Yearly Archives: 2019

How long does a water heater last?

The traditional tank-style water heater typically lasts eight to twelve years. Experts recommend beginning looking for a replacement by the tenth year. Look at the different models and styles, including a tankless water heater. Perhaps getting quotes from various plumbing contractors for installation cost of both types and their recommendations.

How do you know a water heater is going bad?

After 8 to 10 years of daily usage, the internal parts of a water heater become encased in mineral buildup or corrode. This affects the efficiency of the water heater, and while flushing it can extend the lifespan, know that this may indicate that your system has come close to the end-of-life. Those indications include any of the following:

• Water is muddy or rusty
• A clanging while heating water
• Water is slow to heat
• Hot water runs out fast

How do you know when your water heater needs replacing?

As we’ve discussed here, your water heater is an important and daily used appliance. Like other appliances, it will break down at some point, so before you find yourself in a cold shower, be aware of these clues that are telling you it is time to replace the unit.

Clue One: Age

A water heater is only going to work for certain eight years, 12 if you’re lucky. You can perform preventive maintenance that could double its lifespan, such as flushing the unit or installing a water filter.

Clue Two: Corrosion and Rust

Your water heater is most likely made of steel, which means it will begin to rust in time, which may or may not be noticed at the faucet. Check the pressure relief valve, the temperature valve, the inlet and outlet connections for rust will give you clue if the tank has rusted inside.

Clue Three: Drain Valve Doesn’t Drain

Sediment build up inside water heater tanks over time and settles at the bottom of the tank. That sediment build-up will clog the drain valve, and eventually causing the tank’s interior to deteriorate. Annual flushing of the water heater removes the sediment, but it doesn’t get all of it and eventually, it will build-up to the point where it can’t be drained and flushed anymore.

Clue Four: Leaking Hot Water Tank

If the tank is leaking, it is likely an internal problem and not repairable. Or the leak could come from drain lines for the furnace, a water filter or water softener, or other plumbing. The following steps will confirm if it is the water heater leaking:

• Dry the wet area and look for any obvious signs of water leaking.
• Water follows gravity, so look overhead for water from other pipes.
• If you don’t find anything, place paper towels in the area that was wet, checking it ever so often to see if they are wet.  
• After 24 to 48 hours, if no wetness has re-appeared, then you most likely don’t have any concerns.
• If wetness does reappear, and you haven’t found any other source of a leak, then it is probably is the water heater and time to call a plumber.

Clue Five: Water Doesn’t Get Hot

If the water isn’t as hot as it once was, or not getting hot at all, then the water heater is clearly not working. If the unit is electric, then replacing the heating element or thermostat could fix it.  An experienced plumber can test the unit and replace either of those parts for you.

Should you flush your hot water heater?

Experts recommend flushing water heaters every 6 months. If you live in an area with hard water, flushing every 3 months is recommended.

When should you Repipe a house?

Your house should undergo repiping after severe damages have been made like with pipe punctures or even with more regular cases of natural aging. If your home is 50 years or older it may be time to consider repiping as pipe life expectancy on average lies within this time. Cases, where premature replacement may be necessary, are with reoccurring piping issues. For example if you have multiple leaks or low water pressures in various rooms you may have worn or otherwise damaged piping materials. What’s more, with pipe rust, corrosion or build-up you may notice brown or red-colored water which can be dangerous for the health of those who consume or are exposed to it as this is a clear sign of contamination in water quality.

How is Repiping done?

A repiping job will typically involve cutting small holes in walls, digging trenches, or accessing one area where a machine can repipe materials without extensive landscape digging. There are many repiping techniques available where damage to your property is avoided or minimized. Essentially older pipes with be pushed out with newer pipes taking over previous connections and space.

How long does repiping take?

A home repiping job without any interruptions doesn’t take long and can take 1 or 2 days to complete. 

How much does it cost to Repipe a house?

