbing pipes connect from the drain transfer to the sewer lines. The trap is the p-shaped pipe that allows a small amount of water to always remain in the pipe, thus preventing air from entering the home. 
• The garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are indispensable. They are typically attached to one of the drains in a dual bowl kitchen sink. Garbage disposals pulverize waste so that it can be safely flushed down the wastewater line.

Can You Replace the Drain in a Sink?

If you would like to replace the drain in your sink, there is a protocol. First, reach behind your drain and unscrew the cap around the pop-up ball. Next, remove the pop-up ball and rod from the drain. Next, remove the stopper from the drain. Move down to the p-trap. Loosen the nuts from the p-trap near the wall and on the drain. Next, you can pull the p-trap down to release it from the drain. Careful, because there will be water and gunk in the p-trap. Have a basin or bucket ready to take any overflow. Next, you can use your pliers to loosen the nut on the drain and remove it. Pull off the rubber gasket, and reach on top into the sink and lift the drain flange. At this point, you can then prepare the new drain for installation. As always, it is critical for homeowners to get expert plumbing on the job for any repairs pertaining to plumbing. A good plumber will be licensed and insured, which means that if trouble does pop up, it will be covered by insurance.

Kitchen Sink Pipes are Leaking

If your kitchen sink pipes are leaking, you may very well need kitchen and bathroom plumbing repair. It’s important to consider whether or not your drain is the source of your kitchen sink leaking. Generally, drains are sealed with a layer of plumbers putty in order to prevent further leaks. If the layer of plumbers putty was too thin to start off with, that might be the reason, or it could have dried out over time. In such cases, it’s always a good idea to get a certified plumber on the job.

Kitchen Sink Plumbing with PVC

PVC is commonly used in kitchen sink applications. That is because it has great longevity, and is very dependable.

Double Sink Plumbing with Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal

Do you have a double sink with a dishwasher and garbage disposal? Many people in the United States have this particular set up. If you are having problems with your plumbing and you have this set up in your kitchen, there is no need to fear whether or not your plumber will be able to help.

If you need kitchen sink plumbing in Oak Park, Il, you need proven results. Call Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts at 708-934-4115 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!

How does a tankless water heater work?

A tankless water heater works without a storage tank. Essentially when hot water is turned on from the tap, cold water will travel through the pipe and into the unit where either an electric element or gas burner will heat the water. Hot water will then be delivered on an as-needed basis with a tankless water heater.

Are tankless water heaters more energy efficient?

A tankless water heater can be 34%_34% more energy efficient than regular water heating options with households that use 41 gallons or less of hot water a day. With households that use 86 gallons of hot water a say a tankless water heater can be 8%-14% more energy efficient.

Which is better gas or electric tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater of the electric variety will be cheaper than a propane or gas tankless water heater. Both, however, can be used in conjunction with existing gas or electric use or lines. With an electric tankless water heater efficiency ratings are typically 99% while gas tankless water heater options are ranged between 80%-85% efficiency.

How big tankless water heater do I need?

The size of your tankless water heater will be determined by several conditions. One is that the maximum number of devices that need to be run with their total flow rate. This will add up to the required gallons per minute required for your home. Next, you’ll need to determine the required temperature rise by subtracting incoming water temperature to desired output temperatures. Once these two factors are determined you can find a type of tankless water heater that will provide a GPM and average temperature output that matches your home’s needs. For example, the average shower will run between 102℉-104℉ and use 2.6 gallons of water.

What temperature should I set my tankless water heater?

Your tankless water heater will typically come with a set thermostat temperature such as 140℉ which will already be set on the unit. Although this is a common standard, most households won’t need for that high of a temperature and can be adjusted lower.

Are tankless water heaters loud?

A tankless water heater can make noise depending on the unit. WIth gas tankless water heater units there will be noise when firing up and heating water yet these levels are less than 90 decibels. If you hear noise when hot water isn’t being used than another source could be using water from the line and creating a vacuum.  If this is the case a plumber can be consulted.

Does tankless water heater increase home value?

A tankless water heater installation or that is included with a home will typically see homes sold at 4% more than the expected value.

What is the average cost to install a tankless water heater?

The average cost of a tankless water heater installation will range between $1,500-$2,000. Most homeowners are reported to pay around $1,700-$1,800 per unit tankless water heater installation.

Contact A Profesional For More Information

When you’re in need of a tankless water heater be sure to contact your local tankless water heater services for assistance. Only with the help of professional services will you be able to be matched with a tankless water heater that will match with the specifications and needs of your home. Have a water heating system that will save on energy costs and use, for help with any other areas of the home like with residential roofing services look into the necessary avenues for assistance. Until then, a tankless water heater is your best bet for updating your home systems with exceptional results.

