It’s Not a Ghost! The Truth About the Hammering in Your Pipes

July 15th, 2024
close-up-view-of-copper-pipes

Houses make noise. They may creak and groan as they settle. Appliances turn themselves on and off. Perhaps mice scuttle in the walls. But if you’re hearing a sudden hammering sound, it can be very startling! Don’t worry, your house isn’t haunted. But if a ghost isn’t knocking around, banging into your plumbing, what could that terrible sound be?

This sound is caused by a serious plumbing problem. It’s called water hammer, and if you’re hearing it, you need a plumber. What’s going on in your pipes to make that sound? We’ll tell you all about it.

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Do Tankless Water Heaters Require Maintenance?

July 1st, 2024
tankless-water-heater-system

While any kind of water heater is ultimately doing the same job—heating up water—they don’t do it in exactly the same ways. This means the different systems might not have the same needs, right? Well, there are definitely some things that are not quite the same. But whether your water heater is a tank system or tankless, it still needs care. Here are the details about tankless water heater maintenance.

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Wait! Don’t Put That Down Your Garbage Disposal!

June 17th, 2024
water-swirling-down-a-sink-with-garbage-disposal

It’s incredibly handy to have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. It makes cleanup so much easier, especially if you have a large family or frequently host guests. And it can cut down on unpleasant odors from your trash can, since it won’t be full of decomposing food. So you want to take excellent care of that disposal, and keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

The most critical thing you can do is to make sure the disposal doesn’t get damaged by items that shouldn’t have gone down the sink at all. This means knowing exactly what should go down the disposal and—most importantly—what shouldn’t. How can you tell? Consult this handy list!

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Be Prepared for Plumbing Emergencies

June 3rd, 2024
water-spraying-out-of-a-damaged-pipe

We spend a lot of our lives hoping that disaster won’t strike. But, at least in minor ways, some amount of disaster is inevitable. It’s important not to dwell on it too much, but it’s equally important to do what you can to be prepared. And plumbing emergencies are one of those things that can really throw us for a loop when they happen!

The best way to minimize damage and additional problems as a result of a plumbing emergency is to stay calm. You’ll be able to take the necessary steps to get the problem resolved as quickly as possible if you know what those steps will be. Read on to find out how to make sure that you’ll be prepared when a plumbing emergency does occur, so you can relax, knowing you can tackle whatever happens.

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7 Signs You Need A Water Leak Detection Test 

May 20th, 2024
7 Signs You Need A Water Leak Detection Test

Water leaks in your plumbing can lead to various issues, from structural damage to mold growth. Detecting leaks early can save you from costly repairs and water wastage. Here are seven signs that indicate your Glenview home needs a water leak detection test.

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Slab Leaks: All You Need to Know!

May 6th, 2024
Finger Plugging Water Leak

Have you ever heard of a slab leak? It’s not a term that comes up often in everyday conversation, but understanding what it is and how to deal with it can save you from significant headaches down the road. This comprehensive guide will give everything you need to know about slab leaks in Evanston, including what they are, how to spot them, what causes them, the risks of ignoring them, and crucial prevention tips.

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Slab Leaks: All You Need to Know!

April 22nd, 2024
Finger Plugging Water Leak

Are you familiar with the term “slab leak”? If not, you’re not alone. Slab leaks are a lesser-known but potentially serious issue affecting homes, especially those with concrete slab foundations. In this blog post, we’ll delve into slab leaks, their causes, how common they are, signs to watch out for, and what steps to take if you suspect a slab leak in your Evanston home.

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How Can You Get Your Sewer Line Repaired?

April 8th, 2024
Blue sewer pipe laid in a trench during sewer line repair work.

Maintaining the integrity of your home’s sewer line is crucial for the overall functionality of your plumbing system. However, issues such as blockages, leaks, or corrosion can arise over time, necessitating sewer line repairs. Common signs of a broken sewer pipe include slow drains, frequent clogs, and unusually lush patches of grass in your yard, which may indicate a sewer leak.

