Author Archives: Tribeca Plumbing

With no type of water leak detection equipment, the following are signs of a potential water leak:  

• Exceedingly exorbitant water bill
• Musty odor with mildew or mold growth
• Running water sounds when there is no water running
• Ceilings, floors, or walls sagging, water-stained
• Floor has warm spots

If you are experiencing any of these things, call a plumber that is a leak detection company, and have them come inspect your home. Not all plumbers can do leak detection and plumbing, just as not all plumbers service commercial property.

Because this can get expensive after you find the leak, you want a plumber that does both leak detection and repair. Otherwise, a leak detection company arrives, finds the leak and will either have a plumber they are connected with do the repair, or you must find your own plumber.

Is there a device to detect water leaks?

The second most homeowner insurance claim is water damage, with an average cost of $10,000 or more to re-mediate the damage and problem.  Therefore, early detection is so important and why insurance companies encourage the purchase and use of leak detection equipment and water sensors.

There are several leak detection units available today, and they have proven themselves in helping to minimize water damage in homes all over the country.  While this equipment is small, the sensors are mighty, keeping homes free from water damage.  Before you purchase one, we offer recommendations of what to look for in a water leak detection system:

• Automatic Water Shut-Off: It would seem that any leak detection system would have automatic water shut-off, but they don’t. Without this feature, the system will alert you there is a water leak detected, but the water keeps leaking. This will make the unit more expensive to purchase, but the money it will save in the long run could be greater. 
• Freezing Temperature Monitoring: Again, to us, this seems like it should be the standard part of a leak detection system, but it isn’t on all of them. If your home is in the norther part of the country where temperatures get below freezing for several days and nights at a time, this feature will warn you that your pipes are freezing. This allows you time to take action to keep the water flowing in the pipes before it freezes. 
• Mobile App: A water leak detection system will not do you much good if you’re not home. You need to know when there is a water leak, when you’re sitting in the living room or when you’re across the country on business. 

What could cause a water leak?

Here are eight potential water leaks that leak detection installed in your home can stop from causing any damage:

1. Seals Broken: There are seals with every appliance that uses water. After some time, those seals dry out or wear out and a leak will begin. When your appliances were installed, the contractor put seals around all water connectors. 
2. Lines Clogged: When drains become clogged, it can cause busted pipes or overflowing drains. This can be in a bathroom, the kitchen at the water heater, and in your HVAC system.
3. Corroded Lines: Plumbing lines become corroded over time and after long enough, that corrosion eats away at the pipes, even creating holes.
4. Pipe Joints Damaged: Joint connections are the weakest part of plumbing. Over time, the seals in those joint and the pipe joints deteriorate and leak.
5. Excessive Water Pressure: If you are experiencing frequent water pipe breaks, check the water pressure at the meter. You can turn it down without affecting the pressure in the house but enough to stop water leak detection.
6. Tree Roots:  Tree roots are the most common culprit when a plumber performs water leak detection.
7. Loose Connectors: As the ground shifts, houses will shift, and water hoses and water pipes will shift, sometimes coming loose from appliances. This is typical with the washing machine because of the agitating and spinning cycles vibrate the machine and work the connections loose.
8. Rapid Change In Temperature: When the temperature makes rapid and/or unexpected extreme changes, the pipes will contract and expand and contract until they crack. 

Just how common are water leaks?  Water leak detection is frequently found in home from plumbing fittings and fixtures and the water pipes. On average, a home loses up to seventeen gallons of water daily from water leaks. Call (214) 402-5454 today for your leak detection needs in Dallas, TX.

Are blocked drains covered by house insurance?

Most insurance policies will cover damage to underground pipes if the damage was sudden or due to inclement weather. Anything that is due to negligence is typically the responsibility of the homeowner. 

Who is responsible for a blocked drain?

WIth lateral drains and sewers that are connected to a public network, the property owner will be responsible for getting drain cleaning settled be that with by themself or with a plumbing company that they hire. There is a chance that with these types of drains your water company will be in charge of maintaining them so contact your local water company just in case to see if they are supposed to clear it.

