plumbing Archives | A Whole New Level of Service: Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Slab Leak Repair & More in Carrollton, TX

How to Protect Your Pipes During Winter Months

North Texas nights can quickly drop below freezing during our winter months. Freezing temperatures can affect water flow, cause pipe cracks and leaks, or outright break pipes, which will require expensive repairs for repiping. Here are some tips on how to protect your pipes during the winter months:

Prevention:

Insulating your pipes to prevent freeze damage will be the best course of action when it comes to protecting your home during the winter months. Insulating pipes, especially outdoor and exposed areas where there is no temperature control, will help prolong the life of your pipes and prevent cold weather damage. Sealing or caulking cracks in your home can keep out cold air and help manage the temperature of rooms surrounding pipes. Other simple freeze prevention tips include disconnecting outdoor water hoses, closing and draining outdoor valves, and allowing small amounts of water to drip from indoor faucets so a constant flow of water circulates through the pipes.

Frozen pipes:

In the event that you have frozen pipes, check your water supply lines and make note of cold spots or line breaks. Plumbing parts that break due to freeze may require extensive and expensive replacement. A licensed DFW plumber can thoroughly investigate your pipes and make sure there aren’t any frozen or broken pipes that may be out of sight.

Thawing:

If you are attempting to thaw frozen pipes, the first step is to open the faucet of the affected pipe and allow flowing water to help melt the ice around the pipe. If the frozen pipe is outdoors or exposed, then try to heat the pipe directly with heated damp towels or heating pads. Space heaters and blow dryers can also be used to help thaw outdoor pipes. If frozen pipes are inside in your home, then turn up the heat in your home and wait to see if that helps.

Protecting your pipes during the winter months every year will add to the longevity of your home plumbing. Cathedral Plumbing experts can provide a thorough inspection of your plumbing and help make sure your pipes are protected.

Flipping a Home? Top Plumbing Issues to Look Out For:

If you’re “flipping” a house, you’ll want to pay special attention to the preservation and repair needs of the plumbing systems. If plumbing wasn’t taken care of over the years, you may have a lot of problems and unanticipated costs when renovating. Keep an eye out for these top plumbing issues when flipping a home:

Old Pipe Materials

First things first, you’ll want a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes and make sure they aren’t outdated or leaking. If you have an older home that has old lead pipes, a replacement will be necessary. Galvanized and plastic pipes are also likely to have wear-and-tear and possibilities for leaks or breaks. Investing in updated pipe materials will help improve the overall value of your house.

Pipe Bellies

The pipes underneath your house may have shifted from the gradual movement and shifting of the house over time. A pipe belly can happen if the pipes begin to slowly slope downward and create a “belly”. This can affect your flow of water and create a pool below your house from leaks.

Failing Sewer Lines

Sewage leaks and damage may not be found until you smell a foul odor, or notice a leak. Failing sewer lines can be due to tree root damage, pipe failure, or lines shifting. Leak detection by our licensed Dallas Fort Worth plumbers can help discover the source and repair failing sewer lines.

Outdated Fixtures and Connections

Replacing outdated fixtures and inspecting connections assures that your home can flip for a higher value and attract interested buyers. Making sure there’s no restricted water flow, that fixtures are updated and in working order and that the home has been recently inspected, will all be important factors to show possible home buyers.

Bad Repairs

If you aren’t sure how to fix a plumbing issue, it’s best to call a licensed plumber in Dallas Fort Worth to inspect and repair those problems. For a crucial part of the home that we rely on so heavily, you’ll want a history of good repairs and inspections to flip your home successfully.

What Causes Slab Leaks in DFW

Slab leaks can cause water damage to your home and foundation, increase your water bills, and create mold and mildew problems. We previously mentioned plumbing issues and slab leaks can cause problems with your home foundation, and now we’re here to dive into what kind of issues may be causing those slab leaks in the first place..

Poor Installation

Unfortunately, poor workmanship during initial plumbing installation could be a possible cause for slab leaks. A small dent or bent pipe could become a large leak over time, and if it goes unnoticed, it could cause a slab leak and major plumbing problems.

Outside Pressure

Soil erosion, ground shifts, and tree roots can cause external pressures that damage pipes. Over time, the movement of the ground around the pipes might lead them to break or leak. If the pipes were poorly installed or are suffering additional damages, then even minor outside pressures can cause major pipe bursts.

