Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Drain and Sewer’ Category

Here Are Ways to Reduce the Need for Drain Cleaning

Wednesday, September 24th, 2014

When buildup in your drain pipes causes one or more drains in your home to move too slowly, many common household tasks become far more difficult than they should be. The most effective way to remove clogs entirely is by scheduling professional drain cleaning services. Professionals are equipped with the right tools to remove clogs completely and can even inspect for damages using video pipe inspection. But if your pipes tend to need frequent cleaning, you may wonder what you can do to slow down repair calls and keep drain cleaning as part of your annual maintenance visit instead. Here are a few quick tips to reduce the need for drain cleaning.

  • Maintain Your Garbage Disposal: The garbage disposal breaks down food into small pieces so that it can easily move into the drain pipes, preventing clogging. Keep your garbage disposal working as it should by dumping hard foods such as meat bones in separate trash containers, as well as fibrous foods that can wrap around blades and stop the motor, such as corn husks. Be sure to call for repairs at the first sign of trouble.
  • Avoid F.O.G. (Fat, Oils, and Grease): Fats, oils, and grease actually solidify as they cool, which may cause them to become stuck inside of your pipes. You should always pour these items into a trash receptacle instead.
  • Get Rid of Smells: You may not need to call for plumbing repair if you have smelly drains. In the event of a dry p-trap, the curved section under the pipe, you may only need to run the water to get rid of sewage smells. Otherwise, try a solution of baking soda and vinegar.

One of the most important things to remember is that the toxic liquid drain cleaners found in many grocery stores and hardware shops just don’t do the trick. While they may be effective at removing one or two problems, these cleaners cannot dissolve most solid clogs and may damage your pipes. For tough clogs, you need professional drain cleaning from a plumber with the right tools to get the job done. Besides, professional drain cleaning is the best way to prevent major problems from damaging your pipes in the future. For drain cleaning in Oviedo, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

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Tools Plumbers Use for Drain Cleaning

Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

Drain cleaning is a service you can have done on a regular basis to help keep your home’s plumbing efficient and to reduce the problems that can afflict it. You can also have emergency drain cleaning to clear out thick and obstinate clogs that a basic sink plunger cannot eliminate. Professional plumbers experienced with drain cleaning in Winter Park, FL use a variety of special tools to make sure you have clean drains without causing any damage to them.

To schedule drain cleaning, whether for an emergency or as a preventive measure, contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We will bring the best tools to the job, placed in the hands of plumbers with the necessary training to do thorough work that will leave you satisfied.

Some of the tools professionals use for drain cleaning

  • Video pipe inspection equipment: These devices consist of a miniaturized camera and powerful LED light mounted on a long fiber-optic cable. The cable snakes down through a drain opening or other access point and sends back a feed to a monitor. This allows a plumber to see the inside of the drainpipes and pinpoint exactly where cleaning is necessary and what kind of cleaning will do the job. Video pipe inspections are useful for a variety of plumbing tasks, and they save time and permit plumbers to perform drain cleaning without using invasive procedures.
  • Mechanical drain snakes: These are basic tools for eliminating most clogs. Drains snakes are a coil of wires that work similar to a corkscrew: the plumber feeds the wire coil down into a drainpipe until it comes into contact with the blockage. The plumber then activates the motor, which screws down into the clog. At this point, the plumber can then either remove the clog or forcibly break it up. Although you can purchase manual drain snakes from stores, they are nowhere near as effective at cleaning obstructions from pipes as the professional motorized models.
  • Hydro-jetters: A hydro-jetter is a cleaning system that uses high-pressure, high temperature water to blast away clogs in pipes and also scour the inside of the pipes to get rid of a build-up of soap scum and fat, grease, and oil. Because of the physical danger from high-pressure water blasts, the job of hydro-jetting must always be left to a trained professional.