How much does it cost to clean out a drain?

The cost of drain cleaning will vary depending on the severity of the clog and where it’s located. Expect to have costs range around a hundred or two dollars. 

What do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Plumbers have different tools that are used for drain cleaning depending on the severity of the clog and how far deep into the line it is. For common plumbing problems, you’ll more likely see a plumbers snake making its way through lines. For particularly thick build-up or even with tree root infiltration hydro jetting will be used. This involves the use of a high pressurized hose that can snake through plumbing lines and blast away obstructions in its path. These are safe on pipes as adjustments in water pressure are made yet if pipes have cracks in them already or are already old consider that a replacement of materials will be more necessary. 

How do you unblock a sink past the U bend?

You can use a plumbing snake for drain cleaning by carefully pushing the snake down the drain and twisting it to get around the U bend. When the obstruction is met pull, twist, and push the snake until the blockage goes away. Then use water to wash the blockage away.

What household products unclog drains?

There are a variety of tools that can be used to unclog drains with drain cleaning. You may be able to concoct homemade mixtures or even use such tools as a drain snake or even a bent wire hanger. Some can use a wet-dry vacuum while others may choose to pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down drain lines. Others may even use caustic soda or salt and baking soda. There are products out there that the supermarket may offer to clear drains yet these products contain chemicals that would ultimately wear piping materials prematurely and cause damages in the long run.

What is a good homemade drain cleaner?

A homemade drain cleaning remedy can include a half cup of baking soda with a fourth cup of salt which will be poured down the drain after pouring hot water primarily through it. Follow that up with another cup of vinegar that’s heated and once the foaming and bubbling occur you may cover the drain with a plug. Let it sit for 15 minutes and drain away the loosened scum with hot water afterward.

Why do my drains keep blocking?

With indoor blocks, there could be heavy materials or objects that are being drained which cause blockages. That’s why it’s best to keep in mind what should and shouldn’t be used with the garbage disposal in kitchen sinks or flushed down toilets in the bathroom. Grease, oils, sanitary products, wipes, fruit pits, and similar items can cause build-up or obstruction over time. In order for difficulties with drain cleaning being avoided make sure to pay attention to where you dispose of waste.

Rely on the Help of a Professional Plumber

When you need to have drain cleaning done with your property it’s important to get professional assistance when necessary. Get in touch with your local plumbing professionals when you require assistance that is more in-depth. Ultimately, the tools and training that a plumber has will allow for overall conditions during repairs to be safe. They’ll be able to work with varying pipe materials and scenarios without causing pipe damages. Have your plumbing lines cleared out safely with a professional plumbing company when you’re in need of drain cleaning today.

When you’re in need of assistance with drain cleaning in Dallas, TX call (214) 402-5454 with Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.!

Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper?

Plumbers face damaged drains and sewer lines frequently, and if the ground has been ignored over time, it makes the job more difficult. So, when a pipe system bursts, it is a major disruption to businesses, homes, sometimes a large part of a city or a whole town. 

In the past, this would mean that thing was about to get messy and ugly as trenches were dug and the earth was turned over. Mud and sludge and water ever where, oh my!   Today, though, there is the technology of trenchless sewer repair, a dramatic change for drain and pipe repairs. Installing new drains, clearing clogs, repairing, or replacing sewer lines has become much easier and faster. 

How much better has this trenchless sewer repair technology made a plumber’s life? Look at the pros versus the cons: 

