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Everyone in life faced with malfunctions of the plumbing system. Many assume the same plumber can solve a problem with a clogged pipe in an apartment building and an office. But in reality, plumbing is much more complicated than it seems at first glance. Residential and commercial plumbing share many of the same properties, but also differ significantly from each other. We will consider this issue in more detail in this article.

What is Commercial Plumbing?

Commercial plumbing definition refers to the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems in commercial buildings. Unlike residential plumbing, which deals with smaller-scale plumbing systems in single-family homes, commercial plumbing deals with larger, more complex plumbing diagram that require specialized knowledge and expertise.

Features of residential plumbing

Domestic plumbing systems are found in conventional homes, apartment buildings and condominiums in residential areas. Specialists solve plumbing problems in residential homes – fixing drains, sewers, water heaters, etc. 

Features of Commercial Plumbing

Commercial plumbing repair is more complex than residential ones. It involves installing and repairing faucets and pipes. These specialists serve large residential complexes and a variety of businesses. A plumber is engaged in establishing and maintaining ample water supply and sewerage systems. 

Commercial and domestic plumbing: 6 main differences

Commercial and domestic plumbing solves the same problems: leaking pipes, clogged toilets and more. But in this situation, they differ significantly in their working environment and responsibilities. Below we propose to determine the difference between commercial and residential plumbing on specific parameters. 

Scope of work

The difference between a plumber and a commercial plumber lies more in the scope of work. A commercial plumber serves large buildings with many more tenants and visitors. There are more toilets, sinks and other equipment, and the plumbing system is much more complex. Also, the large number of people in the house leads to the fact that there is a much higher risk of emergencies and routine maintenance needs to be done more often. 

Types of Plumbing Problems

The problems in residential homes are not as dire in scale as breakdowns in commercial properties. We often encounter clogged toilets, dripping faucets, and poor pressure types at home. Commercial plumbing has similar problems, but the scale is much larger. For example, it is much more difficult to find a burst pipe in an office than in a simple residential home. In addition, a commercial plumber needs to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Also, many businesses need to have plumbing and a toilet to use. 

Profile Knowledge

Commercial buildings use special industrial pipes and fixtures, making specific requirements for plumbing skills and tools. For example, commercial involves repairing huge boilers, lift stations, large septic tanks and others. While domestic plumbing often involves repairing toilets, drains, water heaters and other small devices. Regarding knowledge, commercial and residential plumbers have similar skill sets. But this knowledge’s use depends on the building’s size and purpose. 

Plumbing system requirements

Given the size of the building, commercial plumbing has a considerable number of outlets and pipes compared to domestic. In commercial buildings, the system is designed for a more significant number of floors, while residential buildings imply no more than 2. Also, commercial buildings have more complex appliances designed for a massive flow of people who use sinks, plumbing, and toilets. Additionally, any building should be sufficient water pressure, but it is more difficult to achieve in high-rise buildings, where gravity prevents a standard head. 

Plumbing equipment

All equipment must meet specific requirements. For example, large enterprises (factories or office centers) are equipped with large boilers, multi-component sewage systems, industrial pipes and other complex equipment. Presented plumbing must meet the needs of many people and production lines. 

In private homes, the equipment is used much less. Often these facilities need two central communication systems: water supply and sewerage. The capacity of the system is much less compared to commercial buildings. During the plumbing installation, the plumber must know how to do it properly. In addition, it must meet specific requirements. 

Probability of breakage

The latter leads the way if we consider what is more complicated: residential or commercial plumbing. A burst pipe is a real problem in any home, but it is more common in a commercial property where the break is quite challenging to find, repair and prevent the likelihood of a break. A business or office building may need to be shut down completely to complete the repairs. Commercial buildings need to be checked more often and thoroughly because the large flow of people causes an increased demand for plumbing operations. 

What to look for when choosing the right plumber

It does not matter who you need: plumber or commercial plumber – this specialist should have sufficient knowledge and years of experience. When choosing the correct plumber, you should choose a plumber with experience with commercial and domestic plumbing.

It is also worth ensuring that the plumber and the commercial plumber have the appropriate license, suitable for all modern requirements and regulations. These professionals should be able to do everything:

• Inspect the system.




