The Advantages Of Hydro Jetting To Unclog A Drain

Leone Plumbing Hydro Jetting Services It’s not fun to encounter clogged or slow drains. At some point, a homeowner experiences the hassle of dealing with stubborn clogs! Blockage such as grease, minerals, and other debris can create a large mess that can ruin your day. There are many ways to unclog a drain, but for the most stubborn blockages, the best solution is hydro jetting.

What Is Hydro Jetting And Why Is It Highly Recommended To Unclog A Drain?

Hydro Jetting is an effective method to remove dirt buildup on surfaces and also clogs on pipes. This method uses high-velocity water pressure which is injected into pipes using advanced equipment, special hoses, and jet nozzle. The hydro jetting system can work at pressures of as low as 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) to as high as 60,000 psi (414 MPa), depending on the work to be done. We highly recommend hydro jetting to unclog the drain because of the following advantages.
Extremely Effective In Cleaning Pipes
Hydro jetting requires the use of a high-powered pressure washer in order to unclog a drain. The pressurized stream of water is effective to get rid of any clogs and dirt buildup on pipes. This method is long-lasting compared to snaking and it’s a perfect choice for any size or type of pipe.
It’s Cost-Effective
You can definitely save more money with hydro jetting. This method enables plumbers to clear the drain without opening up the pipes or resorting to expensive and tedious digging. You will yield additional savings with hydro jetting because it prevents future issues such as persistent clogs, water backups, and the risk of pipes bursting.Leone Plumbing Unclog Drain Services
Environmentally Safe
Since hydro jetting only uses a pressurized stream of water, there is no need to use harmful chemicals that can damage plants, trees, or contaminate nearby water sources.
It’s More Sanitary
Using conventional plumbing methods increases the risk of coming in contact with sewage debris. This is not the case with hydro jetting since the plumber will minimize contact with sewage and spend less time unclogging the drain.
More Flexibility
To unclog a drain with hydro jetting doesn’t require digging underground or opening walls. It can clean hard-to-reach areas of your pipes without exposing your home piping system. This method is also ideal for older homes where plumbing is less accessible and fragile as well. It’s safe and won’t damage pipes despite the high water pressures.

Need Help To Unclog A Drain?

We can help to resolve clogged drains in no time through the hydro jetting method. Contact us today to know more about hydro jetting, and to schedule an appointment.              

Photo Credit: “Pipes” from Canva 

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Your Toilet Bowl Parts: How Do They Work?

Leone Plumbing Toilet Bowl Parts Maintenance ServiceThe toilet is one of the busiest appliances in a home and business. A toilet gets multiple uses every single day which makes it a heavy-duty appliance. As a household or a business owner, it is very important to keep your toilet clean and working. Speaking of maintenance, how well do you know the toilet bowl parts?

The Importance Of Knowing The Different Toilet Bowl Parts

Knowing the different parts of your toilet will help you diagnose issues such as leaks, clogs, and running toilets. Sometimes, waiting for a plumber is not necessary. Thus, it is important for you to know the different toilet bowl parts and their functions. Toilet Bowl Parts Diagram By Leone Plumbing

The Toilet Bowl Parts And Their Functions

Toilet Bowl
It is a large vessel below the toilet seat that holds the water and is connected to the drain for waste disposal.  
Tank
The toilet tank is found behind the bowl which holds the water that is used for flushing. The water gets released when the toilet is flushed.
Handle
Also known as a “flush handle”, it is a lever that can be found on the upper left or right side of the tank. It triggers the water to be released when flushing.
Floor Flange
This is a pipe fitting that attaches the toilet to the floor. The job of the floor flange is not only to connect but to secure the toilet to the drain pipe.
Float
It is a device that permits the water to fill the tank and also prevents the water from overflowing.
Chain
Is a metal chain that connects the toilet lever to the toilet flapper. It allows the flapper to remain open a bit longer to allow more water to get in the bowl for better flushing.
Flapper
The toilet flapper is made of rubber which controls the volume of the water released. It also serves as a seal for the flush valve.
Wax Seal
It is a sticky wax ring that helps to form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet bowl and the sewer pipe.
Refill Tube
The refill tube manages the water going into the bowl. When the toilet is refilling, it trickles the water into the bowl.
Water Supply Shut-off Valve
This is a part of the toilet that controls and directs the water into the toilet. It helps to isolate and repair toilet leaks without shutting off the water supply.
Tank O-Ring Seal
It is a rubber gasket that fits between the toilet tank and bowl. It serves as a seal to prevent leaks.

Are You Having Issues With Any Of These Parts?

Fixing a toilet can be tough. When in doubt, a professional plumber can help. Contact us today for your urgent toilet maintenance needs.
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What Is The Difference Between A Cast Iron and PVC Sewer Pipe?

Leone Plumbing's Sewer Pipes Replacement Service Sewer pipes are one of the important components of a good plumbing system. The most popular choices are cast iron and PVC sewer pipes. With these options, which pipe is better? Before you pick which pipe to use, make sure to know the difference so you can determine which material is best for your needs.

