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Outdated and Old Sewer System
An outdated and old sewer system is common in old houses (usually built before the 1950s).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.

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What Makes My Air Conditioner Water Leaking?

Causes air conditioner water to leak and what can be done about it. A leaking air conditioner is a very unsettling issue to handle. Looking at your air conditioner water leaking on the floor is such a messy sight. It adds to the discomfort given by the hot summer weather! Why is your air conditioner water leaking and what can be done about it?

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Water Leaking

Common causes of air conditioner water leakTo handle the issue of air conditioner water leaking, you have to be aware of the following causes.
Deteriorating Pipes
How old is your AC? Old deteriorating pipes may cause the AC water to leak. One possibility is that the pipes are not actually leaking and instead, condensation is forming on the pipes because the insulating cover has deteriorated. Purchasing a new cover would solve this problem. If the water is still dripping despite replacing the pipe cover, it’s possible that the leak isn’t condensation but an underlying problem with the pipe itself. In this case, it would be best if you contact a professional plumber to inspect and fix the problem.
Unwashed or Greasy Air Filters
The AC’s airflow can be blocked if the air filters are dirty. It hampers the air to get into the evaporator coil until it becomes cold and freezes. Eventually, the frozen water would melt excessively causing it to leak indoors. It’s better to replace the air filter if it’s filthy!
Clogged Drainage
Always remember that water will always find its way to get out. Dirt and dust collected on the drainage can block the water. To avoid this problem, make it a habit to regularly check the AC drainage for any clogs that block the water flow. If the issue keeps on persisting after cleaning the drainage, then it’s time to seek help from a professional.
Leaky Refrigerant
The refrigerant is one important component of an AC that converts warm air into cool air. If there is a gurgling or hissing sound coming from the indoor unit, and when the AC is not blowing cool air as it should be, these can be signs that you have a leaky refrigerant. A refrigerant leak is not only harmful to your health but also to the environment. It’s best to contact a professional to deal with this issue.
Incorrect AC Installation
Water from your AC may leak if the unit is installed unevenly. AC water may flow indoors causing unpleasant puddles. If your AC is unevenly installed, contact a professional plumber to place your AC correctly.

Leone Plumbing Air Conditioner Water Leaking Repair ServiceDo You Need Help Fixing Your AC Water Leaking?

If you need a hand to fix your AC water leaking, contact us and our team of professionals is here to help! We are Rochester New York’s best plumbers. We commit to providing quality service for all your plumbing needs.    
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Dealing With Sewage Water Backing Up Into The Bathtub

Experiencing sewage water backing up through your bathtub is a terrible issue to deal with! It is one of the dreaded plumbing concerns for any homeowners. Sewage coming up through the bathtub not only brings unpleasant odors but also health hazards due to harmful organisms and contaminants present in the dirty water. It is important not to touch or directly have contact with the sewage water as it may cause serious illness. How do you deal with this trouble and why is it happening?

Reasons for Sewage Water To Backup

A clogged sewer line is the main culprit for sewage backing up through your tub. Your bathtub, sinks, and toilets are all connected to a single sewer line. This line carries the wastewater from your residence down to the main sewage system of the city. If this sewer line is clogged, the wastewater would back up through your drains, shower, and bathtub. There are no other passages where the wastewater would flow but back to your home! Many items can block your sewer line like: What causes sewage water backing up into the bathtub by Leone Plumbing
  • Cooking oil, grease, and fats
  • Small items, kid’s toys, and jewelry
  • Refuse or litter
  • Food waste
  • Tree roots invasion
  • Rodents
  • Hair

How to Prevent Sewage Water From Backing Up?

