Trenchless Sewer Repair – How Effective is It?

First of all, trenchless sewer repair and replacement is just as effective as traditional, trenched sewer repair. The differences, however, lie in the varying availability of materials, the equipment your plumbing company has access to, and the skill of the plumbers themselves. Luckily, here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc., we have all three in spades!

The Two Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair – Relining and Pipe Bursting

There is more than one type of trenchless sewer repair. The two different types of trenchless sewer service are trenchless relining and sewer bursting. Let’s discuss them a little further.

Trenchless Relining
With trenchless sewer relining, our team of plumbing professionals inserts a resin-coated tube into the damaged pipe. Once the resin hardens (also known as Cured In Place Pipe or CIPP), you’ll have a seamless new plastic, corrosion-resistant sewer line that will last for years to come!

Pipe Bursting
With pipe bursting, our plumbers use hydraulic pressure to force a cone-shaped drill head through your existing sewer line. The cone-shaped drill head breaks apart your current line while simultaneously pulling a new HDPE sewer line into place.

Both types of trenchless sewer repair are equally as effective as traditional sewer replacement. Moreover, we offer both types of service. However, which one we go with depends on your property, the type of soil you have, and the length of the sewer line that needs repair or replacement.

How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Replacement Cost?

Typically, trenchless sewer repair or replacement costs between $1000 and $5000, depending on the length of line you need replaced.

While that may sound quite expensive, bear in mind that traditional, trenched sewer replacement costs between $5000 and $20,000. Now, doesn’t trenchless sound like the better option?

How Long Does Trenchless Sewer Replacement Take?

In most cases, we can complete a trenchless sewer repair job in less than a single day.
That’s right; we can complete a trenchless sewer replacement job in less than one day. Contrast that with the several days to weeks that get wrapped up in traditional sewer repair jobs, and you’ve got yourself the most efficient and cost-effective method of sewer repair around!

Contact the Trenchless Professionals at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. Today!

If you think that you’d benefit from fast, reliable, and affordable trenchless sewer repair or replacement services, then you’ve come to the right place! Contact the team of trenchless specialists here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. to schedule an estimate today!

Signs of a Broken Sewer Line

When it comes to broken sewer lines, there are several signs you should always be on the lookout for. Unfortunately, most home and business owners are woefully unaware of the different signs of a broken sewer line. So, to help rectify this little problem, the team of plumbing professionals here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. has put together a list of the five most common signs of a broken sewer line. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Sign 1 – Sewer Odors and Gasses

The first and one of the most obvious signs of a broken sewer line is the presence of sewer odors and gasses. If you’ve noticed a distinct sewage smell coming from your yard, plumbing fixtures, and drains, then you likely have a leaking or broken portion of your sewer line. So, if you’ve smelled sewage around your property, then please do not hesitate to give us a call for assistance.

Sign 2 – Gurgling Toilets and Drains

Gurgling sounds coming from toilets drains and other plumbing fixtures are severe signs of a broken sewer line. Usually, hearing the gurgling sound once or twice is nothing to worry yourself over. However, if you hear gurgling or see bubbling every time you flush the toilet or let water down the sink, then you probably have a broken sewer line that needs immediate service.

Sign 3 – Pests

Since rodents and insects are attracted to sources of water, a leaking and broken sewer line will, naturally, bring in the pests. If you’ve noticed a sudden uptick in the number of pest problems you experience at home, then a broken sewer line may just be the culprit. Contact us here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for a sewer inspection if you’ve noticed more pest problems than usual You should especially do so if you’ve noticed more pests in addition to one or more of the other signs on this list.

Sign 4 – Slow-Moving Drains

As with gurgling drains, if you’ve noticed slow-moving drains and plumbing fixtures, then you may have a broken sewer line. If you have any slow-moving drains on your property, then don’t hesitate to contact us for sewer inspection services. The faster you act, the less likely your sewer problem will turn into something considerably worse.

Sign 5 – Sewage Backup in the Toilet or Tub

Having sewage back up into your toilet or tub is yet another serious sign of a broken sewer line. While it is true that a backup is more typically associated with a clog or obstruction, they can also happen due to a broken section of the line. So, if you’ve noticed any sewage backups in your toilet or drains, then contact our team of professional plumbers immediately.

Contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for Help With a Broken Sewer Line

If you notice any of the previously mentioned signs of a broken sewer line, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc., we pride ourselves on being the go-to sewer repair and replacement company around. So, if you need help with your sewer line, then please don’t hesitate to contact us right away! We’re always standing by to help.

