Growth in Spring Can Wreak Havoc on the Plumbing

Is Your Landscaping Hurting Your Plumbing?

After a long winter, seeing green throughout the yard can be refreshing. Spring is a time for growth and renewal, as new blossoms bloom, trees grow, and a yard takes shape. But, while above ground, a yard might look impressive, underground, the growing tree roots can cause some ugly scenes with the plumbing system. 

April showers may bring May flowers, but new tree growth can cause problems with the plumbing, including tree roots growing into water and sewer lines. This blog will discuss the threat of growing tree roots to underground plumbing, what can occur, and how it can be fixed and prevented.

Intruding Tree Roots 

rootsWhile people might focus on the above-ground appearance of trees, leaf buds, and growing branches, the roots also grow underground. As they grow, they can intrude into the piping system because trees need water and nutrients in the soil to grow and sustain themselves, and they can find it in the pipes. 

Tree roots will grow and extend wherever they need to get the necessary water and nutrients to grow, leading them to break into a pipe through any weak points and then grow into the water or sewer lines. Unfortunately, this can wreak havoc on the pipes and affect the rest of the plumbing system above. 

Problems From Intruding Tree Roots 

rootsInvading tree roots can cause many issues with the plumbing, which may vary depending on whether it has entered water or sewer lines. Some of these will lead to problems homeowners may notice sooner than others. One of the first issues someone might see if tree roots have grown into sewer lines is slow-draining sinks. This indicates it has clogged or created a blockage in the pipe. Tree roots in the sewer line can also cause water and sewer backups. 

Homeowners might also notice water pressure problems, unusually high water bills, and leaks when tree roots have broken into water lines. If homeowners see signs like standing water outdoors or even a lawn that’s lusher than usual, these can all indicate a leak in the outdoor underground plumbing that may be from intruding tree roots. 

Solutions to Root Obstruction

If someone notices any signs around their property that could indicate a tree root invasion in the piping, it’s essential to call a professional to fix it. An experienced plumber can inspect the piping system with specialized equipment like video inspection equipment to determine if tree roots have intruded into the pipes and the location of the blockage and damage to the line. 

When they find the issue, they will first assess how much damage the tree roots have caused and then make a plan to remove the roots and repair or replace the pipe. A common method professionals use to remove tree roots is hydro jetting. It involves using a heavy stream of water and a special nozzle to eliminate the roots and other debris from the pipes. After removing the roots, the plumber will focus on repairs to the pipe and use trenchless methods if possible. 

An effective way to avoid plumbing problems due to tree roots is to use prevention measures. One such action is installing root barriers, which protect the pipes with a literal barrier underground. It’s also recommended to have the plumbing system inspected yearly to catch potential issues early before the worst of the effects can occur. This will allow plumbers to remove tree roots from the pipes before they cause more problems. 

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over 30 years of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide great value, extended warranties, and convenient scheduling. Call them today for sewer and water line repair in Denville, NJ

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Dripping Faucet? Any One of These Issues May Be the Likely Culprit

Leaks Need Immediate Attention

Leaking or dripping faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems; unfortunately, they can also be incredibly damaging if not addressed promptly. A leaking or dripping faucet can waste up to hundreds of gallons of water each month, resulting in high water bills and a strain on the environment. Furthermore, if left unattended, it can cause water damage to the home and promote mold growth. 

For these reasons, it's vital to address leaking or dripping faucets as soon as possible, which could include checking for worn-out parts, replacing a component or the entire tap, and calling a professional plumber because the issue is complex. This blog will share some of the most common causes of leaking faucets.

O-Rings Can Wear Out 

o ringA worn-out O-ring is one of the common causes of dripping near a handle. An O-ring is a rubber seal that fits into a groove in two joined parts to prevent leakage. As the O-ring deteriorates due to age and use, it can become brittle and unable to form an effective seal. This can cause the joined parts to leak, resulting in dripping near the handle.