The Pros 

• Better quality – the equipment used today is a state-of-the-art, and the materials used to repair those broken sewer pipes are better quality. This gives the property owner a durable pipe system resistant to cracks, corroding, rusting or simply falling part from the invasion of tree roots 
• Time Efficient -this may be the biggest winning point for everyone.
• Trenchless sewer repair can be in less time than the traditional method. This is less time on the clock for the contractor, which means less expense on your budget. 
• Cheaper – in addition to this costing the property owner less, property owners can save almost 75% by the plumber using trenchless sewer repair to line the sewer pipes instead of having to replace the old with new. Again, less labor on the clock and less materials needed.
• Versatility – trenchless sewer repair is good with many pipes, and the plumbing contractor can either repair the damaged pipe by lining it or do a total replacement.  Before, a plumber would have to be careful if they weren’t sure what kind of pipe was underground: cast iron, clay, concrete, etc. 
• Environmentally Friendly – not only is trenchless sewer repair friendly on the budget, but it is environmentally friendly way to repair sewer lines too. 
• No More Digging – The trenchless sewer repair process means no more digging up the earth, ruining your landscaping because it uses the existing pipes. 
• Durability – with the trenchless sewer repair, the newer pipes that are epoxy resin lined are used which have a life expectancy of 50 years. This is an efficient and non-invasive way to repair sewer pipes. 

The One Con 

There is one downside to the trenchless sewer repair. Sometimes rehabilitating a pipe system is too late. The damage to the sewer line is irreversible and/or too corroded. This requires the job be done the traditional method. 

Can you line a sewer pipe?

Absolutely! With the technology that trenchless sewer repair has brought to the plumbing industry, no longer do your floors need to be dug up and wall torn out. Pipe Lining is minimally invasive and cost effective to rehabilitate existing drain or sewer pipes. 

Pipe lining is done by taking a damaged pipe and having an epoxy saturated felt tube inserted inside it. It is then inflated and allowed to cure. After it has cured, it is like a brand-new pipe inside the damaged old pipe. Environmentally friendly and less messy than the traditional way.  

How long does pipe relining last? 

Many assume it that relining a damaged pipe with trenchless sewer repair technology would mean the second pipe would be less durable than replacing with all new pipes. The reality of relined pipes is they are stronger than the original and have a lifespan of 50 years, making them the longer lasting solution when compared to the traditional method of replacing with new pipes will probably need replacing again in half that time, or less. 

Can tree roots break PVC pipes?

The goal of tree roots is to find water for the tree, and they will keep spreading and growing outward until they do, especially in drought-prone areas. Tree roots following moisture vapors that escape from small cracks or holes in water pipes and penetrate those openings to get to that moisture and any nutrients are inside. 

Clay pipes are easier damaged than concrete or PVC piping because it is a softer material. PVC has proven to be the better choice because there are less joints and the joint there are in PVC are tighter, thus less chance of leaks.

If you have existing trees, usually an older house, you will probably experience pipe damage by tree roots and if you’re lucky, the technology of trenchless sewer repair will be possible for your home. If you have a newer home, or you’re planting trees to an existing property, they recommend it to plant them in a carefully considered location so as the roots grow, they won’t be able to reach pipes.

How long does a water heater last?

The traditional tank-style water heater typically lasts eight to twelve years. Experts recommend beginning looking for a replacement by the tenth year. Look at the different models and styles, including a tankless water heater. Perhaps getting quotes from various plumbing contractors for installation cost of both types and their recommendations.

How do you know a water heater is going bad?

After 8 to 10 years of daily usage, the internal parts of a water heater become encased in mineral buildup or corrode. This affects the efficiency of the water heater, and while flushing it can extend the lifespan, know that this may indicate that your system has come close to the end-of-life. Those indications include any of the following:

• Water is muddy or rusty
• A clanging while heating water
• Water is slow to heat
• Hot water runs out fast

How do you know when your water heater needs replacing?

As we’ve discussed here, your water heater is an important and daily used appliance. Like other appliances, it will break down at some point, so before you find yourself in a cold shower, be aware of these clues that are telling you it is time to replace the unit.

Clue One: Age

A water heater is only going to work for certain eight years, 12 if you’re lucky. You can perform preventive maintenance that could double its lifespan, such as flushing the unit or installing a water filter.

Clue Two: Corrosion and Rust

Your water heater is most likely made of steel, which means it will begin to rust in time, which may or may not be noticed at the faucet. Check the pressure relief valve, the temperature valve, the inlet and outlet connections for rust will give you clue if the tank has rusted inside.

