Diamond Certified Resource Plumbing Guide
Plumbing contractors perform a wide variety of services. Here are some of the most common services requested of plumbing companies.
Before hiring a plumbing company, it’s helpful to educate yourself on plumbing industry terms and processes.
Here are some commonly asked questions about plumbing, as well as hiring and working with a plumbing contractor.
Don’t let plumbing be a mystery. This helpful guide tells you what you need to know about plumbing: terms, DIY plumbing fixes and maintenance, and FAQs.
Posted By Matthew Solis
PLEASANTON — If you experience chronic sewer line backups in your home, it’s likely a symptom of a larger underlying issue. Fortunately, thanks to innovations in plumbing technology, it’s now easier than ever to diagnose and repair sewer line problems. Diagnosis In the past, diagnosing a sewer line involved a fair amount of guesswork, but today’s plumbers have the advantage of advanced imaging technology. In-line cameras enable plumbers to see the location and cause of a sewer line problem without having to dig an inch. Some of the things a plumber will look for during a video survey of your sewer line include flat spots or bellies in the line where materials are prone to collect, Read more
SANTA ROSA —It’s well known that traditional water heaters need to be flushed regularly, but few people realize this is also necessary for tankless water heaters. In fact, it’s even more important for tankless units because they have a higher susceptibility to issues caused by mineral buildup. By keeping the inner pipes clear of buildup, routinely flushing your tankless water heater will prolong its operating lifespan. You should flush your tankless water heater at least once a year, but if your home has hard water, you may need to do it more frequently. If you don’t want to flush your water heater as often, consider installing a whole-home water filter. By filtering water as it enters your home, Read more
SANTA ROSA — If you’re interested in buying a used Mercedes-Benz, there’s something you should be aware of. Certain models from 2004 to 2008 are known to have a problem with their timing chains, caused by a defective balance shaft. Essentially, the balance shaft’s gears tend to wear out prematurely, which causes the timing chain to slip. Besides leading to engine problems, this defect can cause your car’s “check engine” light to come on, which is a problem if you need it to pass a smog check. The cost to repair this issue can easily exceed $4,000—a substantial addition to any car’s price tag, much less a used one. So, when shopping for a used Mercedes-Benz, Read more
SAN RAFAEL — Most water heater problems stem from a lack of routine maintenance. Over time, sediment and mineral buildup can inhibit a water heater’s efficiency and water flow, leading to subpar performance and even premature failure. Routinely flushing your traditional or tankless water heater will prevent these types of problems and help ensure efficient long-term operation. Tankless water heater maintenance Tankless water heaters require annual flushing with a descaling solution. This helps clear any blockages caused by sediment or mineral buildup so the heat exchanger can maintain an uninhibited flow. Tankless water heaters also have air and water filters that need to be routinely cleaned to ensure an uninhibited flow of combustion air and efficient flow of water throughout the unit. Read more
SAN LORENZO — Does your home’s sewer lateral need to be replaced? To get an idea of what you can expect from the job, read the following summary of the steps involved. 1. In-line camera inspection This inspection will allow your plumbing contractor to see inside your sewer lateral, assess its condition, identify any defects, and determine where the damaged area begins and ends. This will help them ascertain whether the entire lateral needs to be replaced or only a section of it. 2. Sewer lateral replacement While trenchless replacement is the simplest way to replace a sewer lateral, it’s not always an option. For example, if there are any sags in the line, Read more
One important aspect of plumbing maintenance is routinely testing the water shut-off valves in your home.
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