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What Methods Does A Plumber Use To Detect Leaks? | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on August 8, 2022

According to the EPA, household leaks result in over 1 trillion gallons of water waste annually. Therefore, homeowners must use various intervention measures to deal with these startling high volumes of wasted water. After all, wasted water means you’ll pay more in monthly water utility bills, not to forget that water can damage property. Although homeowners might be meticulous about their plumbing maintenance and use various preventative measures, leaks might still arise. Hence, the plumbers need a precise method of detecting leaks to aptly and promptly deal with them.

There are various leakage detection methods that a plumbing company in Oak Ridge, TN, may use to detect leakages swiftly. This means that the professional can deal with the problem promptly and avert any water damage or those high-water utility bills. Most leaks arise from loose connections, cracks caused by penetrating tree roots and corrosion, and faulty plumbing materials that cannot withstand extreme weather conditions. Below are some techniques of leakage detection that a plumber might use.

Smart Water Meters

One way to detect water leaks in your plumbing system involves using technologically advanced water meters (also called smart meters). These meters have Wi-Fi or wireless, hardwired, cellular, or radio connectivity that can communicate the volume of water used for various household activities. This data is used by the analytic monitoring devices to analyze the amount of water your Oak Ridge, TN home uses every day. Plumbers find the data gathered by these devices crucial in determining a leakage somewhere within your plumbing system.

If your smart water meter records a high water use whenever the taps are closed, that is a sign that water is leaking at a certain section of your plumbing and needs prompt attention. If you are using smart pipes, the technician can pinpoint the exact location of the leakage and use CIPP or sectional point repair to seal the leakage. Otherwise, the professional can rely on other leakage detection methods to pinpoint the exact location of the leakage.

Noise Loggers

The other technique and one of the best in detecting and locating leaks in a plumbing system is the use of noise loggers. These devices can analyze your entire plumbing system to detect leakages. A reliable and professional plumber can permanently or temporarily install these acoustic-based sensors to inspect your plumbing system for leaks. In a permanent installation, the sensor continuously monitors the particular areas of your plumbing system. Whenever the water leakage detecting sensor detects a leakage, it sends an alert.

However, the piping material affects the installation of the acoustic leakage detectors. Hence, the professional needs to consider the piping material before deciding which noise loggers should be installed at intervals. For instance, some materials like PVC pipes require that the noise loggers be installed near each other for effective water leak detection. When installed closely, the noise loggers scan for high-frequency sounds indicating leakage.

Optimally, the noise loggers should be installed at a range of between 100ft-300ft for them to scan the piping even during low-use hours. There are smart noise loggers that feature digital readouts, wireless connectivity, and frequency filters to help the professional plumber interpret the data. With such sensors, the technician can precisely pinpoint the location of the leakage and promptly deal with it. However, it might prove expensive if you want to use these systems to detect or identify leaks in larger water systems.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure

The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is another technology that a plumber might use to detect any leaks at your home is the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). These devices are installed in the plumbing piping to help in detecting leaks for a quick repair. Advanced metering infrastructure features analytical software and smart meters for monitoring your water lines. Similar to smart water meters, the two leakage detection methods differ.

The smart meter measures water use and sends the data to the analytic software. The software then analyzes the data on water use and sends out an alert in case it detects an abnormality that might be a sign of leakage. The plumbing experts use the data to pinpoint and isolate the location of the leakage within your water lines for repairs. This is the best leakage detection method if you have a comprehensive water system. Upon pinpointing the location of the leakage, the plumber uses their tools, experience, and know-how to determine the best method to deal with it effectively.

Temperature Monitoring

During winters, the temperatures are cold. Homeowners must frequently monitor the water temperature in their piping to protect them from freezing. This requires a low-temperature leakage detector or temperature monitoring device. These sensors alert the Oak Ridge, TN homeowners if they sense excessive humidity or freezing pipes. The frozen piping poses a risk for your plumbing because the lines might burst due to pressure and leak out large volumes of water if they aren’t noticed and fixed on time.

Hence, temperature monitoring is the best mechanism in winter as it will check for the freezing temperatures that might make the piping burst. It will also alert you when it senses frozen pipes for you to call in a plumber for insulation to avert cracking and water leaks.

In-Pipe Technology

Besides the above leakage detection methods, the plumber might use the in-pipe technology. The professionals can use a one-time gadget with an acoustic, electromagnetic, or pressure sensor to locate the leakage. These devices can be used when the piping is empty or have water. The in-pipe device floats or tethers on the water to check the piping for leaks and marks the exact location for easy identification and repair.

The device is used as a robotic crawler in empty pipes to locate the parts in your piping that might be leaking. By marking the precise location of the leak, the plumbing experts only have to replace the cracked, damaged, or corroded piping with a corrosion-resistant pipe using a sectional point or another method of trenchless water line repair.

