plumbing services - Action Plumbing, HVAC, & Electric

Gas Water Heater Installation in Salt Lake City, Utah

Are you interested in a gas water heater installation in your Salt Lake City home? Comparing your options is the best way to ensure you make a smart investment. For expert advice from a highly experienced technician, turn to the professional team at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric.

We offer high-quality traditional tank and tankless models, and we’re happy to answer your questions and help you find an affordable and effective solution to meeting the hot water needs of your northern Utah household.

Advantages of Installing a Gas Water Heater

Many Salt Lake City homeowners prefer gas-powered water heaters, as they offer a number of advantages. They’re dependable, have a long service life and require little maintenance. And, gas models experience few repair problems.

Plus, with a gas-powered unit, you won’t have to worry about being without hot water when the utility grid goes down. You might be showering or washing dishes in the dark, but at least you’ll be able to do so! Furthermore, though the initial expense may be a bit higher, the drop in monthly energy costs are substantial with one of today’s advanced gas water heaters.

For some, gas water heater installations just make sense!

Professional Gas Water Heater Installation

Though a conventional tank or tankless gas-powered unit can be a wise choice for your northern Utah home, you’ll only gain the benefits that come with installing this type of water heater if you leave the task to an experienced technician.

Gas Water Heater Installation requires both skill and expertise, and the professional team at Action Plumbing has both. We know how to get the job done right, and we never cut any corners. With us, you won’t have any concerns – we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and we’ll make sure you’re pleased with our work.

Water Heater Services in Salt Lake City

When you install a new gas-powered water heater, you’re going to want it last for as long as possible. With that in mind, the Action Plumbing team offers preventive maintenance services and professional tune-ups, both of which can boost your unit’s efficiency and ensure a longer lifespan.

With an annual tune-up and regular maintenance, you shouldn’t need repair very often. But as the years go on, certain components can become worn – and whenever repair is necessary, you can rely on our expert technicians. We’re always standing by, ready to respond to emergency repair calls around the clock.

Trust the Experts at Action Plumbing

Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric is the go-to source for HVAC and plumbing services, and we’ve been a northern Utah industry leader for over 30 years. We’re known for providing expert workmanship and outstanding customer care for a fair, competitive price, and we’re confident our technicians can meet your needs.

We look forward to showing you why we’re a top choice among homeowners in Salt Lake City and throughout northern Utah. For more details on our professional services, or to schedule a consultation to discuss gas water heaters, contact us today.

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If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area and you have an issue with your tub or shower, repair is just a phone call away. The professional team at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric can provide a fast, effective solution to your plumbing problem.

With us, top-notch tub and shower repair comes at a fair, competitive price. We’re available 24 hours a day for emergency plumbing services, even on weekends and holidays. And, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on all of the work our professional plumbers complete.

We’re experts in tub and shower repair as well as bathroom equipment replacement and fixture installation. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, and we’re the company northern Utah homeowners trust for expert plumbing services.

Comprehensive Tub & Shower Repair Service

The Action Plumbing team can restore the functionality of your bathtub or shower, effectively addressing any bathroom plumbing issue.

Our highly experienced plumbers can repair clogged drains, slow drains and broken fixtures. We can also eliminate gurgling and whistling sounds coming from your drains or taps, and our team can resolve problems with low or inconsistent water pressure. And if you have any leaks in your bathroom plumbing, we’re ready to fix those, too.

Bathroom Plumbing Replacement and Installation

Sometimes, bathtub and shower repair simply isn’t possible. If your fixtures or plumbing equipment are beyond saving, our experienced plumbers can replace them – with your input on the replacements, of course.

We also offer professional plumbing installation. So if you’re planning on adding a new bathroom to your Salt Lake City home, contact us. We offer advanced plumbing equipment that saves on water use and requires little maintenance, and we’ll help you choose a new bathtub or shower that meets your needs and preferences.

Affordable Tub & Shower Plumbing Solutions

At Action Plumbing, we strive to provide outstanding customer service. To that end, we keep our pricing affordable for Salt Lake City homeowners.

Call around and compare costs, and you’ll find that our prices for bathroom plumbing services are very fair. We frequently offer special discounts and promotions as well, and our satisfaction guarantee ensures you never have to pay for the same work twice.