• Diagnose its performance.




• Identify breakdowns and maintain plumbing.




• Offer the best solution to any problem.

FAQ about the difference between a plumber in people’s homes and a professional plumber

What is the primary difference between being a plumber in people’s homes and being a commercial plumber?

The primary difference is the scale of the plumbing systems. Residential plumbing systems are generally smaller and simpler than commercial plumbing systems, which are more complex and often involve larger pipes, more fixtures, and more intricate designs.

What are some common tasks for residential plumbers?

Residential plumbers are often called to fix leaky faucets, unclog drains, repair or replace toilets, install new plumbing fixtures, and repair or replace pipes.

What are some common tasks for commercial plumbers?

Commercial plumbers are often called to install or repair large-scale plumbing systems, such as those found in office buildings, hotels, and hospitals. These systems may include multiple floors, extensive drainage systems, and specialized equipment such as grease traps and backflow prevention devices. Commercial plumbers may also be called to design and install plumbing systems for new construction projects.

FAQ about the difference between a plumber in people’s homes and a professional plumber

Sewer plumbing is one of the most important communication systems in the home. This part of the plumbing system determines how easy and comfortable it will be for your household to go to the bathroom, take a shower, wash the dishes and perform other daily household processes. If your plumbing is not working correctly, you could face severe problems and inconveniences.

For this system to work correctly, you need to have it serviced regularly. Sewer line leak testing, water heater and sprinkler system testing for the specified capacity, and other tests ensure that the sewer system is working correctly and people will be comfortable living in the house. But getting to the point, only some people know exactly where the sewer lines are in their homes. Not to mention checking the sewer pipe leakage test. If you want to ensure that your sewer line is working correctly and is not affected by any leaks, it is worth digging deeper into the issue and having it checked by a qualified person.

Symptoms of sewer pipe problems: the four most common

A variety of symptoms can indicate problems with the sewer system. Most often, households may notice the following.

Constant water flow

If you hear a faint sound of running water over your head or in the walls after washing something in the sink or using the toilet, this is a sure sign of a leak in the sewer pipes.

Specific Unpleasant Smell

A leak can be indicated by an unpleasant sewer odour that starts seeping through walls or comes from a particular point in the yard.

Strong grass growth

You’ve seen how the grass in the park can be much greener in places with lots of ducks and geese. A similar thing can happen in your front yard if sewage leaks from your sewer pipes. The grass will be greener, lush and taller in the area of the leak. If you notice a lawn like this, you should consider checking your sewer system for leaks.

Rodents show up

Sewage is very attractive to rats. If you notice a rodent infestation in your home, it’s worth testing your sewer system for leaks. No one wants rats in their home, but the presence of these rodents can indicate more serious structural problems with your utilities.

How do I check to see if my sewer pipes are tight?

Every homeowner should know how to perform a sewer leak test. This process can be done in the following ways.

Method	Description	Professional Assistance
Visual Inspection	Check for visible signs of leakage, mold, or water damage around pipes and fixtures.	Optional
Dye Test	Add dye to the toilet tank and wait; color in the bowl indicates a leak from the tank.	No
Water Meter Test	Turn off all water usage, check the water meter’s reading, wait, and check again to see if it changes.	No
Pressure Test	Seal off the system and pressurize it with air or water; monitor for pressure drops to indicate leaks.	Yes
Smoke Test	Inject non-toxic smoke into the sewer system; smoke appearing on the property surface indicates leaks.	Yes
Camera Inspection	Use a waterproof video camera to inspect the inside of sewer pipes for damage or blockages.	Yes

Painting the sewer

Water testing for sewer pipes is entirely possible and will cost relatively cheap. To conduct a drain dye test, you must add a small amount of dye to the toilet bowl or siphon. Then you must flush the toilet a few times or turn on the water in the sink and wait until the dye appears. This process may take several hours. If you notice traces of paint in the area, it is a sure sign of a leaky sewer system.

The same principle is used for the drain smoke test. At home, conducting a DIY sewer smoke test is entirely possible. In this situation, artificially created smoke is launched into the drain or directly drain pipes under low pressure. Smoke test sewer smell will also identify leaks.

