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5 Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning: Keeping Your Plumbing System in Top Shape

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is crucial for the overall functionality and longevity of your home. One essential aspect of plumbing maintenance is regular drain cleaning. While some homeowners attempt DIY methods, hiring a professional plumbing service for drain cleaning offers numerous advantages. In this blog post, we will explore five key benefits of professional drain cleaning that will keep your plumbing system running smoothly and prevent costly issues down the line.

Enhanced Drainage and Prevented Clogs

Over time, debris, grease, soap scum, and other substances can accumulate within your drains, leading to clogs and restricted water flow. Professional drain cleaning utilizes advanced techniques and equipment to thoroughly clear out the build-up and restore optimal drainage. By removing blockages and obstructions, professional plumbers ensure that your sinks, showers, and toilets operate efficiently. This preventive measure not only prevents minor inconveniences but also eliminates the risk of major plumbing emergencies caused by severe clogs.

Prevention of Foul Odors

Foul odors emanating from drains are not only unpleasant but may indicate a larger underlying issue within your plumbing system. Professional drain cleaning eliminates the bacteria, mold, and other organic matter that contribute to these odors. By thoroughly cleaning the drains, professional plumbers eliminate the source of the foul smell, leaving your home fresh and odor-free. This not only improves the overall indoor air quality but also creates a more pleasant living environment for you and your family.

Improved Lifespan of Plumbing Fixtures

Regular professional drain cleaning extends the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures. Over time, clogged drains can put additional strain on your pipes, causing them to deteriorate faster. By removing the build-up and ensuring proper water flow, professional plumbers alleviate the stress on your plumbing system. This reduces the risk of pipe corrosion, leaks, and premature fixture failure. Investing in professional drain cleaning is a proactive approach that can save you significant time and money on costly repairs or replacements in the long run.

Minimized Risk of Water Damage

Clogged drains can lead to water backups and overflows, resulting in potential water damage to your home’s structure and belongings. Professional drain cleaning helps prevent these situations by keeping your drains clear and ensuring proper water flow. By addressing any underlying issues or blockages before they escalate, professional plumbers help safeguard your property from water damage, saving you from the stress and expense of dealing with the aftermath of a plumbing disaster.

Cost Savings

Investing in professional drain cleaning can save you money in multiple ways. Firstly, routine drain cleaning prevents major plumbing emergencies that can be significantly more expensive to resolve. By addressing minor clogs and build-up before they escalate, you avoid the need for extensive repairs or replacements. Additionally, improved drainage and optimized plumbing system functionality lead to lower water bills. When your drains are clean and flowing freely, your plumbing fixtures operate efficiently, reducing water waste and lowering your monthly utility costs. Lastly, the extended lifespan of your plumbing fixtures resulting from professional drain cleaning means fewer expenses on premature replacements, providing long-term cost savings.

Conclusion

Professional drain cleaning offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall health and functionality of your plumbing system. From enhanced drainage and prevention of clogs to cost savings and minimized risk of water damage, investing in professional drain cleaning is a wise decision for any homeowner. By partnering with experienced plumbers, you can ensure that your drains remain clear, your plumbing fixtures last longer, and your home is protected from potential plumbing disasters. Don’t wait for a clog or a plumbing emergency to arise – schedule professional drain cleaning today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained plumbing system. Contact us today at (800) 259-7705! Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now!

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How To Know If Your Plumbing Needs Repairs

No one ever wants to think about their plumbing until there’s a problem. But it’s important to know what kind of plumbing services are offered by a company before you hire them. Some common plumbing services include repairing or replacing water heaters, fixing leaks, unclogging drains and toilets, and installing new faucets and sinks.

What are some common signs that your plumbing needs repairs?

One of the most common signs that your plumbing needs repairs is a leak. This can be a slow, steady drip, or it could be a sudden and large amount of water that suddenly appears on the ground or in another area of your home. Other signs to look out for include low water pressure, foul odors coming from drains or water heaters, and water that is discolored or has a strange smell.

How can you determine if these signs are the result of a plumbing problem, or something else?