Let Our Professionals Help You Deal with Those Leaks

Are you paying more on water utility bills than you have been? That could be a sign that there is a leakage in your piping. Because of the large volumes of water wasted by the leaks, you need the problem detected and fixed earnestly. This means hiring a professional with the right experience and tools to detect and patch them. Do you need a technician to identify and patch leaks at your Oak Ridge, TN home? You can call My Professional Plumber at any time.

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How A Plumber Identifies The Causes And Signs Of Slab Leaks | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on June 3, 2022

Of all the leaks, perhaps the most severe ones are slab leaks. Though you may consider slab leaks among the things that do not require your immediate attention, they do. Ignoring the slab leaks might swiftly become a difficult and costly situation. But what are slab leaks? When the drainage or water lines below the concrete slab at your Knoxville, TN home stand on a leak that results in a slab leak, these leaks are different and more complicated than the cracks or pinhole leaks that result when the pipes above the concrete slab spring a leak. When you notice these leaks, ensure that you immediately enlist a plumber to have the problem fixed before it damages the structural foundation of your home.

Causes of Slab Leaks

Although there could be various causes of slab leaks, the following are the most common ones. They include:

Nicked Line

Sometimes, the slab leaks are caused by the waterline damage that happened when installed or when the construction workers were laying the concrete slab. Although such damage might not be considerably large enough to cause a significant slab leak initially, it might worsen as time passes. Additionally, it is worth noting that even the smallest of leaks hiding below the slab or behind the walls might result in serious wear and tear. It might erode just a minor nick to a point where the crack begins heavily leaking. Hence, call a plumber immediately whenever you suspect there is even a minor slab leak.

Ground Shift

Your massive home is a heavy structure. Its weight takes a massive toll on the ground and the foundation built on as time passes. Ultimately, this results in ground shifts and settling. If the shift is considerably large, the shift might pressure your home’s drainage system and water lines, especially those buried under the concrete slab. This results in cracking and leaks on those pipes, compelling you to seek help from a local plumber.

Furthermore, natural disasters like seismic movements also can have a similar effect. However, the ground moves much faster, resulting in serious damage. Earthquakes can damage the pipes beneath the slab within a minute.

Faulty Wrapping

The pipes at your home, especially the hot water pipes, expand, contract, and relax based on the water temperatures as they supply water to different outlets at your home. If they aren’t covered with the right wrapping, the pipes might buff directly against harsh concrete slab. When this happens over time, it might result in cracks and perforations that might lead to slab leaks. Unfortunately, the plumbing pipes aren’t always wrapped properly, leaving them vulnerable to cracking and spring leaks sooner or later.

Electrolysis

This is a chemical-related procedure that arises whenever copper pipes react with the minerals in the soils under your house. It triggers a small electric reaction that results in a slow but steady erosion of your copper pipes, resulting in slab leaks.

What Shows There Are Slab Leaks?

Knowing the signs that there may be leaks under the concrete slab is critical. It ensures that you can take measures to have them repaired on time. This is critical in preventing widespread damage to the foundation, high water wastage, and impacting the structural integrity of your home. If left unfixed, you will be paying high water bills, and your home might experience structural damage, which will cost you heavily to have restored. Hence, have a plumber fix the slab leaks to avoid these expensive repairs and restorations. If you’re confused about what a slab leak looks like, below are the five signs to watch out for.

Mold

Once the water seeps into your floor, it travels up the walls of your Knoxville, TN home. Because they are dry, the walls quickly absorb the water. The now damp walls create the perfect conditions for mold growth in your home. Have you noticed some mold spots on your walls? Then you should have a plumber inspect the plumbing system, especially the pipes under the slab. Remember, mold can result in serious respiratory complications. Hence, it should be cleared as soon as possible.

Warped Floor or Damp Carpets

If the slab leak has been going on for some time, then the concrete slab at your home starts absorbing the leaking water. When the concrete slab is saturated completely, the water finds its way into your flooring or bathroom carpets. Hence, check whether your carpets or flooring are damp. If they are, have a plumber come to your home for a plumbing inspection and fix the slab leaks.

Yard Damage

Sometimes, the leaky pipes run beneath your backyard rather than in your house. They might make your yard have lush patches of vegetation like grasses. Further, water puddles form in your yard, giving it an unsightly look. Fortunately, this will not damage your home’s foundation, and since the sign is immediately visible, you can have a plumber come over to fix the issue.

Smell

Water has found its way to the surface whenever the slab leaks, and you might start experiencing some foreign smell. Check whether the carpet, flooring, or wood has become damp if you notice a musky smell. If you smell a musty or moldy smell, it means that mold has grown on the floor or walls of your home. Though the moldy smell is bad, the situation can worsen if the leaking pipe is a drain. The smell might be even far stronger.

Damage to the Foundation

The foundation on which your house rests is made of steel supports and a concrete slab. Therefore, slab leaks at your Knoxville, TN home might result in crevices and cracks on the foundation, exhibit bumps, and raises on the flooring. This has a serious impact on your home’s structural integrity. You should hire a plumbing expert for routine plumbing maintenance and inspections to avoid all these. The plumber will catch the slab leaks before they become this pronounced.