Sewer chamber test

Not only can air test sewer pipes, but experts for this task can also use a special sewer chamber to see in detail what is happening inside. Often, sewer lines run under the house itself. Testing begins with the fact that it is necessary to identify the place of the main sewer line and install a special sewer camera. From this area, the master can observe the monitor as the camera moves inside the pipe, looking for any defects.

In addition, more is needed to examine the sewer camera alone. It is only an inspection of the inner surface of the sewer pipe, and it is impossible to assess its condition from the outside. If the result is inconclusive, then smoke testing sewer pipes or other types of examinations must be performed.

Inspection with hydrostatic pressure

Sewer pipe pressure testing involves using special plugs with ball plugs that plug sewer pipes. Depending on the size of the pipe, you need to choose a suitable ball. Before testing with pressure, you must ensure that there is no liquid or debris inside the pipe. The balloon is then inserted and inflated to the point where it blocks the pipe. The tube is then filled with water, and the water level should be observed for 15-20 minutes. If the inlet level decreases, it indicates that there is a leak.

How to solve the problem of a leaking sewer pipe

If you or a handyman has performed a sewer pipe leakage test, sewer gas test, or any other type of test and come to disappointing conclusions, the following options can be used to fix the problem:

Pipelining

The structural lining of a sewer pipe is a minimally invasive, trenchless repair by installing a new line inside the damaged pipe. Before a fork liner is laid, it is impregnated with epoxy resin and placed inside the pipe. It is left there for several hours to allow the resin to cure.

Bursting a sewer pipe

This repair process involves a trenchless method. In practice, it replaces the damaged pipe by pulling in a brand-new one. To do the lining, the damaged sewer pipe must have some structural integrity and not be destroyed.

Spray cladding

This process involves spraying a flexible polymer resin spray on the inside of the pipe where the defect is located.

Conclusion

Many homeowners take the sewer system for granted. In reality, however, these communications consist of a complex maze of pipes, fittings and other elements that need regular and expert maintenance to check their performance. If something goes wrong, if there is a leak or other defect, it can significantly reduce the comfort of living. Armed with professional knowledge of sewer pipe testing, what to look for and what signs indicate leaks, you can easily recognize any problem and fix it on time.

FAQ about How do I test my sewer plumbing?

For any homeowner, a water main break can be an absolute nightmare. These problems are most often seen in areas with outdated utilities. Any plumbing leak can cause significant damage to a building. Plumbing in these areas does not always meet current standards, so there is still a high risk of leaks.

Statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency show that there are about 240,000 water main breaks a year in the United States. If you’ve encountered this problem, or if home is in an older neighborhood, it’s only natural to ask: Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing? In this article, we will break it down in more detail and tell you a lot of helpful information.

Does traditional model of insurance covers plumbing breakdowns?

When it comes to plumbing coverage and breakage damage coverage, it’s essential to understand the cause. It is what the insurance coverage depends on. Numerous policies cover damage caused by a water leak. But in this situation, certain variations can also depend on the cause that caused the injury. More often than not, the source is far outside the physical confines of the building – in the common area. Therefore, some homeowners in the event of problems with the plumbing only after the disaster find out that their insurance does not cover such situations.

Here’s a prime example: if a tree root has grown into a utility system and burst it. You’re wondering if homeowners insurance covers water damage. It probably doesn’t. It’s simple here – if the break is in the water main located physically outside the building, the source is a local municipal system on state property. Its cause is external to the property and is not included in a simple homeowners’ insurance policy.

In any case, it is best to consult with a personal insurance agent about what Insurance covers water damage and what is not included in the policy. The professional will help you figure out if you need additional coverage to protect your property from various plumbing emergencies and other plumbing problems.

Pipe burst home insurance terms and conditions in details

A traditional water insurance often only covers water damage if the leak physically occurred inside the building. In addition, the insurance may contain clauses that it applies to:

• disaster;
• plumbing leaks;
• if a neighbor’s pool overflows and damages the home;
• property damage due to broken plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment.

It will likely cover this damage if you have a burst water pipe in a home kitchen or bathroom.