In order to determine if these signs are due to a plumbing issue, it’s important to consult with a professional plumber. There are several ways to determine whether your plumbing needs repairs or not, such as:

Checking for leaks

One of the most common signs that your plumbing needs repairs is if you notice any water leaks. Leaks can occur in many different areas of your plumbing system, such as at joints, in pipes, or at fixtures like faucets and showers. If you see any water leaks, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Inspecting pipes and fixtures

Another way to tell if your plumbing needs repairs is by inspecting the pipes and fixtures for any signs of damage. If you see any cracks, leaks, or other damage, it is important to have them repaired before they cause more serious problems.

Listening to strange noises

Another sign that your plumbing needs repairs is if you start to hear strange noises coming from your pipes or fixtures. These noises can be caused by many different things, such as leaks, blockages, or breaks in the pipes. If you hear any strange noises, it is important to have them checked out by a professional to determine the cause and to have the necessary repairs made.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a reputable plumbing company to have the necessary repairs made. Waiting too long to repair your plumbing can result in more serious problems that will be more expensive to fix. Therefore, it is important to be proactive and take care of your plumbing system to avoid costly repairs down the road.

What services does a plumbing company offer?

Most plumbing companies offer a wide range of services, including repairing or replacing water heaters, fixing leaks, unclogging drains and toilets, and installing new faucets and sinks. They can also help you with more complex issues, such as locating and repairing underground leaks or cleaning out clogged sewer lines. If you experience any plumbing problems in your home, it’s always best to consult with a professional plumbing company that can provide you with the help and support you need.

How much do typical plumbing repairs cost?

The cost of plumbing repairs can vary depending on the size of the repair and the company performing the work. However, on average, repairs can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. It is important to get an estimate from a plumbing company before authorizing any work to be done. This will help ensure that you do not get ripped off by an unscrupulous company.

Conclusion

While some plumbing problems, such as a leaky faucet, are easy to diagnose and repair on your own, other more serious problems should be handled by a professional plumbing company. By knowing what to look for and what services these companies offer, you can ensure that your home’s plumbing system is always in good working condition.

Following these simple signs can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future. But if you do find yourself in need of plumbing services, be sure to hire a reputable company with experience handling similar issues.

If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with a qualified plumbing professional. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is always here to help – with 24/7 emergency services, we’ll be there when you need us most, and you can rest assured that we will get the job done right the first time. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (800) 259-7705 or send us a message!

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Watch Out for These Common Causes of Water Leak in Your Home

Leaks in your property promote the growth of unwanted and harmful organisms. Unfortunately, your home’s pipework is not necessarily visible to you, so it is often hard for you to detect any formation of leaks without hiring a plumber. 

To preserve the quality of your property and ensure the comfort of your family or occupants, you must know the following common factors that may result in a leak. Read on to learn more about each of them. 

Broken Seals 

Seals are put around your water connectors when an appliance is installed at your home. You can see seals in a dishwasher door, for example. However, over time, these seals can break and wear out. As soon as you notice an apparent condensation in your appliance or water puddles around it, you can consider this as the first sign of a potentially broken seal. 

Clogged Drains

In addition to inconvenience, clogged drains result in bursts or overflowing pipes. It is typical for many homeowners to encounter obstructions in their gutters that eventually lead to severe water damage. It is essential that you maintain the cleanliness of your HVAC system and gutters to avoid having to deal with clogs. 

Corroded Pipes

As a plumbing system ages, forms of corrosion and rust can damage your pipes. Once you observe pipe discoloration and warping, hire a plumber who will assess the damage immediately. You may also want to consider replacing your old pipes since they are much more prone to corrosion.

Damaged Pipe Joints

Where pipes connect can represent a weak point in your water line. As they age, these pipe joints deteriorate and eventually lead to leaks. And since they are not exactly visible, you should instead pay attention to pipes that make a banging or ticking sound, particularly when you use hot water. This can be a sign that your pipe joints are under heavy pressure, so have a plumber look at your system at least once per year. 

Excessive Water Pressure

Water pressure that is too high is a sure way to strain your pipe system. Most faucets and pipes can only take a particular level of water pressure, so make sure you pay attention to this aspect. Excessive water pressure almost always leads to leaks; hire a professional who will measure this pressure if you need to ensure it is at the right level. 