Expert Plumbers Serving the Salt Lake City Area

Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric has been serving northern Utah homeowners for decades, and we work hard to maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We have a long list of satisfied customers, many of whom are referrals, and our goal is to be the only plumbing service you’ll ever need to call.

Our experienced plumbers are fully licensed and insured, and our entire team is dedicated to making sure you’re happy you decided to call us. For more information on our bathroom plumbing services for Salt Lake City homeowners, or to request a free estimate for tub or shower repair, replacement or installation, contact Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

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In the realm of home maintenance and protection, there are certain measures that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. One such crucial element is the sewer shut-off valve.

Understanding the importance of maintenance in your home can prevent disasters and expensive repairs in the future. It may not be exciting, but it is necessary for saving money and avoiding problems. At Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric, we want to help protect your home. Installing a sewer shut-off valve is a smart choice to keep your property safe and secure.

What is a Sewer Shut-Off Valve?

A sewer shut-off valve, also known as a mainline backwater valve or a mainline sewer gate valve, is a mechanical device installed in the main sewer line of a property. It stops sewage from coming back into your home if there’s a blockage or sewer overflow. Essentially, it acts as a barrier, automatically closing when it detects a reverse flow of sewage, thus preventing costly and unsanitary damage to your property.

Why You Need a Sewer Shut-Off Valve

Imagine coming home to find your basement flooded with raw sewage due to a city sewer backup or a blockage in your main sewer line. The damage caused by such an incident can be catastrophic, resulting in extensive property damage, health hazards, and expensive cleanup and repair costs. However, with a sewer shut-off valve in place, you can significantly reduce the risk of such disasters.

Here are some compelling reasons why investing in a sewer shut-off valve is a smart decision for any homeowner:

Property Protection: A sewer shut-off valve provides an extra layer of protection for your home, preventing sewage from entering and damaging your property.
Cost Savings: The cost of installing a sewer shut-off valve is minimal compared to the potential expenses associated with sewer backup cleanup and repairs. It’s a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is equipped with a sewer shut-off valve offers peace of mind, especially during heavy rainfalls or when you’re away from home for an extended period.
Compliance: In some areas, installing a sewer shut-off valve may be required by local building codes or municipal regulations. By ensuring compliance, you not only protect your property but also avoid potential fines or penalties.

Why Choose Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric?

At Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home against unforeseen plumbing emergencies. With decades of experience serving homeowners in [Your Location], we have earned a reputation for excellence in plumbing services, including sewer shut-off valve installation.

When you choose us, you can expect:

Expertise: Our team of licensed plumbers is highly skilled and knowledgeable in all aspects of plumbing installation and repair, including sewer shut-off valves.
Quality Products: We only use top-quality materials and products from trusted manufacturers to ensure the reliability and longevity of our installations.
Exceptional Service: Customer satisfaction is our top priority. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we strive to deliver outstanding service and exceed your expectations.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your home and your investment with a sewer shut-off valve from Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plumbers and take the first step towards securing your property against Utah plumbing emergencies. With Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in good hands. Reach out today!

No one wants to deal with issues related to their toilet, and one of the most common is also one of the most frustrating: The toilet simply won’t flush. Especially when you’ve gone through a simple checklist for minor issues that might be the cause, such as plunging the toilet to remove clogs for instance, and haven’t resolved the concern, this can be a frustrating issue.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help with a variety of toilet repair needs, including for toilets that just won’t flush no matter what you do. We’ve seen every issue that might lead to a toilet flushing problem, and we know what to do to handle it. Whether on your own or with the assistance of our plumbers as-needed, here are some of the steps that should be taken to determine the cause of a non-flushing toilet, plus what can be done once the problem has been identified.

Concealed Clogs

As we touched on above, clogs are perhaps the single most common cause of toilets that won’t flush. While toilet paper generally won’t cause issues here, other items can, such as children’s toys, small items of clothing, and more. If you have a concealed pipe below your toilet – meaning one that runs from the floor up through the wall – this is where clogs are most likely to be found. Of course, every toilet is different here, so what works for one might not work for another.