How to Use a Plunger Properly

Every homeowner and renter should invest in a plunger. You might not think that owning one is important, until that one moment, when you try to flush the toilet and the water fills up rather than flushes down the drain. Without a plunger, you could become the victim of the overflowing toilet. And no one has time for that! You can purchase a plunger at any home improvement store or at a large grocery superstore.

In order to keep your plunger ready to go at a moment’s notice, there are a few things you should know:

1. Use the right plunger

There are two types of plungers, the cup, and the flange. The cup plunger is used for everything but toilets. The flange type has a little extra lip around the edge, which makes it better for toilets than the cup plunger. Using the wrong plunger for the appliance in question is a short road to a plumbing emergency. Always make sure to use the proper tool for the job at hand.

2. Store your plunger properly

You never want the rubber part of the plunger to tear or it will not work. Store in a dry location, but only after you clean it after each use.

Chemicals can damage the rubber on the plunger. Chemicals can also damage you – especially if you pour them down the drain and then try to plunge them out of the drain. You do not want plumbing chemicals to splatter on to you.

4. Prepare the toilet, sink, or another drain for plunging

If you are trying to plunge a device that is filled to the brim, remove some water first. You can use a cup or bowl and pour the water down a functioning, nearby drain. When there is too much water, the toilet or sink can overflow – which creates an entirely new problem. You do need to have some water, so the cup of the plunger is completely submerged to get a good seal.

5. Burp your plunger

If you have too much air in your plunger, you will not deliver enough force to remove the clog. Let some of the air out before you compress the plunger. You can do this by tipping the cup while it is in the water. The air bubble up to the top. You want as much force and you can and excessive will reduce the force you can use.

6. Give the plunger a chance to seal

The force of the plunger depends on the air in the cup and the seal the cup makes. Some people spread petroleum jelly around the edge of the cup to improve the seal. Petroleum jelly also helps the rubber of the plunger last for many years.

7. Check the other drains

If you have a double sink and one side is clogged, you must block the unclogged side. This will help build the force to plunge away from the clog. A wet cloth can be used to fill the drain that is not clogged. It is in your best interest to check all other outlets to be sure they are not open and reducing the effectiveness of your plunger.

8. Think vertically

When you plunge, you should always follow the vertical technique. The handle should be held so it is vertically perpendicular to the device you’re plunging. This will help you get the right force, as well as the up and down movement needed to remove the clog. The best plunging action is a quick and forceful type of thrust. After a few times, you will get the feel for it and develop muscle memory for the next event.

9. Keep at it

Your first attempt might not be successful, especially if the clog is tough. There is nothing wrong with repeating the motion until the item is dislodged and the water goes down the drain

If you need help with a clogged drain or toilet, call Scott English Plumbing and we will help.

Tankless VS Conventional Water Heaters – Which is Best?

Water heaters are essential. So, replacing them is certainly no easy task. Of course, technology has changed a lot through the years, and one of the newest options in water heaters is the tankless variety. So should you stick with a conventional storage water heater, or should you go for a tankless one instead? This guide will help you figure it out.

Conventional Storage Water Heaters VS Ones that Heat as You Go

Tankless water heaters heat the water as you use it, while storage water heaters hold hot water until you need to use it. The instantaneous nature of tankless water heaters VS conventional is an important distinction. Tankless water heaters tend to be more cost-effective to run than their conventional counterparts. They only heat water when you need it, so you only pay for hot water as you need it. However, if you have a conventional storage water heater, you have to pay costs to store it as hot water. This adds money onto your heating bill through either electricity or gas costs, depending on the type of water heater it is (electric or gas).

Avoiding Cold Showers

Besides the added operational cost of storage water heaters, you also have to deal with running out of hot water. Each unit can only hold a limited amount of hot water. But when you have a tankless water heater, you don’t run out of hot water. Why? Because the unit heats water on an on-demand basis, effectively putting an end to cold showers.

Price Comparison

Now we get to the one advantage storage water heaters have over tankless ones. Storage water heaters have been the standard for a long time, so you will find that they tend to be quite a bit cheaper than the tankless variety. In fact, tankless water heaters can be twice as much as conventional storage water heaters. However, you could save back that extra money pretty quickly. It depends on how much the new tankless water heater saves you on your heating bill.

When comparing the prices of tankless and storage water heaters, ask about the monthly savings you will see on each tankless model. Doing so will help you figure out how long it will take you to save back the extra money you spent on the water heater. Some consumers discover that it takes them longer to recuperate the money they spent on a tankless water heater than the average life span. However, the knowledge that you are using a more environmentally friendly way to heat your water may be enough to tip the scales in towards tankless.