A note of caution: do not use liquid drain cleaners. Despite their name, these bottles full of acidic chemicals are poor choices for cleaning drains. Their caustic action will damage pipe interiors, and the chemicals are highly toxic and will leave behind dangerous fumes. No plumber recommends using liquid drain cleaners: if you can’t get rid of a clog or a slow drain using a plunger, call for a plumber.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) offers comprehensive plumbing services, including drain cleaning, in Winter Park, FL and the rest of Central Florida. We have almost 40 years of experience to bring to the job, and we have 24-hour emergency service.

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How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Sewer System

Friday, April 25th, 2014

Damage to the sewer line that runs from under your home and out to the municipal sewer in the center of the street is one of the most serious problems that can occur in a home’s plumbing. Because the responsibility for this line rests with the homeowner, not the local utility company. You will have to call for trained sewer repair and replacement specialists to take care of the work needed to seal breaks, clear blocks, and replace corroded pipes.

The most persistent danger to your sewer line comes from an innocuous source: the plants in your yard. The roots from trees can cause major blockage and breaks in your sewer line, and even the roots of bushes can interfere. When you suspect trouble with your Orlando, FL sewer line (sewage smells from the lawn, backed-up sinks throughout the house, water stains around basement drains), call on Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to investigate and find a remedy to the problem.

The Dangers of Tree Roots

The roots of trees naturally grow toward sources of water and nutrients. The wastewater inside a sewer pipe is therefore an obvious target for the probing tendril end of roots. These roots will push between pipe connections and begin to force their way inside the line. This will quickly lead to blockage inside the drain.

Worse, the inexorable force of the growing tree roots will eventually place too much pressure on the sewer line and cause the pipe to break. This is especially common for older galvanized steel pipes, which may have corroded and seriously weakened over time.

You can help avoid this problem from occurring with careful planting. Before planting trees and bushes, consult with the local utility company to find out where the pipes are buried, and keep the trees away from that area. Also consider planting bushes with shallow roots.

However, if damage does occur from tree root infestation, then plumbers experienced with sewer line repair can take care of it. Sometimes the repair is a relatively simple one that plumbers can target with video camera inspection equipment and fix without major excavation. Full breaks may require more work and complete pipe replacement. Whatever the job, it’s necessary to prevent sewage flooding into your home and causing damage to your property and the home’s foundations.

Whether tree roots are the cause of the problem or not, do not wait to call for drain and sewer service in Orlando, FL whenever something seems wrong. The plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) will track down the cause and restore your sewer line as fast as possible.

Contact us today and schedule a service appointment!

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Are Sewer Smells a Reason to Call for Pumbing Repair?

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014

This isn’t something you want to occur in your house: the lingering smell of a sewer drifting through the air, like an odor coming back up a drain (which, in all likelihood, is exactly what it is). People who encounter this problem will wonder how serious the issue is, and if it means they should contact a trained plumber to repair the problem.

Most of the time, the infiltration of sewage smells into your home does require bringing in a plumber. There’s one significant exception, which we’ll also look at, but the majority of the time sewer smell seepage can mean tough problems that need experienced workers to solve.

Serving central Florida since 1975, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) can take care of your troubles with your plumbing in Apopka, FL fast and right. You can reach us 24-hours a day when you require emergency service.

Some Reasons For Sewer Smells

We’ll start with the simple one: dried-out p-traps. The p-trap is the U-shaped curve in a drainpipe beneath the sink, which traps a water barrier that prevents sewage gas from coming back up the drains. For sinks that see little use, the p-trap can turn dry, and then nothing will stop the smell from getting out of the drain. Run water for a minute down the drain that’s causing the problem and see if that fixes it.

More serious reasons for sewer odors that will require a plumber include blocked vents and damage to the sewer line.

