Author Archives: Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.

How long does a water softener last for?

A water softener can last anywhere from 10-15 years yet will require periodic maintenance and service in order to last a longer amount of time. 

How long does it take to get soft water after installing a water softener?

After getting a water softener installed you’ll have softened water upon use yet you’ll start to have scale removed from your pipes in two weeks.

Will a water softener clean my pipes?

A water softener will work to eliminate the hard water scale from inside your pipes and appliances as it works to reduce the amount of magnesium and calcium in water which plays an active hand in pipe corrosion and clogs. Additionally, softened water will work towards getting rid of the soap scum left behind when cleaning with hard water.

What should I look for when buying a water softener?

If you’re in the market for a water softener first determine what the appropriate size will be for your property. You can do this by multiplying the number of people in your home by the gallons of water they use each day. (A helpful point of reference is that usually 80 gallons per person is used each day on average.) Multiply that number by the grains of hardness in your water to see how many grains will need to be removed each day.

Do water softeners need maintenance?

A water softener will require maintenance periodically such as adding the right type of water softener salt into the system as needed. As most water softeners are fully automatic and provided they are properly sized with your home, they can operate for years with minimal maintenance. See what needs to be done with your particular system specifications by speaking with a professional about these details upon installation.

Is it bad to let your water softener run out of salt?

If you forget to top off your water softener the softening resin will stay saturated which will bring the ion exchange to an abrupt halt and allow hard water minerals into your pipes, fixtures, and appliances once more. In order to avoid this make sure to periodically refill your brine tank with salt. 

Should my water softener recharge every night?

Regular regenerations with your water softener are recommended as it will keep the resin bed active. Regeneration should be done every two to three days yet with highly efficient water softeners you’ll see regenerations every day or even multiple times a day.

Get in Touch With an Expert About a Water Softener For Your Property

When you’re looking to have a water softener for your property it’s best to get set up with a professional who will best be able to match the right kind of system with the specifications and needs of your property. A water softener installation will be easy to maintain and you can discuss instructions of care with your installer. Ensure that your pipes, appliances, and fixtures are being taken care of with softened water running through them. Get better water quality today with the addition of a water softener system. 

If you’re interested in a water softener in Dallas, TX call Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. at (214) 402-5454 for a great system!

What Does Rough-In Mean for a Toilet Installation?

Are you wondering what a rough-in toilet installation entails? Please review the following bullet points to learn more.

• To begin with, the measures for the area must be correct. Make sure that the toilet will fit the space. In order to do this, measure the rough-in size. This is the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the drainpipe or the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
• This measurement should be done before the old toilet is removed. 
• You will measure the wall behind the toilet to the center of one of the closet bolts. These are bolts that hold the toilet down. 
• If your toilet has four bolts, then you can measure it to the center of one of the rear ones. Next, you will measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back of the new toilet you’re considering. You will compare these two measurements. If the base of the new toilet is smaller than the distance between the rear bolt holes and the wall, the new toilet should fit.

Do All Toilets Fit the Same?

Are you wondering whether all toilets fit the same? Actually, most toilets will have a twelve-inch rough-in. If you have a toilet with a ten or fourteen-inch rough-in, you should know that these toilets are a little less common. Because these toilets are less common, you won’t have as much of a toilet selection to choose from than if you have a twelve-inch rough-in. Nonetheless, a reputable plumber will be able to install your need toilet regardless of the dimensions of the rough-in.

How Long Does it Take to Install a New Toilet?

If you are scheduling a new toilet installation? If so, it will be important for you to understand how long the process will take so that you can schedule accordingly. According to leading plumbing experts in the industry, it takes between one to four hours for a proper toilet installation. This time range depends on the difficulty of the toilet installation.

Can an Elongated Toilet Replace a Round Toilet?

Technically speaking, an elongated toilet seat will fit on a round toilet, nut the fit and the comfort of the toilet overall will be compromised. This is because an elongated toilet seat will potentially overhand a round toilet seat. This would be fine except the rim of the toilet will be visible within the opening of the toilet seat.

With regard to an actual toilet installation, an elongated toilet will not usually fit in the same space as a round-front toilet. If the plumbing fixture is specially designed, it could work, however.

What is Toilet Installation?

The best person to consult concerning your new toilet installation is a certified and insured plumber or plumbing company. Plumbers are individuals who are specially trained and have the right tools and experience to manifest a superb toilet installation.

What is 3 Bolt Toilet Installation?

