Common Sewer Problems in Avon, OH

May 16th, 2013

You rely heavily upon the integrity of your  sewer. Considering all the use that it gets, it’s no wonder that it may require repair at some point in its service life. Due to the complexity of your plumbing systems, there are numerous things that can go wrong within your Avon, OH home. In this post, we’ve devised a brief list of some common sewer problems to look out for. Call Pompeii’s today for comprehensive plumbing services.

Sewer problems can cause multiple clogs throughout your home, and can lead to backflow, which is the cross-contamination of your supply and wastewater lines. Let’s take a look at a few causes of these problems:

  • Tree root penetration: The root systems of trees exert an incredible amount of force as they move slowly underground. If they are small, then they can easily divert around the sewer line, but if they are large, they may begin to put pressure directly upon the exterior surface of the pipe. If this becomes too great, then it may actually cause your pipe to crack. If the pressure increases, then it may actually penetrate the pipe itself.  
  • Clogging: Hair, grease, and other organic matter can accumulate within your sewer line, and while they may not present any immediate problems, over time they can cause partial and total blockages. Such clogging can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your wastewater disposal system and lead to your drains becoming backed up, at which point you may have to stop using your plumbed fixtures and appliances entirely until you can get a plumber to visit your home.
  • Collapse: Over time, the stress of the weight of the soil above your sewer line may begin to take its toll, and sewer lines have been known to collapse because of old age. But this can also happen in the event of soil erosion or the shifting of soil density caused by nearby construction work.

These are just a handful of common sewer problems in Avon, OH. If you’re concerned about your sewer line, call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today! 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

Cleveland, OH Plumbing Tip: Signs of High Water Pressure

May 6th, 2013

Our home plumbing systems are comprised of two major parts. The water supply line that comes from a well or municipal water source is pressurized so that it can move against gravity and be turned on and off by the use of fixtures and valves. The wastewater line, comprised of drainpipes and the sewer line, operates by gravity alone, requiring no pressure to do its work, when correctly installed. You rely heavily on the correct water pressure in your home. Most residences have between 30 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch) of water running through your supply plumbing. While low water pressure can be irritating, especially mid-shower, high water pressure is also problematic. In this post, we’ve described a few signs of high water pressure to watch out for. For comprehensive Cleveland, OH plumbing services, call Pompeii’s today!

  • Multiple leaks: This is a characteristic sign of high water pressure because it shows systematically that your pipes are failing. While a single leak may indicate a local pipe failure, the onset of a more systematic failure in multiple locations indicates that there is something wrong with the entire plumbing system. High water pressure can place excessive strain on the piping in your home. Leaks within the walls and ceilings can cause significant damage to sheetrock and wooden framing, in addition to your belongings and furniture.
  • Toilets running occasionally: If you find that one or more of your toilets runs occasionally, then the water pressure may have caused a leak in the toilet valve that separates the tank from the siphon bowl. While this may not seem like a pressing issue, it can lead to problems down the line, especially if leads to a leak or high utility bills.
  • Hammering noises: If you hear loud hammering noises coming from within your piping, and not merely pipes banging against the walls, then that’s usually an indication of high water pressure. Your plumber may recommend installing or replacing your pressure regulator.

If you think you may have high water pressure, call the Cleveland, OH plumbers at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

Avon, OH Air Conditioning Tip: What Does the Expansion Valve Do?

April 29th, 2013

There are a variety of different components, mechanisms, and materials that comprise your Avon, OH air conditioning system. While you may be familiar with the indoor unit, which comprises the evaporator coil and air handler, and the outdoor unit, which comprises the condenser coil and compressor, you may be less familiar with an equally important, but largely overlooked device known as the expansion valve. This relatively small device is incredibly important to the effectiveness and efficiency of your air conditioner, and the refrigerant cycle cannot work without it. We’d like to explain the basics of what the expansion valve is and what it does, so that you can stay informed about the inner workings of your home cooling system. For comprehensive Avon, OH air conditioning services, call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