The cost for repiping a house can range in price depending on the size of the area that’s being repiped as well as the chosen piping material. A 1,500 square foot home that’s being replaced with copper pipes can cost anywhere between $8,000-$10,000. With PEX piping materials with the same square footage, you’d typically see the price ranging from $4,000-$6,000 due to lower material and labor costs.

Is PEX or copper better?

Although the most popular types of piping material for water pipes are with copper PEX tubing has seen a rise in popularity as well due to its many benefits. Copper is a lighter and more flexible piping material which makes it less susceptible to breaks in the pipe system. The largest draw that it has from piping materials used in the past is that it’s corrosion resistance which was a large cause of premature damage and wear from pipes of the past. Although both pipes are resistance to freeze-thaw breakage PEX is considered more resistant. PEX is cheaper in price as well because it won’t have as many fittings and therefore requires less labor. The average life of copper pipes can last from 50-80+ years while PEX averages at about 40-50 years.

Does Repiping a house add value?

Repiping a house can increase its value as materials are newer with less of a chance of repair or replacements needed for a good amount of time which provides peace of mind for a prospective home buyer.

Is Repiping covered by insurance?

Repiping is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance as it is a preventative measure that can fall under general home maintenance. Most insurance policies, however, will cover any damages that are the result of failing or corroded pipes.

Contact A Professional Plumber

When it comes to a repiping job it’s important to contact your local plumber. Much like iron is to wrought iron fencing materials such as PEX and copper repiping are best selected for more durability and performance. However, as with any kind of service certain materials may be more recommended by a professional after an initial inspection has been done. With a professional plumber, you’ll be matched with the optimal piping material that best matches with your property’s specifications and characteristics. Strengthen your pipes and ensure a smoother flow of water travel with a repiping job. Contact your local plumber today to get the process started and to get more information.

If you’re interested in repiping in Dallas, TX call (214) 402-5454 with Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.! 

How to Find a Water Leak

There are several things to look for if you believe there is a water leak occurring in your home. Don’t ignore problems or wait until it’s too late to do something. Otherwise, you risk seriously damaging your home and your plumbing. Pay attention to your water meter because it will let you know what’s going on.

• Stop Using Water: To find a leak, start by halting all water usage in and around the home. This includes turning on faucets, sprinklers, or garden hoses. 
• Meter Reading: Once you’ve established that water is not being used, locate the water meter. On the meter, there will be a window that gauges whether or not there is a leak. There is usually a dial that should remain stationary during normal plumbing functions. If there is a leak, the dial may be moving. 
• Turn Off Water Source: Now that the water is turned off, actually turn off the source of water to your home. There is usually a shut-off valve in basements or behind garages right next to an outdoor faucet.
• Inside or Outside: If the dial remains stationary after the water has been turned off, the leak is more than likely inside the home. If the dial continues to move even while the water is turned off, then the leak is outside the home.

As soon as you know whether a leak is happening inside or outside the home, you can be able to search for the source of the problem. This could be a leaking faucet or toilet. It could be a dripping hose bibb. If you are unable to find the source, you may need to reach out to plumbing leak repair contractors. They can help you find the leaking area as well as complete any plumbing repairs. It’s important to stay on top of leaks to prevent serious damages and the need for water damage restoration in Dallas, TX.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is responsible for a water leak?
  • It will depend on where the problem is occurring. When a leak occurs between the water meter and the water main, it should be the county’s responsibility to repair. If the leak occurs somewhere in your yard, it will more than likely be your responsibility to repair. 
• Who is responsible for a water leak before the meter?
  • If the leak happens before the meter, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make repairs. Usually, these pipes and this stretch of plumbing are under the lawn, which generally means it is not the responsibility of the city.
• Is a water leak covered by homeowners insurance?
  • It depends on what happened. Homeowners insurance will typically cover any damage caused by a leaking pipe if it is sudden and accidental, such as a pipe that suddenly bursts. However, insurance will likely not cover poor maintenance of the pipe that burst. 
• How do you tell if there is a water leak underground?
  • If there is a water leak underground there are a few steps to take to find it, especially if you can’t visibly the leak. Start by turning off the water source. Once that’s done, find the water meter and read it for a leak. There will be a gauge that will indicate what is going on with your water source. 
• How do you find a water leak?
  • Start by turning off the water source. Then find your water meter and read the leak meter. There is a gauge that will tell you whether or not there is a leak. You can also do a meter reading, though that may take anywhere between 20 minutes and 2-hours.