Standard Insurance may additionally include backup water insurance. This water main cover is beneficial for many homeowners. For example, if a sewer line breaks and there is a sewage discharge inside the own home, the Insurance will cover this damage. It additionally includes restoration and living expenses.

Can I insure my home against a burst pipe and water damage to my property?

To avoid wondering if homeowners insurance covers water leaks, it’s best to take out a suitable policy immediately. Many companies allow you to insure your home against water damage. Flood insurance enables you to compensate for water damage outside your property. It can also include coverage for damage from burst water pipes.

If you live in a frequently flooded region, it is worth adding this item to your property insurance. You will need this ricks Insurance even if the home is not in an immediate risk area. Flooding could happen in any location, and at any time, so it’s best to be reinsured.

Also, note that insurance companies dictate different terms and charge different premiums. Be sure to research other policies before taking out one.

Professional Help for Water Piping Failure

Many wonders: does homeowners Insurance cover broken pipes under the slab and other damaged utilities? To avoid asking this and other questions, it’s best to be clear about the terms of your policy.

You can always ask if a slab leak is covered by Insurance and other details with your agent. Talking to the insurance company is the best way to ensure your Insurance is right, and the terms meet all your needs and home’s individual needs.

If you have suffered a plumbing break, however, a claim is filed through your agent. Every decent company should have a separate 24-hour hotline for victims to contact. A customer’s claim should be handled at any time or night. Also, once you reach your insurer, an expert will be sent to your home to assess the loss within 24 hours of filing the claim. The loss adjuster will examine the property and any evidence that will help determine the type of claim and prove that the company owes you coverage for the damage.

If the damage to a home is quite severe, and you cannot live in it in the future, it is worth pointing out to the company’s manager. Various policies provide coverage for alternative housing if the homeowner cannot live on their property. Check with the insurance agent to find out the details and negotiate a better insurance offer.

Plumbing pipes and risers in plumbing are one of the essential parts of every homeowner’s daily comfort. They’re what allows you to take a water bath in the morning, soak in a hot shower in the evening and cook in the kitchen. Many homeowners assume that nothing can happen to the plumbing as long as the building is in place. But this is far from the case. Even if you have the highest quality plumbing installed, you may need to replace the plumbing in the house when the pipes deteriorate and reach their useful life.

What pipes most often need to be replaced in the house

Plumbing is one of the essential utilities in the house. For this system to work correctly, pipes need to be replaced regularly. Most can last for decades, but they can also fail at some point. Urgent replacement of water pipes is required for the following situations

• there are leaks;
• there is low pressure in the system;
• water has an unpleasant odor and/or brown color;
• the water does not go down the drain very well.

Most plumbing needs to be changed in older homes. But it also does not mean that new buildings are immune to this problem.

The service life of various types of pipes

Replace water pipes in the house at different times, depending on the type of plumbing. We invite you to read our overview of the different kinds of pipes and their useful life.

Supply Pipes.

The presented type of communication is subject to quite a lot of wear and tear. It is because the water flows through them under high pressure. A leak indicates the presence of a problem with such pipes.

Household water pipes can last for decades before any leakage occurs. On average, copper supply pipes last no more than 80 years, while galvanized and brass pipes have a lifespan of 80-100 years.

Faucet Lines.

Pipes that lead to faucets are operated under less pressure compared to the main, so their service life is somewhat longer. But that doesn’t mean they are immune to breakdowns. It’s worth replacing the tap lines if any leakage occurs. In addition, homeowners can change their plumbing periodically because they get tired of the old faucet and want to upgrade.

Machine Supply Hoses.

More often than not, emergency water leaks in the home can be seen in the piping that supplies water to the washing machine. A small leak doesn’t cause significant damage to the equipment but needs to be fixed as soon as possible. According to experts, changing the water supply hose to the washing machine at intervals of 3 years is necessary. In addition, periodically once a year, you need to check the pipe for the following signs:

• Leaks – the hose should always remain dry and not accumulate moisture inside. If corrosion or water leaks occur, the hose should be replaced.
• Bubbles – This is the main symptom of too much pressure in the hose. It can occur because the hose is clogged with something and kinked.
• Mechanical damage. The hose may have a hole, crack, or other signs of wear and tear.