Clue Three: Drain Valve Doesn’t Drain

Sediment build up inside water heater tanks over time and settles at the bottom of the tank. That sediment build-up will clog the drain valve, and eventually causing the tank’s interior to deteriorate. Annual flushing of the water heater removes the sediment, but it doesn’t get all of it and eventually, it will build-up to the point where it can’t be drained and flushed anymore.

Clue Four: Leaking Hot Water Tank

If the tank is leaking, it is likely an internal problem and not repairable. Or the leak could come from drain lines for the furnace, a water filter or water softener, or other plumbing. The following steps will confirm if it is the water heater leaking:

• Dry the wet area and look for any obvious signs of water leaking.
• Water follows gravity, so look overhead for water from other pipes.
• If you don’t find anything, place paper towels in the area that was wet, checking it ever so often to see if they are wet.  
• After 24 to 48 hours, if no wetness has re-appeared, then you most likely don’t have any concerns.
• If wetness does reappear, and you haven’t found any other source of a leak, then it is probably is the water heater and time to call a plumber.

Clue Five: Water Doesn’t Get Hot

If the water isn’t as hot as it once was, or not getting hot at all, then the water heater is clearly not working. If the unit is electric, then replacing the heating element or thermostat could fix it.  An experienced plumber can test the unit and replace either of those parts for you.

Should you flush your hot water heater?

Experts recommend flushing water heaters every 6 months. If you live in an area with hard water, flushing every 3 months is recommended.

When should you Repipe a house?

Your house should undergo repiping after severe damages have been made like with pipe punctures or even with more regular cases of natural aging. If your home is 50 years or older it may be time to consider repiping as pipe life expectancy on average lies within this time. Cases, where premature replacement may be necessary, are with reoccurring piping issues. For example if you have multiple leaks or low water pressures in various rooms you may have worn or otherwise damaged piping materials. What’s more, with pipe rust, corrosion or build-up you may notice brown or red-colored water which can be dangerous for the health of those who consume or are exposed to it as this is a clear sign of contamination in water quality.

How is Repiping done?

A repiping job will typically involve cutting small holes in walls, digging trenches, or accessing one area where a machine can repipe materials without extensive landscape digging. There are many repiping techniques available where damage to your property is avoided or minimized. Essentially older pipes with be pushed out with newer pipes taking over previous connections and space.

How long does repiping take?

A home repiping job without any interruptions doesn’t take long and can take 1 or 2 days to complete. 

How much does it cost to Repipe a house?

The cost for repiping a house can range in price depending on the size of the area that’s being repiped as well as the chosen piping material. A 1,500 square foot home that’s being replaced with copper pipes can cost anywhere between $8,000-$10,000. With PEX piping materials with the same square footage, you’d typically see the price ranging from $4,000-$6,000 due to lower material and labor costs.

Is PEX or copper better?

Although the most popular types of piping material for water pipes are with copper PEX tubing has seen a rise in popularity as well due to its many benefits. Copper is a lighter and more flexible piping material which makes it less susceptible to breaks in the pipe system. The largest draw that it has from piping materials used in the past is that it’s corrosion resistance which was a large cause of premature damage and wear from pipes of the past. Although both pipes are resistance to freeze-thaw breakage PEX is considered more resistant. PEX is cheaper in price as well because it won’t have as many fittings and therefore requires less labor. The average life of copper pipes can last from 50-80+ years while PEX averages at about 40-50 years.

Does Repiping a house add value?

Repiping a house can increase its value as materials are newer with less of a chance of repair or replacements needed for a good amount of time which provides peace of mind for a prospective home buyer.

Is Repiping covered by insurance?

Repiping is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance as it is a preventative measure that can fall under general home maintenance. Most insurance policies, however, will cover any damages that are the result of failing or corroded pipes.

Contact A Professional Plumber

When it comes to a repiping job it’s important to contact your local plumber. Much like iron is to wrought iron fencing materials such as PEX and copper repiping are best selected for more durability and performance. However, as with any kind of service certain materials may be more recommended by a professional after an initial inspection has been done. With a professional plumber, you’ll be matched with the optimal piping material that best matches with your property’s specifications and characteristics. Strengthen your pipes and ensure a smoother flow of water travel with a repiping job. Contact your local plumber today to get the process started and to get more information.

