Sewer Line Cleaning and Repair

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Roots in Your Sewer Lines Can Get Nasty

Roots in drain line

Roots are a common problem in sewer lines.

Tree roots entering your sewer line can cause major damage to pipes and septic tanks because they tend to grow into rough shapes that create clogs and slow drains that can back up sewage into your home.

As roots continue to grow, they expand and exert considerable pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. The force exerted by the root growth will break the pipe and may result in total collapse of the pipe requiring it to be replaced.

How do roots get into the main drainpipe?

Roots grow towards sewer pipes because they hold water, nutrients and oxygen—things roots crave.  And if the root finds a crack or leak in the pipe, they’ll grow into the pipe, blocking off the flow of waste into the sewer. Read more →

bathroom with grab bars

Aging-In-Place In Your Home

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Are You One of the 90% Who Want to Age-In-Place?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as: “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”  The feeling of being at home provides us with a comfortable, familiar environment that is more than just a place – it’s a sense of stability. Read more →

water faucet

Testing Your Home’s Water

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How Often and When Should You Test Your Home’s Water?

water faucetThe United States enjoys one of the world’s most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.  Approximately 150,000 public water systems provide drinking water to most Americans.  Those on public water systems have their water monitored regularly to prevent any contamination of the water supply. 

If You Get Your Water from a Well

For the 10 percent of people in the United States who get their water from private wells, many of them in rural areas in Indiana, they need to take precautions to ensure their drinking water is safe.  Private wells are not regulated, so the responsibility for checking the quality of the water falls on the homeowner. Read more →

corroded drain pipes

Old Drainpipes in Your Home

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How Old are the Drainpipes in Your Home?

The drainage pipes in your home are not something many of us ever give much thought to. For the most part they do their job every day, year after year.  But like any product, drainage pipes do have a lifespan.  Depending on the type of material they are made of these pipes can last from 25 to almost 100 years.

corroded drain pipes

Once pipes begin to corrode, it’s only a matter of time before problems develop.

When to Take a Look

When remodeling an older home knowing the age of the structure can be helpful. This might give you an indication of what you’ll find behind the walls when you redo a bathroom or kitchen.

What you want to avoid is updating a room with new fixtures, tile flooring and walls, shower heads, and toilets, and neglecting to determine the condition of your drainpipes.

This is a little like “putting lipstick on a pig”. The outward appearance might be better, but the overall benefits are not realized because what’s going on behind the walls needs to be addressed. Read more →

backup sump pump system

Importance of Backup Sump Pumps

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Why You May Need a Backup Sump Pump

The simple answer to this question is based on the value of your investment and property in your basement.  Is it fully finished with carpeting, furniture, electronics and other refinements?  Even if not completely finished, do you store items on the floor that water will ruin?  If so, a backup sump pump would be a wise investment.
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finished basement

Sump pumps protect those important and valuable items we keep in the basement.

Backup Sump Pumps Protect Our Valuable Possessions

Many families have turned their basements into some very nice social spaces.  Workshops, playrooms, entertainment centers, exercise rooms, and man caves can now all be found in our home’s lowest level.  Normally at the same level as our water heaters, furnaces, and the out of the way, not often thought about, sump pump. Read more →

clogged drain

What Not to Dispose Down Your Drain

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Stop! Don’t Put That Down Your Drain

clogged drainHow often do we think about what should or shouldn’t be washed down the drain?  But not being aware of the stuff that goes down our drains can, not only impact our environment, but also lead to expensive plumbing repairs.
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Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are still certain substances that should be properly disposed of to avoid clogs and problems with your system.
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Here are some of the major culprits that we should avoid disposing of down our sink drains.

Coffee Grounds
Most people assume that coffee grounds are small enough that they won’t stick around in your pipes, but that’s not the case. In fact, most plumbers say that coffee grounds are one of the most likely sources of a clog in your kitchen pipes.

coffee grounds

Butter, Margarine and Cooking Oils
Even when melted, butter and margarine can congeal and build up over time creating water-resistant barriers. Oils are a major contributor to clogs and mix with other debris to create sludge. This also includes items such as, salad dressing, sauces and mayonnaise.

Grease and Other Fats
Like oils, leftover fats and grease from cooking can congeal, blocking drains and allowing other debris to cling onto the inside of pipes.

Eggshells
Not only are the shells hard on disposal blades, the egg shell membranes can wrap around the grinding device. Once ground, the tiny bits of the shell can compound other blockages.

Pasta, Rice and Flour
Pasta, noodles, rice and flour all absorb water and will swell or create a glue-like substance that can create clogs in your pipes.

Produce Stickers
These plastic and adhesive stickers are not water-soluble and when washed down a drain they can easily stick to other items leading to clogged pipes.

Medications
While there’s no real danger to your drain or pipes, the addition of pharmaceuticals into the water presents an environmental risk. It’s best to dispose of old medication in a sealed container in the trash can, or as dictated by local ordinances.

paint in sinkHousehold Fluids
Household cleaners and car fluids may not cause clogs in your pipes, but these chemicals can be very harmful when mixed into the water supply. Car fluids (oil, coolant, transmission and brake fluids) should be disposed according to local municipal guidelines. Avoid allowing toxic household cleaners into the water system by switching to all-natural cleaners.