The first issue occurs when the backflow vents on the plumbing become clogged, usually at the roof where the exhaust from the drainpipe exits. When this happens, because of debris, animal nests, or something else, it forces the sewer gas back down the pipe and then bubbles up through the water plug into the p-trap. (With no other exits, enough pressure exists to force the sewage gas through the water.) If you hear a gurgling noise from your drains along with the smell, vents may be the problem. Do not go to the roof to try to fix this; call for professionals.

Sewer line breaks and blocks are urgent business. If the sewer line pipe that removes all the wastewater from a home to the sewer main in the center of the street becomes blocked because the pipe broke or tree roots grew into it, it will back up sewage into drains and possibly the basement. The sewer line is buried underground, so the work of repairing it requires a team of specialists. Call right away for help if you suspect a sewer line break.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for whatever work you need on your plumbing in Apoka, FL to stop that  sewer odor.

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Why Can’t I Just Do My Own Drain Cleaning?

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Clogged drains are a fact of life, and can stem from many sources. Backed-up drains may stem from undergrowth and blockage from rainstorms, in addition to more universal causes like build-up inside the drains. A frugal homeowner may wish to address drain cleaning themselves, using a store-bought snake or similar piece of equipment. It usually pays to hire a professional for all but the most perfunctory drain cleaning jobs however. Why can’t you just do your own drain cleaning? The reasons include but are not limited to:

  • Equipment. A basic drain snake is sufficient for a minor blockage, but many blockages are more serious than that. Professional plumbing services have mechanized snakes to provide considerable power, as well as a variety of snake heads to fit the particular blockage. That allows them to treat the issue more quickly and efficiently, saving you a great deal of time and stress.
  •  Know-how. Plumbers handle drain cleaning issues for a living. They understand the causes and can implement an appropriate solution. If the situation needs a snake or other equipment, they know how to deploy it properly. They also might have specialized equipment, such as hydro-jetting. Either way, you benefit from the training and experience of a qualified professional, rather than having to guess your way through the operation.
  • Safety. Along those lines, attempting to address a clogged drain yourself can result in additional damage to your pipes or other parts of your plumbing. A licensed plumber not only brings the skill and know-how to that equation – minimizing the risk of further damage – but he is insured to cover the costs of any additional damage that is incurred.

In frugal times, people want to save on costs, and doing your own drain cleaning may sound like an easy answer. It can cost you in the long run, however, especially if a quality professional plumber can do the job quickly and efficiently. Call upon the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. to handle drain cleaning in Orlando and throughout the surrounding communities

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Are you a victim of Backflow Preventer theft, Modern Plumbing Inc can help!

Monday, July 29th, 2013

Here at Modern Plumbing Inc we see and hear a lot about our local community and trends we are seeing in the area. Recently we have heard a lot about thefts of a crucial part of your plumbing system, the backflow preventer, and we want to educate you on what it is as well as offer some advice with dealing with it if you are targeted.

The backflow preventer in your plumbing system works to prevent the reversal of water flow of waste water leaving your premises and going into the municipal sewer system. When a water main breaks or there is a catastrophic event in the city sewer system the pressure differential can force contaminated water back into your system without a backflow preventer to block the pipe. While this type of event may be an extreme example it is imperative that you have a safety feature in place to prevent even the most minor of issues.

If you have been targeted by local thefts and discover your backflow preventer has been removed then please call us here at Modern Plumbing Inc for help replacing it. We can help you determine which valve is right for your system as well as come out and do an onsite investigation of the plumbing to determine there is no further damage. We want to help you move forward from an event like a theft of your backflow preventer so you can get on with your life and protect your system. Should you find yourself in a situation which requires a backflow preventer replacement then give us a call here at Modern Plumbing Inc and we will help get you back on track!

