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Tag Archives: Pipe

toilet leak santa rosa

Common Causes of Residential Water Damage

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Water damage in residential settings is a pervasive issue, often leading to costly repairs and significant distress for homeowners. This article delves into the common causes of such damage, its impacts, and measures for prevention and restoration.

Topic Key Points
Causes of Water Damage Leaks, severe weather, appliance malfunctions, clogged drains
Impact and Statistics Daily affects, insurance claims, health risks
Prevention and Restoration Inspection tips, restoration techniques, professional services

Understanding the various causes of water damage is crucial for effective management and prevention. In the next section, we will explore these causes in detail.

Common Causes of Residential Water Damage

house yard floodedWater damage in homes can stem from a multitude of sources, ranging from natural disasters to everyday household issues.

  1. Leaks: Household leaks are a primary cause, with statistics showing that leaks waste approximately one trillion gallons of water annually nationwide.
  2. Severe Weather: Incidents such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and flash floods can cause extensive water damage, particularly to roofs and foundations.
  3. Appliance Malfunctions: Problems with household appliances like washing machines or water heaters can lead to significant water-related incidents.
  4. Clogged Drains: Blocked kitchen or bathroom drains can lead to overflows, causing substantial water damage inside properties.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll examine the extensive impacts of water damage on properties and homeowners.

The Impact of Water Damage

The repercussions of water damage are not limited to the immediate physical damage to the property.

  • Daily Effects and Insurance Claims: Approximately 14,000 people in the U.S. experience water damage daily, making it a common cause of property damage claims.
  • Health Risks: The presence of water can lead to mold and mildew, posing significant health risks. Additionally, water damage can bring toxic chemicals, especially in the event of natural disasters.

Understanding these impacts is key to recognizing the urgency of addressing water damage promptly. Next, we will explore prevention strategies and restoration methods.

Prevention and Restoration of Water Damage

Preventing water damage and restoring affected areas requires a proactive approach and, often, professional intervention.

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly checking for leaks and potential sources of water intrusion can prevent significant damage.
  • Professional Restoration Services: Companies like RCS offer comprehensive water extraction and mold removal services, essential in mitigating the effects of water damage.

In the next section, we conclude our discussion by summarizing key points and providing a call to action for those needing assistance with water damage issues.

Conclusion

Understanding the common causes and impacts of residential water damage is crucial for homeowners. By being vigilant and seeking professional help when necessary, it’s possible to mitigate the risks and effects of water-related disasters.

For those seeking more information or needing assistance, RCS has been serving Sonoma and Marin Counties since 1975 and is available 24/7 for consultations. With a range of services from grey water damage clean-up to black mold exposure information, RCS is your go-to resource for all water damage-related issues.

plunger clogged drain

Tackling a Sewer Backup After Heavy Rains

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Sewer backups from clogged pipes or other plumbing issues are never easy to deal with. But dealing with sewer issues from heavy rains is even more frustrating and challenging.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for and minimize the damage from a weather-related sewer backup.

Rainy Season Water Problems

Typically, California’s rainy season stretches from October through February. However, with the wild patterns the entire country has been experiencing this year, the threat of heavy rains could easily extend through March.

Along with those heavy rains comes the threat of storm drain problems and sewer backups for homeowners.

Weather-related issues experienced during summer and fall come to light during the rainy season.

A drought, for example, causes trees to sink roots deeper into the ground seeking water. When they do, the roots can get into your sewer pipes and drains which spells problems for you.

Another common issue is clogged sewer pipes. When heavy rains hit clogged sewer pipes, the excess water has nowhere to go so the amount of groundwater increases.

Excess groundwater not only creates standing water in your yard and around the foundation of your home, but it can also get into cracks in your pipes. This causes plumbing problems, flooding, and/or interferes with water flow from your home to the sewer main, resulting in a sewer backup.

Mudslides, flash flooding, storm drain overflow, sewer line failure and backups are the unfortunate reality for many homeowners during the rainy season.

Signs of a Sewer Backup

Before a full-blown sewer backup, there may be telltale signs to warn you of its impending arrival.

If you notice any of these warning signs, call in a plumber specializing in sewer backups as soon as possible.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises coming from sinks and toilets certainly indicate a slow drain, but if you hear gurgling while running the dishwasher or washing machine, it points to a main sewer line backup. If water backs up into the shower while running water in the bathroom sink, this also indicates a main sewer line backup.