Facts About Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes have a long history of usage dating back as early as the 1600s. Most old buildings still hold cast iron pipes for many decades (even centuries). Cast iron sewer pipes can withstand the test of time. The famous fountains of Versaille in France hold the oldest water supply system using cast iron from the late 17th century which is still in use up to this day! With its long history, we can say that durability is the main strength of a cast iron pipe. The fountains of Versailles in France holds some of the oldest water supply system (including sewer pipes) using cast iron from the late 17th century.

Facts About PVC Pipes

PVC pipes have been used for 80 years in plumbing and construction. It is relatively young compared to cast iron pipes. This material is made from plastic and has many benefits. It is popularly used because it’s lightweight and most of all, versatile. PVC pipes are also durable and resistant to corrosion and increasing temperature.

Important Comparison Points Between Cast Iron and PVC Sewer Pipes

Flexibility
A cast iron is indeed a strong material. But when a blunt force is applied, it can become brittle and break. PVC on the other hand is much more flexible and resistant to blunt forces and does not break easily.
Friction In Water
Friction can fluctuate water pressure. PVC pipes are much smoother than cast iron pipes. That means, there is less fluid friction and flow rates are consistent with PVC pipes compared to cast iron.
Cost
PVC pipes are almost half the price of cast iron pipes. Since the material is lightweight, installation is much easier which can also lower the labor cost.
Fire Resistance
Cast iron pipes can resist high temperatures and won’t melt easily. The heat threshold of PVC is 450 degrees which can melt in the event of fires.
Noise
Vibration can produce sound (noise). A cast-iron pipe is thick and dense and does not cause too much vibration when water flows through. Since PVC pipe is lightweight, it could vibrate due to water flows which result in noise.
Corrosion
Over time, a cast iron is subject to rust and corrosion and requires regular maintenance. That is not the case with PVC which can withstand rust and corrosion since it’s made of plastic.
Adjustability
Cast iron pipes are adjustable compared to PVC. The fittings can be adjusted even after the installation. However, with PVC, the portion of the plumbing system has to be replaced should there be changes needed.

Between Cast Iron And PVC Sewer Pipes, Which Are Better?

We highly recommend using PVC pipes for modern plumbing systems. The reality for most home and business owners today is that sewer waste contains much more than pure running water like the fountains of Versailles. Grease from the kitchen as well as other sewer waste can lead to significant corrosion and a shorter life expectancy in cast-iron pipes. Leone Plumbing therefore highly recommends using PVC pipes for modern plumbing systems. If you are unsure of the option, contact us today for a consultation.                                                      

Photo Credit: Versailles Fountain – Ernelina at Pixabay

 
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The Importance Of Professional Drain Cleaning Service

Leone Plumbing and Heating Professional Drain Cleaning Services With all of the events that happened last holiday season, have you thought of what went down to your drain? After the party when you are washing dishes, grease and food particles are washed down your drain. That is in addition to soap, hair, and dirt that are making their way through your plumbing system when you take a shower. When was the last time you scheduled a drain cleaning service? Perhaps, you need to prioritize giving your drain the service it deserves.

Why should you prioritize drain cleaning service?

Drains can sometimes go unnoticed until they clog. Irregular cleaning of your shower and sink drains can wreak havoc on your plumbing system which can be very costly! That is why you must prioritize drain cleaning service routinely to reduce any future damages to your home’s plumbing system. Business establishments also need to consider getting their drain serviced since commercial plumbing system tends to work heavily on regular basis.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

Professional drain cleaning services are important with the following benefits.
Reduces Clogging For Faster Drains
Over time, accumulated food particles and debris can result in serious clog issues. Regular cleaning can clear clogs which results in faster drains.
Extends Your Drain’s Lifespan
Regular cleaning can prolong the lifespan of your drains since it minimizes any damages that gradually accumulate.
Eliminates Bad Odors
Stucked food particles and debris on your drain may cause unpleasant odors. Drain cleaning removes not only clogs but eliminates odors too.
Prevents Expensive Repairs
Regular drain maintenance can resolve small issues before they get worse. A professional plumber can identify the issues early on with routine maintenance.

What can you expect from a Professional Drain Cleaning Service?

A professional drain cleaning service ensures to prevent and even eliminate clog issues that pose as a health hazard that can also damage the property. A professional plumber also has the appropriate tools and expertise to resolve plumbing issues without putting your plumbing system at risk of further damage. As a plumbing professional, here is how we approach drain maintenance service.
Clog Assessment
We carefully assess the problem first before offering the right resolution.
Video Inspection
A video camera can identify the cause of clogging. This tool can go below the home or business establishment’s pipes using visible light. It can also identify other issues that need attention like fine cracks that cause leaks. Professional Drain Cleaning Services Provided by Leone Plumbing
Clog Removal
Upon figuring out the issue, we perform Drain Snaking to remove clogs. Depending on the type of clog, we may use hand-cranked or motor-operated snakes.
Hydro-Jetting
For commercial customers such as apartment complexes and plazas that have restaurants, we use a “Jetter” to clean out the sewer lines. This is mainly done to prevent a clog from happening in the future that may cause business downtime. Leone Plumbing Offers Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Set Up An Appointment With Us

We can help you with any professional drain or plumbing concerns. Contact us to book an appointment!  