Loose Water COnnectors

It is also possible for the hoses and pipes supplying your appliances with water to become loose over time and lead to leaks. Loose water connectors are often the result of shifting, such as when your washing machine hose leaks because of the shaking from the spin cycle. To detect a water connector leak, you may also want to consider whether there is water running from your supply line or puddles surrounding your appliance. 

Tree Roots

At times, your water leak may be the result of a factor that came from outside your house. Tree roots, for example, intrude water lines and allow moisture to seep out into the yard. If you encounter a sudden decrease in your water pressure or notice wet patches across your yard, it may be time to examine growing trees surrounding your home and have a plumber look into the situation. 

Conclusion

Use our guide above to easily spot potential water leak causes in your property. More importantly, employ skilled and reliable professionals only to handle your home’s water system. This will prevent you from spending more on irreversible damages in the future. 

If you need the help of a qualified plumber, turn to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We take pride in having licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers who offer quick, 24/7 services. Call us today to learn more!

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5 Reasons Why There Might Be Leakage in Your Shower

Water damage can lead to serious consequences, even if it is small. It will ruin the drywall and cause structural damage, and it can also cause mold, which can put your family at risk of respiratory illnesses or skin irritation.

If you want to keep your home safe, you need to fix the leaking ceiling right away. Here are some of the possible causes to help you identify the problem.

1) Leaking Pipe

If you have pipes that run through your ceiling or pipes that go through a wall in your bathroom, and if any of them start to leak, you will see water coming out of the ceiling. Check all the pipes that run through your ceiling.

If you have a washer or dryer in your home, the hoses run through the ceiling, and they can start to leak. Check the hoses that come out of your dryer, and make sure they aren’t cracked.

2) Damaged Bathroom Tiles

If your bathroom tiles are not well put together, water can leak through them, down to the ceiling. If there is a hole in your bathroom, it will cause water damage to the ceiling.

Make sure that all your tiles are put together tightly. You can try removing the tiles and examining them to see if they are crumbling or if there are any gaps between them. 

If the tiles are damaged, you will need to replace them, but you should also make sure that you replace the tiles with a product that is sound.

3) Clogged Drain

If the pipes under your bathroom sink are clogged, water will start to drip down to the ceiling. You will see that water is dripping down from the ceiling, or you might notice mold on the ceiling, which is a sign that there is a leak coming from the pipes in your bathroom cabinet.

If there is a clogged drain in your bathroom, you need to call a plumber to unclog it.

4) Malfunctioning Shower Faucet

A leaking shower faucet is another common cause of water damage on the ceiling in your bathroom. If water sprays out of your shower head, the water will drip to the ceiling and cause water damage.

If you see water dripping from the ceiling, you should turn off the water and inspect your shower faucet, and then repair it or replace it if it is damaged.

5) Drain Gasket Leakage

It is common for the seal around the drain to deteriorate over time. If you have a double sink, and if you have single throw-out disposal, this gasket will get worn out quickly because of the heavy use.

If you see water dripping from the ceiling, check both your sinks to see if you have a leaking gasket. If there is leakage from the gasket, you should replace it or re-seal it.

Conclusion

Water damage can be very expensive to fix, so you should make sure that you act quickly to avoid further damages to your bathroom or ceiling.

Get a plumber in Middletown, CA to help you with any issues with your shower. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, our licensed plumbers provide quick and quality service. Contact us today!

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6 Subtle Signs Your Sewer Pipe Has Possibly Been Damaged

Sewer pipes are one of the house’s most important parts. They manage the house’s wastes and ensure they are removed from the house. Naturally, sewer pipes are made from durable materials, but nothing lasts forever. They will get worn out and experience clogging when pressure builds up. 

The most challenging part is determining its condition due to its location. Fortunately, there are telltale physical signs around the house that you can see as signs of damage.

How to Know If Your Sewer Pipe Already Has Damage

Sign 1: Water Moves Slower Than Before

If you start to notice that the water drains slower from the sink or in the shower, you are probably experiencing a pipe problem. Most homeowners tend to ignore this problem because of how common it is. They may even think that the situation will eventually change on its own. However, small or not, it still is an issue to watch out for. 

Beware of this problem, especially when it starts to occur more frequently. As much as possible, report your case to a professional plumbing company immediately so they can check the condition of your pipes at home and perform the necessary repairs.

