The Advantages and Process of Drain Camera Inspection Services

Leone Plumbing drain camera inspection services in Rochester New YorkWhen it comes to plumbing issues, finding the root cause can often be a challenge. That’s where drain camera inspection services come in. By peering into the depths of your pipes with the help of advanced camera technology, these services offer a clear view of what’s happening underground. Using state-of-the-art equipment, drain camera inspections provide homeowners and businesses with a thorough assessment of their plumbing systems. This advanced approach allows for quicker identification of clogs, leaks, and other potential problems, saving time and money in the long run. By combining cutting-edge technology with expert analysis, these services empower individuals to make informed decisions about their plumbing systems, leading to more efficient and cost-effective solutions.

The Advantages Of Drain Camera Inspection Services

Drain camera inspection services offer several advantages over traditional plumbing diagnostic methods.

Provide Accurate And Precise Results

Firstly, they provide accurate and precise results. The high-resolution cameras used in drain camera inspections capture clear images and videos of the inside of pipes, allowing professionals to identify the exact location and nature of the problem. This eliminates the guesswork involved in traditional diagnostic approaches and ensures that the correct solution is implemented from the start.

Eliminate Invasive Procedures

Secondly, drain camera inspections eliminate the need for invasive procedures like digging or tearing down walls. In the past, diagnosing plumbing issues often required destructive methods, resulting in additional costs and inconvenience for homeowners. With drain camera inspection services, professionals can visually inspect the pipes without causing any damage to the property. This non-invasive approach not only saves time and money but also minimizes disruption to the daily lives of individuals.

Provide Thorough And Accurate Diagnostics

The detailed images and videos captured during drain camera inspections provide transparency and thorough documentation. Homeowners and businesses can view the real-time footage or saved recordings, allowing them to see the condition of their pipes firsthand. This transparency builds trust between the service provider and the customer and ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the problem and its solution. Additionally, the documented evidence can be useful for insurance claims or future reference.

Common Issues Detected By Drain Camera Inspections

Drain camera inspections are capable of identifying a wide range of plumbing issues that may not be easily detectable through other means. Some of the most common issues detected by these inspections include:

1. Clogs:

Drain camera inspections can pinpoint the exact location and cause of clogs within the pipes. Whether it’s a buildup of grease, hair, or foreign objects, the camera provides a clear view of the obstruction, enabling professionals to determine the most appropriate method of removal.

2. Leaks:

Pipe leaks can be difficult to detect, especially if they are hidden behind walls or underground. Drain camera inspections allow for visual confirmation of leaks, helping professionals identify the extent of the damage and plan the necessary repairs.

3. Cracks and Damage:

Over time, pipes can develop cracks, fractures, or other forms of damage that may go unnoticed without a drain camera inspection. By examining the interior of the pipes, professionals can identify any structural issues and take appropriate action to prevent further damage or leaks.

4. Root Intrusions:

Tree roots tend to grow towards sources of water, including underground pipes. These root intrusions can cause blockages and damage to the pipes, leading to reduced water flow and potential leaks. Drain camera inspections can detect and locate these root intrusions, allowing for targeted root removal and pipe repair.

5. Misaligned or Collapsed Pipes:

Drain camera inspections can reveal any misaligned or collapsed sections of pipes. This information is crucial for determining the best course of action, whether it’s repairing the affected section or replacing the entire pipe.

The Importance Of Regular Drain Camera Inspection Services

Drain camera inspections involve a systematic process that utilizes specialized equipment and skilled professionals. Scheduling a regular drain camera inspection service is one way that you can prevent the worst plumbing issues or repair those ongoing and recurring problems on your drain. If you are looking for a tested and proven drain camera inspection service in Rochester, New York our team of expert plumbers is ready to help you! Contact us today to book an appointment.
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How To Unfreeze Frozen Pipes Safely And Efficiently

Leone Plumbing and Heating How To Unfreeze Frozen Pipes Safely And Efficiently One of the problems that you may encounter during the winter season is frozen water pipes. If the weather is cold, freezing water expands which adds pressure to the plumbing pipes. This unyielding pressure may cause the pipes to crack, eventually leaking the water inside your home. Learning how to unfreeze frozen pipes safely and efficiently can save you from trouble and untimely repairs due to water damage.