Generally, though, using a quality plunger – either a cup plunger or an accordion-style – is the best course of action. If you’re not sure which to use, ask our plumber as needed. In addition, if your toilet has a pop-up stopper at the top that needs to be lowered before using a plunger, do so by pushing it from its handle at the side or from below, not from the top. Otherwise, you run the risk of damage to the stopper and a broken seal between it and your toilet flange – which can be a costly repair.

Draining Toilet

If plunging doesn’t work after a few tries, you might need to try draining your toilet. Make sure it’s safe to do so by first checking the water level in your toilet tank. If it’s too high or is becoming too high, shut off the water supply to your toilet. The shut-off valve is generally located either directly behind and above it (this might be a knob where you can twist and/or turn), or along the wall next to the floor behind and below the toilet tank.

Once you’ve ensured it’s safe to do so, flush your toilet and hold the handle down. This will cause any existing water left in the tank or bowl to drain into the waste pipe below, which can help allow for better plunging when you’re done. To finish, turn the water supply back on and try flushing again.

Toilet Tank

If that fails, you might have to remove the toilet tank itself. First, disconnect its water supply line at either the valve behind and above it or by releasing it from the wall where it’s attached near the floor. Then, detach the tank from its bowl by lifting straight up. If you have any problems here, ask our plumber for assistance.

Once the tank is out, you can try using an auger to clear any clogs in the waste line or by removing the one-way valve in the toilet’s supply line to see if that helps move things along. Keep in mind that it shouldn’t be removed if your system freezes in winter, however, as doing so will make it impossible to refill your toilet tank in time for use.

Handle and Chain Mechanism

Another possible issue that can be identified when lifting your toilet tank is the handle and chain mechanism that runs between the tank’s handle and flapper valve. If this sight causes you to see corroded metal or other signs of wear, it might be time to replace it with a new one. To install replacement parts, refer back to your owner’s manual for guidance, or just ask our plumber as-needed.

Flapper Concerns

The flapper is an inlet valve that’s responsible for moving water from the tank into the bowl of your toilet, but it may have worn out. If its chain is stretched, corroded, or broken, it might not move properly to open and close the flapper when needed. This can be cause for concern if you notice water leaking from the tank into the bowl below while your system is in use.

If you choose to replace a flapper on your own, be sure you turn off the water to your toilet by first shuttering the one-way valve until it’s completely closed. Then, use a wrench to remove its handle and/or screw cap to access the flapper inside. From there, you can simply put the new part in place of the old one, then adjust its position as necessary before replacing its handle or screw cap.

Overflow Tube

Finally, in some cases a cracked or otherwise damaged overflow tube can cause your toilet not to flush properly. This is due to the fact that the tube drains excess water from your tank in case it doesn’t get moved into the bowl, which can keep your system from overflowing onto the floor if you have a leaky flapper or other internal issue.

If this sounds like what’s going on with your toilet, just replace the broken overflow tube with a new one that’s been designed to fit your specific toilet. If you need help finding the proper part, just ask our plumber for guidance as-needed.

For more on how to handle flush-related plumbing issues in your toilet, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

There are a few possible plumbing issues in your home or building that may require both immediate action and some long-term care approaches, and a good example here is a concern no one wants to deal with: A toilet that’s overflowing water. There are some early steps you should take here to prevent immediate risks like flooding and water damage, but once you’ve managed to stop the actual overflowing from happening, there are also a few general steps – including those involving professional plumbers – that are required to fully remedy the situation.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help. We offer not only a wide range of toilet repair services from the best plumbers in Salt Lake City, but also 24/7 emergency plumbing services in cases of toilet overflow or other forms of water damage you’re having trouble mitigating. Whether on your own or with the assistance of our plumbers, what are the basic steps to stopping a toilet that’s overflowing, plus what should you do once you’ve managed to stop the overflow effect? Here’s a primer.

Lid Removal

Before we dig into the specifics here, we wanted to drive home one big theme: Immediate action is very important when you notice an overflow toilet. This is not an issue that can be left until later, as it risks major flooding and water damage in both the bathroom where the toilet is located and the rest of your home, particularly the areas below that bathroom.

The first step to take when a toilet is overflowing is to carefully remove the toilet lid from the tank. This requires no screwdrivers or nails – all you have to do is lift it up. Simply set it aside in a secured location, but don’t worry about laying it down on towels or any other laborious process, as this will just waste time.