Early detection and treatment of clogs on the sewer line is one way to avoid sewage water backup. By taking heed of the following common signs, you can intercept the problem.
Recurring Clogs
If things get out of hand despite home remedies, it is better to leave it to the professionals than take a chance that it gets worse. Frequent clogging of drains calls for a professional plumber to work on the issue. Keep small items (kid’s toys, jewelry, and the like) away from your sink or shower drains so they won’t shoot accidentally into the drains causing clog. Simple home garbage management can also help. 
Slow Draining of Water
If the water is draining slower than expected, it’s a sign that something is clogging your sewer line. You can unclog the pipe by snaking it to break whatever is causing the blockage. If the wastewater drains smoothly, then you have successfully gotten rid of the clog. If not, then it’s time to contact a professional plumber to handle the problem.
Gurgling Noise While Draining Water
If you hear an unusual gurgling noise from your sink or shower drain when you shower, it can tell you that the sewer line is clogged. You can try using simple home remedies like pouring baking soda and vinegar or hot water to unclog the pipe. If the DIY remedies won’t work, a plumber knows what to do.

Hire A Professional Plumber To Deal With Sewage Water Backup

Free yourself from the stress of sewage water backing up into your bathtub. If simple home DIY remedies or solutions do not go well, then contact a professional plumber! At the early signs of sewer line clogs, contact Rochester, New York’s best plumbers to schedule an appointment. We are here at your service!
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Fixing Low Water Pressure In Your Home

Fixing Low Water Pressure In Your Home By Leone PlumbingEnding the day with a refreshing shower is satisfying and it relieves all the day’s stress. But this moment can be spoiled with a trickle of water coming out from your shower due to low pressure. This issue does not only affect your shower but also the kitchen and the toilet. If you are getting a few drips of drinking water from your kitchen faucet or your toilet tank is slowly filling up after you flush, then it’s telling you that the water pressure has dropped.

Why Are We Having Low Water Pressure?

The most common reasons for your water pressure to drop are:
  • Clogged pipes (due to mineral deposits).
  • Corroded pipes.
  • Blocked water meter valve or damaged main city water supply pipe.
  • High water demand.
  • Malfunctioning pressure regulator.
  • Tree roots invasion on pipes.
There are practical solutions to address the issue. Let’s look at some of the ways to remedy the problem. Leone plumbing low water pressure service solution

How to Increase Your Home’s Water Pressure

Test the city water pressure. 
First, perform a test by using a water pressure gauge connected to the hose. What you will do is screw the gauge to the hose faucet. For an accurate reading, make sure that your home’s water supply and (water-using) appliances are all turned off. Normal results should be between 40 and 80 psi for residential use. If you are getting below the normal psi reading, then it’s relatively low. If you find similar results with your neighbors, then it’s a citywide issue. Contact your city’s municipal water supply to inspect and fix the problem.
Installing a pressure booster pump.
You can boost the pressure by installing a booster pump. This is ideal if you are on a public water supply and frequently experiencing low pressure.
Adjusting the pressure-reducing valve.
If your home’s main water supply has a pressure-reducing valve, then it may need a bit of adjustment. Simply loosen the locknut on the valve so it can increase the pressure.
Check your faucet and shower head for clogs.
Mineral deposits may build up over time that clog your faucet and shower head. These clogs can decrease the pressure. You can fix the issue by using simple home remedies. You can detach the shower head and faucet then soak them in a container of white vinegar for a few hours and rinse them with water. This process will naturally dissolve the mineral deposits.
Replace corroded pipes. 
The inside of the pipes becomes narrow due to pipe corrosion which prevents normal pressure. You can tell if your pipes are extremely corroded if the water coming out from the faucet is red and rusty. The best way to deal with this issue is pipe replacement.

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Ways To Prevent Condensation on The Toilet Tank

How To Prevent Condensation on The Toilet Tank By Leone PlumbingHave you noticed sweat-like droplets around your toilet tank? If you do, is it something that you should be concerned about? Toilet sweating is caused by the moisture or condensation on the toilet tank. This condensation leaves your bathroom floor damp for several days. Let’s talk more about toilet sweating and what can we do about it.

Why Is My Toilet Tank Sweating? Is It Bad?

Condensation on the toilet tank forms during warm weather. If the weather is warm, condensation forms when damp air touches a cold surface. The excessive moisture will then drip off your bathroom floor leaving it wet for too long. The constant dripping of water on the bathroom floor may lead to mold growth, and it can become a habitat of bacteria which causes serious illnesses. If left ignored, this condensation can also damage the bathroom flooring over time. Leaving your bathroom floor wet for so long makes it slippery and can be a safety hazard for toilet users as well.