In any of the above situations, if a breakdown occurs, you need to shut off the water and get help from a technician.

Drain Lines.

Various materials are used in the production of pipes for drain lines – cast iron or the more modern PVC. They are characterized by high strength and long service life. Despite this, tree roots and aggressive weather factors can seriously damage drainage lines. They replace PVC pipe most often required after 25-40 years of operation. The service life of cast iron pipes is somewhat longer and amounts to 80-100 years.

Toilet Pipes.

Sewage pipes are no less essential utilities in the house. But in this situation, you should pay attention to the service life of not only the pipes themselves but the fittings of sanitary ware. For example, the toilet bowl’s valves, levers, flaps, and fittings can last no more than 4-5 years. As for the drain button, then everything is individual.

Water Heater.

A replacement water heater requires an average of 10 years. Some can last all of 15 years. If you have a tankless model, however, it needs to be replaced every 20 years. A water heater can fail for a variety of reasons:

• Failure of the auto-switch;
• Occurrence of leaks or corrosion;
• Breakdown of the thermostat;
• Problem with the shutoff valve.

Also, special attention should be paid to the garbage disposal. This equipment can be found in a large number of modern homes. On average, the garbage collector can last 15 years. Problems with this appliance are indicated by the appearance of leaks, strange sounds during operation, or deterioration in the quality of functioning.

In general, there are many different types of pipes in the house, forming a complete communication system. The need for replacement varies depending on the material from which the tubes are made. If there are any signs of plumbing failure, it is worth addressing the problem immediately.

Professional replacement of plumbing pipes

Not all homeowners are perfectly aware of how to replace the PVC pipe and other plumbing in a house. To avoid making mistakes and triggering more plumbing problems, it’s best to turn to real professionals.

If you notice that the water communications have stopped working correctly, and it is time to change the pipes, then you can turn this task to our masters. Our specialists are ready to take care of any problem. We use quality components in our work and guarantee a high-quality service to each client. If you are interested in our offer, contact us at the specified contact phone numbers.

FAQ about When Should You Replace Plumbing Pipes

There is specific jargon in plumbing that you often hear from a master, such as the abbreviation IPS, which is perplexing to the average person. So what are IPS in plumbing? In the 19th century, pipes were measured using a particular measurement system, abbreviated as IPS. This format was used until the end of World War II in Britain and the United States. During this measurement, pipes were not produced in one piece. They were cast in halves and then welded together.

By typing in Google, what do IPS stand for in plumbing? The system will answer that it is a straight thread used to seal the elements in the form of a washer and gaskets. It is a threaded pipe to which a faucet or hose can be attached.

What does IPS fitting mean?

Our specialists usually use IPS in plumbing to fix the toilet bowl, shower stall, bathtub, faucets, and other items used in the home. Pipes are also actively used for watering plants, for example, in vineyards, where drip irrigation is installed on each bush. A water pipe is connected to the IPS pipe, and a distribution is made to each row of bushes.

Contact us if you have an emergency, and your industrial production facility stops because of water supply problems. Our man will quickly remedy the situation by checking the piping and installing new fittings. Also, a mechanic using new pipe models will design the communication for the new construction.

Are NPT and IPS the same thread size?

NPT and IPS are standards that experts often use when laying pipes. IPS pipe is defined by the inside diameter of the element, and NPT pipe is determined by the outside diameter. To learn more about what IPS mean in plumbing, you can ask our managers and order a master at home. When installing plumbing, a specialist will choose the right size elements and make the correct wiring, connecting and testing each appliance for proper operation.

IPS vs. NPT

When discussing thread types for pipes and fittings, IPS (Iron Pipe Size) and NPT (National Pipe Thread) are two terms that often come up. Here’s a breakdown of both:

IPS (Iron Pipe Size)

IPS, or Iron Pipe Size, refers to the standardized dimension of pipes primarily used for water and gas transportation. It is based on the inner diameter of the pipe. Over the years, as wall thicknesses have decreased due to improved materials, the outer diameter has remained constant. This means that for IPS:

• Size: IPS sizes were originally used to describe the inner diameter and are generally a bit larger than the actual inner diameter today.
• Application: It’s used mostly for non-threaded pipes and is common in larger diameters.
• Compatibility: Generally compatible with fittings that match the outer diameter and use clamps or welds for connection.

