repair Archives - City Plumbing

3 Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Repair

How To Tell When the Garbage Disposal Is Busted

A garbage disposal can add a whole new level of convenience to a kitchen by allowing homeowners to easily get rid of food scraps from dirty dishes and trimmings from fruits & veggies. Many homeowners even find it inconceivable to go back to an ordinary sink after using a garbage disposal for a while – after all, who wants to fish bits of food waste out of the drain every night?

So if the garbage disposal decides to quit, it can throw a major wrench in the food prep and cleanup routine. Not only that but if relatively minor issues go unnoticed or unresolved long enough, they can cause further damage to the disposal, which may mean having to shell out for a garbage disposal replacement years ahead of schedule. So to ensure homeowners catch problems as early as possible, this article will lay out three common signs that a garbage disposal needs repairs!

Unusual Noises

The first thing to watch (or listen) for is if the garbage disposal makes strange sounds when turned on. A scraping, rattling, or grinding noise may be a piece of silverware or another hard object falling into the grinding chamber. Homeowners can look inside the chamber with a flashlight and carefully remove the object if they see one. If nothing seems to have fallen in, the sound may be due to a loose or damaged component, such as an impeller.

If the garbage disposal is humming or buzzing when turned on but doesn't seem to run, the impeller is likely jammed. Again, this could be caused by a rigid object that's fallen in or a broken component. Homeowners shouldn't run the disposal in this case, as doing so can burn out the motor or break internal components very quickly.

Poor Performance

Another sure sign of trouble is if the garbage disposal is slow to break down foods or doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to. This could be caused by various factors, including a worn impeller or shredding wheel, a failing motor, or simply old age (most garbage disposals don't last more than 10 years).

If homeowners frequently have to press the garbage disposal reset button, an internal issue will likely require professional repair. The reset button is essentially an internal circuit breaker that may trip if the disposal is overheating, the motor is in danger of burning out, or a loose electrical connection is causing a short circuit. Depending on the root cause and the age of the unit, garbage disposal repair may not be possible or economical, and a replacement may be the better option.

Foul Odors

If a bad smell comes from the garbage disposal or the kitchen sink drain, it usually indicates a clog or a buildup of nasty food waste and grime inside the grinding chamber. The latter can often be resolved by putting equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain and letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it. Homeowners can also grind up some ice cubes and citrus peel in the disposal to help remove buildup and eliminate bad garbage disposal smells.

But in the case of clogged garbage disposal, homeowners are usually better off calling a professional to fix the problem. Clearing these clogs often involves turning off the power to the disposal, dismantling the P-trap, and sometimes even removing the disposal. Fortunately, as unpleasant as they can be, these issues can usually be resolved without replacing the garbage disposal!

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has been one of Philadelphia's most trusted and top-rated plumbers for over 20 years. Known for their outstanding customer service, fast turnarounds, and honest pricing, they are the proud recipients of numerous awards, including the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and the title of "Best Plumber in Philadelphia" from Expertise.com. Their licensed, drug-tested, and background-checked technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don't hesitate to call City Plumbing for plumbing repair in Philadelphia, PA!

Underground Water Line Leak: How To Find and Repair Them

Surefire Ways to Spot an Underground Leak

Underground water leaks are some of the most insidious and notoriously difficult types of leaks to find. First, it's not always apparent off the bat that there is even a leak present. Some homeowners find out too late that an underground leak has been wreaking havoc in their homes, usually when a lot of damage has already been done. Second, because of the location of an underground leak, it's difficult to visibly determine where the leak is coming from to fix it.

The good news is that a homeowner can figure out if they have a hidden water leak in their hands. There are signs to watch out for and methods to determine this, all laid out in the following paragraphs, so read on:

Watch Out for These Signs

Homeowners who are in tune with their houses' ins and outs usually feel that there is something wrong before they figure out what the problem is. It is entirely valid to follow that hunch, and if any of the following signs can be ticked off the list, then it could be an underground water leak.