Preventing Your Pipes From Freezing

Before discussing how to unfreeze frozen pipes, we should also remember that prevention is still the best remedy. Before the winter season comes, make sure that you take the following initiatives to protect your pipes from getting frozen.
Insulate the pipes.
You can insulate the pipes with pipe wrap or pipe insulation. The wrap comes in rolls and can be spun around the pipe. Pipe insulation is a foam tube that can be put around pipes. Pipe insulation comes in different lengths and snaps over the pipe. Another product available is electric heat tape. Heat tape is a plug-in wire system that can be run along copper pipes to keep it from freezing. This can be added under pipe insulation and will only turn on when the temperature reaches a certain point.
Adjust the thermostat accordingly.
Always maintain your thermostat set at the same temperature from morning to evening. This can also reduce the tension in the furnace during extreme cold weather. If you plan to leave the house for a few days, you can lower your home’s thermostat but don’t set it below 59 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Allow a faucet to drip overnight or when you are away.
Allowing water to run a small but steady drip can prevent ice from forming inside those pipes when temperatures are freezing. Ice cannot form when water is moving.
Open cabinet doors.
If your kitchen and bathroom pipes are near the exterior walls, we recommend that you leave the cabinet doors open. This will allow warm air to circulate and may help prevent burst pipes.
Seal cold air leaks.
Cold air can enter your home through holes where electrical wiring, pipes, duct work, or dryer vents are installed. Seal those gaps and locate other areas where cold air can enter.

How To Unfreeze Frozen Pipes?

Despite the effort of protecting your pipes from getting frozen, it is still possible that you will end up with frozen pipes. So how can you unfreeze frozen pipes safely and efficiently? Here are some of the tips we can share. unfreeze frozen pipes with a thawing machine, hair dryer, and fan heater
Get a thawing machine.
If you live in places that often get freezing temperatures, it is a wise decision to invest in getting a thawing machine. This machine can help to get water flowing and reduce the risk of having pipes burst.
Use a hair dryer as a source of heat.
If you use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe, do this with caution. This procedure works best on metal pipes. If your pipes are plastic, be careful since hair dryers can melt plastic pipes. PVC pipes can be damaged at temperatures as low as 140 °F (60 °C). Do not use other appliances stronger than a hair dryer.
Blow a fan heater into outdoor vents.
Blowing warm air into an external vent can quickly thaw any pipes that are nearby. Pipes often run alongside ductwork, so enforcing warm air into the ducts is a good idea.

When To Ask For Help From A Plumber?

Learning how to unfreeze frozen pipes during winter seasons can help you save time and money from untimely repairs. But expect the unexpected! If all efforts are in vain despite all the know-how to unfreeze frozen pipes, then it’s time for a professional plumber to handle the issue. Sometimes, it is easy to thaw frozen pipes by yourself. But if things are getting out of hand, it is better to contact Rochester New York’s best plumbers! Contact us anytime and we are here to take care of your frozen pipes concern.  
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The Importance of Plumbing Inspection And When Is It Necessary

Plumbing Inspection Service by Leone Plumbing and HeatingMaintaining a home is important for the safety and comfort of your family. As a good maintenance practice, it is a good idea to have your home inspected once in a while to avoid any plumbing issues. It is also recommended for older homes which are vulnerable to deterioration. However, maintaining a home can be challenging, especially in those hard-to-reach and concealed areas such as your plumbing system. In this blog, we will get to know more about plumbing inspection and what it entails.

What Is A Plumbing Inspection?

A plumbing inspection is a full and in-depth look at your plumbing system. The purpose of conducting an inspection is always to prevent or detect plumbing issues that need to be fixed. When you hire a professional plumber, he will conduct a thorough inspection of your indoor and outdoor pipes. For hard-to-reach and concealed areas in your plumbing system, a professional plumber may use an inspection camera to inspect any damages that need to be fixed on the lines.

When Does a Plumbing Inspection Become Necessary?