NPT (National Pipe Thread)

NPT stands for National Pipe Thread Tapered and is the U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. Unlike IPS, NPT connections are designed to create a tight seal through the thread engagement.

• Thread Shape: The threads are tapered, which helps in forming a seal as the threads are tightened. Tape or thread-sealing compound is often applied to prevent leaks.
• Measurement: The size of an NPT connection is based on the inner diameter of the pipe.
• Common Uses: Widely used in plumbing, these threads are suitable for conveying water, gases, steam, and many hazardous fluids.

Key Differences

• Thread Type: IPS is generally not threaded (though it refers to nominal sizes for both threaded and non-threaded pipes), whereas NPT specifically refers to tapered threads.
• Sealing Method: IPS often requires external sealing methods like clamps or welding, whereas NPT relies on the threads themselves for sealing.
• Applications: NPT is extensively used for smaller pipes inside machinery and in plumbing, which require secure and leak-proof connections. IPS is more common in larger pathways for fluids where high flow rates are necessary and less pressure tightness is required.

Understanding these differences is crucial when selecting the appropriate piping and fittings for specific applications, ensuring compatibility, and preventing leaks and mechanical failures.

What kind of pipe is IPS?

IPS meaning in plumbing is the size of a standard pipe, corresponding to Schedule 40 or Schedule 80. It is more than irrigation plastic pipe used in agriculture. Threads may be inside or outside the pipe. Depending on the location of the cables, fittings are selected to connect the elements.

All IPS pipes are well integrated into the system and are made of steel, plastic, plastic, and other materials. The cost of the element depends on the manufacturer and the material. If you have a problem and you need pipes, please contact us. We use only well-known brands’ pipes, ensuring the system’s longevity. Our company’s door is open to all types of customers.

Is an IPS thread tapered?

Knowing what is an IPS connection in plumbing, you should understand that tapered pipe threads are designated TIPT, national lines are designated NPT, standard cables are designated IPS, and pipe threads are designated IPT. This will help you choose the right element for the installation of water and wastewater systems.

You should contact our company if you need to repair or install piping and plumbing fast. We know what is the IPS connection in plumbing and how to properly design the system. Save your time and nerves. Use our services!

FAQ about IPS fitting

REPAIRING DRAIN PIPES UNDER A CONCRETE SLAB

Modern homes are equipped with piping and plumbing, providing a comfortable living environment, maintaining hygiene, and cleaning the house. After all, the main element of human life is water. Very often, plumbing is under the concrete slab, complicating its repair, but it looks neat in the interior. All sewer pipes and the main water supply to the house hide under concrete. Such modern systems do not spoil the design and do not interfere with the space.

If an emergency occurs and pipe leaks under the house’s foundation, do not despair. Our specialists will solve the problem fast and efficiently. Be sure to provide a guarantee for the work done.

A Leaking Pipe Under the Foundation of Your House is Not a Problem

The danger of a leaking pipe is the late detection of the leak when the water gradually does its work, destroying the foundation of the house. Our man using a state-of-the-art appliance will discover the problems and voice the cost of fixing them. You’ll also be able to see for yourself what plumbing repair in condo under concrete patio fixes concrete, having discovered:

• Chunks are falling off or cracks in the concrete.
• The appearance of wet spots on the surface.
• The appearance of wet spots on carpets and another flooring.

It means that urgent replacement is needed on pipes or connections. Our mechanic will help you determine the exact location of the problem by carefully examining the systems and their home.

What is the Difficulty of Repairing Pipes Under the House’s Foundation?

To repair plumbing under the concrete slab, it is necessary to make efforts, as it will be necessary not only to identify the place of the leak correctly but also to excavate the pipe.

Today, experts use several ways to repair a broken pipe:

• Breaking the concrete slab with a jack to get to the problem area in the pipe.  Make a tunnel by digging under the concrete slab.
• Disconnect the problem line and run a new one with modern technology.
• Run the existing line of piping through a sleeve.