Drop in water pressure - one of the first signs of a leak is usually a decrease in water pressure. This happens because a leak prevents the full volume of water from coming out through the tap. This is important to note, especially if no visible water is escaping from a pipe or fixture around the house.
Puddles of water in the yard - pools of water collecting outside without a visible source or explanation could indicate a leak just below the surface, causing that puddle to form.
Sound of running water - if all the taps in the house are closed and yet homeowners still hear the sound of water running, it might be because water is escaping through a leak instead of a fixture.
High water bill - any of the above signs combined with an inexplicably high water bill is a sign of a leak, especially if there have been no changes in the household's water consumption habits.

The Water Meter Says It All

If the signs point to a possible hidden water line leak, it would be prudent to perform this little test to see whether it's time to call in the professionals. To begin, shut off the main water valve in the house to ensure that water isn't being used indoors. Next, look for the house's water meter and check if the leak indicator - a small triangular-shaped indicator that could be colored red, green, or blue - is spinning. Without a leak, the effect of shutting off the main water valve would be for the meter to stop spinning. If it continues to spin, water is flowing, likely out of a leak.

It is still possible to conduct this check for homes whose water meters do not have leak indicators. All that needs to be done is to shut off the main water valve and then get the water meter reading. After 30 to 60 minutes, return and check the meter reading again. If it has changed, then there is a leak.

When In Doubt, Call the Pros

Finding and fixing an underground leak is no simple task. It involves using specialized equipment and several hours of dedicated labor, even the possibility of digging a trench to get to an underground pipe. While it is possible to DIY this repair, the best option is still to call professional water leak detection services. Leak detection services are fully equipped and experienced to handle these situations. Homeowners would do well to lean on their expertise to ensure that their water leak problems are resolved thoroughly, all while saving them time and money that could result from a botched DIY.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing is a reliable plumbing services provider in Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods. Their flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service availability, and true satisfaction guarantee all speak to their dedication to providing the best service to the people in their community. They have a team of trusted technicians equipped with fully stocked trucks and use the latest technology to ensure that they provide the right solutions on the first try. Call them today for all plumbing services in Philadelphia, PA.

Common Questions About Trenchless Pipe Repair

Wondering What Trenchless Repairs Are?

Trenchless pipe repair is a much less invasive method of repairing or replacing damaged water or septic pipes. Trenchless sewer line repair eliminates the massive digging typically associated with pipe repair. Plumbers can identify the problem(s) and develop a plan of action by accessing pipes through one or two access points.

How Are Trenchless Repairs Made?

Trenchless repair is performed by first creating an access point in the faulty or damaged pipes. Workers then insert a sewer camera to assess the damage. Most, if not all, of the repairs will then be made within the existing pipes and underground.

Trenchless repair involves pulling a resin-filled liner through the damaged portions of the pipe. The liner is inflated to hold the resin inside the lines, and heat is applied to accelerate hardening. Once the resin has hardened, the liner will be flush with the existing pipes, and the pipes will be solid without reducing flow. This method is commonly referred to as Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP).

Trenchless replacement involves underground removal and replacement of the pipes. Plumbers insert a cone-shaped head into the damaged pipe and push it through. As it progresses, the head bursts the pipe, and an expander follows, creating a cavity. The new pipe is attached, pulled through, and replaces the old pipe.

What Repairs or Replacements Are Made Using Trenchless Methods?

One can use trenchless sewer line replacement and pipe repair to fix various plumbing issues. One of the most common septic pipe issues is blockage caused by tree roots entering the pipes. Trenchless repair professionals can remove the blockage and repair or replace the line(s) much more efficiently than traditional methods.

Plumbers also use trenchless repair to correct minor pipe misalignment, corroded pipes, and cracks in clay, lead, plastic, and cast-iron pipes.

Why Use Trenchless Repair?