If you’re interested in repiping in Dallas, TX call (214) 402-5454 with Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.! 

How to Find a Water Leak

There are several things to look for if you believe there is a water leak occurring in your home. Don’t ignore problems or wait until it’s too late to do something. Otherwise, you risk seriously damaging your home and your plumbing. Pay attention to your water meter because it will let you know what’s going on.

• Stop Using Water: To find a leak, start by halting all water usage in and around the home. This includes turning on faucets, sprinklers, or garden hoses. 
• Meter Reading: Once you’ve established that water is not being used, locate the water meter. On the meter, there will be a window that gauges whether or not there is a leak. There is usually a dial that should remain stationary during normal plumbing functions. If there is a leak, the dial may be moving. 
• Turn Off Water Source: Now that the water is turned off, actually turn off the source of water to your home. There is usually a shut-off valve in basements or behind garages right next to an outdoor faucet.
• Inside or Outside: If the dial remains stationary after the water has been turned off, the leak is more than likely inside the home. If the dial continues to move even while the water is turned off, then the leak is outside the home.

As soon as you know whether a leak is happening inside or outside the home, you can be able to search for the source of the problem. This could be a leaking faucet or toilet. It could be a dripping hose bibb. If you are unable to find the source, you may need to reach out to plumbing leak repair contractors. They can help you find the leaking area as well as complete any plumbing repairs. It’s important to stay on top of leaks to prevent serious damages and the need for water damage restoration in Dallas, TX.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is responsible for a water leak?
  • It will depend on where the problem is occurring. When a leak occurs between the water meter and the water main, it should be the county’s responsibility to repair. If the leak occurs somewhere in your yard, it will more than likely be your responsibility to repair. 
• Who is responsible for a water leak before the meter?
  • If the leak happens before the meter, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make repairs. Usually, these pipes and this stretch of plumbing are under the lawn, which generally means it is not the responsibility of the city.
• Is a water leak covered by homeowners insurance?
  • It depends on what happened. Homeowners insurance will typically cover any damage caused by a leaking pipe if it is sudden and accidental, such as a pipe that suddenly bursts. However, insurance will likely not cover poor maintenance of the pipe that burst. 
• How do you tell if there is a water leak underground?
  • If there is a water leak underground there are a few steps to take to find it, especially if you can’t visibly the leak. Start by turning off the water source. Once that’s done, find the water meter and read it for a leak. There will be a gauge that will indicate what is going on with your water source. 
• How do you find a water leak?
  • Start by turning off the water source. Then find your water meter and read the leak meter. There is a gauge that will tell you whether or not there is a leak. You can also do a meter reading, though that may take anywhere between 20 minutes and 2-hours.

• Mold Infestation: Slab leak mold can form due to water pooling in an area above where the leak has formed. Not only can mold form, so can mildew.
• High Water Bills: There will be times when you have high water bills, but if you are experiencing water bills that are higher than normal, then you might see if you have a slab leak.
• Damaged Hardwood and Carpet: If your carpet or hardwood is damp, or when your hardwood floor has become warped, it’s possible it’s due to a slab leak.
• Lower Water Pressure: Since there are leaks in your plumbing, it can cause your water pressure to decrease significantly.
• Warm or Cold Spots: Another thing that can indicate that you have a slab leak is if there are random cold or warm spots on your floor.
• Foundation Changes: Your foundation might settle or shift if there is a slab leak because the leak caused soil erosion or water damage.

So what do you do if you suspect a slab leak? If these signs sound familiar, it is so important that you call a plumber to provide you with slab leak detection and repair. We can see if there is a slab leak basement or if the slab leak is located somewhere else. Once it’s determined that there is a slab leak, then a plumbing contractor can make the necessary repairs.

What Causes a Leak in the Slab?