How to Prevent Condensation on the Toilet Tank

Here are the ways you can stop condensation on the toilet tank.
Install a Drip Tray
Installing a drip tray is a less costly solution for toilet sweating. Putting a drip tray under the toilet tank keeps the dripping moisture off the floor. This will also prevent your bathroom floor from possible damage caused by the excess moisture dripping from the toilet tank. You need to empty the tray regularly to keep it from overflowing.
Insulate Your Toilet Tank
Insulating the tank’s interior keeps it warm and prevents condensation on the toilet tank. Doing this requires you to empty the tank and fit the insulating foam panels, and glue them to the tank’s interior. You can visit a nearby hardware shop and ask for DIY insulation kits.
Anti-Sweat Valve Installation
Installing an anti-sweat valve to your toilet tank is another best solution. This plumbing part adds hot water to the toilet’s water line. It raises the temperature in the toilet to heat both the bowl and the tank. The hot water coming into the toilet tank is enough to keep it warm which keeps condensation from forming.
Minimize Moisture
A change of habit in using the toilet can also make a difference. Make it a habit to open the bathroom windows or turn on the bathroom fan during and after you shower. Doing this ventilates the area and prevents moisture from forming. You can also invest in placing a dehumidifier in your bathroom to minimize the amount of air moisture in the room.

What Do I Do If My Toilet Is Still Damp and Wet?

Condensation On The Toilet Tank Concern Solution by Leone PlumbingIf you keep on seeing puddles of water around the toilet and on the bathroom floor, it can be more than toilet sweating. It’s possible that the culprit is not the condensation on the toilet tank. You might be dealing with a serious plumbing issue! If this happens, call us right away to have your toilet checked and fix.
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Plumbing Repairs That Should Not Be Done DIY

Professional plumbing repairs solution by Leone PlumbingWater damage caused by a failing plumbing system is probably the worst scenario your house may encounter. It’s destructive, time-consuming, and disrupts your household activities. But thanks to social media and the internet! An average person can now do plumbing repairs with step-by-step procedures provided online. However, we can’t avoid repairs that are beyond our basic knowledge and experience. There are complex plumbing works that have to be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Shouldn’t Be DIY

Burst Pipes

Broken pipes usually happen during the winter. Extreme cold weather can make the pipes brittle and then burst when water pressure comes in, leaving your home flooded. A burst pipe is a complex repair issue that should be fixed quickly. This has to be dealt with by a professional plumber. A professional makes sure that the pipes are fixed and prevent future leaks and pipe rupture.

Water Heater Malfunction

A water heater can be a dangerous house appliance when it fails. You should NOT resort to DIY solutions as it requires a professional hand to fix the water heater parts. If your water heater makes an unusual sound, leaks, and smells (leaking gas), these are the signs that it’s failing and you need to seek help from a professional plumber.

Clogged Sewer Line

Clog issues caused by tree root invasion or other obstructions are a mess when done DIY. Issues with clogging pipes require professional attention and expertise. A professional has the necessary tools and equipment to get rid of roots invading your lines and also those hard obstructions such as rags, small toys, hairs, and accumulated oils.

Sump Pump Failure

This is another plumbing appliance that is often overlooked until a failure happens. A sump pump failure may happen during heavy rain or snow which causes basement flooding. There are many factors why a sump pump may fail. The most common issues are clogs and other obstructions in the sump pit, leaking pipes, and even the loss of a power source. A professional plumber knows what is best in dealing with these kinds of plumbing issues in the sump pump.

DIY Repair or Call a Professional Plumber?

Plumbing repairs are made easy nowadays and anyone can be an “expert” in their own right. Thanks to the DIY solutions available online everyone can search on the internet! DIY solutions are helpful especially during emergency repair situations. Though DIY plumbing can be adequate, there are still repairs that need to be done by a professional. If you feel you lack the experience and knowledge in handling plumbing repairs by yourself, it is the best solution to contact a professional. You can always contact us and our team of professionals can help you with your emergency plumbing repairs.
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