Your Plumbing Professionals in Knoxville

Slab leaks are not your ordinary leaks. They pose a significant threat to your home’s structural integrity. Hence, they should be addressed early before they turn catastrophic. However, since the pipes are buried under the concrete slab, noticing them might be difficult. Hence, you should have a plumber perform regular inspections to detect and fix them early. Do you need a slab leak inspection at your home? Call us today at My Professional Plumber.

Photo By Mflo786 at Shutterstock

Plumber Tips: Stop Doing These Things To Your Plumbing System | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on December 6, 2021

Photo By David Tran Photo at Shutterstock

Although some plumbing issues are uncontrollable, others are due to homeowners’ inattention. You may not believe it, but the most dangerous threat to your plumbing system is yourself. Your gross habits, such as doing a terrible DIY job or inserting inappropriate substances in the garbage disposal, will end up causing havoc on pipes and drains.

In fact, some folks ignore minor plumbing problems such as leaky faucets or running toilets, leading to extensive and much bigger problems. Do you want to prevent big plumbing troubles in your home? Continue reading to find out some of the daily mistakes that could be slowly destroying your plumbing system.

Relying on Liquid Drain Cleaners

Most individuals fall into the trap of using quick and easy solutions such as liquid drainers to clear clogged pipes. However, these products are known to do more harm than good; that’s why it’s rare to see a professional plumber in Knoxville, TN, using them.

These drain cleaners contain strong chemicals such as bleach, caustic potash, lye, and peroxide that are toxic and fatal when swallowed or inhaled. They also cause severe burns when they come into contact with your skin.

In addition, household drain cleaners damage your pipes because they react with clog and the pipes, hence eating away everything. Sometimes the cleaners may be unable to clear stubborn clogs and remain in the pipes, causing significant damage.

Although no plumbing system is safe from these toxic chemicals, the damage is worse in homes with old plumbing systems or those using PVC pipes. Therefore, to avoid the devastating effects of these chemicals on your health and pipes, it’s advisable to look for a competent plumber to resolve these problems.

Using Drop-in Toilet Fresheners

Drop-in toilet cleaners are popular among homeowners because they are a fast and mess-free way of cleaning toilet bowls. They come in the form of bleach-chlorine tablets, thus effective in washing dirty toilets. However, the chlorine in the tablets dissolves and corrodes the washers and the gaskets. In the long run, your toilet starts leaking or fails to flush properly due to the damage resulting from the in-tank tablets.

Also, the cleaners are not environmentally friendly and have to be neutralized before entering the sewage treatment system. Instead of using toilet cleaners, a qualified plumber will advise you to go the old fashioned way of scrubbing using the toilet bowl cleaner. This will save you from incurring the long-term cost of toilet repairs and replacements.

Thinking A Big Plumbing Problem Is Kindergarten Task That You Can Handle

There is nothing wrong with trying to save some money by going DIY. But it’s important to remember that some plumbing jobs are best left to plumbers. Since many DIYers do not have the expertise and professional training, they rely on online guides and trial and error to get the project done.

However, in plumbing, there is no room for trial and error, and even a minor mistake will end up being costly. That’s why it’s common to find most DIYers making expensive rookie mistakes such as forgetting to turn off the water before beginning the project, over-tightening the connections, or connecting two different metal pipes.

If the plumbing costs are daunting, you can get bids from professionals in Knoxville, TN, and select the affordable one instead of embarking on a misguided DIY project that will end up being a disaster.

Not Replacing Hoses on Washing Machines and Dishwashers

When was the last time you replaced the hose from your dishwasher or washing machine? If it has been a long time, it would be good to install a new hose to avoid water damage in your laundry room.

Most manufacturers advise homeowners to have the water supply hose replaced every three to five years to prevent it from bursting or cracking because debris and gunk get stuck in the lines over time. This saves your laundry room from water damage.

Flushing Foreign Objects

Although homeowners know that they should only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet, there are still many cases of plumbers encountering foreign objects of all kinds in clogged toilet drains.

Treating your toilet like garbage by flushing items such as jewelry, feminine hygiene products, food, paper towels, or wipes will end up causing clogs, blockages, and expensive repair bills from a plumber.

Homeowners can avoid most plumbing emergencies by following some of the plumbing tips below:

  • Put a garbage bin in the bathroom to avoid the temptation of flushing objects that are not supposed to go down the toilet.
  • Avoid flushing items such as wipes even if they say “flushable,” and instead throw them in the trash to avoid interfering with the clog drains.
  • Use reusable items, including cloth diapers and washcloths.

Leaving Hoses Connected in the Winter

As you are winterizing your plumbing system ahead of the autumn rain and freezing winter, do not forget to store your hoses indoors. Leaving your garden hose outside in winter causes it to freeze, especially if there is some water inside.

When water freezes, it expands, causing the hose lining to wear out, forming holes in the pipe’s walls. This may even lead to water pressure problems in the water lines of your home, and you’ll be forced to start looking for a plumbing company during the frigid winters.