Are you looking for more information pertaining to 3 bolt toilet installations? There is a proper way to tighten toilet bolts. This means that if you tighten the bolts too much, you can pull the closest bolt out through the flange which could potentially break the flange or the porcelain. That is why it is important to secure a plumber for such plumbing installations because if anything were to go wrong, a plumber would know how to solve the plumbing conundrum.

Toilet Install

If you are searching for toilet installation services, it will be important to be discerning with how you go about selecting your plumbing company or plumber. Please be sure to ask a friend or neighbor for a referral or search the internet for a plumbing company with good reviews that ranks highly.

Are you in need of a new toilet installation in Dallas, TX? If so, we can help. Please reach out to us at (214) 402-5454 to set up an appointment today.

What is drain cleaner? Drain cleaner is a liquid that is used to clear out clogs in drains and pipes. People also refer to plungers and snake augers as drain cleaners, but the most common drain cleaner is a chemical cleaner. Because a drain cleaner is chemical based, a lot of people tend to ask, “Do Liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” The answer is yes. The reason that drain cleaners can damage pipes and drain is because of the ingredients, which typically use hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients can clear away a clog in your drain and pipes, but they are also going to create a lot of heat in the process, which will damage the drain and the pipes. So next time someone asks, “Are Liquid drain cleaners safe for pipes?” you can confidently tell them that they are very caustic to pipes and drains. The best thing you will want to do is get professional drain cleaning service.

What is the Best Home Remedy for Clogged Drains?

Clogs can be very annoying, as they can cause water to pool in your showers and sinks. If you have a clog but you know chemical drain cleaners are bad, is there a do it yourself drain cleaner? There are actually a lot of DIY drain cleaners that people can make at home to try to get rid of a clog. The most common cleaner that is used to remove is a clog is combining vinegar and baking soda. You use 1/2 a cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain, then let it sit for an hour. Once it has set for an hour, you will pour boiling hot water down the drain. Other DIY methods that are popular to use are

• Baking soda and lemon
• Baking soda and salt
• Baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar
• Salt, borax, and vinegar

All of these methods suggest letting the mixture sit in the drain for an hour and then wash it away with either boiling water or hot water from the tap. While these are very popular forms of drain cleaning services you can do on your own, they aren’t exactly effective in keeping them from coming back. Sure it can remove it for a while, but it doesn’t really get rid of the underlying problem. The best way that you can prevent clogs, as well as remove clogs for good, is by getting drain cleaning service from a plumbing company. A plumbing company has the equipment and knowledge to remove the clog and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

What is a Drain Cleaning Service

The reason hydro jetting is so great is that it doesn’t just remove clogs, it keeps them away. Chemical drains cleaners plus DIY drain cleaners will never do that–only expert drain cleaning service like hydro jetting will make sure that the clogs are gone and that they stay gone. If you are experiencing issues with clogs in your drains, you can call Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. for hydro jetting in Dallas, TX. Hydro jet equipment can be rented or bought, but you wouldn’t do your own infrared moisture detection in Austin, TX, so why do your own hydro jetting? Our plumbers have the skills and experience to use hydro jetting equipment and ensure the clog is gone. Call us at (214) 402-5454 for more information about our drain cleaning service cost.

When it comes to plumbing lines, anything from an overgrown root system to a rat or other animal caught in the pipes can cause a backup. Luckily, in today’s plumbing world, there is no need for digging to repair most water lines and sewer pipes. In fact, with the help of modern technology, your plumbing clog can be fixed quickly and more efficiently than ever before.

What is a Sewer Inspection?

As a homeowner, you face many hazards within your home that could quickly turn into costly hassles. One of those problems is a clogged or backed up plumbing pipe. Backed up sewer lines can cause sewer water to collect in your bathtubs and sinks and can lead to safety issues. Backed up water lines can cause poor water pressure and sedimentary build up that leads to pipe degradation and water contamination. Keeping your pipes clean and in good shape can help prevent backups, leaks, and other plumbing problems.

The most efficient way to ensure plumbing health in your home is with a plumbing inspection and cleaning service. These tasks allow a plumbing professional to inspect your pipes with the use of a small sewer inspection camera and locator equipment which allow the expert to see inside your plumbing system, much like the scope a doctor uses.

Why Get a Sewer Inspection?