Paint
Washing paint, both water- and oil-based, down the drain is not permitted in most areas because of the number of toxins and chemicals from the paint that can end up in the water supply. Depending on your area, you may have to dispose of paint at a hazardous waste facility.Brenneco Plumbing logo

Need Assistance
Have a clogged drain you can’t clear yourself?  Give Brenneco a call at 765-448-6190 and we’ll be happy to help.

Water Shut Off tag

Finding Your Water Shut-Off Valve

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Finding Your Water Shut-Off Valve Before An Emergency Occurs

Water Shut Off tagDo you know where your main water shut-off valve is located in your home? 

This is not a rhetorical question? When the water is pouring into your home from a broken pipe or valve, this is not the time to be asking yourself this question.  Taking the time now to locate your main shut-off valve can save you from significant water damage in case of an emergency.

Many types of plumbing emergencies call for turning off the main water supply to your home.  So knowing where this valve is located and being able to get to it quickly is very important.

Where To Look

If your home has a basement or crawlspace, the shut off valve is probably located on a wall near the front of your house. If your home is built on a slab, check in the garage or near the water heater for the shut off valve.  If you are on a well, the shut-off valve is often near the pressurized water tank.

water shut off valves

Shut-off valves come in a couple of different configurations.

If the water main shut off valve is located outside, it will be buried underground near the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you identify it. Under this cover is the water shut off valve. Removing these metal covers often requires special tools. You’ll need to obtain these tools in order to get to your shut-off valve quickly.

Exercise These Valves

It is not a good time to find out that you can’t turn off your main water valve because it is corroded and won’t turn. Shut-off valves can come in a couple of different configurations. One looks like a handle you pull down on, the other is a knob you turn. Take the time now to go operate the valve so you know it is in good working order.

How to Shut Off Other Water Valves

When minor plumbing problems strike, you don’t need to shut off the water to the whole house –simply turn the valve behind the appliance or fixture that needs repair. These are located ….

  • home shut off valves

    Shut-off valves are located in different areas of your home for sinks, toilets and washers.

    Behind the washing machine: If the washer hose starts leaking or the appliance overflows, limit water damage by pulling the unit away from the wall and turning the shut off valve behind it clockwise.

  • By the toilet: Whether your toilet is overflowing or you need to replace a leaky flapper, stop the flow of water by turning the shut off valve (located on the wall behind the toilet) clockwise.
  • Under the sink: Before you repair or replace a faucet, turn off the water supply found underneath the sink, both hot and cold water lines.

Don’t Be the Only One Who Knows

Now that you have located your shut-off valves, make sure others in your household know as well where to find them.  Not knowing when a plumbing emergency may occur, you’ll want other family members to be able to react quickly to prevent significant water damage to your home.

bathroom with grab bars

Plumbing Updates to Age in Place

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Adapting Your Home for an Older You or Parent

The U.S. population is aging. Today, there are more than 46 million older adults age 65 and older living in the U.S.; by 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million. Nearly 90% of Americans 50 and older want to “age-in-place” and remain in their homes.

bathroom with grab bars

Aging-in-place will necessitate making some modifications to your bathroom.

Modifying Your Home as You Age-in-Place

Aging-in-place will require you to make some adjustments to your home, especially in the bathrooms.  With basic modifications you can lower the risk of injury and continue to live in your home for several more years.

Here are six plumbing modifications you will need to consider.

Switch to a Walk-In Bathtub
When you have mobility issues, getting in and out of the bathtub can be difficult. Walk-in tubs have built-in doors that allow you to enter the tub without the high sidewalls to catch your feet on.

Walk-in bathtubs offer a comfortable seating area that provides safety and stability while you bathe. The seal-tight door gasket prevents leaking.  The whirlpool function of your walk-in bathtub can help alleviate the discomfort or arthritis and other aches and pains.

Install a Zero-Threshold Shower
For some, even stepping over the elevated threshold of a shower can be difficult.  Zero-threshold showers require no shower pan, which provides a smooth transition into the shower area. This also makes it easier to use a shower chair or bench.

Add Adaptive Toilets
As you age, your risk of toilet-related injuries increases. Many of those injuries occur when sitting down or getting up from the toilet. Mounting a grab bar near the toilet can help in maintaining your balance.

Installing a toilet with a slightly higher toiler seat can make using your toilet easier. Comfort-level toilets are 2 to 3 inches taller than standard toilets.

bathroom diagram with aging in place updates

There are some relatively minor updates to your bathroom that can make it safer and easier to use as you get older.

Install Grab Bars Where Needed
One way to avoid injuries in your bathroom is to install grab bars next to the toilet, near the bathtub, and in the shower.

Properly installed grab bars will provide a secure and stout object to hold on to when using any of your bathroom facilities.