Trenchless repair is a much less invasive way to repair or replace damaged or defective pipes. It provides long-lasting results with cost-saving advantages.

Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) is very popular for sewer line rehabilitating and is an effective way to repair potable water pipes. This method lasts up to 50 years, can positively affect water flow, and may save costs. Although some have noted the liner put in place may slightly reduce the diameter of the pipe, the smoothness of the liner should improve water flow. As with most trenchless repairs, when plumbers use CIPP, the property and landscaping repair costs are significantly reduced.

Plumbers use pipe bursting when complete pipe replacement is desired. There is little to no need to survey the area before beginning as pipe bursting replaces old pipe within the existing bore. Homeowners save money and time because there is no need to remove and dispose of the old line or have extensive property damage repaired after plumbing repairs are made.

One should note that trenchless plumbing also reduces costly repairs to sidewalks and driveways. These can be the most expensive repairs commonly associated with pipe repair or replacement.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has homeowners covered! Whether it's to reverse a problem caused by previous contractors or to prevent future issues. City Plumbing has licensed HVAC technicians and full-time licensed master plumbers on staff. Call them today for all plumbing services in Philadelphia, PA.

What Everyone Should Know About Emergency Heater Repair Services

Emergencies Can Happen When You Least Expect

The holiday season is here, and icy winter weather is already descending on many parts of the country - and Pennsylvania is among the states that always seem to get hit the hardest. During the harsh winter months, no resident of the Keystone State can afford to go without heat for very long. But when the furnace or the heat pump decides to break down in the middle of the night, that's exactly the dreadful situation they'll find themselves in. Here's a brief guide to help homeowners stay safe, warm, and calm in the event of a heating emergency.

What Constitutes a Heater Emergency?

Any issue with a home's heating system that poses an immediate risk to people or property should be considered an emergency. Some heater malfunctions have the potential to severely damage the unit itself if the heater continues to run in such a state - such as a dry or loose bearing in the blower assembly or a cracked heat exchanger. A heater that's making loud, unusual sounds like banging or metallic shrieking may be on the brink of destruction.

Some heater issues present dire health risks and require swift intervention. On a frigid winter night, a heater failure can make a home's indoor temperature drop rapidly, putting everyone inside at risk for hypothermia or other illnesses. A leaky exhaust vent or gas line can poison the home's air, and the latter may also result in a devastating explosion or fire. Even an electric furnace can catch fire due to faulty wiring or overheating.

What To Do Before the Technician Shows Up

If the heater is smoking, emitting a burning smell, or making loud and unnatural noises, it should be shut off completely, if this can be done safely (flipping the circuit breaker is usually best). If the smell of gas is present, the home should immediately be evacuated, and a gas company should be called. Then the trick is to find a warm place to wait until the situation is resolved.

Likewise, if the heater fails and the situation calls for a repair technician rather than the fire department or gas company, the most important thing is keeping the family warm. If the home has no fireplace, it's best to choose one room in the house (preferably near the center) to hole up in, equipped with plenty of warm clothes and blankets.

Tips To Help Prevent Future Emergencies

Regular maintenance is truly the best way to prevent an unexpected heater crisis. It's best to get it taken care of before the winter chill creeps in, but if it wasn't done in autumn, there's no time like the present. Unsurprisingly, heaters typically break down in the middle of winter, and it's almost always due to insufficient maintenance. A pro can address any latent issues before they have a chance to develop into something serious.

Since a healthy heater can still be knocked out by a power outage or other large-scale crisis, it doesn't hurt to invest in a portable space heater. Homeowners should also see that the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors work properly and make sure the fire extinguisher is handy and up to date.

About City Plumbing

Philadelphia's City Plumbing is a full-service plumbing & HVAC company with over 20 years of award-winning service. Their licensed and insured technicians are punctual, friendly, and fully equipped for any job. They provide around-the-clock emergency service, up-front pricing, and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. Call now for amazing furnace services!