Photo Credits: Canva

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Hot Water Heater Issues To Watch Out For During The Winter

  Installed Hot Water Heater By Leone Plumbing It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Can you feel it? Having a steamy shower over a cold icy day beats the chill that the winter season brings. Your best friend is a hot water heater providing the exact warmth that you need. But like any appliance during the winter, it can be vulnerable to issues brought about by the cold weather. In this article, we will talk about the steps to prevent water heater issues from occurring this winter.

The Effect Of Cold Weather On Your Hot Water Heater

During winter, the water coming into your home can get up to 25 degrees colder. The colder the water comes in, the greater the effort that is needed by your water heater. Because of the heavy workload, your water heater may encounter problems in the process. Here are the common water heater issues to watch out for.
Temperature
The temperature of your water heater should not rise beyond 120 degrees. If the temperature goes higher, it will cause the electrodes to break and scales fall into the water. This will cause the water to become more acidic and deteriorates the anodes protecting the walls of your water heater.
Insufficient Insulation
The holiday season can be very busy that you may overlook insulating your water heater. Just like your pipes that need insulation from the cold, your water heater also needs to be insulated. Insulating your hot water heater is important since its efficiency to produce hot water decreases during the winter season.
Malfunctioning Parts
During the cold season, parts of the water heater could malfunction. If you own a gas water heater, you need to keep an eye on the pilot light, thermocouple, and pilot control valve. If you have an electric water heater, inspect the thermostat and heating components.
Build Up Of Sediments
Those sediments building up on the bottom of water heaters can sip the heat out of the produced hot water. If this happens, your water heater will consume more energy and it can break due to over-usage.

Steps To Prevent Hot Water Heater Issues

There are simple steps to take to guard your hot water heater from the effects of cold weather. Here are the tips that you need to keep in mind.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Insulate your electric water heater with neoprene foam. For gas water heaters, you may use aluminum foil tape or fiberglass wrap.
Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
Regularly flushing your water heater can remove all the accumulated sediments and minerals that suck the heat out of the warm water.
Replace Parts If Needed
It is best to consult a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater. They will be able to assess if there are parts that need replacement such as the thermocouple and anodes.

Enjoy The Warmth Of Warm Water This Winter

Keep your home warm this winter season. Let us help you keep your hot water heater working. Call us anytime if you need help.
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Removal Of Tree Roots In Sewer Line

Leone Service Tree Roots Removal On Sewer LinesTree roots can easily slip through and invade your sewer line. They are silent destroyers of your sewer line that can lead to numerous expenses. But they can be eliminated and prevented. In this article, we will discuss some of the alternative ways for getting rid of tree roots in sewer lines before they thrive and cause further damages. However, these approaches are NOT recommended due to their safety risks and tedious nature. We always recommend cleaning tree roots mechanically using a snake machine or sewer line replacement.

Handyman Ideas For Getting Rid Of Tree Roots In Sewer Line

You can get rid of roots on a sewer line at the early stage of growth. There are inexpensive DIY solutions that you can use such as:
Rock Salt
This is different from table salt. This is the kind of salt that is thrown on icy sidewalks during winter. All you have to do is to gradually flush a couple of pounds (1/2 pound at a time) of rock salt down the toilet. Allow the rock salt to sit in the pipes for 12 hours by turning off the water. By doing this, you are creating an environment that is hostile for small roots to grow and slowly killing them.
Copper Sulfate
Also known as bluestone, copper sulfate is a type of herbicide. What you will do is flush 1/2 cup of copper sulfate on the toilet. To move the bluestone down the pipes, flush multiple times. Caution though, copper sulfate can be toxic for animals. It is suggested that you leave the house with your pets and come back after several hours. The effect of the bluestone may take a few days and you need to be patient. Please contact the United States EPA for further information about the safe usage of copper sulfate.
Concentrated Weed Killer and Dishwashing Liquid Combo
Mix 400 ml of dishwashing liquid to 800 ml weed killer. After mixing, leave them Removal of tree roots from pipes by Leone Plumbing. for several hours so they can bond together. Pour the mixture on your toilet and flush gradually to ensure it travels to the pipes. Do not flush your toilet until after 24 hours. The foam created by the mixture should coat the roots causing them to die. Caution: This can also kill nearby trees. If you go with this option, talk it over with your household.

For stubborn tree roots, let the professional deal with it!

Dealing with tree roots in sewer line can be a tough one. If a DIY solution in getting rid of tree roots doesn’t work, let a professional do it. Our expert plumber can cut the roots using a snake machine with several tips for cutting and retrieval. This equipment can also remove other debris that causes clogs. There are scenarios wherein the real culprit is those little cracks on the pipes where roots can easily slip in. Our master plumber may also recommend repairing or replacing the pipes if found out to be damaged that allows the roots to grow inside.

We Are Here At Your Service

For professional removal of tree roots in sewer line, talk to us so we can help you.  

Image Credit | “Huge Oak Tree” by RegalShave in Pixabay

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