  • What it is: The expansion valve is a metered orifice that controls the flow of liquid refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the input and is restricted by an aperture, whose tension and diameter is adjusted according to the specific needs of your cooling system. It is a relatively simple device, although it must be calibrated according to the pressure conditions of the rest of the system.
  • What it does: The expansion valve is located between the condenser coils and the evaporator coils. While the condenser turns the hot gas refrigerant into a liquid, this liquid still contains a lot of pressure. In order to cool the air extracted from your home, the evaporator needs a low-pressure liquid, and this is exactly what the expansion valve does. By metering and controlling the flow of refrigerant, it creates a low-pressure liquid that also decreases its temperature.
  • Why it’s important: Quite simply, you wouldn’t have any cool air without the expansion valve. The evaporator coil cannot remove the pressure (and temperature) from the liquid refrigerant that emerges from your condenser coil. The expansion valve is thus a necessary component designed to create cool, liquid refrigerant.

We hope you found this brief guide helpful. If you feel warm air blowing through your ductwork, or think that your AC is under-performing, your expansion valve may be faulty. Call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today for excellent Avon, OH air conditioning services!

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Avon, OH Plumber Tip: How to Prevent Smelly Drains

April 22nd, 2013

When your drains accumulate organic waste, food, and other substances, they can often begin to smell foul. One of the common questions we hear concerns the prevention of smelly drains. Because of what goes down them, and the amount of use that they get every day, our drains are subject to all sorts of problems. In this post, we’d like to pass along a few tips on how to keep your drains fresh. However, don’t hesitate to call your local Avon, OH plumber if you have a serious blockage or you think your drains may benefit from professional cleaning. When you need an help with your drains, call the experts at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

  • Avoid putting grease, fats, and oils down the drain: Make sure you and everyone in the house avoids putting grease, fats, and oils down the kitchen drain. This is a frequent cause of blockages, as well as of foul odors.
  • Use food stopper or drain screen: Having a food stopper or drain screen in your kitchen sink is a must if you want to prevent smelly drains. When food scraps get caught in the trap, they will quickly rot and send that odor straight back up to the sinkhole.
  • Use vinegar: White distilled vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that you can use throughout your home. While often diluted with water, you can use undiluted vinegar to get rid of bad smells. Simply pour a small amount (about 1 cup) down your drains to kill bacteria and rinse with water.
  • Throw a lemon peel in the garbage disposal: If you have a garbage disposal, then you can freshen it up with a few pieces of lemon peel.
  • Hire a professional: Professional drain cleaning involves a comprehensive inspection process that can pinpoint any deep blockages or accumulations of debris that are causing foul odors to waft through your household. There’s no substitute for professional cleaning.

We hope you find these tips useful. For more information, or to schedule a service call, call the Avon, OH plumbers at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

Ask a Plumber in North Ridgeville, OH: How to Keep Drains Clear

April 15th, 2013

Your sewer system is an important part of your home. You need to keep your drains clear so that they don’t present problems to your home plumbing, such as clogging, backflow, and damaged piping. But how can you keep the drains clear, when they are deep within the walls and floors of your home? This is a common concern. We don’t expect you to perform serious maintenance on your plumbing—that requires professional skill. But with a few preventive actions, you can significantly reduce the chances of a major drain clog. For more information, or to hire a plumber in North Ridgeville, OH, call the drain cleaning experts at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

  • Avoid putting fats, oils, and grease down the drain: You probably know this already, but it’s worth reminding yourself and your family members: fats, oils, and grease can easily and quickly accumulate within your drainpipes. When hot, they are in liquid form, and look as though they would travel down the drains like the rest of our wastewater; but when cold, they become a gel-like substance that clots your home plumbing. When enough of this substance collects at a pipe joint, then you may have a serious clog.
  • Schedule drain cleaning: If you’ve never had a professional drain cleaning, or cannot remember the last time you had one, schedule one today, particularly if you think your drains are partially blocked. The use of harsh chemicals is not only bad for the ecosystem surrounding your home, but it’s also bad for your pipes. Professional drain cleaning uses a variety of techniques to remove blockages and materials from the interior of your drains safely.
  • Use a hair stopper in the shower: Hair is one of the most common culprits of drain clogs. By utilizing a hair stopper over your shower drain, you can eliminate a lot of drain problems before they start.