Flapper Valve

Next up, you need to reach down into the toilet tank and press down on the flapper valve. This refers to a rubber piece, usually black or dark-colored, that sits in the bottom-center of your tank. The flapper is what opens and closes to allow water into the bowl – by holding it down, you will be stopping more water from entering and, therefore, overflowing.

Some choose to wear gloves while doing this, but this technically isn’t really necessary. While it’s true that sanitation is always important around the toilet, the upper toilet tank contains clean, sanitary water that has not been exposed to any human waste.

Tank Fill Valve

From here, once your flapper valve is secured and will stay closed, you need to lift up on the float that operates what’s known as your tank fill valve. This is the main water supply to the tank itself, and the water levels inside your bowl will change in coordination with this feature. When this water source is cut off, the bowl should begin to see a slow drop in water level.

If this happens within 60 seconds or so, you can usually release the tank fill valve float and let the bowl refill naturally – the issue is usually solved here. However, in other cases, the water level will not drop here; in this case, you need to continue to hold the float while you use the toilet supply valve – which is near the floor or the wall behind the toilet – to completely turn off the water supply. This is done by turning the toilet supply valve as far as you can clockwise. You may need someone to help you with this, as some toilet supply valves will be far enough away that you won’t be able to twist them while also holding down the float.

Actions Once Toilet Stops Overflowing

Once you’ve managed to get the toilet to stop overflowing, meaning you’ve mitigated the immediate flooding and water damage risks that were present, you can move toward diagnosing the actual issue that caused the overflow to begin with. Again, this is often a concern where homeowners will call on our plumbers to assist them with – but if you’re particularly handy and want to take a shot at this process yourself, here are some basic areas to attend to:

First and foremost, stop the use of all plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, laundry machines, etc.) while you look to diagnose the issue. You may have solved the flooding concern in the toilet in question, but it’s possible the larger culprit that caused it is still present within your system. Let everyone in the home know they should not use any fixtures for now.
One of the most common issues that may cause this sort of overflowing is a blockage somewhere in the drain – for this reason, a first step here is to use a plunger or drain snake to attempt to clear the clog, especially if gurgling noises or other clear signs of a blockage are present.
If a toilet clog is not the problem, start moving from fixture to fixture in the home. Start on your fixtures in the bathroom and then work your way upward in the home – if possible, have another person present to see if anything happens on the lower floors while you’re looking at upper-floor toilets and drains.
In some cases where these initial methods aren’t solving the problem, you may have a backup in your system drain, a failing septic field, or other issues with your main sewer line. In these cases, you’ll need to contact our plumbers for a more involved remediation.

For more on how to remedy an overflowing toilet, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services in Salt Lake City, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

As we’re all well aware, toilets and bathrooms can get stinky for somewhat obvious reasons. Bodily waste doesn’t exactly smell great, but a good toilet will remove any significant odors through proper flushing and drainage – and if you’ve noticed that your toilet is not doing this, and is remaining stinky and putting out putrid odors even well after it’s been used, this could be a problem.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re happy to provide numerous toilet repair and related services for any homeowner experiencing odor or other issues with one or more of their toilets. For us to adequately assess and remedy a smell issue in your toilet, we must first investigate the cause of the issue – and there could be a few different such causes. This two-part blog series will look at several of the underlying reasons why your toilet might be letting off poor odors even between uses.

Broken Toilet Seal

All toilets today come with a wax ring inside their base, and this feature is responsible for sealing the toilet – not only against moisture leakage, but also against odor. It’s meant to be airtight, keeping many of the smells that exist in your pipes and below your toilet from making their way into your breathing air.

If this seal is damaged or broken, however, both air and moisture can make their way through. The first signs here will often be a toilet that rocks back and forth when you sit on it, or you may also begin to notice smells and/or leaks at the bottom of the toilet. In these cases, call our plumbers right away for a repair of your wax seal.

Rare Usage

In some homes, certain toilets won’t get a whole lot of use. Some have a basement toilet, for instance. These toilets may smell when they’re flushed for the first time, or because their water has evaporated and allowed smells to travel from inside the drain up to your air. If you have one of these toilets, we recommend flushing it at least once or twice a month just to prevent this and other risks.