Install Motion-Sensor Faucets
Motion-sensor faucets allow you to activate your faucets without the use of your hands. This is very beneficial when you suffer from arthritis or other issues relating to finger and hand dexterity. Foot-controlled faucets are also available for bathrooms.

Anyone aging-in-place should also consider modifying the faucets in their kitchen.

Add Multi-Level Dual Sinks
The sinks in your bathroom will also need to adapt as you age-in-place. Your standard height sinks may be a comfortable reach right now, but that might change as your mobility changes.

Multi-height dual sinks allow for one standard-height sink while adding a lower sink that accommodates someone in a wheelchair or a person who is unable to use a standard height sink.

Don’t Wait to Get Started

If your goal is to age-in-place, now is the time to prepare your home for the transition. Give Brenneco Plumbing a call today at 765-448-6190 to discuss the modifications that will allow you to remain safe and comfortable in the place you call home.

frozen faucet

Winter Plumbing Prep

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An Ounce of Prevention … Can Keep the Plumber Away

frozen faucet

Take a few easy steps in the fall to prevent cold temperatures from causing plumbing problems this winter.

There’s starting to be a little nip in the air which means colder winter temperatures are not far off.  Now’s the time, before it gets too cold to make the rounds around your home, to check for potential plumbing problems that could occur later.

  1. Make sure you do not leave any hoses connected to your outdoor faucets. This can lead to your faucet freezing and breaking causing significant water damage.
  1. You will also want to check your faucets for any leaks and drips, and fix these prior to cold weather setting in.
  1. Drain all hoses of any remaining water and store them in your garage or shed. This will keep them from freezing and the plastic hose from splitting.
  1. Close and insulate crawl space vents. Check for any air leaks where cold air can enter a crawl space and lead to pipes freezing.  Add insulation where needed.
  1. frozen hose

    Don’t forget to disconnect, drain and store your hoses this fall.

    Check the insulation of pipes in your crawl spaces and attic. Insulate exposed water pipes with spray insulation, heat tape, or wrap insulation around the pipes.

  1. For those with water heaters and softeners in their garages, make sure the seal around your garage door is tight, and put insulation blankets around your appliances.
  1. Clean out your gutters of leaves and other debris. This ensures that water flows away from your home and prevents water from causing mold and foundation issues.

Brenneco Plumbing Can Help

For those repairs that you can’t handle yourself, Brenneco Plumbing is happy to visit your home or commercial property to make any necessary repairs. Please give us a call at 765-448-6190.

Don’t get caught in the middle of the winter with frozen or broken water pipes.  Water damage from broken pipes can be extensive.  Check now to avoid bigger issues when the temperatures drop.

Roots in Your Sewer Line

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Roots In Your Sewer Line, A Common Problem

Do you have these early signs that your main drain/sewer line could be partially blocked?  These include . . .

  • Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet when you flush.
  • Slow drains – including your toilet – that tend to backup.
  • Clogs that keep returning after you’ve cleared them. This is because you haven’t taken care of the real problem: holes or cracks in your pipe. The roots just keep coming back.
  • Obnoxious odors.
Roots in drain line

Tree roots will find their way through cracks and holes into your drainpipe.

If you suspect your sewer line has some level of blockage, now is the time to address this problem before your line is completely blocked or your sewer line breaks due to the pressure of the roots. This can lead to an expensive repair.

It’s Best to Catch the Problem Early

Over time cracks and small holes form in your drain line. Roots are naturally attracted to these openings because they are searching for water and nutrients.  As the root mass expands in your sewer line it will cause a blockage.

Two Options to Eliminate Tree Roots

Option 1:
One approach to cleaning out your sewer line is to use a variety of products including rock salt, sodium chloride, copper sulphate or commercial products like Root X to kill the roots and prevent them from continuing to grow.  This fix is fairly simple in that you just flush these compounds down your toilet and wait 6- 8 hours. This process does not remove the root mass.

Products like RootX can kill roots in your pipes but can’t remove them.

One word of caution. It is possible for salt to kill not only the roots but the tree as well, and any other vegetation growing in the area. Salt also has the potential to corrode and weaken your pipes.   Because copper sulfate can harm animals, it has been banned in certain areas. So, before you use it, check with the local authorities.

Option 2:
Secondly you can run a power auger or water jet down your sewer line to cut out the roots and open up your drainpipe.  This is very effective in eliminating the blockage but does not prevent the roots from growing back.

What’s the Most Effective Approach?

Both of these options work on their own and can eliminate the problem temporarily for smaller blockages due to roots.  Depending on the size of the root blockage, which can be determined by a plumber using a sewer line camera, using chemical products may work and be less expensive.  If the blockage is large, then using the power auger or water jet will be necessary.

The most effective approach for larger root problems is to first cut out the roots with the auger or water jet and then apply a product like Root X to kill the ends of the roots and prevent them from growing back.

Think You May Have a Problem?

Give Brenneco a call if you suspect you have drain line problems.  We can be reached 24/7 by calling 765-448-6190.  Let us know if we can help.