With over fifty years of experience, an Angie’s List SUPER SERVICE Award Winner, and an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau, you can trust Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc., for sewer line repair in Glenview, IL. Importantly, choosing a reputable company with qualified technicians ensures your trenchless sewer repair is handled efficiently and professionally. Many companies offer video inspections to accurately diagnose issues before repair, and trenchless repairs are available in the city of Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, Wheaton, and Schaumburg. Homeowners can opt for trenchless repairs, which are often cheaper and more efficient than traditional methods, as they minimize disruption to the ground and surface by using small access points instead of digging large holes or trenches. Most trenchless sewer repairs can be completed in a single day, restoring service quickly and efficiently, and are the preferred option for houses with mature landscaping to avoid putting your property at risk of unnecessary damage. The length and material of the repair area affect the cost, but trenchless sewer repair is often less expensive overall due to reduced restoration costs, avoiding the additional expenses homeowners pay for landscaping after traditional excavation. Homeowners should inquire about the specific trenchless methods used, check if repairs are covered by homeowners insurance, and take into account all factors when diagnosing sewer line issues.

Causes of Sewer Pipe Damage

Sewer pipe damage can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are beyond a homeowner’s control. Over time, aging infrastructure can weaken the structural integrity of your sewer line, making it more susceptible to cracks and breaks. Corrosion is another common culprit, especially in older pipes made from outdated materials, leading to leaks and eventual failure. One of the most frequent causes of sewer problems is tree root infiltration—roots naturally seek out moisture and can invade even the smallest cracks, causing stubborn clogs and significant damage to the pipe.

Other factors, such as poor installation, shifting soil, or heavy traffic and construction near your property, can also contribute to sewer line issues. These problems can result in broken sewer pipes, sewage backups, foul odors, and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

Fortunately, modern trenchless sewer line repair methods offer a solution that avoids the mess and disruption of traditional excavation. Techniques like pipe relining and pipe bursting allow plumbers to repair or replace damaged sewer pipes without digging up your entire yard, driveway, or sidewalks. Pipe relining involves inserting a durable liner coated with resin into the old pipe, creating a seamless new pipe within the existing line. Pipe bursting, on the other hand, breaks apart the old pipe while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place.

These trenchless repair options are especially popular in Chicago, where aging infrastructure and dense neighborhoods make traditional sewer repair challenging. By choosing trenchless sewer repair, homeowners and businesses can address sewer problems efficiently, with minimal disruption to their property and daily routine. The process typically starts with a camera inspection to assess the entire line and pinpoint the source of the issue. Once diagnosed, the repair can often be completed in a single day, restoring your sewer line’s function and protecting your property from future damage.

Trenchless sewer repair not only saves you money on landscaping and restoration costs but also provides a long-lasting solution. The new pipe installed through these methods is designed to withstand decades of use, giving you peace of mind and safeguarding your investment. For homeowners in Chicago and beyond, trenchless sewer line repair is a smart, cost-effective way to solve sewer problems and maintain the health of your plumbing system—without the mess and hassle of traditional digging.

Step-by-Step Sewer Line Repair Process

  • Inspect the sewer line using a video camera to locate the damage. Many trenchless sewer repair companies offer video inspections to accurately diagnose sewer line issues before proceeding with repairs.
  • Assessment and Diagnosis: Plumbers take into account various factors and signs, such as cracks, blockages, or collapsed sections, when assessing the condition of the sewer line.
  • Select a repair method:
    • Pipe patching for minor leaks
    • Pipe relining for internal damage
    • Trenchless or full replacement for severe damage
  • Obtain necessary permits before starting the repair.

After reviewing repair options, homeowners should inquire about the specific trenchless methods used by their service provider to ensure they are suitable for their sewer line issues.

Schedule regular maintenance to prevent future issues.

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Why You Need to Have Regular Maintenance for Your Water Heater

March 25th, 2024

Your water heater is often one of the most overlooked and vital appliances in your home. It quietly works behind the scenes to provide you with hot water for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry. However, like any other appliance, your water heater requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to function efficiently and reliably. In this article, we will explore why regular maintenance for your water heater is crucial and how removing the water heater scale in Skokie IL  can save you money and hassle in the long run.

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Spring Cleaning? Make Plumbing Maintenance Part of It!

March 11th, 2024

As the days grow longer, it is time for homeowners to start thinking about spring cleaning. Sure, Spring cleaning will involve washing walls, ceilings, baseboards, and windows but it also is the perfect time to tackle various home maintenance tasks, and plumbing maintenance should definitely be on your list.

Here are a few things you can do to aid with plumbing maintenance in Des Plaines. By inspecting and maintaining your home plumbing, you can keep things running smoothly for longer.

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