Plumbing pipes endure a large amount of wear and tear through the years that can lead to leaks, cracks, clogs, and other issues. These problems not only cause frustrating issues like low water pressure and higher water bills, but they can also lead to:

• Digestion Problems
• Faucet and Fixture Build Up
• Stained Dishes and Clothing
• Cloudy or Foul Tasting Water

Sewer and water line inspections help to identify, locate, and eliminate your pipe problems to prevent more serious issues in the future. With regular inspections, you can ensure that your water isn’t leaking away into the soil or picking up unwanted contaminants through worn seals and cracked pipes. You can also ensure that your family won’t have to deal with drain backups or non-flushing toilets. While sewer cameras are available at your local hardware supply store, calling a professional is recommended. Because of the variation in size, quality, and age of residential sewer and water pipe systems, an expert is best left to decide on the best sewer inspection camera for your home’s needs.

In the Event of Damage

No homeowner wants to hear that they have plumbing damage. Oftentimes, pipe damage requires location and replacement efforts that can be expensive. However, a plumbing pipe that’s left unrepaired can lead to more costly problems such as:

• Unhealthy Water Conditions
• Dry, Itchy Skin
• Costly Plumbing Leaks
• Faucet and Fixture Degradation
• Expensive Pipe Bursts

Typically, a professional plumbing team can locate and repair your pipe without the need for trenching or digging. This is done with the same camera used for inspection. The damaged area is located and assessed, then an expert can use a specialized tool to cut away and replace the pipe or to reline the pipe, creating a new seal that eliminates leaks and cracks.

What Does it Cost to Replace a Sewer Line?

If your sewer line is too damaged to repair with a pipelining, your plumber may recommend a replacement. Much like a pipelining installation, plumbers can use a specialized tool to cut away the old pipe while threading in a new pipe.

This new and innovative technique eliminates the need for costly trenching and landscaping, saving you money, time, and hassle. In fact, by using these new methods of pipe repair and replacement, your project can be completed on the same day and without extreme equipment or labor charges, in most cases.

If it’s time for your water line and sewer inspection in the Dallas, TX area, call the Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. team to help. Our professionals are experienced and knowledgeable in all types of plumbing inspection and repair for quality service you can count on. The Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. team will perform a complete inspection of your plumbing system and discuss the results with you, detailing all damages, weaknesses, and degradation so you know exactly what to expect. We will go over each of your options to help you make the right choice for your home and complete your service quickly and efficiently for minimal disruption to your day. Call our experts at (214) 402-5454 when you need sewer camera inspection or repair in Dallas, TX that you can trust.

A plumbing inspection represents one of the most important types of preventative maintenance for your home. Unfortunately, while most homeowners appreciate the necessity of air conditioning or heating maintenance, they frequently overlook the needs of their plumbing. At Tribeca Plumbing, Inc., we always emphasize the importance of regular plumbing inspections. This service can readily identify problems in your plumbing, from the location of water leaks, to the nature of a clog, and much more. For most people, their home represents the single most important investment they will ever make. To maintain the value of this investment, you must take care of your home’s various components.

For example, if your roof sustains hail damage, the value of your home will plummet, and can only recover once you’ve had an inspection and repairs. Your home’s plumbing can also have a huge impact on its overall value, not to mention comfort and security. Most people take their plumbing for granted, after all, as they’ve become inured to its continuous, dependable operation. When a plumbing crisis appears, such as a burst pipe or overflowing drains, it typically occurs as a total surprise. While a swift response can help avert the worst of the damage, it’s possible you might have avoided the issue entirely through regular plumbing inspections. For a plumbing inspection in Dallas, TX, don’t hesitate to give Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. a call. We’re available any time to answer questions or schedule service, so pick up the phone and dial (214) 402-5454 today to set up an appointment.

What Happens During a Plumbing Inspection?

Generally speaking, plumbing inspections determine the location and viability of your piping and other plumbing implements. A professional plumber should also test for reliable water flow, and also the health of your sewer line and drainage of various fixtures. Overall, you should expect a review of the following plumbing elements.

• Water Distribution: Is water readily available where and when you need it?
• Interior Piping: This refers to the piping and fixtures inside your home, as opposed to those outside.
• Hose Bibs: These are the spigots outside your home where you attach water hoses. They can frequently become damaged from freezing temperatures.
• Vent Pipes: These typically protrude from your roof, and introduce air into your plumbing to ensure proper flow.
• Sinks: All fixtures are tested for adequate operation and leaks.
• Bathtubs & Showers: An inspector should fill your bathtub and observe its drainage to determine proper operation.
• Toilets: These are inspected for leaks, and flushed multiple times to detect any repair needs.
• Water Heater: A water heater inspection should determine proper functionality, identify any leaks and damage, and involve a flush to remove sediment.
• Gas Lines: This indispensable component of a plumbing inspection checks the functionality and integrity of your gas lines. If you ever suspect a gas leak, leave your home and immediately call for an inspection and repair.
• Drains and Sewer Line: As the source of some of the worst possible plumbing crises, your drainage and sewer lines deserve the benefit of a careful review. Before you schedule an inspection, check to ensure that the plumber can perform a camera inspection of your sewer.