Sign 2: Seeing Mineral Deposits Around the House Drains

Aside from the slow drains, you may observe mineral deposits around water fixtures. When you see one, that could tell you something is wrong with your pipes. This is normally an issue in homes that have hard water sources.

Sign 3: Sounds Are Coming From the Toilet

Any weird thing happening to the toilet can be traced to the pipes. The weird sound usually starts from a leakage somewhere in the pipe. Because there is an air passage, air comes in and gets trapped. They create unusual sounds when they are abruptly released (perhaps due to the pressure of flushing the toilet). 

Sign 4: Changing Toilet Water Level

Another sign that you can observe from the toilet is its changing water level. Sometimes it is too high, other times the water is too low. Seeing this problem can only mean two things: your toilet is malfunctioning, or you have a problematic sewer pipe. Report and have it checked so you would know the real cause and address it soon.

Sign 5: Smelling Sewage Inside the House

If you notice a strong smell of sewage in the house, you might want to report your sewer line. First, if your pipes are working correctly, they should never release such a smell. Second, the released sewer gas usually contains hydrogen sulfide, which can cause sinus infections, headaches, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It would be harmful to both you and your pets.

Sign 6: Mold Growth in the House

Molds always occur due to moisture, and a broken pipe is one source of moisture in the house. When there is mold growth around the house, and you know too well that there are no fixtures or water damage, that could only mean a pipe problem that you cannot see. 

Conclusion

Like other parts of the house, sewer pipes need proper care and maintenance too. Unfortunately, because of their location, they are taken for granted most of the time. It would be best to add the sewer pipes to the things to double-check and manage around the house. When you experience any of these signs, call your trusted plumber right away for a thorough inspection.

If you need plumbers in Ukiah and other nearby areas, Benjamin Franklin is your punctual plumber working 24/7 to meet your needs. Whether you need plumbing repairs, installations, and even water heater installation, we can do that for you. Call us at 707-468-0106 to book a service, and if there is any delay, it is you whom we pay.

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4 Signs Your Main Sewer Line Needs Immediate Repair

Plumbing problems are something most homeowners encounter at least once in their stay at their house. The problem could be anything from a leaky faucet to frozen pipes. But if there’s an issue you’d always want to avoid, that’s a broken sewer line. Despite sewer lines being practically out of sight most of the time, a broken one can cause a series of headaches like flooding and contaminated groundwater. 

Don’t ignore your sewer line and call a plumber in Lakeport when things are already out of hand. The following are signs that your sewer line is damaged, so you can have it repaired before it’s too late.

Sewage Backups and Blockages

A sewer backup or blockage can happen at any time, and it’s usually because there’s obstruction or damage to your sewer line. If you happen to notice sewage backups every time you flush the toilet, then it’s time to call a maintenance specialist to have it checked. All of your home’s drains rely on the sewer, and it could be the cause of the backup. Blockages in more than one drain are a good indication that your main sewer line has a blockage. This needs to be repaired immediately before your sewer pipes burst or get damaged in the process.

Sewer Gas Odor

Smelling sewer gas in or around your home is never a good thing. Apart from the bad smell, it could possibly be an indication that there’s a crack somewhere in your sewer system. A well-maintained and sanitary sewer should be airtight at all times except on the vent stacks on your roof. If you happen to smell something terrible coming from other parts of your sewer line, then it’s probably damaged already.

Mold Problem

As many homeowners know, molds tend to thrive in damp areas, which is why you should always check for these around your house. If you happen to notice puddles or marks on your walls where mold has settled, then finding the source should be your priority. Chances are, it may be a leak in your pipes, or worse, the sewer line behind your walls. Considering that, a cracked sewer pipe behind a wall can cause humidity levels to rise, making it the perfect environment for mold growth. It should then be followed by a nasty sewer smell. Call a plumber in Clearlake as soon as possible and have it repaired to stop the mold growth.

Slow Drain

Do you ever notice the water in your shower drains really slowly? If that happens, check all the other drains if the same thing happens. A slow drain may be a symptom that a blockage is forming that could eventually lead to a sewage backup. If you’ve already tried cleaning the drains and clearing them out, but the problem is still there, then a sewage backup might be behind it. This could be caused by tree root intrusion on your main sewer line or maybe channeling or a crack on the pipes. It’s best to have a professional assess the damage to know what to do next.