It is always helpful to talk to an expert about the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of water heater. There are many different models available, and each has various features. However, understanding the main differences between tankless and storage water heaters is the first step towards making a wise decision.

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Energy Factor Ratings & Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters

The energy efficiency awareness has proven to be extremely advantageous for many homeowners in search for the right water heater. When shopping for your water heater, the first thing to check is the Energy Factor (EF) rating of the unit. What is the importance of the EF rating? This tells you everything you need to know about its efficiency, flow rate (if you are looking for a tankless one), and first-hour recovery (with storage tank heaters).

How do you read the EF rating? The important thing to remember with EF ratings is that the higher the number associated with the unit, the more efficient it is. In terms of recovery rate, the higher the number shown, the more hot water the unit produces within the first hour after the spigot has been opened.

Tankless water heaters present the unique condition of having its flow rate being cut in half by the lower groundwater temperature. This means that you need to look at the incoming winter water temperature if you want to shop for tankless water heaters.

Type of Heater

Now that you have an idea about EF ratings in relation to efficiency, flow rate, and recovery rate, let’s look at the most common units available in the market today to help you decide what is right for you.

Conventional Gas Water Heaters – with an EF rating of at least 0.67, it has low upfront cost and very easy to install. It has proven reliability for long-term use. This is an excellent choice for immediate replacement for those who do not require much hot water. Simple, reliable, and affordable.
Condensing Gas Water Heaters –can have a thermal efficiency of as high as 96%, it is considered as the most energy-efficient in the market today. It also has an unbelievable recovery rate that means you will almost never run out of hot water any day. Until more affordable units become available, this type of water heater is one of the most expensive. If you love long hot showers or multiple showers are used in your home simultaneously, this might just be the one for you.
Tankless Water Heaters – this generates hot water on a per need basis. Equipped with a flow sensor, it detects when the faucet is opened, which signals the gas valve to open and fire up the burners. Look for a unit with an EF rating of anywhere from 0.54 to 0.82. There may be a lag time of as much as 8 seconds before the burners fire up to heat the water. Flushing by a professional plumber can cost as much as $125. If you do not have much floor space, but need continuous supply of hot water, this may be the unit for you.
Hybrid Electric Heat-Pump Water Heaters – this makes use of the heat in the surrounding air and pumps it into the heater’s storage tank. This has one of the lowest operating costs among the water heaters in the market. This type of water heater can also qualify owners for tax incentives or rebates. Although it is comparatively more expensive than other models, this may just be the right choice for you if you live in an area where the climate is warm.
Electric Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters –this is used to reduce water waste and is not designed to replace the main water heater in your home. It is usually installed under the sink, connected between the hot and cold water valves. By eliminating frequent cycling, it increases the efficiency of hot water use. This works best for kitchen and bath faucets.

Contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for Water Heater Assistance Today!

Let the experts at Scott English Plumbing help you figure out if a tankless or a storage water heater is the better choice for your home. They offer complete installation and service for water heaters, as well as 24 hour emergency plumbing service, electronic leak detection, garbage disposal installation and service, and water softener and filter installation and service. Call Scott English Plumbing today to find out how they can help you.

When is it Time for a New Toilet?

One of the most common questions we here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. get asked is: do I need a new toilet? Well, while toilets rarely wear out, there are several situations in which a new toilet is your best option. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common reasons to replace your toilet in California. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Flushing Issues

If you regularly experience chronic or excessive clogging and flushing issues, you may need a new toilet. Older models of toilets had much more narrow drains that are not always up to the task of flushing the waste of a large family. Experiencing any chronic and regular difficulty when flushing your toilet is almost always a sign that a new porcelain throne is on your immediate horizon.

Toilet Cracks and Fractures

Another common reason to replace a toilet is a crack of fracture. Since toilets are typically constructed from porcelain, they’re quite prone to cracking and breaking under undue stress. Unfortunately, any crack or fracture will only get worse over time. So, if you’ve noticed one or several fractures in your toilet, then it’s probably time to consider replacing it.

Internal Leaks

A leaking toilet can cost thousands of dollars a year in wasted water. Internally leaking toilets are even more notorious for unwittingly wasting water. Unfortunately, figuring out that your toilet is leaking often takes experiencing at least one overly high water bill. Once you notice a spike in your bill, you’ll likely go on the hunt for leaks. More often than not, the culprit behind increased water bills is usually a toilet with an internal leak. To check for internal leaks, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Then, watch the bowl for a few hours. If you notice any food dye in the bowl, then the toilet leaks, and it’s time to consider purchasing a new one.

