Plumbing provides a steady supply of clean water and safely removes waste, protecting health and promoting efficiency. Proper maintenance and regular inspections help avoid costly repairs and replacements.
Federal regulations set standards for drinking water and waste management, while state guidelines address specific safety, health, and environmental concerns. Local rules also govern licensing and inspections for plumbing installations. Visit https://www.plumbing-express.com/ to learn more.
Grease is a sticky, thick substance that is used to lubricate moving parts. It is commonly found in motors, gearboxes and other machinery that requires a lubricant to function smoothly and prevent damage from friction. In addition, grease can prevent corrosive contaminants from entering the equipment and keep sealed joints effective.
While it may be tempting to pour excess grease down the drain, this can cause major problems for your plumbing and sewer system. Fats, oils and grease (FOG) that are poured down sinks or flushed down toilets can form large conglomerations in your pipes, leading to clogs and blockages. This can lead to expensive repairs, environmental damage and other problems.
The best way to protect your plumbing and sewer line is by separating kitchen wastewater from restroom wastewater and installing a grease trap or interceptor to catch FOG before it can reach the sewer lines and cause blockages, overflows and other issues. It is also important to maintain your grease trap or interceptor through regular maintenance, including monitoring its level and pumping out the contents.
There are many types of grease, and each type has different properties and characteristics. Its consistency is a key factor, as it determines whether the grease will stay in place or drip out of place. In general, higher-quality greases have a lower dropping point than cheaper ones.
Another important factor is the grease’s resistance to water, which can affect its ability to lubricate. Grease that isn’t water resistant will lose its consistency and lubricity when exposed to water. The ability to lubricate under high temperatures is also an important consideration. This is especially true for applications such as lubricating industrial bearings, which are subject to constant shear forces and elevated temperatures.
When choosing a grease for your application, look at the manufacturer’s specification sheet to see if the grease has a low or high dropping point, as well as its shear stability and water resistance. A grease with a high shear stability can withstand long periods of exposure to shear forces and resist water, while a grease with a low dropping point can easily liquefy in hot environments and lose its lubricating capability.
Trees
Trees provide shade, beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere on your property. But if you have them near your sewer pipes, they can cause problems. Tree roots seek out moisture, and if they find it in the form of water flowing through your sewer line, they will quickly grow into the pipes and cause breakage and clogs.
Your sewer lines take waste from your home to either the city’s system or your septic tank. If you have trees growing into your sewer lines, it will result in slow drains, gurgling noises from the toilet, and even sewage backups that can seep through your walls and into your home. These issues are costly and frustrating, but they can be prevented with proper tree maintenance.
If you’re looking for a tree to plant close to your sewer pipe, choose one with a narrow root structure. Some options include redbud, ginkgo, and crabapple. Redbud trees are ornamental and bloom in spring, while ginkgo trees are popular for their fan-like leaves. Crabapple trees are another good choice because their roots grow wide but not deep.
Avoid planting trees with large, broad root systems, as they tend to encroach on sewer and drain lines over time. Instead, opt for trees with shallow roots that hug the ground. Also, consider using a root barrier to prevent the roots from infiltrating the pipes.
Sewer pipes are made of a variety of materials, but cast iron and ductile iron pipes have a higher quality joint that is less likely to be damaged by tree roots. You can also use a chemical such as copper sulfate to treat the pipes and kill any tree roots that are attempting to infiltrate them.
If you have a problem with tree roots infiltrating your sewer line, call Alpha Plumbing for help. We can identify where the pipes run on your property and suggest a solution, such as installing a root barrier or digging up and replacing the damaged lines. We can also help you identify the signs of a problem with your sewer line, such as sewage back up in your basement or around your home and slow-draining toilets.
Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals have become an essential kitchen appliance for many households, allowing you to safely and efficiently eliminate waste in your home without the need for a traditional garbage can. They also provide a number of environmental benefits, helping to reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable waste management practices. However, it is important to be aware of how your disposal works and how you can best care for it to avoid costly repairs and inconvenient backups.
Garbage disposal units work by turning solid food waste into a fine slurry that can pass through the drain lines and into the sewer system. It is important to only dispose of non-toxic food waste such as fruits, vegetables and bread scraps. Doing so will ensure that no hazardous materials are introduced into your plumbing and sewer systems.
It is also vital to never put anything that could clog the disposal or damage your pipes into your garbage disposal. These items include large amounts of fats, oils and grease, which can congeal in your drain pipes and septic tank and cause unpleasant odors and blockages. Also avoid disposing of stringy, fibrous foods like celery stalks, corn husks and asparagus stems, as these can wrap around the blades and jam your disposal. Finally, be sure to always run cold water while operating your disposal to help flush away food particles and prevent the build-up of sludge and scum in your drain line.
Keeping these tips in mind can go a long way in preventing unnecessary plumbing and sewer issues. Be mindful of what you put down your disposal and how often you use it, and be sure to regularly clean your disposal with caustic drain cleaners. Regularly pumping your septic tank and hiring a professional plumber for sewer maintenance can also help to reduce the risk of complications caused by your disposal. Biros Septic & Drain Cleaning is the best choice for comprehensive sewer and drain maintenance in Warner Robins, GA and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team!
Toilets
The toilet is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. It lets you “do your business” without much thought, but if it’s not working correctly, it’s a major inconvenience and can be messy. Fortunately, toilet problems are relatively easy to diagnose and fix with the help of a plumber.
Modern toilets are made from a material called vitreous china. It’s a mixture of several clays including china clay, ball clay, silica, and a fluxing agent. The clay is fired in a high-temperature oven called a kiln. Then the glaze, which is colored and glossy, is applied to the ceramics. This process gives the porcelain a smooth surface that’s impervious to water and stain-resistant. It’s also highly durable. Toilets usually come in white, which is for simple hygiene reasons. There’s nowhere for filth to hide on a white toilet!
There are many different types of toilets, with new innovations in technology and flush styles that are reducing waste and saving water. It’s important to understand your options so you can make the best choice for your needs and preferences.
Besides the bowl part where you do your business, there are two other key parts of the toilet: the flange and the tank. The flange connects the toilet to the floor so it doesn’t move, and it also attaches to the PVC sewer line.
The tank holds the water that’s used to flush the toilet, and it has an opening called a trapway at its bottom. The trapway is S-shaped, and it leads to the toilet’s drainpipe that runs underground to the septic system or sewer system. The trapway keeps waste from backflowing into the house.
The tank also has a device called a float cup that senses the water level and shuts off the supply valve when the water reaches the appropriate height. The float cup may be replaced with a newer version that uses a sensor instead of a float. Newer toilets use less water than older models, and they may even be able to shut off the flow of water completely when you’re not using the bathroom!
