Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
For years, the professionals at Express Sewer have offered incomparable service, unbeatable pricing and products, plus outstanding, ahead-of-the-curve plumbing knowledge to all of our customers throughout the Greater Sacramento area. We offer a full array of products and services and because of this, we're Sacramento’s one-stop shop for quality professional plumbing.
No job too big and no job too small! We do EVERYTHING. For the best Sacramento plumbing company
How often should you clean your drains?
Monthly cleanings are frequent enough to provide good drain care without becoming a maintenance burden on the household.
What can you do to safely fix a clogged drain?
For the best results, use a drain snake (drain auger) in combination with a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to break up clogs. Avoid using chemical drain-cleaning products, which can eat away at your pipes.
Why is your water pressure so low?
A variety of problems can lead to low water pressure. Some common causes include: malfunctioning pressure regulators, mineral accumulation within pipes, a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, clogged faucet aerators, and partially closed water valves. If you live in a high-density neighborhood, water pressure might drop during peak usage hours.
Why is your water bill so high?
High water bills are usually the result of leaks somewhere in the household. Toilets, faucets, and fixtures are the most common sources of leaks, especially if they’re old or outdated. If your water bill is much higher than usual, damage to an irrigation system or lateral line water supply pipe may be responsible. Bad water usage habits, such as inefficient laundry or washing machines or excessively long showers, could also result in higher water bills.
What plumbing repairs will your homeowner's insurance cover?
Insurance providers typically offer a variety of policies, so it’s best to check with your provider for details on what work is covered by your specific policy. Most policies exclude repairs that are needed because of normal wear and tear, but some policies offer protection plans that cover a variety of repairs.
What are the signs of a broken sewer line?
There are a number of indications that there is a break in your home’s sewer lines. Some of these signs are: slow drains, an odor of sewer gas, a soggy lawn, mold and mildew, and insect/rodent infestation. If you think you have a broken sewer line, call a professional immediately to perform a video inspection of your lines and perform any necessary repairs.
Can trenchless technology be used for residential line replacement/repair?
Yes! Any residential repair or replacement jobs involving water and sewer lines can be performed using trenchless technology solutions, all without digging unsightly trenches, damaging landscaping and pavement, or removing soil from your yard.
How much will it cost to replace your home’s plumbing?
Since every job will vary depending upon the home in question, there is no set price, with costs ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 for an average home with one to two and a half bathrooms. A number of factors influence the actual cost:
How long should your pipes last?
The life expectancy of pipes depends upon the type of line and the material used:
Supply lines
Drain lines
What areas do you serve for residential plumbing?
The greater Sacramento area, including Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Del Paso Heights, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Natomas, North Highlands, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville, and West Sacramento.
What is manhole-to-manhole lining?
What happens when a city sewer line breaks?
A failing municipal sewer line can result in:
Why trenchless?
Trenchless technologies, and manhole-to-manhole lining
What are the benefits of manhole-to-manhole lining?
Manhole-to-manhole
How long do manhole-to-manhole lining repairs last?
Once the municipal sewer pipe cures underground and a sewer video inspection assesses the new sewer line,
What is sectional point repair?
Sometimes, in cases of municipal sewer line repair, entire segments may not have to be cured; when damages are limited to a single point or intrusion, full pipe relining is impractical and should instead be repaired via a trenchless process called sectional point repair.
Why use sectional point repair?
Sectional point repair solutions offer quality, durability
What areas do you serve for municipal plumbing?
The greater Sacramento area, including Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Del Paso Heights, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Natomas, North Highlands, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville, and West Sacramento.
How does trenchless pipe replacement differ from conventional pipe replacement?
Trenchless pipe replacement is an alternative to conventional dig-and-replace methods, which can disrupt your life, yard, driveway, and parking areas if large sections of sewer pipe fail. There are 2 methods of trenchless pipe replacement: cured in place pipe lining and pipe bursting, both of which are far less invasive than conventional methods. Although the initial cost of trenchless methods of pipe replacement may be higher than conventional sewer line repair, the overall cost may be lower because you will not need to replace pavement, flower beds, and walkways.
What is Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP)?
Cured in Place Pipe is a trenchless technology solution in which a special liner is filled with resin then pulled or blown into the pipe. Once the liner is in place, the resin hardens to provide a smooth, corrosion resistant, and seamless pipe that will allow it to flow freely. The life cycle of CIPP is 50 years, so once replaced you will not need to worry about your sewer line for a long time to come.
What is Pipe Bursting?
Pipe Bursting is a method of trenchless technology used for repair or replacement of short or long sections of sewer pipe. After drilling two holes into the ground, a cable is inserted into the pipe, and attached to a bursting head. It is then pulled through the existing sewer line, pushing away the old pipe while it inserts a new pipe in its place.
How much does trenchless pipe replacement cost compared to conventional dig and replace methods?
Replacing sewer lines can range between $6,000 - $12,000 (roughly $80 - $250 per foot) for trenchless pipe replacement and $4,000 to $13,000 (roughly $50 – $250 per foot) for dig-and-replace repairs. With dig-and-replace, you will also need to include the replacement of driveways and walkways, lawns, landscaping and the cost of labor for these jobs.
Cost aside, are there other advantages to trenchless technology?
Many trenchless jobs can be completed in one day and your life can get back to normal. Bigger jobs may take longer, and jobs for businesses and municipalities, even longer. However, one part of the job missing will be the need to replant your yard, replace your walkway, or repave your driveway after installing new sewer lines using trenchless technology.
How often should you clean your commercial property’s drains?
For most commercial properties, a monthly cleaning schedule provides the best middle ground between too often and too far apart. Some commercial properties that put more solid waste down their drains may need to be cleaned on a weekly basis.
What chemicals can you use in or near your commercial property’s drains?
Many household cleaning products, even some that are advertised as chemical drain cleaners, should not be used in residential or commercial drains because they can damage pipes or emit harmful fumes. Antibacterial cleaning agents can also cause problems for septic systems. Use more traditional plumbing fixes such as plungers and drain snakes in your commercial plumbing maintenance. For stubborn clogs, use baking soda and vinegar mixed with hot water to ensure minimal damage to pipes.
How often should I get a full commercial plumbing inspection done?
Generally speaking, you should get a full inspection at least once every year. You should also get an inspection before signing the lease to a commercial property or immediately following a major disaster.
What should you look for in a commercial plumbing contractor?
Commercial properties have special plumbing needs and not all plumbing companies are equipped to maintain and repair their plumbing systems. Before hiring a commercial plumber, you should consider the following questions:
What are California’s water efficiency standards for commercial properties?
The California Energy Commission approved the following standards in 2015 for both residential and commercial properties:
What areas do you serve for commercial plumbing?
The greater Sacramento area, including Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Del Paso Heights, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Laguna Beach, Natomas, North Highlands, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville, and West Sacramento.