Plumbing is the installation and maintenance of water systems, such as drinking water, drainage, heating, sanitation and sewage. Plumbers work on both new construction and existing homes.
Buffalo’s average drinking water is safe to drink and largely free of contaminants. However, high levels of hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and fixtures that lead to low pressure, poor taste, and a variety of other issues.
Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are a common problem in homes. They can be difficult to deal with, and they may even cause water damage if you don’t get the issue taken care of right away.
Typically, clogs form when organic debris such as hair, soap scum, and dirt accumulate in your pipes. These materials are not meant to be flushed down the toilet, so they can build up in your plumbing over time.
The best way to prevent a clog is to clean your home’s pipes regularly. Plumbers in Buffalo NY can help with this by offering drain cleaning services that remove these blockages and restore proper flow.
Most clogs are simple enough to clear by plunging a plunger down the sink or tub drain, but more complex blockages require professional plumbing service. When plunging fails, your plumber may use a drain snake or auger to break up the blockage. They’ll also use a chemical drain cleaner to remove the organic matter in your pipes.
Water Heater Repair
When your water heater starts to break down, you need it fixed immediately. The last thing you want is to wait and end up with a completely new unit that could cost more in the long run.
Luckily, plumbers in Buffalo NY can repair your water heater right away so that you can get back to enjoying the hot water that your home needs. They can also help you determine if you need a new unit.
The most common reason for a water heater repair is faulty heating elements, though other problems can occur. In gas-powered systems, a bad thermocouple can cause the pilot light to go out and shut off the gas supply.
Test the heating elements by removing the access panel, insulation and plastic safety guard. Be careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals. Next, press the red button on the high-temperature cutoff located above the upper thermostat to reset it.
Sewer Line Repair
Sewer lines can crack, clog, or collapse due to a variety of reasons. These include shifting soil, frozen ground, settling, grease buildup, foreign objects, and more.
Even small clogs can become more severe and prevent your drains from properly emptying. This can cause serious problems, including sewage backup inside your home and foundation damage.
Plumbing professionals often offer sewer line repair services. These services can help you avoid the expense of a full replacement and save your home from water damage.
There are many sewer line repair methods, each with its own benefits and limitations. Each type influences the final project cost.
Trenching is a traditional sewer line repair method that involves digging out the broken or damaged pipe and replacing it. It is expensive and requires a lot of time and effort, especially if the repair requires digging into a landscaped area.
Floor Drain Repair
Floor drains are a necessary component of many home and business buildings. They remove water from a basement or garage floor in areas where it may otherwise overflow.
A clogged or blocked floor drain can lead to serious plumbing issues, like flooding and extensive water damage in the basement or other area. If you notice small puddles or a foul sewage odor coming from your floor drain, it is time to call a professional plumber for help.
When a floor drain is clogged or blocked, it can also lead to sewer backflow and other hazardous problems that can be dangerous for your family. This occurs when sewage water backs up into the drain, which is often caused by heavy rains or other problems in the municipal sewer system.
In order to prevent these problems, you can seal off floor drains with a plug or install a drainage gate. In addition, you can have new floor drain pipes installed, which are made of PVC and are much less likely to crack than clay floor drains.