If you’re interested in a tankless water heater in Oak Park, Il call 708-934-4115 with Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts!

There are many mysteries with the bathtub and all those components of the bathtub, and there are many questions too. Like if the bathtub drain can’t be unclogged, “can bathtub drain be replaced? and others that will educate and inform a homeowner that isn’t knowledgeable in plumbing matters.

How do bathtub drains work?

There are two legs to a bathtub drain, one being the main drain and one being the overflow drain.  It keeps water from draining in two ways: pop-up drains work by a linkage forcing a rocker arm to move the drain stopper down and up. Then there is the hollow plunger-type internally that slides down and up inside the assembly and seal the opening.

Do you need an overflow on a bath?

For your homeowner’s insurance, they may require you to have an overflow on your bathtub. So, do you “need” an overflow on your bathtub? Not really, but if you have children in the house, or you’re one to fall asleep while soaking in the bathtub while the water is running, then it would be a good idea.

Does a bathtub need a vent?

Every shower, sink, toilet, and especially the bathtub needs a vent. Each of these carry water out and toward the sewage treatment. Without a vent or an improperly installed vent, you could experience any of these things:

• Slow draining
• Gurgling noises
• Sewer smell
• Methane gas smell

Not only is having a vent necessary, but the size of the vent is important. For example, sinks need vent pipe size between 1-1/4″ to 1-1/2″, with most professional plumbers using the 1-1/2” size because it is less expensive. It isn’t necessary to install a vent on each fixture like the bathtub, sink, or shower. Sometimes, venting can be combined when using a wet vent installation process.

Vent location also matters in proper drainage. For example, the vent for a 1-1/2” sink drain cannot be any further than 5 feet away from the trap, nor can there be any bends in the pipe more than 135 degrees. Toilet vents can be up to 10 feet away with a 225-degree bend before the vent.

How do you fix a slow draining tub?

When the bathtub drain is slow or isn’t draining at all, there could be two reasons. A common problem is dirt and other things have accumulated in the drainpipe.  A professional plumber will open that drain, but it isn’t always necessary. Here are a few DIY things you can try before calling the plumber:

1. Pour a half a cup of baking soda, then 1 cup white vinegar into the drain, then let that sit for 5 minutes. You may see it foaming, don’t panic That’s a sign that it is cleaning and deodorizing while loosening minor blockages. After that 5 minutes, run hot water in the bathtub drain for 30 seconds and if it is still draining slow, try the next step.
2. Using a basic household plunger, place the head of over the bathtub drain and plunge 4 to 5 times, then run hot water in the drain. If the drain is still slow, repeat the plunging process 2 or 3 more times to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, try the next step.
3. If the above actions did not open the drain, you may have a heavier blockage that needs more help. Purchase a household plumbing snake from the local retail store. Remove the cover from the drain, some will lift out and others require you to remove 2 screws from the overflow panel.

With disposable or rubber glove on your hands, push the plumbing snake down the drain opening or through the overflow opening. Pushing until you feel it hit the blockage, then vigorously push and pull vigorously until the blockage breaks free. Then put the drain cover or the overflow panel back together.

If none of these steps work, or you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, call an experienced local plumber. They will have the experience, expertise, and equipment to get your bathtub drain clearing again.

Your bathroom is you and your family use the one-room every day. Having all the components working properly is more than just a convenience. It is better for your home and the plumbing system. To get quality plumbing for your bathtub, call 708-934-4115 today!

How Much Does it Cost to Put New Plumbing in a House?

Rough-in plumbing is the name for plumbing where all water supply and drain pipes have been run through holes in the studs of a home. Other framing members and pipe connections have been matched and made. The cost of rough-in plumbing ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. Repiping a home is less expensive. Repiping a home can vary between $3,100 to $5,500. 

What is the Purpose of Plumbing?

Plumbing is a process wherein pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, and tanks are connected and adjoined to fixtures in a property. These plumbing apparatuses allow sanitation to occur. Inhabitants of a property can take showers, wash their hands, wash their laundry, and more. Untreated human waste and fecal matter can cause serious problems for human health, which is why it is critical for plumbing to exist.

How Does Home Plumbing Work?

The home has two distinct subsystems. The first is the home water supply. Freshwater must be funneled into the house from a water source. This water source could be a local well or the local water supply. The other subsystem is the drainage system. This system takes all the untreated waste from the home and directs it into septic or to the main sewage line that runs through the area. These two distinct plumbing subsystems must never meet. From these subsystems, plumbing fixtures either funnel waste in or bring fresh water out. A bathroom faucet, for instance, will distribute freshwater while a toilet will funnel waste away.