Knowing if you have a slab leak is so important, but it can leave so many homeowners baffled why slab leaks even form. There are several slab leak causes, none of which are the homeowner’s fault. One common reason that slab leaks form is due to abrasion. Abrasion is when your plumbing pipes rub against the concrete or gravel in the ground, which will eventually cause a leak in the pipes. Another reason why slab leaks develop is when the ground shifts. The ground for many reasons, but it can cause the pipes to also shift, which might result in leaks. The construction of pipes might also be to blame since improper installation and defective products can also cause leaks to form. Lastly, corrosion and time can also be a huge factor as to why slab leaks have formed in your underground plumbing pipes.

Is a Slab Leak Dangerous?

It is imperative that if you have any suspicion that there is a slab leak, you get it taken care of right away. When slab leaks are found relatively soon, there is no danger of them causing any damage. However, they have the ability to cause damages to the structure of your home, like the foundation, as well as damage to your yard. In addition to damages, they can also negatively impact your health. The reason being is that slab leaks can cause water to pool in areas of your home, which can then cause mold or mildew infestation. It only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing in your home, but it can affect your indoor air quality and cause coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. While severe damage and health problems are a big problem, slab leaks can also be financially straining. Slab leak repair can be thousands of dollars, so it is crucial that is you think you have a slab leak, you call a plumbing contractor immediately.

Is a Slab Leak Expensive

Who can install a gas line?

While it’s possible to install a gas line yourself, it’s not recommended. Primarily, this is a safety issue. While you might have experience installing appliances and piping, a lot of care has to be taken to install a gas line. It can be dangerous to install a gas line. The gas line installation has to be precise and meet any home safety codes.

Preferably, you should have either a trained master plumber or trained HVAC technician install a gas line. When hiring a professional for gas line installation, make sure the professional is insured.

Gas line contractor

There are gas line plumbing specialists, trained and licensed to run and repair gas lines. These plumbers can install water heaters, gas furnaces, fireplaces, stoves as well as outdoor lines for gas grills. They will also install the gas line to the gas meter.

When you hire a gas plumbing specialist for gas line installation, make sure that plumber has a license and is insured. When you need a gas line contractor in Dallas, TX for installation or gas line repair, you can rely on the expertise of Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.. Our plumbers are licensed and insured, so give us a call at (214) 402-5454.

How do you plumb a gas line?

If you are planning to plumb the gas lines yourself, here are some tips that should keep you safe:

Gas line installation tips:

• Get the right size pipes.
• Turn off the gas before installing anything.
• Extend the existing gas line by fitting the right pipes and valves that will reach the appliance.
• Use a flexible pipe.
• Test the air tightness of the line.
• Once the line is fitted properly, turn the gas back on to test the flow.

Again, it’s preferable to have a professional to install your gas lines. The construction of your home could play a role, especially if you have a cool roof that streamlines the energy efficiency of your home.

What kind of pipe is used for gas lines?

Three types of pipes are used when installing gas lines: steel, copper, and brass. Black steel is the most commonly used. In some areas, using other varieties of metal such as copper is prohibited. In some cases, plastic piping has been allowed. Plastic piping, however, is primarily used in commercial projects. Before installing a gas line, you should always find out what materials are accepted in your area.

Where is the gas line in a house

Knowing where your gas line and shut off valve is in a house is essential, especially if you ever need repairs or there is a leak in the gas line. Anytime you plan to install or repair a gas line, you should shut the gas off first.

Finding the main shut off valve for a home gas line is relatively easy, as the main valve should be next to the gas meter. The main shut off valve is also known as the street-side valve. For safety’s sake, utility companies usually prefer you not shut the gas off at the street-side valve. Rather, shut the gas off at the house-side valve. The house-side valve is usually located near where the line first enters the house.

Can gas line run through chimney

No, it is not safe to run a gas line through a chimney.

Gas line and fittings

While home supply stores and hardware stores may have kits available to connect gas lines to appliances, you must make sure the fittings are the right size. Always make sure to shut off the gas before connecting fittings to the line.

For reliable gas line installation in Dallas, TX give Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. a call at (214) 402-5454.