The cost of repair depends on the chosen method of fixing the problem. When installing a new system, pipes from well-known brands are used, the quality of which is confirmed by certificates. To ensure that in the future installing of plumbing under concrete slab is not having problems with direct access, which provides a small door elegantly fits into the architecture and design of the house.

What is the Cost of Repair of Pipes Under the Concrete Slab?

Under the house is all the rough plumbing under the concrete slab, which visually spoils the interior. Choosing to lay the system under the foundation, you must be sure to think about access to it to reduce the cost of repairs.

There is no access to such a system in older buildings, so at the expense of additional work on excavating the pipe, the price of services automatically increases. If you have an industrial type, the cost will be higher than in a residential house because the pipes’ diameter and the pipeline’s length are longer.

Our team offers different ways to repair the problem area and uses models of modern, long-lasting pipes. We recommend installing new lines rather than constantly repairing old ones. We can make the transition from the integrated old pipeline to the new system. You can find out the total cost of the repair after calling a master. He will study what kind of plumbing is installed under the concrete floor and in what condition. Here are some important factors to consider when laying plumbing under concrete slab.

FAQ about Installing plumbing under a concrete slab

Finding a crack in your toilet is extremely stressful. Even if it’s not leaking, it’s a promise of future problems. POM Plumbing is here to help answer some of your questions about what to do if this happens to you. Here’s how you can repair a cracked toilet.

How Big Is the Crack

The first step is figuring out if this crack is one that can be fixed or not. Finding the answer is simple: Is the crack leaking? If the answer is yes, your crack is too big to be repaired. A crack that goes all the way through the toilet bowl or tank will not be fixed by patching it. Patching it will only serve as a bandaid. This may be enough if you just need some more time to arrange for the fixture to be replaced. However, you can’t rely on this patch for long if the crack is big enough to leak water.

If the crack isn’t leaking at all, it’s probably just superficial. These cracks can be caused internally during manufacturing and may only appear on the surface of the toilet after years of use. Patching small cracks like this is a perfectly fine long-term solution. It will cover the crack back up and discourage growth, putting your toilet right back into the state it was in before the crack surfaced.

Repairing the Crack

If your toilet is cracked in a spot that isn’t usually underwater (e.g. up by the rim), you may not need to repair it at all. If the crack is only hairline, you can simply monitor it to make sure it’s not growing. However, if the crack is below the waterline, you’ll need to patch it with waterproof epoxy.

Cracks on the exterior of the bowl may not appear to go all the way through, but the shape of a toilet bowl can make it difficult to see very small cracks – especially if they’re underwater. If there’s any leakage or moisture around the exterior crack, either replace the toilet, or attempt to patch both sides.

Pushing the water in the toilet bowl down can be done with a plunger or toilet brush. Repeatedly shove downward and it will push water down the drain, giving you a dryer area to work with. 

If your interior crack is visible and doesn’t go all the way through, patching it with waterproof epoxy will prevent water from getting into the crack and widening it. 

If the crack is on the exterior and showing signs of moisture getting through, a temporary patch can be used. Apply your waterproof epoxy on the interior of the toilet bowl about where you think the crack would be. Even if you can’t see the interior side of the crack, this is more likely to help than doing nothing. Plus, this patch should be temporary, so it’s okay if it’s not perfect. The end goal with any leaking crack should be fixture replacement.

FAQ about How to Repair a Cracked Toilet

Every day, tons of people across the world find that their tub just isn’t draining anymore. For some, this is a sudden change. For others, it’s been a gradually worsening problem. It’s so common, there are even quick fixes available at most stores in the form of drain cleaner. However, what most people don’t know is that drain cleaner is really bad for your plumbing. So, let’s check out what to do and what not to do to fix a tub that won’t drain.

Find Why the Tub Won’t Drain

The first step to fixing your drain is to figure out the general cause of the draining issue. Generally, there are two branches of things that can cause draining issues: plumbing failures and buildups.

The most common cause is a buildup of stuff like hair and grime. If your tub has gotten gradually worse at draining, the drain probably just needs to be cleaned out.