Conclusion

Many homeowners try to fix their plumbing problems on their own. While some issues are easy enough to DIY, a damaged sewer line is something that is best left to a professional. These signs that your sewer pipes are damaged should be taken seriously and reported to your local plumbing experts as soon as possible.

Clogged or leaky pipes? Cracked sewer lines? Whatever plumbing problems you have, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to solve them all. Our friendly local plumbers in Willits, Ukiah, Clearlake, Middletown, and Lakeport are all ready to serve you. Contact us to request emergency repairs.

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Septic Inspections for Selling: A Birmingham Homeowner’s Guide

Most people and realtors will tell you that the process of selling a home is a lot harder than you’d ever expect. The moment you decide to sell your house, brace yourself for a few stressful weeks or months. 

Watching TV shows likely taught you that selling a house simply entails putting it up for sale and waiting for a deal. However, actually immersing yourself in the real estate process will show you that the reality is the complete opposite. Regardless of the type of house you’re offloading, its location, or how much it’s expected to fetch, you’ll need to account for an overwhelming amount of factors. 

As you dive head-first into the process of putting your house on the market and getting a good offer for it, you’ll run into an assortment of tasks that must be taken care of beforehand. From valuations and property photography to last-minute refurbishments and title verifications, the list of things you’ll need to manage is nearly endless. One thing you may not expect to find on this long list is septic inspections. 

Everything You Need to Know About Septic Inspections

It may not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about selling your home, but septic inspections are, without a doubt, one of the most critical processes. You can’t sell your home without verifying that its waste tank assembly is fit for use and completely safe for your potential buyer. 

Fortunately, this doesn’t necessarily need to be such a complicated process because we’ve got you covered with this guide on everything you need should know about it: 

Defining the Septic System

To best understand what septic inspections do and why they’re so critical for the process of selling your home, let’s first understand what it is. A septic system is a type of wastewater treatment and disposal system used (and required by regulators) in areas where public sewage systems are not available. Generally, areas that require these complex plumbing systems are either in rural areas or on the outskirts of suburban and urban areas.

Generally, there are many different types of septic systems that are built and installed depending on various factors, such as:

  • The part of the country you live in
  • The type of soil your home is on 
  • How close your house is to specific bodies of water
  • The slope of your property
  • How big your lot is 

Why Is a Septic Inspection Important?

Although there are several different inspections that you’ll need to take care of when selling your home, a septic inspection is something you shouldn’t take for granted. If you fail to inspect your home’s system before selling it, you could leave yourself privy to lawsuits when it fails and bears about expenses for the next family that follows. 

By having an expert like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing take care of things, you can have peace of mind over the fact that you can, in good faith, declare your home as problem-free upon selling it! 

How Much Do Septic Inspections Cost?

While final quotes may depend on various factors related to a home, the total cost of a septic inspection is greatly dependent on the size of a tank being checked and how extensive the process needs to be. General rates, however, dictate that basic checks range from $350 to $650—a meager cost for priceless assurance! 

Conclusion

Selling your home is a detail-intensive and overwhelming process that entails accounting for all sorts of different factors, one of which is a proper septic inspection. By investing in the necessary solutions and being diligent, you can have a smoother process of selling your property in no time! 

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides professional emergency plumbing services in California. If you’ve got a leaky faucet at home that won’t stop causing problems, get in touch with us today so that we can get everything sorted out!

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Smelly Drain: 5 Home Remedies You Can Do to Remove It

Are you smelling some nasty stink coming out of your drains? If you do, you are not alone. Smelly drains are a common situation in most households. Sometimes it is due to bacteria build-up or a clog. Other times, it could be because of your dry p-trap or your garbage disposal. No matter the cause, this article will teach you different methods of getting rid of the unpleasant smell. 

Method 1: Using Soapy Boiling Water

Here is how you can remove the smell using just soap and water:

  • Get a pan and fill it with water.
  • Heat it up until it boils.
  • Mix it with soap.
  • Pour the boiling soapy water down the drain. Do this slowly.
  • Wait for a few minutes before you repeat the process. 
  • Finish it off by turning on your faucet and letting the cold water run down the drain. That would help remove the hardened residues in your drain.