• Mold Infestation: Slab leak mold can form due to water pooling in an area above where the leak has formed. Not only can mold form, so can mildew.
• High Water Bills: There will be times when you have high water bills, but if you are experiencing water bills that are higher than normal, then you might see if you have a slab leak.
• Damaged Hardwood and Carpet: If your carpet or hardwood is damp, or when your hardwood floor has become warped, it’s possible it’s due to a slab leak.
• Lower Water Pressure: Since there are leaks in your plumbing, it can cause your water pressure to decrease significantly.
• Warm or Cold Spots: Another thing that can indicate that you have a slab leak is if there are random cold or warm spots on your floor.
• Foundation Changes: Your foundation might settle or shift if there is a slab leak because the leak caused soil erosion or water damage.

So what do you do if you suspect a slab leak? If these signs sound familiar, it is so important that you call a plumber to provide you with slab leak detection and repair. We can see if there is a slab leak basement or if the slab leak is located somewhere else. Once it’s determined that there is a slab leak, then a plumbing contractor can make the necessary repairs.

What Causes a Leak in the Slab?

Knowing if you have a slab leak is so important, but it can leave so many homeowners baffled why slab leaks even form. There are several slab leak causes, none of which are the homeowner’s fault. One common reason that slab leaks form is due to abrasion. Abrasion is when your plumbing pipes rub against the concrete or gravel in the ground, which will eventually cause a leak in the pipes. Another reason why slab leaks develop is when the ground shifts. The ground for many reasons, but it can cause the pipes to also shift, which might result in leaks. The construction of pipes might also be to blame since improper installation and defective products can also cause leaks to form. Lastly, corrosion and time can also be a huge factor as to why slab leaks have formed in your underground plumbing pipes.

Is a Slab Leak Dangerous?

It is imperative that if you have any suspicion that there is a slab leak, you get it taken care of right away. When slab leaks are found relatively soon, there is no danger of them causing any damage. However, they have the ability to cause damages to the structure of your home, like the foundation, as well as damage to your yard. In addition to damages, they can also negatively impact your health. The reason being is that slab leaks can cause water to pool in areas of your home, which can then cause mold or mildew infestation. It only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing in your home, but it can affect your indoor air quality and cause coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. While severe damage and health problems are a big problem, slab leaks can also be financially straining. Slab leak repair can be thousands of dollars, so it is crucial that is you think you have a slab leak, you call a plumbing contractor immediately.

Is a Slab Leak Expensive

Who can install a gas line?

While it’s possible to install a gas line yourself, it’s not recommended. Primarily, this is a safety issue. While you might have experience installing appliances and piping, a lot of care has to be taken to install a gas line. It can be dangerous to install a gas line. The gas line installation has to be precise and meet any home safety codes.

Preferably, you should have either a trained master plumber or trained HVAC technician install a gas line. When hiring a professional for gas line installation, make sure the professional is insured.

Gas line contractor

There are gas line plumbing specialists, trained and licensed to run and repair gas lines. These plumbers can install water heaters, gas furnaces, fireplaces, stoves as well as outdoor lines for gas grills. They will also install the gas line to the gas meter.

When you hire a gas plumbing specialist for gas line installation, make sure that plumber has a license and is insured. When you need a gas line contractor in Dallas, TX for installation or gas line repair, you can rely on the expertise of Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.. Our plumbers are licensed and insured, so give us a call at (214) 402-5454.

How do you plumb a gas line?