Putting Potato Skins Down the Garbage Disposal

Unlike the earliest garbage disposal units, the current models can handle multiple kitchen waste. However, homeowners should be careful not to put potato peels in these systems. This is because potato peels have abundant starch that could bind together, forming a thick paste that clogs the disposal.

Sometimes, intact peels could pass through the garbage disposal and accumulate in the drain forming a tough clog. Plumbers advise homeowners to peel potatoes directly into old newspapers, towels, or plastic grocery bags before throwing them into a compost bin to avoid these issues.

Consult A Plumber To Avoid These Plumbing Problems

With this information, you can avoid many plumbing mistakes and live stress-free without any worries. If you experience any plumbing mishap, you can rely on My Professional Plumber in Knoxville, TN, to address any issue promptly.

We work with certified and licensed plumbers who are available 24/7 to respond to all your plumbing emergencies. Request a service call today for all your plumbing needs, whether it’s water filtration, repairs, installation, drain cleaning, water heater, or garbage disposal.

Common Causes of Pipe Leaks: Insight From Your Plumber | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on November 15, 2021

Photo By naimtastik at Shutterstock

On average, household leaks waste about 10,000 gallons of water a year, and about 10 percent of U.S homes have leakage issues that trigger these losses. Apart from wasting water, these leaks damage your home and encourage the growth of unwanted molds, which can affect your health. These damages will require expensive repairs.

Also, it means you’ll be paying for what’s going to the drains or yard. The problem with pipe leaks is that you cannot see some pipework in your home, and a leak may go unnoticed if it develops. To avoid such instances and protect your home from damage, it’s best to learn to identify some situations that result in pipe leaks to help you contact a plumber sooner.

Clogged Drain Lines

If you reside in Knoxville, TN, you may have experienced clogging issues at some point. Clogs can be annoying, but at times, you may fix them using drain cleaning chemicals. However, some can be severe and may need a certified plumber to unclog them.

Failing to address the issue sooner can result in poor indoor air quality and backflow issues. Apart from being irritating, overflowing sinks and toilets can damage your expensive carpets and floors, resulting in costly repairs. Clogs in the water pipes can make pipes leak, break or crack. If left untreated, the water will back up over time. As a result, the pressure increases, causing the pipe to leak.

Additionally, some clogs may contain corrosive products such as cleaners that can corrode your pipes, hence making water escape through them. Therefore, if you have a clogged water line, consider calling a plumbing company to clear it before it becomes worse.

Tree Root Intrusion

Some homeowners plant trees around the yard to boost the value of their homes. If you fail to seek advice from a professional, the trees you plant may end up damaging your underground pipes. Tree roots are a common cause of leaks that happen outdoors. Because trees are growing fast, their roots can grow towards water pipes. As they continue to grow, they misplace water pipes, making them crack or bend.

If you have trees around your home and notice a drop in water pressure or greener patches in the yard, that’s a red flag. It means you have a hidden leak. Call a plumber to inspect your plumbing for tree root intrusion. Also, consider asking a plumbing expert for advice when planting trees in your home.

Temperature Fluctuations

A sudden drop or increase in temperature can cause plumbing pipes to contract or expand. If you reside in areas that experience cold seasons followed by summer or vice versa, it can be hard on your plumbing pipes. A sudden temperature change can result in pipe cracks which eventually lead to leaks, and the problem is prevalent in the winter months.

Metal pipes are more susceptible to cracking due to temperature changes. It can occur in both new and old pipes. Once you experience extreme temperature fluctuations, consult your plumbing company to examine the condition of your pipes and add extra insulation if necessary.

Improper Pipe Laying

Any plumbing project needs the services of certified plumbers. When you hire incompetent experts, they may pretend to offer excellent jobs, yet all they can do is add problems and demand payment for shoddy work. Pipes leaks usually happen because of incorrect pipe placement.

Unqualified technicians may not consider the fact that water has to flow against gravity. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a plumber to install your plumbing systems and add backflow devices if necessary. When handling plumbing issues in your Knoxville, TN home, make sure you look for a reputable plumbing company.

The last thing you would want is to deal with water damage issues, high water bills, and expensive repairs. So, if you believe your pipes are incorrectly layered, a professional can help you assess them.

Broken Seals

When installing plumbing pipes, a technician puts rubber seals in places connecting faucets to the plumbing system. These sealants create a tight connection to eliminate water leaks. Unfortunately, these seals may not remain in good condition forever.

As the appliances get old, seals wear out. When that happens, water can find its way out through the broken seals. Puddles of water or wet spots around your dishwasher or bathroom faucets can be a sign of damaged or loose seals. Don’t wait. Talk to a plumber to repair or replace worn fixtures.

Corrosion

Corrosion in your plumbing fixtures is unavoidable. Although pipes may serve you for decades, they may not last forever. You may decide to insulate them to extend their lifespan, but corrosion can still happen. As pipes age, rust begins to form inside the plumbing pipes.

