Why should you, as a homeowner, be prepared for winter plumbing emergencies?

Winter preparation is one of the most important things that you, as a homeowner, can do to protect your home and your investment in it. Winter is a harsh season and can be especially so in Rochester. The drastic drop in temperature, ice and snow, and long stretches of darkness all contribute to plumbing emergencies being more amplified than those that may occur in the spring or summer. During the winter, pipes can freeze and burst, your basement may be flooded, septic tanks can rupture, drains clog more easily, with the contents freezing inside of them, and that is just the tip of the iceberg, forgive the pun, of the plumbing issues that may arise during the winter. Any of these, along with other potential plumbing issues, can all be quite costly to fix, especially if they cause damage beyond the pipe, such as leaks and water damage. It can also be much more difficult for plumbers to fix plumbing problems when they arise due to cold, and precipitation, and even shorter days, where daylight is short and sweet, can make fixing plumbing problems more expensive and time-consuming. 

Preparing for the aforementioned issues, however, can go a very long way toward preventing the issue from happening and also enabling you to be able to handle any issue should a plumbing problem arise. If you are prepared for winter and plumbing emergencies, then you will be more likely to save money, prevent damage to your home and your personal belongings, and prevent your family from the inconvenience that plumbing problems can cause. 

What should you look for in an emergency plumbing company?

Each year, people lose thousands of dollars due to plumbing emergencies. A portion of that is due to emergency plumbing companies that overcharge or make repair mistakes that end up causing you, the homeowner, more than was originally expected. Some of the things you may want to consider when you look for an emergency plumbing company include the following:

• Response time – Make sure your emergency plumber has around-the-clock hours so they are available anytime you need them.
• Level of Knowledge and Experience – How experienced your emergency plumber is can make a big difference. A plumber with years of experience will know how to handle various situations with a solid foundation of both knowledge and hands-on experience.
• Services Offered and Products Used – Irock has a vast amount of experience and offers a multitude of projects to give us to cover all of your plumbing needs. In addition, they should use top-quality products and nothing that may hint at sub-par products. You want to be sure their products will last as long as possible.
• Cost – The repair quote your plumber offers after inspecting your plumbing problem should provide a detailed estimate of labor and material costs for the repairs needed. Avoid plumbers who are shady about their pricing models or are hesitant to give you an estimate.

Finding the right plumber, especially in an emergency, can be a challenge. It can also make the difference between being as prepared as possible and a costly home disaster. Irock Plumbing is a company that we built on honor, integrity, and top-notch service. We are an emergency plumbing company you can count on no matter what time of day or night it is.

What can you expect from IRock Plumbing in Rochester, NY?

We at Irock Plumbing have an emergency plumbing company built on integrity, trust, knowledge, and top-notch service. w offer a plethora of services including the following:

• We offer IFlat Rate Pricing – this way you know what you are getting yourself into.
• 24/7 Emergency Response – Call any time of day or night and rest assured you will get the team, and the response, you need to handle your plumbing problem. 
• Residential and Commercial Service – Whether it is your home or business we can take care of your plumbing needs.
• Professional and On-Time Plumbers – We send experienced professionals to your home with the utmost punctuality to ensure your plumbing problems are addressed in the most appropriate manner.

We offer immediate, professional, and experienced service to make sure your plumbing needs are evaluated and addressed, and a proper solution is implemented as quickly as possible.

Preparing for winter, and the plumbing emergencies that offer come with it can be daunting for even the most experienced homeowner. Call us at  Irock Plumbing today at 585-571-7399 and be ready for winter as it rushes in on a cold, crisp wind. 

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While nearly everyone has dealt with a ‘slow drain’, when there is an issue with the main sewer line, all of your sinks and showers may be impacted as they can all back up simultaneously. Ugh! What to do and what causes this issue?

As mentioned, given that your main sewer line is underground, the most obvious thing that can be causing
you a problem is roots. Particularly in Western New York, where old-growth trees are plentiful, the roots can cause havoc for your main sewer line. The good news? A call to Irock Plumbing can have the issue solved relatively quickly. We would first put a camera down the line to gain an understanding of what the issue is. Once we see the roots (in this example), we will either ‘snake’ or jet the main sewer line clear.

Damaged Main Sewer Line

The main sewer line can be damaged by the ground shifting over time. This can be sped up if there is a new building near you or heavy equipment in your yard. This can also cause small breaks in the line which will allow sediment to enter which can create a problem. Also, depending on the age of the line, it can just get ‘old’. These lines are meant to have a life expectancy of between 80 and 100 years. If you’re home or business is approaching that, we would suggest you have it inspected by a plumber.

A ’Belly’ in the Main Sewer Line

When the main sewer line, over time, shifts, it is called a ‘belly’. Waste will settle in this low section which can build up causing a blockage. If not fixed, this can become a reoccurring issue.

Grease in the Drain

Pouring grease (or any oils) down your drain is a major league no-no! The grease will harden and cause a backup in the line. My grandmother kept an old coffee can near the sink and grease was put in there, allowed to cool, and then safely thrown away. We recommend you do the same (just not in a paper coffee cup!).