We hope you find these tips useful. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the sooner you address any drain problems, the better for the integrity of your home plumbing. For more information, or to hire a plumber in North Ridgeville, OH for your drain problem, call the experts at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today! 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

A North Ridgeville Plumbing Question: Why Is My Toilet Flushing Very Slowly?

April 8th, 2013

We often take our plumbing systems for granted. We don’t think about the pressurized calibration of our water supply system, and the various piping, joints, and fixtures that supply our bathroom and kitchen faucets, dishwashers, and washing machines. However, when a clog occurs or our toilet flushes only very slowly, we start to think of our plumbing very quickly.If you need a plumber in North Ridgeville, OH, call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

In order to drain wastewater out of your home, your drainage system needs adequate ventilation. There are a few reasons why your toilet may be flushing slowly:

  • Main stack blocked. The main stack is the primary ventilation pipe. If it is partially blocked, it may need to be rodded out so that adequate ventilation can take place.
  • Drain blockage. Over years of use, your drain system can accumulate hair, grease, and organic waste that will eventually block the passage to your septic tank or city sewer system. While local clogs can be typically dealt with by means of a plunger or augur, main drain clogs need professional care. The use of harsh chemicals can actually damage your plumbing.
  • Roof vent blocked. Occasionally, debris can block your main roof ventilation outlet, which connects to the main stack. This can seriously impact the efficacy of your entire wastewater system.

There are other possible causes, but we hope that these give you some idea as to why your toilet is flushing slowly. Consider a thorough drain cleaning or video camera inspection to allow your plumber to pinpoint the issue, and to get your home plumbing system back up and running once again. For more information, contact a North Ridgeville, OH plumber at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today! 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

Cleveland, OH Air Conditioning FAQ: Which System is Right for Me?

April 1st, 2013

The installation of a new air conditioning system is a great way to make your home a more comfortable place to live during the hot summer months. If you have never purchased an air conditioner before, or if you are replacing your old system after years of service, you may be surprised by the number of air conditioning options available for installation in your home. The professional Cleveland, OH air conditioning installation technicians at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating can help you find the air conditioning system best suited to your home and needs. Call today to explore your air conditioning options.

The most common air conditioning system is probably still a traditional central air conditioning system. This is a great air conditioning option for homeowners that have the room for, or preexisting, ductwork. A central air conditioning, paired with a professional installation, can be an extremely effective and highly efficient way to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, there are still a number of decisions that must be made when determining which air conditioning system is right for you. The advice of a qualified air conditioning installation technician can be an invaluable resource.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an air conditioning system is the size of that system. If your air conditioner is too small it will fail to keep your home comfortable, as it will struggle to reach temperatures beyond its capability. If it is too large then it will short cycle frequently, risking damage to the system. Either way, your AC will be inefficient and ineffective.

There are also other components of your air conditioning system to consider. What type of thermostat will you need? A basic digital model? Or do you want to be able to create unique cooling programs? And with the installation of a zone control system you can boost energy efficiency by cooling only those rooms you choose to. Discuss your AC options with a technician you can count on.

When the time comes to choose an air conditioning system, call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating. We’ll make sure that you get the best air conditioner for your personal cooling needs. Call today to learn more.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Lakewood, OH Plumbing Repair Tip: Common Water Main Line Repairs

March 25th, 2013

Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating  can take care of all your Lakewood, OH plumbing repair needs, including water main repairs. Whether you have a major break, leaks, or other issue, call us for prompt service. Our plumbers are trained to repair water mains throughout the area. We are here to serve you, so call any time if you have questions or concerns. First, we’ve put together some common repair needs for main water lines.

Incorrectly installed water lines that supply your home with fresh water can cause any number of issues.  Poorly-located lines can be susceptible to tree root intrusion and other problems with poor soil conditions. If the line isn’t insulated properly, then it could burst during freezing temperatures. Make sure you hire a plumber you can trust to install or repair water lines in your home.