Since rust is a corrosive element, it will erode the pipes and create openings that leak water. Therefore, if you reside in an older home and spot water leaks, it’s time to replace your existing pipes. Any dripping, discoloration or warping indicates corrosion.

Rusting in pipes can affect water quality and your health. If you spot rusted pipes in your home, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to make necessary replacements. Modern pipes are made of plastic copper, which can withstand corrosion.

High Water Pressure

Having a strong stream of water while taking your morning shower might be nice, but excessive pressure can damage your plumbing pipes. Residential plumbing pipes can handle an optimum water pressure of 60 psi.

Average water pressure in your home should range from 40 to 45 psi. High water pressure above the optimum can create holes in your pipes and eventually result in leaks. In worst scenarios, too much pressure can cause pipe bursts. At times, you may spot a leak after you turn off a faucet.

Need Help Quickly? Talk to Knoxville, TN, Plumber

No one likes plumbing issues, but they still happen. However, fixing it as soon as you experience it can protect your property and save you some money. As a homeowner, you should be keen on how your plumbing system behaves.

Understanding how to spot the causes of pipe leaks, as discussed above, can help you reach out to a plumber sooner if a problem arises. When you need to repair or replace your pipes, consider working with experts at My Professional Plumber. We are ready to help you with any plumbing issues you may have. Our technicians are a call away to respond to plumbing emergencies.

Residential Plumbing From Your Local Plumber: Causes Of Garbage Disposal Leaks | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on June 3, 2021

Photo By Mariakray at istock

Garbage disposals have become a necessity in many U.S. homes since their invention in 1927. They are installed on the underside of sinks to collect and grind solid waste that flows between the sink drain and the P trap. Afterward, the broken-down waste flows smoothly through the plumbing drain pipes connected to the sewer. It prevents frequent clogging issues in drain systems. Like other residential plumbing appliances in most homes in Oak Ridge, TN, garbage disposals can also showcase defects, including leakages.

You should always be on the lookout for leakage issues and get them fixed immediately by a plumber to prevent problems such as foul smell, a magnified drip sound from the unit, and flooding inside your house.

Besides, your home may be a health hazard causing respiratory and digestive infections. You don’t want to dig into your savings to cater to the expensive medical bills. With that in mind, it’s prudent you get some insights on various causes of garbage disposal leaks.

i) Old and Damaged Gaskets

Your garbage disposal’s gasket is located between the rubber seal and flange. You may be conducting your kitchen cleaning duties, and your eyes bump into a discharge from the top section of your garbage disposal. It may be a sign that your gasket is defective, and the next step you should take is to look for a reliable plumber to handle the defect.

Sometimes the leakage can arise because the gasket is weak after using your garbage disposal often. Also, if you don’t use the appliance frequently, the gasket can get dry and trigger leakages. The professional you get will replace the hard-to-repair gasket after assessing the extent of the damage.

ii) Faulty Dishwasher Connection

If you’re a homeowner in Oak Ridge, TN, you may notice disposal unit leakages caused by detached or loose connections on the drainpipe joining it to your dishwasher. The pipe directs food waste from your dishwasher to the garbage disposal. The leaks can stem from the loose metal clamp that connects your dishwasher to the garbage disposal.

Cracked and dried-out areas on hoses that connect the dishwasher with the disposal unit could also be a source of the problem. If you suspect leaks originate from connections between your dishwasher and garbage disposal, you should stop using the dishwasher and talk to a plumber to fix the issue. Afterward, you may resume your washing roles as usual.

iii) Displaced Garbage Disposal

You may have some storage space under your kitchen sink where the disposal is installed. While accessing the stored items, you may accidentally knock the disposal and drain pipes without knowing, and this can make the disposal unit shift out of the original position. The shift can lead to disconnections of joints and loosening of nuts.

The next time you’ll run water through your sink, you’ll probably face big leakage problems. At this point, a qualified plumber is the best person to contact to offer immediate help. After fixing the problem, the plumber can also suggest the best kitchen designers help you build more storage space in your kitchen and transfer items stored under your sink to the new spaces.

iv) Leaking Reset Button

If your garbage disposal unity is old, the probability of a leaking reset button is high. Although calling a plumber to repair the defect can only be a temporary solution. And if you keep on calling the plumber to fix the leak, you may incur high service costs over time. The ideal solution to this problem is to look for a plumber to offer you installation services after buying a new garbage disposal.

A leaking reset button commonly stipulates that the one or more seals of the inside shell of the disposal that safeguards the motor is worn out. One defective seal affects the other until all become faulty. This is why a new installation is an effective option.

v) Defective Sink Flange

A sink flange is located at the topmost point of your garbage disposal that helps to prevent waste from blocking the kitchen sink drain. It joins the sink drain with your garbage disposal. When you notice a leak at the top of the unit, it’s an indicator the flange could be loose or worn out.