Corrosion and Abrasion

Things like temperature changes, water quality, and water hardness/softness can affect pipes. Many of these instances are naturally-occurring or out of our control, as plumbing may contract and expand in different temperatures and may corrode/wear down from abrasive water. You can take steps to prevent corrosion by installing high-quality pipes, scheduling regular maintenance, and testing your water to help maintain a neutral and less corrosive quality.

Time

Eventually, time wins in the end. A Slab leak repair may be inevitable on older homes or during major renovations. The majority of slab leaks occur in older homes where pipes have not been maintained well. It’s best to keep an eye on your home’s slab conditions and call on professional plumbing maintenance for repairs and upkeep.

Cathedral Plumbing offers professional slab leak detection for Allen, Carrollton, and surrounding DFW Metroplex homes. We have more information about our slab leak repair services here.

Your Top Fort Worth Plumbing Company Explains the Most Common Reasons for Clogged Drains

Don’t let a clogged drain stop your whole week! Clogs can build up over time and grow from a slow drain to a LARGE problem. A drainage issue can happen unexpectedly and cause big plumbing issues in your house. Luckily, your top Fort Worth plumbing company is here to dive into some of the most common reasons for clogged drains – and how we can help!

Bathroom Clogs:

The most common clog in the bathroom area is most likely caused by build-up from our hair over time. You might be able to do some DIY drain cleaning to help minor clogs, but you’ll want to contact professionals if your problem is more serious.

Another cause of clogs can be due to excessive paper and hygiene products being flushed down the toilet. This can cause sewer back-ups that can be a nightmare to deal with. Avoid flushing items like baby wipes, feminine products, or excessive amounts of toilet paper, as it can require extensive cleaning and removal if they clog up your system. We highly recommend only flushing toilet paper down the drain and tossing all other products in the trash.

Kitchen Clogs:

A common reason for a clogged kitchen sink is food waste stuck in the drain or disposal. Scrape large food pieces into your garbage or compost bins before washing dishes in the kitchen sink. Grease build up can also be a plumbing problem you want to avoid. Remember to NEVER dispose of cooking grease down the drain – it can congeal and create hardened blockages in your pipes. You should dispose of grease in the trash, or save it for reuse in future cooking recipes.

Other Issues:

Some clogs may be outside of our control. For example, tree roots may grow around pipes and cause leaks/clogs. Scale buildup from mineral deposits in the water running through our pipes may also lead to clogged plumbing lines. These types of issues may require a professional line repair and cleaning. Luckily, that’s something we can help with!

Cathedral is your top plumbing company in the Fort Worth area, and we’re happy to assist you with any minor or major drain clogs.

How to Pet Proof Your Plumbing

We may love our pets, but your drains definitely don’t love the excess of fur! Pet proofing your household and plumbing can keep your pet safe while preventing major plumbing damage. Pets can add an extra strain to a variety of household plumbing fixtures. Here are a few tips to help pet proof your plumbing:

Bath Time

Rinse those dirty pets off outside before coming in for bath time. The outside pre-rinse will help remove mud and matted fur that can result in a clogged drain. Once in the tub, use a stopper or strainer to catch additional fur and dirt from going down the drain. These simple steps during bath time will go a long way in preventing slow and clogged drains from muddy fur build up.

Avoid the Toilet Watering Hole

Animals are notorious for drinking out of the toilet, and it may be funny to watch, but… toilets can be home to lots of germs and bacteria, and cleaning chemicals can leave residue in the bowl. We don’t want our furry friends sick and at the vet just because they were thirsty! Make sure they have access to fresh water and prevent them from drinking the toilet water by keeping the lids closed. Another important note is to NEVER dispose of cat litter down the toilet. Cat litter can cause clogged toilets and back up the bathroom plumbing.

Pet Proofing Your Home

Both pets and household residents can benefit from proactively maintaining safety habits around the house. Take note of these preventative measures:

Cover exposed pipes and wires around the house so pets don’t bite or chew on them.
Keep harmful chemicals, such as cleaners or pesticides, out of reach of both pets and children.
Make sure your dog isn’t digging holes in the backyard that could damage water or sewer lines.

These tips can help assure that your pets and plumbing are safe from accidents, and prevent a curious pet from suddenly requiring veterinary attention.

If your beloved pet has caused a major plumbing issue or you need assistance with pet proofing your home, contact our professional plumbing company. We can help you and your pet remain comfortable and enjoy what really matters – your time together!

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
929 East 41st St Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 936-5200

Robert Maner RMP-41287