Inefficiency

Older toilets are far less efficient than modern ones. They waste water and are less effective at removing waste. Luckily, new models of toilets are more productive, have more extensive drains, and are less likely to leak than their predecessors. In short, if your toilet uses more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, then it’s probably time for a new one.

Experiencing One or More of These Toilet Issues? Contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for a New Toilet Today!

So, if you’ve been experiencing one or more of the previously mentioned toilet problems, then give us a call. We’re the go-to company for all your new toilet needs. From helping fix your broken old toilet to installing a new one for you, we have you covered. Contact us if you have any further questions regarding toilets today!

4 Tips How to Avoid Clogged Drains

Let’s face it, having clogged drains can be one of the most annoying (if not the most) things that can happen to your home plumbing system. Not only does it cause nasty backups, but it can also cost a ton of money in repairs. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid clogged drains.

1. Act, Don’t Wait

There is no sense in waiting for a mainline blockage to happen. So if you have been experiencing some clogged sewer line for a while, you should be aware that cleaning will not do the job. There is something wrong with the pipeline that only a proper camera inspection can reveal.

In fact, several things can go wrong depending on the age of your sewer pipes like tree roots, collapsed pipes, and other things that can cause a blockage. So, always act immediately when backed up sewers become too frequent for comfort, call a licensed plumbing service today!

2. Stop the Lint

How can something so small cause so many problems? There have been countless times that lint has caused blockage of the drain in your laundry room. Without you noticing it, over time, these small particles get trap in the drain causing it to clog and back up. The easiest thing to avoid this problem is to stop it from happening by putting a lint trap at the end of the washing machine’s drain hose. You can purchase these drain screens and lint traps from your local hardware or home center. If you have an old nylon stocking lying around, you can use this as well. When the trap is full,s simply replace it.

3. Stop Dumping It

When will we learn that the drain is not a trash bin or a place to dispose of all types of junk and debris? Are you even aware that many homeowners are responsible for causing the clogging of their drains? How many times have you poured down grease or disposed of grout or cement compound down the drain?

All of these things do not belong down the drain and, therefore, should not be dumped there. Pouring down grease will cause it to form a blockage once it cools down. The worse part of it is that it hardens and gets stuck in the pipe, causing a significant problem.

The same can be said with grout or cement compound, which contains chemicals that allow it to harden even when submerged in water. This means that such hardened blockage cannot be dislodged easily and would require professional help.

This is why it is essential to dispose of these types of materials properly and not allow them to enter the drain system. For grease, keep a jar in your kitchen where you can conveniently pour it in before even washing it off the dishes. Make sure to wipe away any remaining grease before you wash it over the sink. For grout and cement compound, please rinse it in water and allow the material to solidify before disposing of the sludge in the garbage bin.

4. Catch It

In the bathtub or shower, two of the most common culprits of clogged drains are hair and soap scum. When they combine in your bathroom plumbing, you can be almost sure that you are headed for trouble. The problem with hair is that it does not dissolve quickly, and soap scum has a tendency to cling to the inner lining of the pipes.

So what should you do? The most comfortable and most convenient solution is to catch it before it gets into the drain. How would you do that? Buy a drain strain or install a mesh screen over the drain so that clogging problems can be minimized. Just make sure that you keep the drain or filter clean regularly to keep it productive.

If you follow these tips, you should reduce the possibility of having clogged drains. Have your plumbing system regularly inspected as well by a licensed professional plumber like Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for good measure.

The Many Signs of a Concrete Slab Leak

A concrete slab leak is a leak in any concrete slab. These leaks are most common in building foundations, and they can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know you have a slab leak that needs repair in the first place. In light of that fact, the team of professional plumbers here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. has put together a list of the most common signs of a concrete slab leak. Let’s break them down.

Your Water Bill Goes Up

If you notice that your water bill suddenly went up without you knowingly using more water, then you might have a slab leak. Slab leaks are often invisible. However, just like any other water leak, they waste water and cause an increase in your monthly water bill. A sudden spike in your water bill is one of the most reliable signs of a concrete slab leak on this list. So, if you’ve noticed a water bill increase, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Unexplainable Puddles and Pooling Water

The sudden appearance of seemingly inexplicable puddles or pooled water is another sign of a concrete slab leak. Pooling water in basements and near your foundation is extra worrisome. So, if you’ve noticed sudden and seemingly inexplicable puddles and pooled water around your property, then contact our team of leak detection and repair professionals right away.