The plumber’s putty could be weak or the mounting bolts may be loose. A skilled professional can assess the top area and ascertain the exact problem. Some of the repairs the technician may conduct include applying new putty and replacing rusty and fastening loose bolts.

vi) Cracked Surface

As usual, any appliance passes through the usage cycle and reaches a point it wears and tears, and garbage disposals aren’t spares. The interior surface of the garbage disposal shell could crack, and this could be a tough incident to identify with a naked eye. However, the exterior body of the disposal may also fracture, and you can detect the issue by looking for any discharge or touching the shell for any wet areas. If you notice any cracks, the best option is to replace the whole unit. A professional can help you to select the best garbage disposal and afterward handle the installation.

Prevent Future Leaks

Having to cope with odor or cleaning up water pooled under your kitchen sink floor can be very irritating. Additionally, looking for plumbing professionals to fix leakages on your garbage disposal units often could be costly.

The secret behind preventing leaks in your unit is simple: ensure your disposal system only grinds soft waste food particles and not hard particles, including bones and seafood shells. Additionally, you can plan with a plumbing professional to inspect your unit at least twice a year to detect minor issues and repair them before the defects intensify.

Get Garbage Disposal Services Today!

My Professional Plumber is located in Oak Ridge, TN, and it’s the place to go when you have emergencies with your home’s garbage disposal system. Our professionals are experienced and offer quality service tailored to meet your needs, be it new installations, part and whole unit replacements, or leakage repairs. All you have to do is call us. We will be glad and promptly serve you.

Emergency Plumbing Service: Sorting Out Plumbing Concerns For Your Family’s Safety | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on May 9, 2021

Photo By AfricaImages at istock

In emergency medicine, doctors use the process of “triage” to sort through the incoming patients and get them the appropriate level of attention. For plumbing, it pays to have an idea of what situation requires an emergency plumbing service to rush to resolve it, and which needs a plumber quickly but not immediately, and what problems should be seen soon, but won’t cause damage or tremendous water waste. When in doubt, call your Knoxville, TN area emergency plumbing service, My Professional Plumber, to be sure because some emergencies are not obvious. Low water pressure, for example, can seem to be an inconvenience that you might be able to live with. In some situations, low water pressure can allow contamination of your clean water supply, resulting in a need to boil water before drinking it. You may also find that a little leak is a sign of a big one right around the corner, tilting the decision towards plumbing service now to prevent emergency and cleanup later.

Toilet and Sink Clogs

When dirty water isn’t draining, it’s a problem and especially so if there’s more water coming in, from a toilet that won’t quit or an unattended sink. When these overflow, they add cleanup to the cost, and of course there’s the matter of hygiene, as anywhere the overflow has gone is contaminated. Your emergency plumbing service can advise you how to shut off the water as they are en route, and also help you arrange proper cleanup if there’s damage to be dealt with. As far as the clog is concerned, the original problem, hopefully it’s a simple matter of something stuck in the near part of the drain but lower in the P-trap, down the pipes, and into the wall are also options. The sooner your emergency plumbing service gets to work clearing the clog and perhaps doing a video inspection to locate it further down the pipe, the sooner life will get back to normal. One note, though: if you have multiple overflows, especially in the lower areas of the house such as basement drains, the main sewer line may be the cause.

Sewer Line Clogs

We often use a tiny video camera to inspect pipes which may have clogs, damage, or wear. If there are signs such as foul smells, multiple backups in the house, or slow drains, we’ll probably check your sewer cleanout and then go ahead and look in the pipe leading to the street. If the pipe itself is in good shape, the answer could be fairly straightforward, such as a thorough cleaning with high-pressure water known as hydro-jetting. As with individual drain clogs, this is a situation where time is a critical factor and it’s important to avoid increasing cleanup costs and damage as well as major health concerns. Calling your emergency plumbing service promptly for diagnosis helps give you information and options, and is a good idea even before you figure out budgetary issues.

Sewer and Drain Line Leaks

Clogs result in backup and overflow from specific points, but when drain pipes or sewer lines are damaged, the mess can be almost anywhere. As with other plumbing problems that involve wastewater, getting it under control quickly is essential. Our emergency plumbing service gets to work quickly identifying the extent of the problem and recommending solutions, including pipe or joint replacement or repair inside the house. There are quite a few potential options for the large sewer line from your home to the city sewer line, and once again a video inspection gives us key information about what’s going on. With that in hand, we can see if we are dealing with a tree root intrusion, pipe decay from age, pipe damage from pressure or soil shifting, or other factors. We can then replace the pipe completely, perform special patching techniques from inside the sewer line, or run a liner of patch material and reline the pipe. Any of these options adds significant lifetime to the pipe in most cases.

Water Line Leaks

Since your water lines are under pressure, the clock is ticking when you discover or suspect a leak. The line from the street, under your concrete slab in many cases, through pressure regulation, filtration, backflow prevention, and other equipment, and throughout your home can all leak, for different reasons. These include corrosion, joint leaks from damage or poor repair work, pipe damage from vibration or impact, and for pipes in the soil, even factors like shifting soil putting pressure on the pipe. If the leaking water is causing damage to your home, our emergency plumbing service can get to work locating it using special equipment and performing a repair. If the leak is outdoors, you may have trouble with water pressure, excessive water in your soil, and pressure on your foundation or slab, so a prompt repair is important. What about freezing pipes? Knoxville, TN is on the edge of freezing during the winter, so it’s possible that you might experience some pipe freezing, especially for exposed outdoor pipes. If you suspect yours have frozen, let’s get to work on them right away to avoid flooding when they thaw.

