3 Reasons to Hire a Plumber for Toilet Installation

Wednesday, April 1st, 2020

Are you in the habit of making your own home repairs? Do you regularly watch how-to videos online so that you can be regular DIYer? Fixing certain problems around the home is okay, but when it comes to new toilet installation it’s best to let the professionals handle this job.

Plumbing repair is a specialized trade. Here are just a few reasons why you should always hire a trained and licensed plumber in Glendale, CA.

Avoid Potential Mold and Pipe Issues

Homeowners without plumbing knowledge may install a new toilet without addressing underlying plumbing issues. Trained plumbers like ours at Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter know how to spot existing problems that need to be fixed, and we make those repairs before installing the new toilet. If you place a new toilet over existing problems, you risk damaging the fixture and end up with bigger issues.

You Might Be Spending Money on Something You Don’t Need

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when diagnosing plumbing problems is assuming the answer is replacement. Toilets are quite sturdy. Unless the porcelain is cracked or there are leaks or the toilet is wobbly, you probably don’t need to replace the commode. The issue is likely related to an interior part. It could even be a drain problem. Hiring a plumber to give you a free inspection ensures that you aren’t overspending when there is a simpler solution.

Protect Your New Purchase

We’ve seen it one too many times. A person goes to the local home improvement store and purchases a new toilet. That same person goes home and thinks installing the new commode is a straightforward procedure. Then they run into problems, get frustrated, and start making mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes are minor, but sometimes the result is a new toilet that is now a broken toilet.

Hiring a professional plumber for toilet installation in Glendale protects your purchase. It ensures that the commode is affixed to the floor correctly and prevents wobbling and leakage. It guarantees that the warranty that came with the toilet won’t be compromised. This is important because, if you have a problem down the line, the warranty won’t be void because of shoddy installation work.

Let Us Help You Install a New Toilet Today!

We know it’s nice to save money and make small repairs yourself. Toilet installation isn’t one of those jobs. Save the DIY work for installing a new handle on an existing toilet or other minor repairs. Leave the bigger jobs for the professionals.

When you need a new toilet installed, call Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter. We’ll send a licensed, bonded, and insured plumber to your home today for a free estimate. As the #1 plumber in Glendale, we guarantee our services, offer same-day installation, and go above and beyond to exceed your expectations!

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

Sunday, March 8th, 2020

Clogged toilets happen often in homes. It’s a common household problem that can often be solved using regular household plumbing tools. However, in some cases, the problem persists and requires professional drain cleaning service in Glendale by licensed plumbers.

At Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter, we identify underlying problems that cause continual backups. We’ll talk more about these problems later in this post. For now, read on about how you can make minor clogs disappear.

Use the Right Plunger

Plunging is the best way to relieve most toilet clogs, but you have to use the right type of plunger. A toilet plunger is different from a sink plunger because it has an extension coming from the base of the bell. This extension is called a flange. The purpose of the flange is to create a tight seal to plunge the toilet effectively.

Plunging Tips

Is there a science behind plunging? Not exactly, but you want to plunge with short, quick bursts for at least 30 seconds. If the toilet is full, cover the floor with towels to catch any toilet water and protect the flooring.

When Clogs Return

Most toilets clog because too much toilet paper was used or there’s a foreign object in the toilet. But what about when toilets clog for no apparent reason and keep clogging? In situations like these, it’s likely the blockage is too far past the drain trap for plunging to be effective. It might get the water moving temporarily, but the problem reoccurs within a few days.

This is when you need to call Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter for sewer and drain inspection services. We come to your home and investigate hard-to-clear toilets and sinks. Our team of plumbers have professional tools like drain snakes and hydro jetting equipment that we use to clear the toughest drain and sewer clogs.

How Do I Know if I Need Sewer Drain Cleaning

A sewer clog is much different from your run-of-the-mill toilet clog. This is a deep clog that’s probably been growing for years and could be caused by root intrusion, soil, or sewer pipe damage. Homeowners that have a clog in the main line will notice multiple drainage problems. They’ll have many drains in the house that backup at once and the drains might smell.

If you think you have a sewer clog, the best thing to do is to get help right away. Don’t wait for the problem to fix itself. It will only grow worse.

Call us for a sewer camera inspection. This quick and easy inspection identifies problems in the sewer line and lets us give you the best drain cleaning solutions possible.