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Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is an Ask the Seal Approved Business

Friday, January 11th, 2013

If you live in the Orlando area there is no better way to ensure you are hiring a safe, reliable company than by using Ask the Seal. Visit asktheseal.com today to find a service professional in your area. Ask the Seal screens service professional and their employees by verifying and checking licenses, insurance, customer service quality, and performing criminal background checks.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. is a certified safe choice in plumbing. We fully support the mission of Ask the Seal and are proud to represent the kind of safe, reliable company that Ask the Seal approves. If you are looking for plumbing service in the Orlando area look no further than the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. We also received the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 2012 and the Orlando Sentinel named MPI one of the top 100 companies to work for in 2012.

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How to Tell the Age of a Water Heater

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Water Heater Maintenance | Orlando | Modern Plumbing Industries Inc.Are you trying to determine the age of your hot water heater? You may have looked the the rating plate on the back of your water heater and seen a confusing string of letters and numbers. Each manufacturer has a different way of of reporting important information such as serial number, capacity, wattage, warranty information and manufacturers date. It can be hard to decode what exactly all of this information means. American Water Heater Company, A.O. Smith , Bradford-White, Lochinvar, Rheem, and State Industries all have different ways of documenting the age of the water heater. Click here to see some documentation on decoding the age of your water heater.

Are you thinking about upgrading to something more efficient? Most waters heaters last about 10 years. The damage and inconvenience of a failed water heater can be costly. It it a good idea to plan ahead and replace you water heater instead of waiting for complete failure or expensive repair costs. Once you know the age of your water heater it is prudent to schedule a maintenance visit from your plumber. The team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) specialized in water heater maintenance. A regular maintenance visit will cover the removal of sediment from tank water heaters, fill inspection for damages and corrosion, and thermostat and efficiency testing. We can also recommend the most efficient water heater solution for your home and explain the cost and savings benefits of upgrading to a more efficient water heater. We specialize in tankless, hybrid and even commercial solar water heaters. If you are in the Orlando water call MPI today to find out more about your water heater. Save up to $150 on a tankless gas water heater and $100 on a hybrid water heater.

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The History of Plumbing

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Did you know that plumbing systems date back thousands of years? The  pipes, drains and devices that compromised plumbing systems in ancient societies stemmed from the same needs to drainage and potable water that our modern systems address. Even more important than personal comfort plumbing systems had greatly helped to prevent and control disease and contamination. Lead, clay, stone and even wood were used in ancient plumbing systems to transport water and waste. Today the majority of pipes are made out of plastic, brass and copper.

Plumbing Systems | Orlando | Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.Today’s plumbing systems are regulated by  codes and standards to protect you and your home. While some issues may seem minor such as leaky fixtures and clogged drains, if your plumbing is not properly installed you risk expensive water damage to your home. In some cases plumbing that isn’t up to code can cause structural damage to your home. You also risk the health of you and your family. Cross-connection can result in contaminated water entering your household water supply. A licensed and experienced plumber such as Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. (MPI) should be called for all of your plumbing needs. Without proper, efficiently running plumbing your home can suffer long lasting damage. Be sure to call MPI for all of your plumbing maintenance needs in the Orlando, FL area.

Do you suspect your home is suffering from aging or damaged pipes? Save $200 on a whole-house repiping. Call MPI today to find out more about upgrading your plumbing system.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving | Orlando | Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.The team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) would like to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! The holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy family, friends and to share delicious meals with the ones you love.

As wonderful as big family meals are, those holiday meals also often lead to clogged drains and garbage disposals. At MPI we offer drain cleaning, video camera inspection, garbage disposal repair as well as services for all of your kitchen and bathroom plumbing needs. We are available for 24/7 emergency service to fix your plumbing issues quickly and return your family to your holiday fun!

Here are some tips to keep your drains and garbage disposal running well throughout the holiday season:
Feed your garbage disposal a little at a time
Run cold water while you use your garbage disposal
Avoid putting potato and potato peels down your garbage disposal
Keep your garbage disposal clean and well maintained
Never put liquid grease down your drains

 

If you do experience drain issues in the Orlando or Winter Springs area give MPI a call. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service even over the holidays. Check out our promotions and service areas for more information!

 

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