No Water

No water is a clear emergency, since your home cannot operate normally without it. Your hygiene, cooking, and other activities will be suspended and you’ll have to find options such as renting a hotel room to gain access to cleaning and cooking. Our emergency plumbing service team is excellent at diagnosing water pressure problems and complete lack of water. We’ll work with your water provider for resolution, including identifying any reasons for shutoff.

Call My Professional Plumber for Emergency Plumbing Services and More

For these water problems and many more, we take your family’s comfort and safety seriously and have the expertise to take care of you. We also can handle your urgent hot water heater issues and sump pump problems in the Knoxville, TN area. Call for help.

Finding A Good And Reliable Plumber | Knoxville, TN

Jamie Ndungu on March 25, 2021

Photo By Aleutie at istock

Have you got a blocked or overflowing toilet? Are you tired of watching sinks and bathtubs slowly drain? Is a dripping tap driving you mad? Sounds like you need a good plumber. If you live in Knoxville, TN, you need to look no further than My Professional Plumber to save the day.

Whatever kind of plumbing service you need, turn to the experts at My Professional Plumber. We have an unrivaled team at hand to help you in your hour of need.

Who is going to fix your toilet in the middle of the night? Who is going to come out at Christmas to fix a burst pipe? My Professional Plumber will! We are available to help all day every day, whatever the time.

Blocked and Overflowing Toilets

We have all done it, who has not put wet wipes and Kleenex down a toilet. Items like these are not designed to dissolve easily in water and are the cause of many a blockage. Similarly putting sanitary towels and cat litter down a toilet is also a no-no. The only items that should go down the toilet are human waste, toilet paper, and gentle cleaning chemicals.

it may be tempting to put harsh chemicals down the toilet to remove any blockages, but we recommend that you don’t do this. If you overuse these chemicals, you can weaken the joints and seals around the pipes and cause a leak.

Using harsh chemicals will not remove any plastic toys or other objects that a child has flushed down the toilet. The blockage could be located further along with your plumbing system and so any chemicals will not reach.

When Do You Need a Plumber?

We also recommend that you do not keep re-flushing the toilet to remove any blockage. It could cause an overflow and flood your bathroom with harmful bacteria along with any chemicals you may have poured down the toilet. Call us straight away as we are equipped with protective clothing to keep us safe while cleaning the mess up.

Clogged Drains

A sure sign of clogs having formed in your pipework is water in your sink taking longer and longer to drain. Clogs form when there is a build-up of grease, food, hair, and other materials on the inside of pipes. Pouring warm grease down the sink is also a big no-no as it sticks to the inside of pipes as it cools.

Other materials will when stuck to the grease and buildup eventually completely block the pipe. Pouring chemical solutions down the sink can be effective but can cause damage to pipes if they are old or worn.

Blocked Sewer Line

As wastewater and toilet waste will all flow into the same sewer line, the same materials that can clog pipes or block toilets will do the same for sewer lines. If you have standing water in your sinks, bathtubs, and shower drain, you may have a blocked sewer line.

If discolored water is gurgling back up or you can smell sewage you need to call an emergency plumber immediately. Dangerous bacteria and viruses are entering your home creating a severe health risk.

Sewer lines could also have been damaged by tree roots, shifting ground, or simple wear and tear. This will cause blockages too, with the added danger of the sewage flowing into the ground around or under your house.

Burst Pipe

If you have a burst pipe the first thing you should do is turn off your water supply. Prompt action will save you from extensive water damage to your property and possessions and avoid the heartache of having to clean up the mess and replace priceless items. Another good idea is to switch off your electricity supply before anything else, you do not want to electrocute yourself or one of our plumbers!

If you do not know how to turn off your water and electricity supplies, it is probably a good idea to find out now. Having safely protected your home, call My Professional Plumber who is ready 24 hours a day to come to your aid.

Pools of Water Around Your Home

If you have pools of water around the perimeter of your house or your lawn is unusually green and damp you could have a slab leak. Most houses are now built on a concrete slab foundation and will have water and sewer lines underneath or running through the concrete. If any of these lines have started to leak, water will saturate the ground around the slab.

When the ground freezes or thaws it will alternatively expand and contract, putting extra pressure on the slab and causing it to crack. Water will enter these cracks and may seep to the top of the slab further damaging it on the way. You may notice that your floor has cracks in it, and it may also be damp.

The foundation has been compromised and may make your house structurally unsafe, causing it to collapse. You need to act quickly and call My Professional Plumber.

Low Water Pressure and Larger than Expected Water Bills

The most common cause of low water pressure is that there is a leak somewhere on your property. If your recent water bills have increased a lot, you probably leak somewhere.