A thorough plumbing inspection is necessary because of the following reasons.
To Protect Your Home From Deteriorating
Do not underestimate small leaks or clogs on your drain. Disregarding these plumbing issues may lead to extensive damage to your home. Regardless if it’s a small water leakage or a simple clog that you can fix by using a toilet plunger, you must take it seriously if it keeps recurring. This can be a sign that something terrible is going on in your home’s plumbing system.
To Avoid Untimely And Costly Plumbing Repairs
Regular plumbing inspections can prevent any small issues from escalating into a worse plumbing concern. As many say, “Prevention is better than cure”, it is also applicable when you are maintaining your home. Do not let simple plumbing issues become big. Otherwise, the untimely repair is much more costly than a plumbing inspection. Plumbing Inspection done by Leone Plumbing
Before Buying A Home
Buying a home is quite an investment. You have to make sure that you catch potential plumbing issues early before sealing the deal! This is recommended if you are buying an old home since it is much more prone to damage.  
If You Are Selling Your Home
A plumbing inspection is also necessary when you sell your home. Showing documents of the inspection report to the potential buyer is a good selling point! It will prove to the buyers that the house you are selling is of good value.  

Trust Only A Professional To Inspect Your Plumbing System

You can ensure an accurate result and quality plumbing inspection through a licensed plumber. If you are looking for the best plumbing service in the Rochester, New York area, then contact us! Our team of professional licensed plumbers is here at your service!
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Prevention and Removal of Limescales In The Plumbing System

Limescales Prevention and Removal Service By Leone Plumbing and Heating At some point, a home may encounter issues with limescale building up on a plumbing system. It happens over time which affects the performance of your plumbing system. Today, we will talk about the causes of limescale buildup and how we can treat and prevent it from accumulating on pipes.

What Causes Limescale to Buildup On Pipes?

Most homes that are affected by mineral or limescale build-up are those that are located in areas that use hard water supply. Hard water is known to have a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals transform into a hard crust inside the pipes. These mineral deposits are not only building up inside the plumbing system but they can also accumulate inside your water-using appliances. If not treated, you may encounter plumbing issues such as:
  • Low Water Pressure
  • Clogged Pipes
  • Corroded Pipes

How Do We Prevent Limescale From Building Up On The Plumbing System?

Before we talk about the different solutions to remove the lime buildup, you should know the ways you can prevent it from accumulating.

Installing An Inline Filter

Installing an inline filter on the incoming water line is one way to prevent minerals from building up on pipes. These filters remove minerals and other substances from the water preventing them from accumulating in the pipes.

Use Water Softeners

Using water softeners is a known effective way of preventing the build-up of lime in the plumbing system. Through a process called ion exchange, it works by exchanging minerals like calcium and magnesium for sodium or potassium. This process removes the amount of minerals (e.g. calcium and magnesium) in the water that may build up in the plumbing system.

Use Deionized or Distilled Water

Using deionized or distilled water won’t contribute to lime buildup since they are free of minerals.

Installing Stainless Steel Pipes

Installing or upgrading to stainless steel pipes is also recommended to avoid issues with lime buildup. Stainless steel pipes are known to be resistant to corrosion and rusting (which are often the result of limescale buildup).

Removing Limescale Buildup From The Plumbing System Leone Plumbing and Heating Tips on Limescales Removal

Home remedies such as pouring vinegar on the drain and leaving it overnight can help dissolve stubborn limescale. Vinegar is an effective dissolving agent due to its acidic properties. After leaving your drain with vinegar overnight, just flush it with hot water. Another home remedy you can use is baking soda. You can use baking soda as an abrasive agent to scrub minerals that are building up on pipe surfaces. Simply mix a cup of baking soda with two cups of warm water (consistency should be similar to a paste). You can also regularly pour hot water on pipes to flush the minerals before they accumulate and clog the pipes over time.

Having Problems Dealing With Stubborn Lime Buildup?

Minerals building up on your plumbing system can be a very difficult problem to deal with. If home remedies and preventive measures don’t resolve the issue, the best option is to contact a professional to provide a better solution! So contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are here to help!  
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Sewage Backup: What Causes It To Happen And How To Fix It?

Sewage Backup Service Solution By Leone Plumbing and Heating

One of the major plumbing issues that cause extensive damage to your home is sewage backup. This happens when wastewater backs up through your drains, sinks, and toilets. Plumbing issues like sewage backup not only wreak havoc on your home but it can also pose a health risk to your family. Let us find out what causes this plumbing concern and what we can do to fix it.

What Causes A Sewer Backup?

