Plumber Woodland Hills install and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances like sinks, toilets, and water heaters. They work from blueprints and building plans to determine the layout of plumbing systems and ensure they comply with local codes and regulations.
They also use specialized tools to maintain drains and resolve issues with clogged or malfunctioning components. This requires attentive listening skills to understand what’s causing problems.
Drains are not something that most people think about on a regular basis, until they stop working properly. Clogged or slow-draining sinks, tubs and toilets can create a variety of problems including bad odors, water damage and even health risks if left unchecked. Getting your drains regularly cleaned by a plumber is one of the best ways to avoid these issues.
When a home or business owner notices that their drains are running slower than usual, it is usually a sign of a build-up of soap scum, hair, grease and other debris. Professional plumbers use a variety of tools to clear these build-ups and restore proper drain flow. Some of the most common methods for drain cleaning include drain snaking and hydro jetting.
A drain that is full of greasy, gunky build-up can become a breeding ground for germs and insects. If left unchecked, this can lead to a serious plumbing issue that requires costly repairs or replacement parts. Regular drain cleaning can eliminate these problems and help prevent future clogs.
In addition to cleaning drains, a plumber can also install or repair many types of fixtures and appliances including kitchen and bathroom faucets, toilets, water heaters and garbage disposal units. Some of these tasks may require more specialized training or tools than others. For example, a plumber who is licensed to work on gas lines will need to have extensive knowledge of how to safely install and repair these systems.
Commercial plumbing can be more complicated than residential plumbing because large buildings often have more pipes and unique drainage systems. A licensed commercial plumber can install, repair and maintain these systems in office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels and other commercial facilities.
Although many people try to clean their own drains with store-bought products, these chemical solutions can actually be damaging to your pipes. Most of these cleaners are made with harsh acids that can eat through the surface of your pipes and cause them to leak or burst. A plumber can use more gentle drain cleaning methods that will not harm your pipes or the environment.
Clog Removal
Clogged drains are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems. They can keep you from using your bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and they may also cause sewer backups or other serious problems. If a simple plunger or drain snake fails to fix your clogged pipe, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
Some people try to use chemical clog removers in an attempt to save themselves money and hassle, but these liquid solutions are rarely effective and can do more harm than good to your pipes. Even if they do manage to clear the clog, you’ll likely face another soon enough as the corrosive chemicals eat away at your pipes.
Your plumber will start by trying to loosen the clog with hot water. This could be as simple as pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, or as involved as disassembling your sink’s p-trap and snaking out the clog. If you don’t feel comfortable taking apart your sink trap, try plugging the other drain in your sink (like the one in your adjacent bathtub if you have a double sink) to create a vacuum effect that can break up or dislodge the clog.
If the above methods don’t work, your plumber might opt to use a powerful electric power auger. This machine looks like a long snake but has a motor that powers a rotating cutting head. It can cut through virtually any clog, including tangled tree roots. It’s important to note that this is a more invasive technique, and requires the plumber to take out the fixture cover, expose the clog and auger, and then replace the cover.
If your clogged pipe is in a remote location or you’ve already tried the above solutions, it’s time to call in your plumber. They’ll use specialized inspection equipment to locate the clog and determine its cause, then they’ll choose the best method for clearing it. Be sure to mention any warning signs that you’ve seen, such as sewage back-up or other serious pipe damage, so your plumber can make the appropriate adjustments.
Sewer Cleaning
Sewer cleaning is the process of removing built-up debris from the lines that carry wastewater from residential and commercial structures. The lines can become blocked with a variety of items, including rags, plastic bags, leaves, roots and grease. Cleaning the sewer system helps keep water flowing properly and reduces the risk of clogs, wastewater backups, property damage and unpleasant odors.
Plumbers use a variety of tools and techniques to clean sewer pipes. In many cases, they begin by inserting a camera into the line and checking its condition. This allows them to identify the cause of the blockage and decide on the best course of action.
Some sewer cleaning methods involve using chemical solutions to break down clogs and remove unwanted materials. These solutions are usually approved by the local government and must be disposed of properly. Other options include hydraulic cleaning and mechanical cleaning. Hydraulic cleaning involves inserting a nozzle at the access point closest to the blockage and releasing high-pressured water into the pipe. This can be used to clear stubborn clogs and is particularly effective in eliminating grease. Mechanical cleaning involves scraping and pushing debris out of the line with power rodders, hand rods and hand-held drain augers. This can be effective in removing large blocks of debris but may require a follow-up with hydraulic cleaning.
One of the most common signs that your home or business needs a sewer cleaning is when toilets or sinks drain slower than usual. If you notice this issue, call a plumber right away. Sewer backups and other serious problems can result if the problem is not addressed quickly.
Regular sewer cleaning can help prevent these issues and ensure that your plumbing system works well for years to come. If you are experiencing issues with your sewer system, contact a plumber right away to schedule a service appointment.
Drain Repair
Plumbing is a broad field, and plumbers often work on many different kinds of projects. Some common jobs include installing new fixtures, appliances and pipes, fixing leaks and clogs, and repairing existing systems. Plumbers use a wide variety of tools and equipment to perform their duties. Some common tools include wrenches, pipe cutters, hand drainers, power augers, and water pumps. Plumbers also need to understand how to read blueprints and building codes to plan and execute construction projects.
Another essential part of a plumber’s job is identifying problems with existing plumbing systems. This includes inspecting pipes for damage, locating blockages, and testing pressure levels. It’s important for plumbers to be able to identify and fix issues with plumbing systems quickly and efficiently to minimize inconvenience for customers.
Some common signs that you have a plumbing problem include water stains on the walls or floor, smelly drains, and low water pressure. These issues can cause serious damage if left unattended, so it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
In addition to repairing broken fixtures and clogged drains, plumbers can also repair or replace sewer lines and water mains. Depending on the situation, this may involve digging up and replacing the line, or it could be as simple as installing a new valve.
The average cost to repair a broken drain line is $200 to $600, although it can be much higher if the pipe is located under your home’s foundation. A plumber can usually determine where the problem is with a CCTV inspection, and they’ll be able to give you an accurate estimate before starting any repairs.
Unlike supply pipes, which transport freshwater to your home’s faucets, drain lines carry waste and debris from your household to the sewage system. These pipes are at risk for damage from tree roots, shifting soil, and everyday wear and tear. You can reduce your chances of needing drain repair by keeping up with regular maintenance, including using a garbage disposal and placing a strainer over drains. It’s also a good idea to keep hazardous materials, such as grease and cooking oil, out of your drains, as they can harden in the pipes and cause clogs.