Clogs or Blockages

Another of the most common causes of odors from the toilet: Blockages or clogs, which can take place due to long-term buildup or due to a single instance of an incorrect item being flushed down. Other signs of blockages include slow draining or even toilets overflowing when they refuse to drain, but in many cases odor is present well before these events take place – and you can prevent such concerns by remedying the blockage right away, something our plumbers are happy to help with.

For more on the causes of odors coming from your toilet, or to learn about any of our toilet repair or other plumbing services, HVAC services and more, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on separating plumbing fact from fiction. A major part of basic home plumbing care among homeowners is understanding a few simple facts about their system, and also knowing which tips they’ve heard from friends or the internet are true and which might be harmful to their plumbing.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help. Our plumbing services range from sewer line repair to water filtration, water softeners and various emergency plumbing services, plus numerous areas of expertise we’ve assisted homeowners with through the years. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll list a few other common plumbing statements and evaluate whether they’re true or false.

Bleach Use in Toilets is Okay, But Requires Care

FACT.

One common format some homeowners use to clean toilets is the bleach tablet, which is often sold at many home improvement stores. As many are aware, however, bleach can be harmful to porcelain and other surfaces in large enough quantities – does this mean you should avoid such tablets?

No, as long as you’re taking the proper care. Specifically, do not let bleach tablets soak into your toilet bowl for more than 10 minutes. It must be flushed before this period to prevent any future damage, and can be used consistently if you stick to this schedule. If you let bleach sink in for longer periods of time, however, you risk ruining parts of your toilet within six months or even less.

A Faulty Water Heater Will Explode

FICTION.

While older and worn-down water heaters may have some issues, we’re not quite sure where this explosion myth came from. Rather, certain rare water heater types may rupture after enough strain – but this rupturing will cause a crack in the tank, not an explosion of any kind. Modern tanks, on the other hand, have built-in relief valves that remove any danger of pressure buildup or explosion risk. While an improperly-maintained water heater may lead to several issues, from sediment collection to poor efficiency, explosion is not one of these risks.

Small Pests May Attempt to Invade Plumbing Pipes

FACT.

Homes have pipes that run from the sewer system to the roof or parts of the drainage system, and without proper attention these could serve as entry locations for small pests like mice or rats. This is highly uncommon, however, and can be easily prevented by installing basic screens that don’t block water from escaping, but do stop critters from entering the system through these areas.

For more on separating truth from myths within your plumbing system, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

While there are certain plumbing components that are absolutely vital for any home and simply cannot be ignored, certain others may be present in certain homes but absent in others. A good example here is a plumbing element known as a sump pump, which some homeowners are intimately familiar with – but others have never even heard of.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our quality plumbing contractors offer numerous residential plumbing services, including informing you of the benefits of a sump pump and whether your home might require one. In this two-part blog series, we’ll dig into some of the basics of sump pumps, what they do, whether your home needs one and some basic selection and maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Sump Pump Basics

A sump pump is a device that’s installed in what’s known as a sump pit, an area dug into the single lowest point in your house (usually the basement or a crawl space). The device is submersible, meaning it can operate when underwater.

The majority of the time, your sump pump will sit idle in a standby mode. However, when rain or any other kind of moisture begins falling, groundwater will funnel toward the sump pit, filling it with water and activating the sump pump float switch, turning the pump on. The pump then drains water from this pit into a storm drain, well or detention pond nearby, stopping the water from rising to the level of your basement floor and risking a flood.

What Sump Pumps Help With

Here are some of the specific benefits associated with sump pumps:

Resistance against flooding in your basement
Protection of paint and other coverings from peeling or corrosion
Reduction of mold, mildew or fungus formation
Safeguarding basement appliances against corrosion and water damage
Improve indoor air quality
Limit risks of termites and other pest infestations
Helps home foundation remain intact
Meets basic requirements for homeowners’ insurance coverage of basement flood damage

Do I Need One?

So do you need a sump pump in your home? While the answer isn’t necessarily as simple as a yes or no, here are some of the conditions that often prompt homeowners to install a sump pump:

Flood-prone area: If your home is built on a plot with poor draining soil, low conditions or surrounding hills, it’s more likely to deal with flooding risks.
Heavy rain or snow: The same is true if your area receives heavy rain or snow.
Finished basement: Those with finished basements, even in low flood risk areas, often want to protect their space.
Previous water issues: If you’ve pad past flooding issues or regularly struggle with moisture levels, a sump pump could go a long way.