Low water pressure could be due to faulty valves in a water heater, clogging, or corrosion in older pipes. Only an experienced plumber can quickly find the cause of the low pressure and carry out the correct repair.

Regular Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have your plumbing system regularly maintained. This will catch any problems early and so prevent them from causing more serious problems later.

Standing Out from the Rest

My Professional Plumber will offer you honest and fair prices. We offer the best customer service and plumbing expertise in the Knoxville area. We are so confident that we offer you a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are proud to serve the community of Knoxville, TN. If you need us, give us a call and we will be there.

How Do I Know When To Call A Plumber | Oak Ridge, TN

Jamie Ndungu on January 5, 2021

Photo By sturti at istock

Being a homeowner is great, but sometimes it can feel like you have a million little things you need to do if you want to keep your home in good shape. This is especially difficult when it comes to things like maintaining your plumbing system, which most homeowners don’t know the first thing about. Your job as a homeowner is to keep an eye out for problems so you know when to call an expert. If you want to make sure you’re calling a plumber at the first sight of a problem, we’ve got some tips for you.

Water Bill Changes

One of the easiest things you can do if you want to keep an eye out for plumbing problems is look at your water bill each month. Your water bill might change a bit from month to month, but those changes should come with some sort of explanation. Plus, you shouldn’t see any huge jumps in your bill from one month to the next.

Oftentimes, a high water bill is a result of some sort of water leak in your home. In many cases, this leak is something simple like a dripping faucet or a tiny leak in a pipe. However, you should always have someone inspect your home for leaks if you think you may have one, because even small leaks can cause big water damage.

Water bill spikes may also occur as a result of a running toilet. If you flush and you notice your toilet still sounds like it’s filling up with water 10 or 20 minutes later, have a plumber replace the flapper valve. While it may seem minor, a running toilet can cost you hundreds every month.

No Hot Water

There are a lot of plumbing problems that are a pain to deal with, but few problems are quite as bad as waking up on a cold winter morning and realizing you have no hot water. The truth is, this is a fairly common occurrence, especially if your water heater is a little bit older. For most homeowners, a lack of hot water is considered an emergency that requires the help of a plumber right away.

The good news about not having hot water is that it’s fairly easy to get things working again. Most of the time, it’s best to check out the heating elements on the water heater to see if they need to be replaced. However, a professional may recommend simply replacing the water heater if it’s near the end of its lifespan. In either case, you can get your water heater fixed in about a day usually.

You can prevent water heater problems by making sure you’re having somebody drain and flush your water heater twice a year. By having an expert remove the sediment from your water heater every once in a while, you reduce the risk of corrosion and improve performance.

Water Damage Signs

There are a lot of pesky plumbing problems you can have in your Oak Ridge, TN, home, but many of them aren’t incredibly expensive to fix. When it comes to expensive plumbing problems, the ones that have potential to cause a lot of water damage are the worst. If you notice any signs that you may have a plumbing problem causing water damage in your home, call a plumber right away.

One of the most classic signs of water damage due to a pipe leak is discoloration of drywall. If you notice a yellow or brown circle on one of the walls in your home, there’s a good chance you have a leak. Sometimes, you can tell you’ve got a leak that’s soaking your drywall just by the way a room smells, which is another good sign that it’s time to call a plumber for help.

Clogged Drains

You might not think a clogged drain is a very big deal, and you’d be right to feel that way at times. However, drain clogs can lead to major plumbing problems if you don’t take care of them in a timely manner, and that’s not always easy to do on your own. If you’ve tried an enzyme-based drain cleaner and you simply can’t seem to get rid of your clog, have a plumber run a snake or auger to clear out the drain.

If you leave a clogged drain, that clog will get worse and eventually cause sewage backups. Plus, the clog will continue to get more difficult to remove, so acting fast is key. Even if you don’t have badly clogged drains, it’s a good idea to have a drain cleaning service company come to your home and make sure your drains are fully cleaned out every once in a while.

Plumbing Emergencies

On top of knowing when to call a plumber for help, you should also know when the problem you’re dealing with is considered an emergency. Things like burst pipes, sewage backups and leaks that may lead to water damage are great examples of problems that require emergency help. If you do end up having to call an emergency plumber, make sure you shut the water off while you wait for them to arrive at your home. If you’re not sure where your shutoff valve is, a professional can help you find it for future reference.

Call Now

It’s not easy owning a home, particularly one you’re proud of and want to keep in excellent shape for decades to come. However, knowing when to call an expert for plumbing repairs and maintenance is a good start.

If you’re in the Oak Ridge, TN, area, My Professional Plumber is the simple way to take care of all your plumbing problems. Whether you need a little bit of preventative maintenance or emergency repairs, we’ve got you covered. Next time your plumbing is on the fritz, call My Professional Plumber at (865) 238-7049.

Location

118 North Peters Road
Knoxville, TN 37923

Hours

Monday–Saturday
8:00 am–5:00pm

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