Some signs that you are in need of a water line repair are pools of water in your yard, sudden high water bills, drips in water pressure, or other noticeable issues with your water system, you could have a broken water main. At Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating, we use the latest in technology to pinpoint leaks and repair any problems we find. While damages to your water lines are not always evident, call a plumber if you have any suspicion that your water line is broken. You can also call the water department to see if there’s been an issue with the municipal system outside your yard.

If you notice any of the above signs or having trouble with your plumbing system in general, give the Lakewood, OH  plumbers at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating a call. Our professional plumbers can take care of all your main water line repair needs.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off

Most Common Sewer & Drain Repair in Cleveland

March 18th, 2013

Your sewer and drain systems are very important. They dispose of wastewater, remove organic waste quickly and efficiently from your home, and prevent the contamination between supply and waste systems. Keep them free and clear of debris and buildup is the only way to ensure the longevity and performance of your home plumbing. But, occasionally, as with any other system, they will need repair. On the whole, recognizing sewer and drain problems is not as difficult as other plumbing problems, like slow or hidden leaks. Nevertheless, they are not always so straightforward as a clogged drain or wet spots in your backyard. For professional assistance with your sewer and drains, call Pompeii’s today.

Here are some of the most common sewer and drain problems in Cleveland:

  • Clogged drain. Whether by the accumulation of organic matter over a long period of time, or by foreign object, your drains can get clogged from time to time. While most clogs can be handled by the homeowners, there are some that are deep within the drainage system, or beyond the reach of the plunger.
  • Sewer drain clog. This is typically considered a plumbing emergency. Because the water cannot go into your septic tank or to your municipal waste management system, the wastewater will begin to come back up through the drains. There are several warning signs: multiple clogged fixtures,  strange noises when you flush the toilet or run the sink. If you think you have a sewer drain clog, don’t use any water and call a plumber immediately.
  • Root penetration. The roots of trees are powerful. If you have lots of trees in the area near your sewer line, there’s a chance that one of the roots could penetrate the line and rupture it. If you notice wet spots in the yard, or a bad odor, your sewer line may be in need of repair.

Whatever the problem, repairing your sewer and drain systems is important for the comfort and hygiene of your home. If you notice a problem, don’t wait to call for professional help. For sewer and drain repair in Cleveland, call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating today!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Drain and Sewer | Comments Off

Cleveland Heating Repair Tip: Signs Your Heating System is Failing

March 11th, 2013

Knowing the tell-tale signs of a failing heating system is important for every homeowner. Recognizing problems early on can help to prevent major damage and costly repairs in the future. It also helps you to make informed decisions about hiring a professional. But when it looks as though your heating system is failing, you may have to look beyond repairs and invest in a replacement. After all, it makes more sense to invest in the future of your home heating system than to pay more in repairs and utilities for an outdated and broken system. Call Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating for all of your Cleveland heating system replacement and repair needs.

So, how do you know your heating system is failing? Well, here are a few warning signs that should motivate you to pick up the phone for professional diagnosis.

  • Old age. If you aren’t sure about the age of your furnace or you know it is old, you may want to consider a replacement. Not only does an older heating system risk a breakdown each season, but you may also potentially save significant amounts of money by upgrading to a more technologically advanced and energy-efficient model. Many of today’s furnaces and boilers offer AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings over 90%, which can lead to great returns on your new heater investment.
  • Uneven heating. While this may be caused by something as minor as a dirty air filter or leaky ductwork, your heater may no longer be able to heat your home effectively. Ask a pro to evaluate your heater.
  • Loud noises. Loud and excessive noises from your heater can often indicate substantial problems. A rumbling gas furnace might have a blown fan motor, or it might indicate a problem with the fuel supply line.
  • Frequent need for repairs. If you need to repair your furnace or boiler constantly for it to work properly, then you would probably benefit from a heater replacement.

Let a Cleveland heating repair professional at Pompeii’s Plumbing & Heating help determine whether you need a new heating system. Our expert technicians are highly skilled and trained, and we will be able to help you weigh your options with your budget.  Call us today!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

« Older Entries