If you are planning to plumb the gas lines yourself, here are some tips that should keep you safe:

Gas line installation tips:

• Get the right size pipes.
• Turn off the gas before installing anything.
• Extend the existing gas line by fitting the right pipes and valves that will reach the appliance.
• Use a flexible pipe.
• Test the air tightness of the line.
• Once the line is fitted properly, turn the gas back on to test the flow.

Again, it’s preferable to have a professional to install your gas lines. The construction of your home could play a role, especially if you have a cool roof that streamlines the energy efficiency of your home.

What kind of pipe is used for gas lines?

Three types of pipes are used when installing gas lines: steel, copper, and brass. Black steel is the most commonly used. In some areas, using other varieties of metal such as copper is prohibited. In some cases, plastic piping has been allowed. Plastic piping, however, is primarily used in commercial projects. Before installing a gas line, you should always find out what materials are accepted in your area.

Where is the gas line in a house

Knowing where your gas line and shut off valve is in a house is essential, especially if you ever need repairs or there is a leak in the gas line. Anytime you plan to install or repair a gas line, you should shut the gas off first.

Finding the main shut off valve for a home gas line is relatively easy, as the main valve should be next to the gas meter. The main shut off valve is also known as the street-side valve. For safety’s sake, utility companies usually prefer you not shut the gas off at the street-side valve. Rather, shut the gas off at the house-side valve. The house-side valve is usually located near where the line first enters the house.

Can gas line run through chimney

No, it is not safe to run a gas line through a chimney.

Gas line and fittings

While home supply stores and hardware stores may have kits available to connect gas lines to appliances, you must make sure the fittings are the right size. Always make sure to shut off the gas before connecting fittings to the line.

For reliable gas line installation in Dallas, TX give Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. a call at (214) 402-5454.

What is drain cleaner? Drain cleaner is a liquid that is used to clear out clogs in drains and pipes. People also refer to plungers and snake augers as drain cleaners, but the most common drain cleaner is a chemical cleaner. Because a drain cleaner is chemical based, a lot of people tend to ask, “Do Liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” The answer is yes. The reason that drain cleaners can damage pipes and drain is because of the ingredients, which typically use hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients can clear away a clog in your drain and pipes, but they are also going to create a lot of heat in the process, which will damage the drain and the pipes. So next time someone asks, “Are Liquid drain cleaners safe for pipes?” you can confidently tell them that they are very caustic to pipes and drains. The best thing you will want to do is get professional drain cleaning service.

What is the Best Home Remedy for Clogged Drains?

Clogs can be very annoying, as they can cause water to pool in your showers and sinks. If you have a clog but you know chemical drain cleaners are bad, is there a do it yourself drain cleaner? There are actually a lot of DIY drain cleaners that people can make at home to try to get rid of a clog. The most common cleaner that is used to remove is a clog is combining vinegar and baking soda. You use 1/2 a cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain, then let it sit for an hour. Once it has set for an hour, you will pour boiling hot water down the drain. Other DIY methods that are popular to use are

• Baking soda and lemon
• Baking soda and salt
• Baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar
• Salt, borax, and vinegar

All of these methods suggest letting the mixture sit in the drain for an hour and then wash it away with either boiling water or hot water from the tap. While these are very popular forms of drain cleaning services you can do on your own, they aren’t exactly effective in keeping them from coming back. Sure it can remove it for a while, but it doesn’t really get rid of the underlying problem. The best way that you can prevent clogs, as well as remove clogs for good, is by getting drain cleaning service from a plumbing company. A plumbing company has the equipment and knowledge to remove the clog and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

What is a Drain Cleaning Service

The reason hydro jetting is so great is that it doesn’t just remove clogs, it keeps them away. Chemical drains cleaners plus DIY drain cleaners will never do that–only expert drain cleaning service like hydro jetting will make sure that the clogs are gone and that they stay gone. If you are experiencing issues with clogs in your drains, you can call Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. for hydro jetting in Dallas, TX. Hydro jet equipment can be rented or bought, but you wouldn’t do your own infrared moisture detection in Austin, TX, so why do your own hydro jetting? Our plumbers have the skills and experience to use hydro jetting equipment and ensure the clog is gone. Call us at (214) 402-5454 for more information about our drain cleaning service cost.