Plumbing failures can come in many forms. The best way to assume you’ve got a plumbing failure is if the draining issue came on suddenly. If one day your tub was draining just fine and the next it’s barely draining at all, something is very wrong. A pipe underground may have collapsed, or a break in a pipe may have allowed something (previously) alive to get into your drain pipe.

Removing Blockages

When it comes to buildups, clearing the drain is easy.

Drain cleaners will try to get you to buy their chemical solution to do away with the buildup by yourself. While it’s true that chemical drain cleaners may work to remove gunk from your drain, they also remove metal. That is, they eat away at the inside of your pipes. This thins the pipes, making them more susceptible to bursting, breaking, cracking, and so on.

It’s just as easy to use a snake. A snake pulls blockages out of the pipes by screwing into them and then pulling straight out. This method won’t damage your pipes like chemical drain cleaner, and is much more effective. POM Plumbing can give you a visit and have your drain cleared ASAP.

Fixing Broken Pipes

Drain cleaner won’t fix the problem at all if the issue is a plumbing failure. In fact, it will only make it worse. If you’re pretty sure your drain has stopped working because something broke further down, you’ll need a professional from POM Plumbing to take a closer look.

Accessing underground pipes may require digging. Pipes hidden in walls may mean removing sections of drywall. Because of this, we need to investigate before we go directly to the plumbing. Camera inspection of the drain is an easy way for us to take a peek at where the problem is without getting into the thick of things. Once we know, for sure, where the problem is, then we can go about accessing the pipes.

Prevent Plumbing Problems

If your drain was blocked because of a buildup, it might be worth investing in a cheap drain guard. These guards can come in many forms. Some of them are just mesh grates while others are a solid piece of metal with holes drilled into it. The TubShroom is a great choice for most tubs. It’s inserted into the drain and catches hair before it can go any further. You can then dump the contents into the trash when it begins to get full.

If your drain isn’t made to accommodate a guard, you can also get regular drain maintenance by calling us at POM Plumbing.

FAQ about How to Fix a Tub That Won’t Drain

Is your faucet driving you nuts from its constant dripping? You’re not the only one! If you’re tired of hearing your faucet drip, the first step to fixing it is figuring out why it’s dripping in the first place. Below are some of the most common causes for faucet dripping.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet?

Leaky faucets are caused by a few very simple problems. It’s usually just wear and tear in one form or another.

A Worn Out Washer

In a compression faucet, every time you turn on the water, there’s friction between your faucet handle’s rubber washer and valve seat. This friction slowly wears away at the washer, making it harder for the washer to do its job. What is its job? Keeping the handle watertight. If the washer is worn through, there’s space for water to escape through the handle and drip down into the sink. This is fixed by replacing the old washer with a new one of the correct size.

Valve Seat Corrosion

The valve seat connects the spout and faucet. If the valve seat hasn’t been cleaned of sediment in a while, it’s possible that it’s begun to corrode. A corroded valve seat will present as leaking around the spout.

O Ring Problems

In cartridge faucets, regular use can wear out a piece called the O ring. This ring is located with the stem screw, which is what holds the faucet handle in place. A worn out O ring will cause leaking from the handle. If your handle is leaking water, you likely need to replace the O ring.

Why Do Dripping Faucets Need to Be Fixed?

Sure, listening to the faucet drip is bothersome, but is it really a big deal? The answer is yes. There are many reasons to fix a leaky faucet promptly. 

First off, leaks waste money. Even a slow leak can waste over a hundred gallons of water each month. That’s a lot of water doing absolutely nothing for you and your wallet.

Moisture from faucet dripping also attracts pests. From rodents to roaches, pests of all kinds need a source of water. Your leaky faucet could be just the thing that makes them decide to stay. After all, they can rely on that to keep them hydrated. To avoid being a pest hotel, it’s best to keep that water inside the pipes until you need it.

And, last but not least, drippy faucets are really annoying. If the money and risk of bugs isn’t enough, maybe the lost sleep will convince you. Quit losing rest at night while listening to the drip drip drip of your money going down the drain.

Get Help from POM Plumbing

If you need affordable, friendly, plumbing help, POM Plumbing is the place to call. Not only is keeping your faucet from dripping better for your home and sanity, it’s a quick fix that a professional can have done in minutes. Give us a call if you need faucet maintenance.