When Is a Plumbing Inspection Required?

As a home or business owner unfamiliar with this service, you naturally will wonder why and how to get a plumbing inspection. There are numerous reasons you may need a plumbing inspection. If you suspect a water leak, for example, but cannot identify the source, a plumbing camera inspection will prove invaluable. You may also need a plumbing inspection report if you plan to buy or sell a home, as you’ll need absolute clarity on the condition of this and other home systems.

At Tribeca Plumbing, Inc., we’re the local experts for all plumbing-related needs, including a plumbing inspection in Dallas, TX. Across our many years in this industry, we’ve encountered a few common questions that homeowners share in regards to plumbing inspections.

How Much Is a Plumbing Inspection?

The prices of plumbing inspections vary widely, due to the size of the property, presence of existing problems, or use of specialized equipment like sewer cameras. Generally speaking, a plumbing inspection could cost as little as $100, and as much as $800.

What Is a Rough Plumbing Inspection?

A rough-in plumbing inspection frequently occurs as part of code compliance for a new construction project. Before the elements of a plumbing system get covered with walls, concrete, or dirt, they require an inspection from a licensed plumber to determine that installation was performed correctly.

What Is a Sewer Line Inspection?

A sewer line inspection generally involves the use of specialized video equipment for an internal review of a sewer line. Since sewer lines are located underground, cameras represent the only non-invasive strategy for an inspection. This process begins with the insertion of a sewer video camera into the sewer’s clean out. From there, a plumbing professional will guide the camera through the system with an eye for any leaks, clogs, or other problems.

How Long Does a Sewer Inspection Take?

A quality, comprehensive sewer inspection could take up to four hours. This allows a trained, skilled plumber plenty of time to carefully review your sewer line on a video feed. You never want to rush a sewer inspection, as small issues that escape detection can quickly evolve into full-blown problems.

At Tribeca Plumbing, Inc., we’re your local experts for a plumbing inspection in Dallas, TX. We also specialize in a wide variety of plumbing-related services, from leak and clog repair, to appliance installation, drain cleaning, and faucet and sink replacement, just to name a few. If you have any additional questions about plumbing inspections, or would like to schedule service, don’t hesitate to give us a call today at (214) 402-5454.

The Dallas / Fort Worth area is notorious for flash flooding emergencies. When sudden downpours combine with hilly topography, it makes for the perfect flooding environment. This can lead to thousands of dollars in restoration costs and furniture replacement. That’s why it’s so important to get your home ready with roofing maintenance, landscaping, and (potentially) sump pump installation.

How to Start Your Preparations

Take a few minutes to walk around your home and examine your property. You’ll want to answer a few critical questions:

• Does the landscaping direct water toward or away from my home?
• Are my gutters draining water far enough away from the walls?
• Is my roofing (especially my flashing) ready for a sudden downpour?
• Do I have a system in place if my basement or garage starts to flood?

If the gradient of the street and lawn naturally direct water towards your house, you’ll need to be prepared to divert water away. You can install drains in the ground to redirect water, and/or you can install a sump pump to pump the water out. 

Does My House Need a Sump Pump?

Not every home requires a sump pump. Houses fixed on hilltops are generally safe from any serious flooding, while homes in valley areas may experience flash floods on a regular basis. Should you regularly have water pushing up against the walls, you’ll need a sump pump.

There are several models available on the market, so you can easily discover a pump that fits your needs. You’ll want a pump that won’t stop running when lightening affects the local power grid. If you do have an electric-powered system, you may want to purchase a backup just in case. Make sure to checkup on your sump pump every year to ensure it’s operating effectively.

Schedule Your Sump Pump Installation Today!

Without taking steps to prepare your home, you could be looking at significant flood restoration costs down the road. If you think your home would be safer with a sump pump installation, you’re welcome to talk with one of our Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. experts at (214) 402-5454!

Sewer lines are 6 inches or wider, so it takes a lot for a main sewer line to clog. Most of the time, clogs are caused by tree roots growing through the piping in search of water. A sewer inspection camera can identify the exact cause of your sewer damage, and if tree roots are the problem, you can get tree removal. When the tree roots push through the piping, this leads to holes where leaks can occur. Wastewater is now blocked from being pushed out to the city’s sewers, creating a build up of septic waste until it backs up into your faucets. For sewer line cleaning, call Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. at 2144025454 to use their sewer inspection camera in DallasDallas, TX.