The O-ring can become worn out due to exposure to heat, pressure, chemicals, or other environmental factors. This can cause the O-ring to become brittle, degrade, weaken, or crack. As a result, it can no longer provide an effective seal, and fluid leakage may occur. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check and replace worn-out O-rings to prevent costly damage from occurring.

Washers Corrode Over Time

If the washer in a faucet is worn out or corroded, it can cause leaking from the faucet’s spout. A washer is a flat, circular piece of rubber or metal that fits between two parts and serves as a tight seal when pressed together. The compression washer creates an airtight seal between the valve stem and the faucet body in faucets. 

A washer can become worn out or corroded if repeatedly exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaning agents can also cause a washer to become worn out or corroded. Replacing the washer is an easy fix, but if not done correctly, it can lead to future problems with the faucet, so it’s best to consult a professional plumber who can complete the job safely and correctly.

Valve Seats Can Also Corrode

valveA corroded valve seat can also cause leaking and dripping at the spout due to a weakened seal. A valve seat is a metal disc that helps provide an effective seal between two surfaces and prevents leaks around them by distributing pressure evenly. A corroded valve seat can cause the sealing surface to become distorted and diminish its ability to form a proper seal, leading to leaking and dripping at the spout.

Corrosion of a valve seat occurs when water containing minerals or other substances comes into contact with the metal, creating chemical reactions that cause oxidation or rust. In some cases, corrosion can even cause parts of the valve seat to break off, making it impossible to repair. Plumbers can determine what is causing a dripping or leaking faucet and the best solution to fix it. 

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over three decades of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide great value, extended warranties, and convenient scheduling. Call them today for garbage disposal, faucet, or sink repairs or replacements in Denville, NJ.

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Meet Female Pioneers in the Plumbing Industry

Celebrate Women's History Month and Learn About Women in Plumbing

Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating household names; it’s also about giving attention to some of history’s hidden figures. This blog will discuss trailblazing women in the plumbing industry and women in the industry today. People may be surprised to learn that women have played a more vital role in plumbing history than initially thought.

Women in the Plumbing Sector Today

women in the plumbing field According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although women make up nearly 47 percent of the workforce, they only account for 1.1 percent of all plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Women are significantly underrepresented in the trades in general, including HVAC mechanics and installers (2.3 percent), construction laborers (4.9 percent), construction equipment operators (1.7 percent), and electricians (2.2 percent).

However, although plumbing is male-dominated, many women in the plumbing industry have become advocates for female inclusion and empowerment in the trades. Nonprofit organizations like Women in Plumbing & Piping are helping women succeed in the industry by providing education, scholarships, networking, and mentorships.

What Was the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers?

The lady's auxiliary committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers was initially created as a social club to occupy the plumbers’ wives while the master plumbers association held its annual convention. However, control of the group was handed over to the women in 1919, and everything changed.

When the women took over, the organization would transform into a platform for activism focusing on issues including the environment, sanitation and health, and labor. The group worked with legislators, fundraised, and lobbied. They also advocated for the Family and Medical Leave Act and cleaner public bathrooms like in gas stations.

Meet Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann BaumbachLillian Ann Baumbach was born in 1930 and was the first woman to become a master plumber in the country. From a very early age, she held an unbreakable passion for plumbing. She went on many jobs with her father, a plumber who taught her the ropes. When she was 21 years old, she got the highest score in her class when getting certified as a plumber. From there, she started working at her father’s plumbing company, focusing on estimates and service repairs.

Baumbach was renowned for her beauty. During the Korean War, she was something of a pin-up girl, with many soldiers carrying her photo. She received countless letters throughout her lifetime, some even offering marriage proposals, and was a pen pal to many soldiers. Baumbach passed away from leukemia when she was 70 years old. Yet, her legacy lives on as one of America's first female plumbers.

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over 40 years of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding communities. They provide great value, personal attention, and convenient scheduling. Call them today for plumbing services in Denville, NJ.

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