For more on sump pumps and whether one is the right choice for your home, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on why main sewer line clogs are different from other kinds of drain clogs in your home, plus some of the factors that may cause them. The main sewer line is your home’s entryway into the primary municipal sewer system, allowing your waste to pass into this system in the proper ways.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our detailed plumbing services include several sewer line maintenance areas, from trenchless sewer line repair to sewer line cleaning and assistance with any other issues you may have in this area. In today’s part two, we’ll go over a few additional potential causes of these clogs, plus some of the signs that may indicate you have such a blockage that needs to be addressed.

Improper Garbage Disposal Use

In part one, we went over some of the improper uses of toilet drains that can lead to main sewer line clogs – the garbage disposal is a similar concern in many homes, though often in different ways. Just like the toilet, however, the primary issue here is folks in the home believing the garbage disposal drain is meant for purposes that, in reality, it is not.

For starters, the presence of grease, oils and other cooking liquids in the drain is a big no-no. This will lead to hardening further down in the drain system, often in the main sewer line itself. The same goes for larger food particles – even if you think the disposal would do fine breaking them up, we highly recommend throwing away larger food debris separately and placing less strain on the garbage disposal.

Sewer Line Damage Issues

In other cases, clogs in the main sewer line take place because the line itself has become damaged over time. Cracking, sagging, corroding and general breakage are all possible in older pipes, especially those that have been present for multiple decades. This will not only allow in dirt and other debris, but will also prevent wastewater from flowing properly.

Signs of Main Sewer Line Clogs

Here are some of the primary signs that indicate you may have a main sewer line clog and should immediately contact our plumbers about remedying the issue:

Your toilets are all gurgling or bubbling at the same time
Smells of sewage and other foul plumbing odors are coming from multiple drains in the home
More than one drain in the home is having drainage issues
Wastewater begins to back up in one plumbing fixture while another is in use, and vice versa
Strange wet patches begin to show up in your back yard above the main sewer line, even when the weather itself is dry

For more on identifying and remedying main sewer line clogs, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

There are a few different clog or blockage types that are possible within a given plumbing system, and they are not all created equal. And on the more severe end of the spectrum here, at least in most cases, is a clog or blockage in your home’s main sewer line.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our plumbing services include a wide range of solutions for main sewer line issues, including sewer line cleaning and trenchless sewer line repair. While many homeowners have dealt with a basic toilet clog or some other simple drain blockage issue, the main sewer line is an entirely different animal. This two-part blog series will dig into what makes sewer line clogs different from others, plus what causes them and how you can recognize their potential signs.

Sewer Clog Vs. Standard Clogs

So why are sewer line clogs different from a basic toilet backup or something else you can handle with a plunger? Well, because the sewer line is the central one that connects all the other main plumbing lines in your home.

A single clog in a sink drain, toilet or some other area can usually be remedied simply enough, whether via a plunger, drain snake or some other tool. During main sewer line backups, however, every drain in your home can become blocked all at once as the main system floods, leading to major concerns that typically can’t be solved so easily.

Our next few sections will dig into the common causes of main sewer line clogs and backups, plus how they can be avoided so you don’t run into these issues.

Tree Root Concerns

As the home’s primary feeder to the municipal sewer system, your main sewer line typically runs out of your house and through your back yard in piping below the ground’s surface. In cases where your sewer line is damaged in any way, or even in some situations where it isn’t, tree roots from nearby trees may grow into the area and even directly into the pipes as they reach out in search of water sources. This blocks the flow of wastewater, and the issue only increases with time as the roots expand.

For this reason, it’s important to understand where your main sewer line is and manage tree roots in the area. If you’re considering planting new trees, know your sewer line location and avoid it entirely.

Toilet Usage and Items Flushed

Another possible cause of main sewer line blockage: Materials being flushed down the toilet that do not belong there. This includes literally anything other than human waste and toilet paper, even certain wipes listed as “flushable” on the packaging – you still shouldn’t flush these. Toilet paper is made to break down within sewer lines and avoid clogging risks, which is why it’s the only approved material to flush other than your own waste.

For more on clogs in your main sewer line, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

Tag: plumbing services