When it comes to plumbing lines, anything from an overgrown root system to a rat or other animal caught in the pipes can cause a backup. Luckily, in today’s plumbing world, there is no need for digging to repair most water lines and sewer pipes. In fact, with the help of modern technology, your plumbing clog can be fixed quickly and more efficiently than ever before.

What is a Sewer Inspection?

As a homeowner, you face many hazards within your home that could quickly turn into costly hassles. One of those problems is a clogged or backed up plumbing pipe. Backed up sewer lines can cause sewer water to collect in your bathtubs and sinks and can lead to safety issues. Backed up water lines can cause poor water pressure and sedimentary build up that leads to pipe degradation and water contamination. Keeping your pipes clean and in good shape can help prevent backups, leaks, and other plumbing problems.

The most efficient way to ensure plumbing health in your home is with a plumbing inspection and cleaning service. These tasks allow a plumbing professional to inspect your pipes with the use of a small sewer inspection camera and locator equipment which allow the expert to see inside your plumbing system, much like the scope a doctor uses.

Why Get a Sewer Inspection?

Plumbing pipes endure a large amount of wear and tear through the years that can lead to leaks, cracks, clogs, and other issues. These problems not only cause frustrating issues like low water pressure and higher water bills, but they can also lead to:

• Digestion Problems
• Faucet and Fixture Build Up
• Stained Dishes and Clothing
• Cloudy or Foul Tasting Water

Sewer and water line inspections help to identify, locate, and eliminate your pipe problems to prevent more serious issues in the future. With regular inspections, you can ensure that your water isn’t leaking away into the soil or picking up unwanted contaminants through worn seals and cracked pipes. You can also ensure that your family won’t have to deal with drain backups or non-flushing toilets. While sewer cameras are available at your local hardware supply store, calling a professional is recommended. Because of the variation in size, quality, and age of residential sewer and water pipe systems, an expert is best left to decide on the best sewer inspection camera for your home’s needs.

In the Event of Damage

No homeowner wants to hear that they have plumbing damage. Oftentimes, pipe damage requires location and replacement efforts that can be expensive. However, a plumbing pipe that’s left unrepaired can lead to more costly problems such as:

• Unhealthy Water Conditions
• Dry, Itchy Skin
• Costly Plumbing Leaks
• Faucet and Fixture Degradation
• Expensive Pipe Bursts

Typically, a professional plumbing team can locate and repair your pipe without the need for trenching or digging. This is done with the same camera used for inspection. The damaged area is located and assessed, then an expert can use a specialized tool to cut away and replace the pipe or to reline the pipe, creating a new seal that eliminates leaks and cracks.

What Does it Cost to Replace a Sewer Line?

If your sewer line is too damaged to repair with a pipelining, your plumber may recommend a replacement. Much like a pipelining installation, plumbers can use a specialized tool to cut away the old pipe while threading in a new pipe.

This new and innovative technique eliminates the need for costly trenching and landscaping, saving you money, time, and hassle. In fact, by using these new methods of pipe repair and replacement, your project can be completed on the same day and without extreme equipment or labor charges, in most cases.

If it’s time for your water line and sewer inspection in the Dallas, TX area, call the Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. team to help. Our professionals are experienced and knowledgeable in all types of plumbing inspection and repair for quality service you can count on. The Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. team will perform a complete inspection of your plumbing system and discuss the results with you, detailing all damages, weaknesses, and degradation so you know exactly what to expect. We will go over each of your options to help you make the right choice for your home and complete your service quickly and efficiently for minimal disruption to your day. Call our experts at (214) 402-5454 when you need sewer camera inspection or repair in Dallas, TX that you can trust.