Why do Plumbers Use Copper Pipes?

Copper is an extraordinary metal. It is one of the most commonly used materials for pipelines in both North America and Europe. Copper is not only durable and recyclable, but it also will not deplete current copper supplies. This metal has a lower impact on the environment than, for instance, PVC. Homeowners should be aware that while the initial cost for copper water pipes is higher, it does make for a very high return on investment.

What Size Pipe for Residential Plumbing

In most cases, the main pipeline from the street to the home requires either a ¾ in or one inch in diameter pipe. There are two different sizes of pipe. Supply branches of pipeline use ¾ inch pipe and pipes for specific components measure ½ inch.

How to Design Residential Plumbing

The choices that a designer or plumber makes when sketching out your plumbing system can have long-term effects for your home. Streamlined plumbing designs will make efficient and effective use of water and energy sources. There should be short runs between plumbing fixtures, and good materials must be used. If your residential plumbing was improperly designed or installed, you may have serious water damage problems. Water damage can quickly lead to mold and mildew. Please consult a public adjuster for mold and water damage claims so that you can receive the best help for your plumbing system.

Residential Plumbing vs Commercial

There are many differences in commercial and residential plumbing systems. Please read over the following bullet points to learn more!

• The size of the property. Most plumbers agree that the biggest difference between commercial and residential plumbing is the sheer size of the property. A mall, for instance, requires a far larger and more sophisticated plumbing system than a three-bedroom home.
• More than two stories. Most residential homes don’t have more than two or three stories. That requires far less plumbing than, in comparison, an apartment building. 
• Complex problems require complex solutions. On a commercial property, a wide diversity of plumbing issues can be presented. With residential properties, the problems are fairly mundane and routine.

Our company can help you with your residential plumbing. Our staff at Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts are ready to take your phone call at 708-934-4115. Discover more about what our exceptional residential plumbing in Oak Park, Il can do for your home!

Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and need to be repaired as soon as possible. To tell if you have a gas leak in the house, stay alert to these signs:

• Rotten egg smell: Natural gas is odorless. Gas companies combine it with the chemical mercaptan, which gives off the rotten egg odor so the gas can be detected.
• Dead plants: If you notice dead plants inside or outside of your some, it’s possible you have a gas leak.
• Feeling unwell: Gas leaks may cause sensations of nausea or dizziness, headaches or trouble breathing, memory loss or drowsiness or irritated eyes or throat.
• Orange rather than blue flames: Flames on properly functioning appliances like gas stoves should be blue. If they are orange or yellow, it’s likely a gas leak.
• Bubbles in water near gas line: If you see bubbles in any water near gas lines, the gas could be leaking into it.
• Hissing: If you hear hissing noises it’s possible there’s a gas leak in the gas lines.

If you expect a gas leak is present, you should call a gas-line licensed master plumber for gas line repair. Call 708-934-4115 to get immediate help from the team at Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts when there is a gas leak.   

Who fixes gas leaks?

Because of the real danger of explosion, if you have a gas leak, it’s best never to attempt fixing gas lines yourself. In many cases it’s actually illegal for an unlicensed individual to fix a gas line. When you have a leak and need gas line repair, you should hire a gas-line certified master plumber. A professional gas plumber is well trained to repair, as well as install, gas lines. Gas line plumbers, like those at Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts, are also insured. 

Although gas companies have trained technicians to repair gas lines, they will rarely repair leaks on meters that do not belong to them.

If you suspect you have a gas leak, open the doors and windows to air the home out, and to turn off your gas appliances. Before you call one of our plumbers, you’ll want to call either the gas company or fire department to shut off the gas flow to the house. Once the gas is shut off the plumber can safely go inside the house to make the gas line repair.

How do they fix a gas leak?

Before a gas line repair is made, the gas must be shut off, and the source of the leak must be found. Once the source of the leak is found, the outer covers of the gas line are removed to expose the gas pipes and the lines are detached. Residue is cleaned from the lines and pipes and then the line is usually replaced. 

How do plumbers find gas leaks?

Once the plumber arrives to make the gas line repair, they will ask some basic questions to narrow down where the leak is coming from. The plumber will then test the gas lines to find the leak. An air pressure test could be applied. One of the most common tests is the soap solution test in which the plumber soaps down exposed fittings for a bubble test. If the soap bubbles at the fitting, the leak has been located. In some cases the lines in the walls may need to be accessed or the plumber may need to excavate underground lines. 

If repair work requires us locate a leak behind a wall, you may need to perform interior wall repair, and possibly exterior siding repair, after the line has been fixed. 