Knowing the root cause of the problem can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of sewage backup. Here are the usual causes.
Municipal Street Sewer Issues
What Causes Sewage Backup And How To Fix ItWe recently had a client who experienced sewage backing up from the municipal street sewer being overwhelmed during rainstorms. It caused massive sewage backups in their nicely finished basement. This often occurs when the municipal sewage system is overloaded with water and the sewage eventually backs up through the basement floor. Although a municipal sewer line can handle loads of water, excessive rain can still overload the system. So as soon as you see dripping water on your basement floor, contact a professional plumber to check and fix the issue before it gets worse! It’s also important to contact the local public work office in the municipality if the issue persists.
Outdated and Old Sewer System
An outdated and old sewer system is common in old houses (usually built before the 1950s). Their sewage system is usually made of cast-iron pipes, clay pipes, or Orangeburg (fiber conduit pipe). These type of pipes may be durable, but it also deteriorates over time. It’s a good idea to schedule a regular sewer line inspection to check if the old pipes are still intact and ensure that they are not leaking. Otherwise, replace your old sewer system with PVC or ABS plastic sewer pipe to avoid the stress of sewage backup.
Tree Roots Obstruction
Tree roots always find ways to look for good water sources. They can even sip through tiny cracks in pipes until they can invade and damage the sewage system. One way to get rid of these unwanted tree roots is by cutting them using a snake machine with several tips for cutting and retrieval. Depending on the condition of the pipes, they may also need to be replaced if there are damages caused by root invasion.

How To Prevent Sewage Backup From Happening?

Leone Plumbing Licensed Master Plumber Proper plumbing maintenance is still a good method of prevention. We suggest that you schedule a sewer line inspection with a trusted plumbing professional to check the condition of your sewer lines. We also advise that you do a regular pipe cleaning to prevent any clogs that can cause serious backups. Avoid fat, oils, and other solid materials from flowing down the drain as it can also cause blockages that trigger sewage backup.

You Can Trust Us For Your Sewer Maintenance Needs!

Trust Rochester New York’s best plumbers for your home’s sewer maintenance. Contact us to schedule an appointment and we are here to help you!
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Deciding Between Water Heater Repair Or Replacement

Water Heater Repair Or Replacement By Leone PlumbingThe water heater is an essential appliance that we use almost every day in the kitchen, shower, and laundry. We need it most especially during the winter to keep us warm. But what would you do if your water heater is no longer heating up or if it is leaking? Would you go with water heater repair or replace the whole unit? What are the things you need to know before deciding?

Life Expectancy Of A Water Heater

Knowing the age of your water heater can help you decide whether to replace the unit or go on with the repair. Usually, a water heater may last up to 12 years depending on how it is maintained. The unit can be prone to leaking and tends to be working inconsistently if it is more than 10 years old. However, a professional plumber can extend the life of the unit through simple repairs like replacing the pressure relief valve. It may save you from buying a new water heater.

When Is Water Heater Repair Necessary?

Leone Plumbing water heater repair serviceLooking out for the following red flags can help you determine if your water heater needs repair. If you are experiencing these signs, it is best to contact a professional plumber.
Water Is No Longer Heating
Over time, lime sediments may build up inside the tank reducing the capacity of the water heater. The accumulated build-up of sediments reduces the available water to be heated.
Rusty Water
The corrosion inside the tank may become obvious through the water that is coming out from the unit. If you can find rust in your water, it is an indication that the water heater is breaking down inside due to corrosion.
Leaking Water
Check the seams and joints of your water heater regularly if there are any leaks. The appliance is designed to be a tight or closed system and moisture outside of it means something is wrong inside. Persisting leaks on your unit call for a water heater repair.
Unusual Noise
If your water heater is making a rumbling noise while in operation, it means that the system is struggling to work properly. Something might be interfering with the water heater and preventing it from working normally. Hearing this odd noise indicates that your water heater needs to be checked and repaired immediately.

When To Buy A New Water Heater?

If your water heater is more than 10 years old and beyond repair, then it’s time to get a new one. If you are not sure about the age of the unit, look for it’s brand and serial number then check with the InterNACHI resource to find out. Before purchasing a new water heater, think about the following.
Gallon Capacity and Recovery Rate
Find out the number of gallons the heater can heat on an hourly basis.
Actual Dimension
You need an accurate measurement of the area where you will put the unit. Get the exact height and width.
Look for the Efficiency Rating
You can save energy and money with high-efficiency water heater units. Look for the sticker (usually on the side) that lists the estimated operational cost of the unit.

Need A Water Heater Repair or Installation Service?

We always have you covered! We are Rochester New York’s best plumbers and we are here for your water heater repair or installation. Contact us and we’ll talk to you soon!
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