Method 2: Using Salt and Lemon Peels

Salt and lemon are known ingredients for cleaning and removing odor, and you can use them to remove the smell from your drain.

  • Grab a handful of salt.
  • Throw them down the garbage disposal by your kitchen sink. Make sure to target the sides to remove any possible residue. 
  • Get some lemon peels and ground them.
  • Throw them to the garbage disposal too. 
  • You would immediately smell the scent of the lemon after.

Method 3: White Vinegar and Baking Soda

These two ingredients are also famous for creating cleaning wonders in the kitchen. Use it to remove the odor and clogs from your drain too.

  • Get hot water and pour it down the drain. 
  • Get two cups of vinegar and boil it. 
  • Get one to two cups of baking soda and pour it down the drain plug hole. 
  • Once the vinegar is boiling, pour it down the drain. 
  • Expect to see a reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda. You should hear it foaming up. 
  • Allow it to stay down the drain for one to two hours. 
  • Pour another hot water down the drain. 

There is no need to wait until your drain smells before you begin this step. You can do it regularly to avoid worsening the situation.  

Method 4: Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

Here is another method to improve the smell using lemon:

  • Squeeze the juice out of the lemon. 
  • Add the baking soda.
  • Pour the mixture down the drain. You should hear a fizzy bubbling action between the two. 
  • Let it stay there for an hour.
  • Pour hot water down the drain to finish it off. 

Method 5: Using Salt and Baking Soda

Here is a mixture you can by using salt and baking soda:

  • Pour equal amounts of salt and baking soda into a container.
  • Pour it down the drain. 
  • Let it stay there for a few hours. 
  • Finish it by flushing down the mixture with water.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many solutions you can do at home. Try them and see which ones work for your drains best. Still, the best way to avoid a stinky drain is to pay attention to it. Keep it smelling fresh by regularly cleaning it and ensuring that it is free from dirt and grime. 

If the methods here are not working for you, you might need a cleaning service from professionals. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is your reliable plumber in Hopland, CA, as well as Lakeport, Ukiah, Clearlake, Willits, and Middletown. Whether it is a problem with your drains and sewers or water heaters and others, we got you covered! Contact us today!

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4 Likely Reasons for the Failure of Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks are a significant part of plumbing systems, particularly to homes that are not connected to the sewers in Hidden Valley. Septic tanks are in charge of processing all the wastewater a household generates. When your septic system malfunctions, your sewage discharge has nowhere to go and returns to your home, untreated and unsafe.

Septic tank failure, however, is a dangerous issue to tackle. You will need to hire an expert plumber to fix the problem for you. To know when to call for help for septic tank failures in the first place, we have put together the four most common septic tank problems below:

1. A Lack of Maintenance

Your septic system works by directing all your wastewater into a septic tank. Heavy impurities separate from the water inside the tank and settle to the bottom as sludge. Oil and grease, which are light contaminants, float to the surface of the wastewater as scum. After the sludge and scum have separated, the septic tank pumps the water into the drain field. The scum and sludge remain contained within the tank, preventing contamination of the groundwater.

Some of the sludge and scum in the tank naturally decompose over time, but not all of it. You can remove built-up sludge and scum by pumping out your septic tank at least once every three years. If you don’t, the scum and sludge inside the tank will continue to build up, taking too much space or perhaps beginning to drain into the soil with the treated water.

2. Excessive Use of Water

Septic tanks have a limited capacity. They can only handle a specific amount of wastewater at any given time.

Your septic tank is built to handle a specified flow rate of water, depending on the size of your home. It should discharge wastewater at the same rate or quicker. However, it cannot do that if it has taken on a lot of water. When this happens, the tank fills up before it can be emptied. Because the sewage cannot enter the full tank, it must be disposed of elsewhere. This usually leads back to you, either through your pipes or onto your lawn.

If your septic tank cannot handle your water usage, it is most likely because it is not fit for your needs. It is also possible that outside drainage or runoff flooded the septic tank, which overloaded the system.

3. Damage or Leaks

Several factors can harm septic systems. If any of the four essential components of a septic system (the pipe connecting your home to the septic tank, the tank, the drain field, and the surrounding soil) are damaged, the system could be jeopardized. Varied types of damage have various effects on the septic system. Damage that appears small at first can often progress to something more serious over time.