Stop struggling with clogged toilets at your house. When plunging doesn’t work, call Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter for professional solutions.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

The last thing you want is to step into the shower and be hit with an ice-cold stream of water. At Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter, we want you to enjoy endless hot showers. That being said, we also know that water heaters don’t last forever.

A question we get often from our customers is: How long does a water heater last?

In this post, we’re going to answer that question and more.

First, traditional tank water heaters last, on average, 8-12 years. Many factors affect how long you have until you need to start looking for a new water heater, but maintenance is key. If you’ve maintained your water heater well, you can expect to get more years from it than not.

What Kind of Maintenance Does My Water Heater Need?

We’re glad you asked! Tank water heaters need to be flushed once a year. By draining the entire tank and refilling it, you get rid of built up sediment that can damage interior parts like the burner.

It’s also a good idea to schedule professional water heater services once a year. These services include checking the thermostat, the valve, and other parts that may need replacing due to wear and tear.

Will a Tankless Water Heater Last Longer?

Tankless water heaters have many benefits and longevity is one of them. Tankless water heaters can last upwards of 20 years, which is considerably longer than the average tank heater. The reason for the increased lifespan is there’s less wear and tear on a tankless water heater. It doesn’t refill constantly and it’s smaller so there isn’t as much risk of it getting bumped or being in the way in a storage closet.

My Water Heater Is Leaking. Do I Need to Replace It?

A leaky water heater is never a good sign, but before you get too bent out of shape, consider where the leak is coming from. Is it coming from the bottom of the tank or the top? Sometimes water heaters leak from the top because of a poor pipe connection. Also, water heaters can develop condensation that tricks people into thinking the tank is leaking when it’s not.

A tank that leaks from the bottom is the worst-case scenario. In nearly every instance, you’ll need to replace the tank.

Do you have questions about water heater repair, replacement, or installation? Contact plumbers in Glendale, CA, at Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter. We take your calls 24-hours a day!

2 Times You Need Emergency Plumbing Repair Service

Friday, January 6th, 2017

Plumbing services in Glendale, CA for residential and commercial propertiesHow do you know when you need emergency plumbing repair service? What some people consider an emergency may different from what others classify as an urgent matter. For instance, you may consider shower leak repair an immediate need, while your neighbor may be happy living with this inconvenience for a while longer. In the plumbing industry, there are times though that require calling a licensed plumber without delay.

A Main Line Clog Can Get Messy Fast

This kind of clog can go unnoticed for a long time, but if not detected early on it can cause extensive damage to your home. Raw sewage can back up into your home and require sewer line replacement. It’s better to stave off severe plumbing problems to protect your property and save money. Keep an eye out for these signs of a main line clog:

  • Persistently clogged toilets and sinks throughout the home
  • Sinks that drain but cause the toilets to bubble or percolate
  • Odors coming from your drains and toilets when not in use

Call for emergency plumbing repair service if any of these issues are present in your home.

Gas Line Repair Is Always an Emergency

A leaky gas line is something that should never be disregarded. In its natural state, natural gas is odorless, which would make it nearly impossible to tell if there is a leak. To solve this problem, gas companies add an odorant that is called mercaptan. This is a harmless substance that protects people every day from accidental gas explosions. Mercaptan emits an odor that is like the smell of rotten eggs. If you notice this odor in your home, leave the premises immediately and call a certified natural gas plumber.

For more information about emergency plumbing repair service in Glendale, give us a call!

Types of Temporary Emergency Pipe Repair

Friday, January 6th, 2017

Emergency plumbing in Glendale, CA for all kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor plumbing.Pipe repair is something that no one wants to think about, but it happens from time to time. And, when it does happen, you need to know what to do while you wait for emergency pipe repair. Taking swift action will help you do three things:

  • Stop the flow of water outside the pipe
  • Possibly continue using the water
  • Giving you time to call a plumber

Turn-off Your Water

Although, you’re going to try to make short-term water pipe leak repair, you need to initially turn off the water supply at the lowest point from pipe to drain. Doing this relieves pressure and will stop additional leakage while you wipe down the pipe and dry it.

Close Up the Leak

Many leaks form from disconnected joints or tiny holes that have formed in the pipe. A short-term solution is to use an epoxy filler and electrical tape to fill and seal the hole. You can find epoxy filler at your neighborhood home improvement store. Another solution is to use a pencil and let the graphite fill the hole. Wrap electrical tape around the pipe and the tip of the pencil to secure it.