Slow Drains

If you notice your toilets and sinks draining water slowly, it may be due to a blocked sewer line. Check sinks and toilets in your home’s lowest level to see if they are draining slowly. If all the drains are draining slowly, it’s more than likely a blockage in the main sewer line.

Standing Water at Floor Drains

For floor drains in a basement, laundry room or anywhere there’s a floor drain, sewer lines often back up around these drains first. Water that rises, isn’t draining and back ups around floor drains indicates a clog and wastewater cannot drain properly.

Strong, Unpleasant Smell

You’ll notice a disgusting smell coming from the floor drain caused by wastewater sitting in the pipe for too long. The foul odor comes from the sewage ready to back up onto the floor. While it smells terrible, it’s even worse to breathe in and to come in contact with the dangerous toxins and bacteria found in sewage.

Sewer Backup Prevention Strategies

There are several things you can do to prevent or minimize the threat of a sewer backup during heavy rains. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Check Valves

A plumber can install check valves on your floor drains and lower-level plumbing fixtures. A check valve allows water to run out of a drain and then prevents it from coming back into the drain. This is a lifesaver if city sewers become overwhelmed during heavy rains.

Sump Pump

Depending on the model, installation of a sump pump can help keep excess groundwater from seeping into your home or remove excess water from the foundation.

Sewer Line Inspection

Typically, a camera is used during the inspection to identify blockages in the underground sewer lines. These inspections are very helpful to prevent water or sewer line problems due to roots, cracks in the line, hair/grease, or other obstructions.

Conclusion

With a proactive approach, the odds are in your favor for sailing through California’s rainy season without any damage.

If the damage has been done, call RCS in Santa Rosa. We’re here 24/7 to help with all your flood and sewer backup restoration needs.

 

tree with exposed roots

Detecting & Preventing Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

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One cause of a sewer backup may be due to tree roots getting into your sewer line.

Tree roots can block the line and cause sewage to back up into your home, in addition to causing damage to your sewer line and plumbing.

Here are some of the things to watch for and ways to prevent tree roots from causing a sewer back up.

Why Tree Roots Grow in Sewer Lines

A big shady tree is a beautiful landscape feature, but the bigger the tree, the longer the reach of the roots.

Tree roots are drawn to a leak in a sewer line because it provides the perfect environment for the tree to grow. A leaky sewer line gives the roots oxygen, water and food.

While tree roots don’t initially cause problems with sewer backups, it’s when the tree roots grow and flourish over time that give them the potential to cause all kinds of damage.

Older homes or those surrounded by large trees are especially prone to this type of problem.

Signs of Possible Tree Root Problems

Here are some signs that you may have tree roots blocking your sewer lines:

  • Slow draining sinks and tubs
  • Frequent plumbing back ups in floor drains or tubs
  • Toilets that won’t flush or make gurgling noises
  • Gurgling noises from floor drains
  • Unpleasant, lingering sewer odor
  • Frequent clogs

Tree Root Fixes

There are a few options when dealing with tree roots that have infiltrated your sewer lines.

Mechanical Removal

Rent an auger, which is a piece of equipment you “snake” down through a floor drain or toilet to clear through the root blockages.

The upside of this method is that it most likely will clear enough of the roots to provide a temporary fix until the problem is properly corrected.

The downsides of this method are that it requires some sweat equity, may require several attempts, and may not be able to clear through the blockage. The biggest drawback is that it’s only temporary and those tree roots will grow back.

Chemical Removal

Using a foaming herbicide-laden root killer might do the trick and doesn’t harm your pipes.

The chemicals contained in these products kill tree roots on contact and prevents most new growth. These products are typically used directly in the toilet but follow directions carefully.

Prevention Measures

  • Identify where the sewer lines run through your yard. Digger’s Hotline can mark your property, so you know exactly where underground lines and utilities are located. A phone call requesting this service can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
  • When planting trees for landscape purposes, don’t plant the trees near sewer or water lines.
  • If you plant trees near sewer lines, choose smaller, slow-growing varieties.
  • If you discover where the sewer lines are located and large trees are planted nearby, you may want to have them removed now to avoid potential future issues with ever-growing tree roots.
  • You may need to hire a plumber who specializes in identifying and clearing clogs in sewer pipes. They can “camera” your pipes and verify whether you have tree roots or something else blocking your pipes.