How much does it cost to repair a gas line?

Costs for gas line repair will vary, depending on the severity of the leak. The average cost ranges between $120 to $1,300. In most cases gas lines are usually replaced. Much of the cost will depend on the labor charges and the materials used. The costs to run gas lines to house averages about $500. It cost between $15 to $25 per linear foot for a gas line, depending on the materials and labor. If you need gas lines repaired in Oak Park, Il we are the affordable company you can rely on.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Preventative maintenance is one of the most cost-effective ways homeowners can maximize the life of their plumbing system. Here is a list of plumbing maintenance tips that can help homeowners increase efficiency for their pipelines.

• Fix leaking faucets and showerheads. If even one faucet or showerhead is dripping, water and money are going down the drain. By addressing these water fixtures, homeowners can keep money in their wallets.
• Check the water pressure. One of the most important aspects of the plumbing systems is the amount of water pressure. The difference between a strong, relaxing shower and a shower with low water pressure is immense. If the water pressure is too high, it could have a devastating impact on fragile pipelines.
• Unclog slow drains. Clogged drains present a serious problem. Using a homemade mixture of vinegar and hot water will greatly assist with deteriorating the source of the clog. This is a preventative measure that can be repeated every few months.
• Drain your water heater. Drain your water heater periodically to remove any accumulated sediment. This procedure can be done twice a year. This is a process almost universally recommended by plumbers.

Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

If a homeowner has recently hired a plumber to perform a maintenance check on their plumbing system, it stands to reason that a checklist would benefit both the homeowner and the plumber. Plumbing maintenance checklists can help ensure that the entirety of the system is inspected properly and that no fixture, pipe, or individual sink is missed. Active leaks, signs of corrosion, water pressure, and valve testing should be part of this checklist. Drains represent an important part of the inspection, and each bathtub, shower, and sink needs to be inspected. Before the plumber leaves, make sure that he or she checks out the water heater and the backflow.

What is Maintenance Plumbing?

Maintenance plumbing performs an important service in the household. Having access to clean water should not be a luxury, and can be available on hand through the application of proper plumbing maintenance. The procedure of maintenance plumbing can best be summarized as contracting a local, trusted plumbing company to survey all the applicable plumbing structures in a home. The report that the plumber comes back with should be thorough, with a list of concerns, and areas for improvement. Homeowners need to protect their biggest investment – their home. This is why plumbing maintenance is crucial.

Plumbing Maintenance Cost

Some plumbing inspections include actual plumbing repairs, as there may be a continual plumbing issue that has not yet been addressed. Averages vary. The cost of a plumber ranges from $175 to $450 for a typical plumbing job. The average cost per hour ranges from $45 to $200. This fee can include repairing faucets, toilets, sinks, or bathtubs. Depending on the job, some plumbers charge a flat rate or service fee of $300 on average.

How Do You Know if Something is Wrong with Plumbing?

There are a number of different ways for property owners to evaluate whether something is wrong with their pipe system. For one, odd sounds coming from the faucets are certainly cause for concern. Low water pressure and unpleasant sounds coming from the drains can also result from a clog or pipe corrosion. Sluggish drains and stains or damaged walls from a plumbing leak are inevitable signs of a rather severe plumbing problem. Water damage can be detrimental to the state of a home, which is why it’s important for all plumbing systems to operate effectively and smoothly.

Roofs are just as important as plumbing systems. When storms arrive at a homeowner’s doorstep, it’s important to select a professional roofing company for your storm damage roof repair.

Maintenance Plumbing Needed

Plumbing services serve an important function in the home. While it is true that the pipes and drains of a plumbing system are designed to be highly durable, it is also true that they must receive regular care in order to function properly. Contacting an excellent local plumbing company is a great first step for homeowners. Plumbing maintenance involves more than just checking to see if pipes are struggling. On the contrary, maintenance checks also include checking large appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines. If a plumber happens to spot a leak during the process, it’s an excellent sign that a small investment in plumbing maintenance indeed pays off.

Why Do You Need a Plumber?

To begin with, not all plumbers are created equal. It requires a great deal of experience, knowledge, and craftsmanship to become a master plumber. A master plumber may be designated as such after apprenticeship and years of experience, including varying certifications (dependent upon the state). Even after a master plumber has been secured, it’s always nice for homeowners to know that they have one who is willing to go beyond the call of duty to establish an important plumbing repair.

Do you have plumbing maintenance on your agenda? Our staff at Emergency Sewer and Drain Experts are ready to take your phone call at 708-934-4115. Receive plumbing services that specialize in plumbing maintenance in Oak Park, Il!