Call a 24 Hour Plumber

Epoxy filling and the pencil method will only work for a short period of time. Enough time, really, to let you continue with light usage and to call for emergency pipe repair in Glendale. Emergency plumbing repair service by licensed plumbers is available around the clock at no additional cost by Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter because we believe everyone should have affordable access to full-service repairs.

When you find yourself reaching for a bucket or panicked because water is rushing from a pipe, give your friendly Glendale plumber a call and we’ll help you out today!

Effects of Liquid Cleaners on Drain Pipes

Monday, October 24th, 2016

Drain cleaning in Glendale, CA from local plumbersA blocked pipe can cause many problems. Residents of Glendale can contact Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter for drain cleaning services. Our trained technicians use liquid cleaners and other products to clear drainpipes of unwanted substances. However, it is advisable not to use certain chemicals to clean your drains because they may cause damage to your pipes.

Effects

Liquid drain cleaners contain certain chemicals and cleaning agents. Some cleaners contain chemicals that can corrode drainpipes or cause them to melt. Such cleaners are not recommended for drain cleaning.

Ingredients

There are various categories of chemical cleaners including caustics, acids, and oxidizers. Examples of caustics include caustic soda and sodium hydroxide. Acids include sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Sodium hypochlorite is an example of an oxidizer. Excessive and improper use of these chemicals can cause damage to your plumbing system. However, caustics can cause the most damage. Restricted use of these chemicals will produce the best results.

Damage

Drainage pipes are made of various materials including PVC plastic, galvanized steel, and copper. Liquid drain cleaners may contain oxidizing, caustic, or acid components that can cause damage to these pipes. In addition, they may cause further corrosion of drainpipes. However, the negative effects of liquid cleaners on drainpipes are often realized with repeated or excessive use.

Alternatives

At Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter, we provide many drain cleaning options, especially for clients who are concerned about the effects of liquid cleaners on their drainpipes. We can use enzyme drain cleaners, drain auger, drain snake, or a plunger for drain cleaning. Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter uses eco-friendly drain cleaning products to minimize the effects of drain cleaning products on the environment.

Considerations

Some drain clogs may require more than one drain cleaning method to get rid of the clogs. Avoid mixing drain cleaners with other chemicals because it may cause chemical reactions that may produce toxic gases and fumes.

Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter has a staff of experienced and knowledgeable drain cleaning experts. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help with your drain-cleaning project.

3 Ways to Keep Leaks Out of Your Basement

Monday, July 25th, 2016

Slab leak detection in Glendale, CA by top-notch, local plumbersToday’s basements are a far cry from what the average American’s basement looked like a decade or two ago. The majority of basements are expertly finished with beautiful craftsmanship, high-end touches, and features like full kitchens, saunas, fitness rooms, and more. Homeowners spend serious amounts of money to create basement living spaces, yet too often these gorgeous Glendale renovations are marred by unforeseen plumbing problems and water leaks.

If you’re considering finishing the basement in your home, here are 3 ways that you can keep leaks out of your basement and preserve your beautiful space.

Hire a Licensed Plumber

There are plenty of DIY-homeowners out there who are skilled with a hammer and saw. Construction talents will save you money on your basement finishing project, but there are some parts of the project that should be handled by licensed professionals. If you’re installing a bathroom, a wet bar, or anything else that involves plumbing, it’s crucial that you hire a licensed plumber in [location]. Installing plumbing incorrectly can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and other problems that can damage your beautiful basement.

Fix Foundation Cracks

Before you install the drywall inspect the interior foundation walls for signs of cracking. As a home settles, a fair amount of hairline cracking along the foundation walls and floor is normal. However, long and deep vertical and, especially, horizontal cracks may indicate a serious issue. Don’t overlook this essential step and call in a foundation specialist to access the situation before you proceed.

Install a Sump Pump

Anyone finishing their basement should not overlook the importance of a sump pump. Sump pumps remove water from the basement and prevent flooding. Many newer homes already come with a sump pump rough-in (a hole in the floor ready for the pump to be inserted), making it cost-effective to install. Even if your basement doesn’t have a sump pump rough-in, it’s a good idea to install a pump system to keep your basement water-tight.

If you live in the Glendale area and are considering finishing your basement, give Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter a call and let us help you keep your basement leak-free.