How To Prevent Your Sewer Line From Clogging

• Replace clay pipes. Clay and lead pipes used to be popular way back in the days, but over time have shown just how useless they really are. Recommended pipes nowadays are copper or PVC due to their durability and longevity.
• Keep trees and foliage away from sewer lines. You can still have plants on your property, but foliage too close to your sewer and water lines underground and their roots will instinctively grow toward the warm water source.
• Use enzyme cleaners instead of chemical cleaners. Chemical cleaners only push clogs deeper into your pipes and corrode them, providing water minimum access to drain. Enzyme cleaners are an eco-friendly version that is less harsh on your pipes.
• Only flush waste and toilet paper down drains. Don’t flush diapers, kitty litter, feminine products, or grease down the toilet or sink. They get stuck in your sewer lines, eventually coming back up and out of your faucets.

Our water heaters are one of the most important components of our house. They ensure we get water to drink, clean with, and bathe with all on demand. Since they are so essential, it’s important to get repairs when they are needed. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners aren’t sure when they need to call for repair service. Below are five signs that indicate water heater repair service is needed.

Water Temperature Varies

Have you experienced fluctuation in water temperatures? This can be super frustrating, especially when you are taking a shower. The temperature shift could be due to a damaged heating element.

Water Tastes Metallic

If you have noticed that the taste of your water is now metallic, this could be because your plumbing pipes are corroding. This can cause the tank of the water heater to become damaged or completely fail.

Water is Rust Colored

Rust color is also a sign that your plumbing pipes are corroded. Again, please call for immediate help when you notice changes in taste or appearance in your water.

Water Heater is Making Noise

If you hear popping or rumbling noises coming from your water heater, this isn’t normal. The noises could be due to the water heater working harder than it should because there are sediments collected at the bottom of the water heater tank.

Water Pressure is Low

Not only can sediments that collect in the tank make your water heater work harder than it should, they can cause low water pressure. This is because the sediments block the pipes so the water pressure is lower.

If you need water heater repair or installation service in Dallas, TX, call Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. today at (214) 402-5454.

Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous to your health and if left long enough can even lead to death. If you have gas lines in your home, you need to know the signs of a gas leak so that you don’t ever find yourself in a terrible situation. It is also to protect your animals and your neighbors as well. Below, we will discuss the possible symptoms that you may feel if you do in fact have a gas leak and also what to do in this case.

Signs You Have a Gas Leak

If your home is piped for gas, there are a few safety things that you should know and always be on the lookout for. For your own safety and for those around you, if you suspect that you have a gas leak, call 911 and get out of the home or building right away.

• Dizzy
• Smell of rotten eggs
• Dying plants
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Hearing whistling sounds from gas pipe
• Nauseousness

If you feel any of these or are noticing the smell of rotten eggs, it may very well be a gas leak. Ifg you know how to turn your gas off, do that right away and then call 911. Once you do this, it is best to leave the home. If you do end up with a gas leak, call Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. at (214) 402-5454 and we can get it fixed for you right away.

Your home’s water line represents one of its truly indispensable components. Your water line connects to municipal water pipes to provide your home with all the fresh water you need for drinking, cleaning, cooking, and bathing. Water line repair needs should get attended to immediately, as they can quickly balloon into a major issue. If you notice any of the following signals for water line repair in Dallas, TX, make sure to call the experts of Tribeca Plumbing, Inc. at (214) 402-5454.

Low Water Pressure

If the flow of water in your home seems less powerful, you could possibly have a water line issue. This becomes much more likely if the low water pressure affects every tap in your home. A leak represents the most common cause of this problem. Main line water leaks should be repaired quickly. If allowed to persist, you water line could burst and create a true crisis.

Higher Bill

Another sign of a water line leak will appear on your monthly bill. If nothing has changed about your usage, but your bill has unexpectedly spiked, then a leak is the most likely culprit. Act quickly for repair, as leaks in your water line can create a serious expense over time.

Darkened Water

If brownish water has begun to flow from your taps, you have a serious problem. A compromised water line can represent one of the main causes of this issue. A water line made from rust or clay may have begun to decay, an issue that calls for re-piping. You may also have a leak, in which dirt has begun to infiltrate your line.

If you need a new water line in Dallas, TX, call the local experts at Tribeca Plumbing, Inc.. We stand ready for your service at (214) 402-5454!