Conclusion

If it’s too late and the damage after a bad sewer backup is done, call the Sonoma County water and sewage extraction specialists at RCS.

leaking faucet

5 Signs You Have a Broken Pipe

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Are you finding water stains on your walls? Do you hear clanking sounds when you run water? If so, it might be due to a broken pipe. This article will explore common causes of broken pipes and a few signs that your living space might have one.

What Causes Broken Pipes?

Broken pipes can be the result of various things. Some of the most common culprits behind them include:

  • Freezing temperatures
  • Old or worn pipe pieces
  • Tree roots
  • Strong water pressure
  • Clogs

5 Signs You Might Have a Broken Pipe

There are Water Stains: One common sign that your home has a broken pipe is that you see water stains on your walls or ceiling. Most of the time, these stains indicate that the pipe is corroded and leaking water. If the pipes are located close to your walls, they will soak into them causing discoloration and potential mold growth.

There are Strange Smells or Sounds Coming From the Pipes: If you smell an unpleasant odor or hear loud noises behind your walls, it could be a cracked pipe. The strong odor is usually because of heavy minerals in the pipe that caused it to crack. On the other hand, unusual sounds tend to indicate an obstruction or puncture that is adjusting the air pressure inside the pipe.

You Have a High Water Bill: Another indicator that you have a broken pipe is that your water bill is surprisingly high. This shows that there’s a leak somewhere causing the pipe to constantly drip. Because it doesn’t stop, the consistent water flow will rack up your water bill and will continue to do so until it’s fixed.

Your Home Has Poor Water Pressure: Poor water pressure often shows there’s a problem with your pipes. While this could be a sign of a blockage, it could also be due to a crack in the pipe causing water to drip out of it.

The Water is Discolored: Discolored water is caused by mineral build-up, especially iron and manganese. If you find that discolored water is coming out of your faucet, it could indicate that you have rusting pipes that could be corroding.

Broken pipes are a common issue in homes, especially if they are older. If you’re concerned you might have water damage caused by a broken pipe, contact RCS. We offer a 24-hour water extraction service in Sonoma County that will quickly remove water damage. We can also offer tips as to how you can keep your pipes in good condition.

Warning Signs Of A Sewer Pipe Damage

Warning Signs Of A Sewer Pipe Damage

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If you can’t truthfully say that you’re a plumber or a professional of a related field, chances are you won’t know about the warning signs involved with having a pipe about to break or fail. It’s important as a homeowner or building manager for you to be able to recognize the signs of an impending sewage spill. Spotting it early can mean saving thousands of dollars, so it’s important to know the big signs.

Warning Signs Of An Impending Sewage Spill

 

Unexplainable Water Bills

This is actually perhaps the most telltale sign of a pipe breakage or need for repair. Your water bill gives a factual record of how much water you are using. Bill overages indicate a leak or a burst pipe. Most Pennsylvanians average a water bill around $40 a month, and if you find yourself with a bill $5-10 dollars more expensive in a month, you likely have a problem with one of your pipes.

Repulsive Odors

If you smell a foul odor in your home or building, then you likely have water damage internally that has allowed mold or mildew to form. The water buildup comes from a damaged pipe, and the foul odors from the stagnant water. If you are smelling odors like these and can’t find a source for it in your house, you need to get your system checked ASAP.

Poor Water Pressure and Flow

Water pressure in your home or building is another great indicator for pipe damage. If there is less flow, how much water is put out, in your sink, shower, etc., there is a leak somewhere in one of your pipes. Water pressure, rather, is how hard the water is pushed out, and variance here indicates an expanded or burst pipe.

Constant Clogging

Blockages may seem like a normal occurence in your household but they may spell trouble. These blockages can result in more serious damage, particularly if you have old or damaged pipes and the clog proves to be the tougher. If after thorough cleaning, you still experience clogs, you most likely have a broken pipe in your sewage system.

Damp Spots

Lastly, if you see damp spots that you know aren’t from a spill, especially on carpet, there’s likely existing damage that could lead to serious problems if not treated.

To learn more about water damage and repair services, visit us at rcscares.com/damagecleanup/ or call us at (707) 570-0555.