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of septic system failure. Tree roots can dislocate or puncture pipelines and break into the tank itself as they grow. Even if roots do not cause direct harm to the pipe or tank, they might obstruct drain lines. 

Crushing components and compacting soil, paving, or driving on the drain field can also cause major damage to the septic system.

4. Improper Septic Tank Installation

Septic systems must be buried in a specific type of soil at a specified depth. If the drain field soil is overly wet, it will not be able to properly treat sewage before discharging it. Sewage will instead reach groundwater while it is still tainted.

Your drain field will not be able to absorb all of the sewage if there isn’t enough soil beneath the bottom of the drain field trench (vertical separation distance). Every other system component must be carefully installed. The drain line or distribution box may not work properly if it’s not level. 

In conclusion

These are just four of the most common reasons for septic tank failure. There are many more you must watch out for, which is why you need the help of an expert plumber. Just like any component in the home, your septic system needs assessment and maintenance to prevent serious problems from arising. 

If you’re concerned that your septic system wasn’t installed properly, hire a licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing! It is critical to be as proactive as possible to avoid septic tank failures. If your septic tank fails, however, you can trust our experts to fix them. Give us a call to hire our plumbing services in Hidden Valley, California!

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Drain Maintenance Dos And Don’ts Every Homeowner Should Know About

Cleaning out your drain may seem like a simple idea at first. Well, it can be if you know what you’re doing. Working blindly without knowing how drains work or what it’s common issues are could just lead to more problems. Make sure you maintain your drains properly by considering these dos and don’ts about drain cleaning as advised by expert plumbers.

Do: Try Flushing with Hot Water

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is the buildup of grease and gunk on your pipes. Clogs can be formed with a variety of materials, like hair, food waste, solidified grease, and other objects. Over time, this blockage gets bigger and bigger until your water supply just can’t seem to flow right through it. When this happens, pouring boiling hot water down a clogged drain can help weak and break down the caked-on grease and gunk, releasing any clogs that may have formed.

Don’t: Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaner

One natural solution to clogs that most people do is to use store-bought drain cleaners. While they can be pretty effective at doing their job, they can also damage your pipes. Avoid using these drain cleaners on a regular basis as the chemical components of those cleaners are strong enough to break down your pipes. This could cause leaks and other costly problems on your drain pipes.

Do: Install a Drain Filter

Drain filters are great for preventing future clogs and headaches down the road. They don’t actually help remove any existing clogs, but they do make sure it doesn’t happen in the future. For kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and shower and tub drains can all benefit from having a filter of their own. Filters usually sit at the top of the drain and let water fall through its tiny holes while catching any stray hairs, food waste, and other objects.

Don’t: Snaking Your Drains Yourself

A drain snake is typically a tool used to fish out and break down any clog-induced blockages. These are usually made from flexible steel cables that can be fed through your drain to clear or pull out food, hair, and other debris. The downside to snaking your own drains is the risk of snapping your drain snake when it gets caught inside the pipe. When this happens, tiny slivers of steel in the pipe can cause significant damage to it or, worse, cause personal injury to your family.

Do: Have it Professionally Cleaned

Of course, no matter how hard you try to clean and maintain your drain, nothing beats having a professional take a look at your drains. A professional plumber from Clearlake, CA, will be able to use specialist tools that can easily and safely remove any debris that may be causing a blockage. Plumbing services are relatively inexpensive and can provide all the necessary services to help solve all your plumbing problems in a jiffy. Professional plumbers also use a sewer jet tool equipped with a high-pressure hose fixed with a jetting nozzle that can easily reach underground. This is used to funnel the water through and clear out your sewer lines.

Conclusion

A clogged or blocked drain can be a major inconvenience to anyone. They also have the potential to damage your plumbing system, which could lead to costly repairs. Make sure you follow these steps to prevent that from happening.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has a team of plumbers in Clearlake, CA, capable of providing quality plumbing and excellent customer service to our clients. We make sure to do the job right and on time, all the time. If you’re looking for licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers in Clearlake, CA, feel free to call us. Contact us today for drain cleaning services!

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