Wet or Damp Spots On Carpet and/or Warped Hardwood Flooring

Just like unexplainable puddles and pooling water, if you notice wet or damp spots on your carpet or warped hardwood flooring, then you likely have a slab leak. If you see either of those things, then turn off your water main and contact our team of leak repair and detection professionals immediately.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is yet another sign of a concrete slab leak. Leaks consistently leak water, which, in turn, decreases the overall pressure in the system. If you’ve noticed low water pressure and can’t find any other potential cause, then you likely have a slab leak and need the help of our professional plumbers.

How to Test for Plumbing Leaks

Now that you know the signs of a slab leak let’s talk a little bit about what you can do to determine that you actually have a water leak somewhere on your property. To test for plumbing leaks:

First, turn off every faucet, shower, and water-using plumbing appliance in your home.
Then, locate your water meter and remove the cover (if it has one).
After that, check the meter and see if it’s still moving.

If your water meter is still turning or moving after turning off all the water sources in your home, then you likely have a water leak and should contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for immediate assistance.

Still Unsure? Contact Us for Slab Leak Detection and Repair Services

If you’re still unsure of whether or not you have a slab leak, then don’t fret. You can always contact the slab leak detection and repair professionals here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for assistance. We’re always standing by to help you with all your concrete slab and plumbing leak issues. Contact us today!

How to Diagnose Low Shower Water Pressure

Have you ever hopped in the shower, turned it on, and noticed that the water only comes out at a small trickle? If so, then you have low shower water pressure. Unfortunately, there are several different culprits behind low shower water pressure, and, depending on the cause of your problem, several different possible solutions. However, don’t fret! The plumbing professionals here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. have put together a troubleshooting guide to help you diagnose your low water pressure problem. Let’s break it down.

How To Troubleshoot Your Water Pressure Problem

As we mentioned earlier, there are several sources of water pressure problems. Figuring out what is causing your issue with low shower water pressure is as easy as following this guide on water pressure troubleshooting techniques. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Step 1 – Check the Pressures of Other Showers, Faucets, and Spigots

One of the first things you should do when troubleshooting water pressure problems is to check every water source in your home for signs of low pressure. You should make sure to check your other showers (if you have them), your faucets, and any outside water spigots are all flowing as usual. If you notice that one or several of those fixtures is experiencing low water pressure, then you most likely have an issue that goes beyond the scope of the DIY homeowner. For those types of situations, contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. right away.

If, however, you only notice pressure problems with your shower or hot water supply, then move on to step 2 of this guide.

Step 2 – Troubleshooting Your Shower

If you only notice low water pressure in the shower, then the problem is, most likely a fixture-specific issue. What we mean by that is that your shower water pressure problem is likely sourced from one or several parts of the shower itself.

To troubleshoot which part of your shower is screwy, you’ll have to take parts off of your shower one at a time. Start by taking off the showerhead and then rerunning the shower. If the pressure has returned to normal, then your problem is a clogged shower head. However, if you still have low water pressure, then the problem could lie in the water mixing valve or a leak somewhere along the water supply line that runs to your shower. Another, far more likely possibility is that your issue lies in your hot water system.

Step 3 – Check Your Water Heater

One of the most common causes of low water pressure is the water heater itself. To check and see if your water heater is causing your pressure problem, try turning on the cold water in your shower. If your water pressure is good when only running cold water, then the problem is either with your water heater or a leak somewhere along your hot water line. Either way, you’ll need the help of our plumbing professionals to get your water pressure situation resolved.

Step 4 – Check Other Potential Sources of the Problem

If you still can’t figure out what’s going on with your water pressure problem, then there are a few other fixtures you should give a good once over. To continue troubleshooting your water pressure problem, check the following accessories and devices:

Look out for water leaks or hard water mineral deposits along water lines
Check the on-off lever on your PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve). If it’s moved, call us, and we’ll help get it sorted for you.
Make sure to check your main water shutoff valve to see if it’s been knocked or turned slightly.

Contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. for Help With Your Low Shower Water Pressure

Here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc., we pride ourselves on being the go-to company for all water pressure issues in the area. From helping you troubleshoot the cause behind your pressure issues, to solving your low shower water pressure problems, we have you covered. So, if you’re experiencing any kind of low shower water pressure, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance!