Category: Plumbing

Replacing your plumbing system’s pipes is a sure way to increase the lifespan of your system and save on unexpected repair jobs.

When you’re choosing which kind of pipe material to use for your home, it’s important to consider all the options–and when it’s time to make that decision.

Signs You Should Get New Pipes

Your plumbing system will give you signs that it’s time for a pipe replacement. Here is a list of ways to know this is the best option for your home.

• Slow Draining Water – When your water drains slowly there is likely a clog somewhere in your pipes. There is a higher likelihood that clogs will form in your pipes if they are corroded.
• Bad Smell To Your Water – Mildew and mold will cause your water to have a rancid smell to it. This can also be harmful to your health as these are toxic materials. Avoid consuming or using the water until your pipes have been replaced.
• Water Looks Discolored – When pipes have corrosion present in them, they can cause your water to turn a brown or dark color. Pipe replacement is the only option for corroded pipes.
• Decreased Water Pressure – If you’ve tried many DIY methods and even called in a plumber to fix your low water pressure but it continues to return, you likely have a clog or leak.
• Pipes or Fixtures Are Leaking – If you notice water seeping out of a pipe or fixture or notice areas behind your walls or appliances feel damp, you have a leak. A pipe replacement is necessary to help fix this.

Types Of Pipe Materials

Every kind of piping material has unique benefits and traits. Here are the different pipe materials that are available when you are considering a pipe replacement.

Galvanized

Galvanized pipes used to be the normal pipe material used for home plumbing systems. They have a small diameter and are more susceptible to corrosion. Due to these reasons, they are no longer the go-to pipe material for residential homes.

Brass

Brass piping has less friction on the inside walls which will allow your water pressure to remain steady and they are rust-resistant. They are also known to be one of the longest-lasting pipe materials for plumbing systems. Usually, these kinds of pipes are used inside walls, for pump fittings, water tanks, and hot water distribution.

Copper

Copper piping has a vast number of benefits and is a common material for household plumbing systems. They handle extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations very well, are corrosion-resistant, and durable.

Although they are a good option for residential plumbing, they are not easy to install on your own. This is due to the pipes needing to be soldered together which a professional should handle. If other pipe materials are run along with copper, they require special fittings to attach the pipes.

PVC

PVC pipes are a great option for many different plumbing needs. They are available in various configurations and thicknesses, are cheaper to buy, and can easily be installed on your own. But keep in mind that PVC piping is not usually used as a permanent plumbing solution.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is considered to be a top-notch piping material. This is because they are very dependable, have high flexibility and durability, and are corrosion-resistant. They are most commonly used in vulnerable areas in the plumbing system and where it is more difficult to put insulation.

However, they do have a more complicated installation since they require special coupling to attach them to other pipes in the system. They are also a more expensive pipe material.

Cast Iron

The heaviest pipe material available is cast iron. While these are heavy-duty and durable pipes they are more commonly used in large or commercial buildings. They are typically used for areas in the plumbing system that are installed underground. For example, the main pipe or drainage system.

PEX

PEX pipes are a great investment when it comes to piping material and are commonly used in residential areas and small businesses. They are a plastic material and have an easy installation process. If you’re wanting to install your pipes on your own this type of piping is recommended.

However, PEX pipes do cost more than other kinds of piping materials so the upfront cost will be higher. They also cannot be used in outdoor plumbing as the UV rays from the sun will strip the outside layer of the pipe.

What To Do After You Choose Your New Plumbing Pipes

After you’ve decided what kind of pipe material will be best for your home’s plumbing system, you can contact a licensed professional for installation.

The Sierra Air team is ready to help get your pipe replacement going. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

There can be a lot of factors that you have to consider when picking a new toilet for your home. There are a variety of options available to you when you first start searching and that can be overwhelming. Factors such as color, height, toilet type, and many more things go into your decision.

Knowing what kinds of toilets are available to you and what benefits they offer can help make your decision easier. Here we will share with you the first steps to choosing a new toilet and everything you need to know about the different kinds.

First Steps

Determine The Needs of The Space

Each room will have a different need when it comes to finding the right toilet. First, you’ll want to consider a couple of questions before you start searching for a new toilet. What room will this toilet be in? Maybe it will be in a guest room or a child’s room which have very different needs. Are you going for a spa or luxurious design in your bathroom or are you looking for something basic?

Measure, Measure, Measure

Once you’ve decided where the new toilet will be going, you’ll need to measure the area to make sure that you’ll have enough room for installation. This will help you to pick the right model for your area and needs. You’ll need to get the most important measurement to do this, which is the rough-in. The rough-in is the distance between the wall and the floor drain.

To determine your rough-in, measure from the wall behind the toilet to the middle of the bolts at the base. Typically, rough-ins measure 12 inches, but smaller or older bathrooms may have a rough-in of 10-14 inches.

Toilet Types

• Urinals– These are most recognized in men’s public restrooms but can be a great addition to areas where a man spends a lot of time such as the garage or man cave. They don’t take up much space since they are wall-mounted and conserve a lot of water.
• Wall-Mounted Toilets– These types of toilets can be installed at certain heights on your wall as long as it is sturdy enough to hold it. Great for walker and wheelchair transfers and very easy to keep the toilet and floor underneath clean. Since the unit and installation can be a little more expensive these have a higher upfront cost.
• One-Piece Toilets– Ideal for smaller bathrooms and very easy to keep clean since they don’t have any crevices due to not having a separate bowl and tank. These types of toilets can add a sleek, stylish element to your bathroom.
• Smart Toilets– If you’re looking for a luxurious kind of bathroom a smart toilet will be a great addition. These can come with many different premium features such as heated seats, bidets, or air dryers.
• Two-Piece Toilets– Different from the one-piece toilet, these have a separate tank and bowl. They are the most common kind of toilet you see today and are much more affordable. Plumbers can also easily find replacement parts for these toilets.
• Water-Saving Toilet– Did you know that older toilets use about 7 gallons of water per flush? Water-saving toilets are known to be an eco-friendlier option since they use 1.28 gallons per flush.

What to Consider When Deciding on a New Toilet

Aside from the types of toilets that there are, here are a few more things to consider when you’re looking for a toilet that will fit your style and needs.

• Toilet Profile– Toilet profiles can add to the aesthetic of your bathroom. The three kinds of toilet profiles you will find are visible traps, skirted bases, and concealed traps.
• Flushing Types – The different flushing types each have a specific way of removing waste and paper from your bowl. Flushing types include single-flush, pressure-assisted, dual-flush, and power-assisted.
• Toilet Heights– A standard toilet rim height is 14-15 inches while ADA-compliant toilets are 15-17 inches. Toilets will come in either tall, chair, or comfort heights.
• Toilet Color – Although white toilets are popular and common you may want a toilet that fits more of your aesthetic. Black and almond toilets can help to enhance the design of your restroom.
• Toilet Bowl Shape – There are two kinds of toilet bowl shapes. These include elongated and round bowls. Round bowls are ideal for smaller spaces while elongated bowls are more comfortable when sitting.
• Toilet Seats – Your toilet seat shape has to match the shape of your bowl. So if you have a round bowl, you’ll need a round seat. Toilet seats can provide many luxury features such as easy release, soft close, heated seats, lighted seats, bidets, and children’s seats.

Next Steps

Now that you know all your options when choosing a new toilet you can start searching for which one will fit your needs the best.

The Sierra plumbers can help give you exactly what you’re looking for with your bathroom and toilet replacement. Give us a call today to schedule a toilet installation!

If you’re in your own bathroom – or someone else’s – and have an overflowing toilet, you have to take immediate action to keep the bowl from flooding the bathroom. It’s not only scary, but it’s embarrassing.

Most people know how to handle simple clogs, but an overflowing toilet could be a stubborn clog that needs a little more finesse. Here’s what you should do if you experience an overflowing toilet.

First, Stop the Water Flow

If your toilet has a water shut-off valve, this is the easiest way to stop the water flow and give yourself time to plunge. It’s usually located near the wall where the toilet connects. Once you find the valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water.

Another option is to close the flapper in the tank. You’ll have to move quickly, but you can open the lid and push the flapper down into the hole to stop water from flowing into the tank. This is a round rubber piece that’s usually a bright color and has a chain or metal lever attached. Once it’s closed, the flapper seals off the tank and bowl.

If you think the toilet may overflow before you flush, get ready by opening the tank and finding the flapper. Then use your other hand to flush the toilet. If it begins to overflow, you can plug the flapper quickly.

Whatever you do, don’t flush again! This will only add more water to the tank, since these types of clogs are usually a full blockage. Adding more water may turn a high water level into a full overflow.

Plunge the Toilet

Now that the water is under control, you can plunge without the stress of water entering the bowl. Depending on how high the water level is, you may need to use a bowl or bucket to remove a few inches of water and give yourself some space to plunge.

Once that’s done, put on gloves and grab the plunger. Many homes have a standard plunger, but a flange plunger is the best choice to create a tight seal and clear the clog quickly. These plungers have an elongated flange on the end that fits well into the toilet drain hole to make a proper seal.

If the plunger is stiff, it may help to loosen it up with hot water. Run it under hot water for a few seconds to heat the rubber and make it more pliable, so you can maneuver it to create a better seal.

Plunging itself is simple, but not if you don’t know how to use a plunger properly. Most people only focus on the downward strokes, but it’s the combination of upward and downward motions that loosen the clog and move it through the pipes.

How To Unclog A Toilet With Baking Soda

After you get a tight seal, use strong, smooth, consistent up and down motions with the plunger, minding the seal. Don’t plunge furiously. It won’t help, as you’ll lose the seal without controlled movements.

Sometimes, loosening the clog is enough to move the water into the drain and have it flush normally. If that doesn’t happen, you can try flushing after plunging to see if it works. Just be prepared to close the flapper and stop the water flow if it begins overflowing again. You may need to plunge a few times to break up the clog.

Try a Natural Remedy

If the clog isn’t loosening up, don’t reach for chemical clog removers. These products have highly corrosive chemicals that will damage the porcelain in the toilet.

Instead, use the plumber’s secret of hot water and dish detergent. Both of these are safe for your toilet and can loosen up the clog to make it easier to plunge. Just add some hot water and a squirt or two of dish detergent before you plunge.

Another option that works well if you can wait is baking soda and vinegar. These ingredients are great for breaking up clogs with a harmless chemical reaction. Just add one cup of each to the toilet bowl and leave it sit for eight hours, then try to clear it again.

Should You Call a Plumber?

If you’re plunging and not getting anywhere, it may mean there’s a bigger problem in the toilet. For example, children may put toys in the toilet that can cause severe blockages. In this case, plunging will only help to bring up the toy, but calling a plumber is the best bet.

Clogs will happen from time to time, but if your toilet clogs constantly, there may be an issue lurking deeper in your system. If this is the case, bring in a plumber to correct the underlying issue, not the symptom (the clog).

Need plumbing help for your bathroom? Contact us at Sierra to schedule your appointment!

There’s nothing worse than making an emergency call to a plumber during a busy week or in the middle of the night. That burst pipe or sewer backup can’t wait, but with regular care and maintenance, you could prevent it from happening in the first place.

Find out how to care for your plumbing – no skills required – and prevent major repairs from disrupting your life.

Take Care of Your Drains

Shower and sink drains take a lot of abuse, particularly in the kitchen. If you’re allowing food and cooking grease to go down your drain, you have a problem waiting to happen.

Grease is liquid when you’re cooking, but it turns back into a solid once it cooled. So, you flush liquid down your drain where it rests in the P-trap, hardening and gathering food and other debris with it. Over time, this will cause a slow drain, if not a full-blown clog, or end up in your sewer causing a backup.

After cooking, dispose of the excess grease by putting it a container and letting it harden. Then, toss it out in the trash or save it for other cooking uses. You may want to install drain traps in your kitchen and bathroom sinks and shower to prevent unwanted items from going down.

Be Careful with What You Flush

The toilet is designed for liquid and solid waste and toilet paper. That’s it. A lot of flushable products aren’t quite flushable, include wet wipes and feminine hygiene products. When these products are flushed regularly, your toilet can become severely clogged.

If you happen to drop something in the toilet, you can try to dislodge it with a plunger. Don’t try to flush it down! If it ends up deep in the pipe, call a plumber. It’s also a good practice to speak to your entire family to make sure everyone is clear on what can and cannot go down the toilet.

Don’t Let That Leak Go On

If you have a slow drip in your sink or shower, don’t let it go. You’re not only wasting gallons of water each day – giving you higher water bills – but you could end up with a burst pipe and water damage.

You can try to fix a leaky faucet on your own by cleaning the internal washer and rings, but this takes a little bit of know-how. If you’re not comfortable, call in a professional to correct that leak, see what caused it, and ensure that you don’t have bigger problems lurking deep in your system.

Opt for Natural Drain Cleaners

For most homeowners, a slow drain or clog is a job for liquid drain cleaners. Unfortunately, that’s one of the worst things you can do for your pipes. The chemicals in these cleaners are highly corrosive, damaging your pipes over time.

Instead of liquid drain cleaner, rely on natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar to keep your pipes clean. This solution can clean our pipes and prevent clogs from forming, so you’re less likely to deal with a clog.

Be Careful with Your Garbage Disposal

If you treat your garbage disposal like a black hole, you’ll end up with problems. While soft food is fine, your garbage disposal is not designed to mulch fibrous vegetables, bones, or animal fat.

If you flush foods like this down your garbage disposal, it can gum up the blades and lead to clogs.

Be mindful of what you flush down the garbage disposal and always run cold water. This helps to carry the food waste down into the blades and pipes to prevent buildup. Avoid using hot water, which will melt grease and cause it to stick to the blades. If you want to keep your disposal clean, you can use baking soda and vinegar to rinse it regularly.

Don’t Take on Big Repairs on Your Own

Some plumbing problems are fine to take on at home, but if you don’t have plumbing knowledge, you could make your problems much worse. Plumbers have the training, experience, and tools to fix your plumbing problems effectively.

Unless you also have plumbing skills, it’s best to leave the work to the professionals. If you try to do it yourself, you could exacerbate the problem. Or worse, it could be dangerous.

Don’t Ignore the Small Stuff

Your plumbing is a big part of your home and day-to-day life. You probably don’t think about it until something happens and you’re scrambling to find a plumber at the last minute, however.

If you pay attention to small changes, such as a drip, a weird noise, or a sudden drop in water pressure, you could anticipate problems before they become more serious.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance for your plumbing system is the best way to prevent future problems. Rather than worrying about your plumbing yourself, you can have a professional inspect your entire system to identify small repairs or issues before they become a major problem.

Want to take care of your plumbing? Schedule your maintenance or repairs from Sierra!

A variety of plumbing problems can cause your water quality to decrease. Getting your pipes replaced is one of the best things that you can do to improve your water quality and increase the lifespan of your plumbing system.

What’s The Worst That Can Happen If Your Pipes Are Old?

There can be a lot of potential issues and expensive repairs due to old water pipes. Here are some of the common challenges homeowners face.

Leaks

Old pipes can easily spring a leak in your water pipe system. Leaks occur when the pipes have been broken down over a long duration. This can cause dirt and minerals to enter your water supply.

Usually, when there’s a leak due to old pipes, other areas of your water pipes might have the same problem. Replacing everything at once will save you from seeing further problems.

Corrosion

The deterioration of the inside walls of your water pipes by water and minerals results in corrosion. This can cause a host of issues, such as leaks, ruptures, pressure buildup, mineral clogs, and the accumulation of rust in your pipes. Because this condition is irreversible, your pipes will need to be replaced.

Emergency Repairs

Old or corroded pipes are more likely to have leaks and large cracks. This condition could result in an emergency repair from a licensed plumber. Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies can be extremely expensive. But some issues can be avoided. Having your pipes replaced will avoid damage and home repairs and help save you money on a hefty emergency bill.

Dirty, Foul-Tasting Water

Corrosion or leaks can be caused by old pipes. This can cause your water to become dirty and taste or smell terrible. If you’re noticing rust and dirt particles floating in your water, you likely have corrosion or a leak in your water pipes. This will allow earthen minerals to enter your water supply and eventually your drinking glass.

How New Pipes Improve Your Water Quality

Your water quality can be improved instantly when replacing the pipes. Below are three benefits of replacing your water pipes.

Cleaner Water

Old and corroded pipes can cause your water supply to become dirty. Once your water pipe replacement is completed you will notice that your water doesn’t have dirt in it and tastes and smells much better. This will assure you that your water is clean, which will put your mind at ease.

Free From Corrosion

As you know corrosion can cause dirty water and an increased chance for leaks in your water pipes. When your pipes are replaced you will not see rust in your drinking water, and your pipes will be less prone to leaks. This will also help make your water safe for consumption as dangerous materials that can cause illness are no longer present in your drinking water.

All Pipes Are Made From The Same Materials

When your water pipes are all made from the same materials, they last longer. When a water pipe system is made up of more than one material, the materials can interact negatively and accelerate the breakdown process, shortening the lifespan of your system.

When a licensed plumber performs a pipe replacement, they will use all one material for the whole system to increase its longevity.

Other Reasons to Replace Your Plumbing System Piping

Here are a few other benefits to keep in mind.

Decreased Risk Of Weak Or Busted Pipes

New, strong water pipes are much better for your home than old, weak pipes. Strong water pipes will help decrease the likelihood of a pipe bursting. In turn, this will help avoid problems for many years to come and save you money on emergency repairs.

Increased Property Values

If you’re planning to sell your home, making updates can increase your listing price. A full plumbing system replacement can significantly increase the property’s value. New water pipes will last much longer, and there will be fewer chances of plumbing issues in the future, making it more appealing to prospective buyers.

Should You Replace Water Pipes Yourself?

Some plumbing repairs, such as replacing a shower head or faucet, can easily be done on your own. But a more complex project like a system-wide pipe replacement is more complicated and should be completed by a licensed professional.

A certified plumber has all of the equipment, skills, and knowledge to complete the job without causing more issues. Having a professional do the job can also ensure the safety of your home and you.

Call Sierra and Improve Your Water Quality

If you’re ready to enjoy better quality water in your home, a member of the Sierra team can help get you started with a pipe replacement. Give us a call today to speak with one of our professionals and receive a free quote.