Debris in the Main Sewer Line

Your sewer line is designed for liquids and soft solids: nothing else! Keep all larger debris out of your drains. Should, say, your four-year-old son send a GI Joe swimming, Joe will inevitably get caught on something else that is in the line (such as dried grease) and cause you a big headache (yup, my son sent GI Joe to the ‘pool’).

Drain Cleaners

While it’s appealing to think that you can drop a bottle of a chemical that you purchased from your grocery down the drain and solve all of your problems, the truth is this: that chemical may erode some hair in the drain but it also damages your plumbing. Instead, call a professional plumber like Irock Plumbing.

Main Sewer Line Repair or Replacement in Rochester, NY

The professionals at Irock Plumbing are available to solve your main sewer line issues! We will show you the issue via our camera and then explain the best way to solve the issue. That may, depending on the issue, include excavation and replacing the line (or a small part of it in the event of damage). The plumbers at Irock Plumbing will have all of your drains flowing again!

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How do I Know It’s Time to Change My Sump Pump?

If you head noises from your sump pump, it’s most likely time to get a new one. As with any pump, there are moving parts and they wear out over time. Should you hear grinding or a new rattling noise when the pump turns on, it is an indication that the rotating piece at the bottom of the pump (the ‘impeller’) has worn out. 

Motor Fatigue or Failure

If you hear your sump pump ‘humming’, the motor may be failing or may have already failed. For some homes, the sump pump works harder than at others based on the amount of ground water in the area. The starting and stopping that the motor needs to do to remove the water from the crock can only happen so many times before it fails. You can check for this by forcing the pump to start (lift up the float that is in the water) and ensure the water level goes down.

You should also keep in mind that if the impeller gets bent it can cause the motor to fail more quickly. We do not recommend trying to straighten the impeller as it is almost impossible to ensure it is truly straight. Given this, it may still cause the motor to fail earlier.

Pump Runs Continuously or Starts Erratically

The float activates a switch in the pump to turn it on. The switch can, at times, fail. If this happens and the pump stays running it can cause the motor to fail much faster than expected.

Similarly, if the pump cycles on and off regularly, it could indicate that the float is adjusted incorrectly or that there is a wiring issue. If this happens, it can lead to earlier motor failure as well.

Your Sump Pump Takes a Significant Amount of Time to Empty the Crock

If your sump pump is ‘working too hard’, it can mean that the motor is underpowered. Having an underpowered motor can lead to the motor failing earlier than expected as the motor can overheat. To properly calculate the correct horsepower, we recommend calling a professional plumber…like Irock Plumbing!

Sump Pump Options

There are many options today when it comes to sump pumps. You can purchase one with an alarm that will provide an audible noise if it is failing. You can also get a Wi-Fi connected pump that will send an alert to your phone that there is an issue. Call Irock Plumbing at 585-571-7399 for all of your sump pump needs.

The post Do You Need a New Sump Pump? appeared first on Irock Plumbing.

• Checking exposed pipes for leaks, damage, and corrosion
• Checking all fixtures such as toilets, faucets, showers, appliances, disposal, and sinks
• Checking outdoor pipes and spigots (look for cracks, corrosion, drips, or loose fittings)
• Checking hoses for cracks, brittleness, or leaks
• Cleaning shower heads to remove mineral build up (you can use a chemical such as CLR for this)
• Draining and cleaning water heater to remove mineral deposits (should be done annually)
• Inspecting water heater (look for leaks, cracks, loose pipes, etc.)
• Test water pressure (requires an inexpensive pressure gauge)
• Drain cleaning on all drains (using appropriate cleaners (which is not the chemicals sold in most stores))
• Snaking sewer lines to check for clogs or tree roots

Irock plumbing treats your home as if it were our own. Taking these actions will help protect your home from disaster and urgent repair work as well as save you money. Should you not feel as though you have the expertise to do a check such as this, Irock Plumbing offers residential clients a $249 preventative maintenance check that includes discounts on services and peace of mind!

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When this happens, what do you need to figure out? In a nutshell:

• What caused the clog?
• Do you have the DIY tools on hand to solve the problem?
• What can you do to have this not happen again?

There are two types of lines in your home: the main line and secondary (or branch) lines. If the issue is with your main line, it is doubtful you will have what is needed to solve the problem. If, however, it is a secondary line, you may be able to solve the issue yourself!

For main lines, the following issues typically exist:

• Water is backing up in multiple drains in your home (and possibly your yard)
• You can hear your drains making a bubbling or gurgling noise as water goes down the drain
• Multiple drains draining slowly at once
• Sewer-like odor emanating from your drains

If the clog is in a secondary line (typically closer to the drain), you can use a handheld auger to (we recommend purchasing one that is 50’). Please make sure to wear all appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, etc.).

If you’re still unable to get it cleared, Irock Plumbing is your drain expert! We will come to your home, get it cleared and then prove we did so by putting a camera down the line. Call Irock Plumbing at 585-571-7399.

The post Why Does My Shower Not Drain?!!! appeared first on Irock Plumbing.

If there is water around your hot water heater, you can do the simple checks:

• Where is the water coming from?
  • Lines into or out of the heater?
  • Base of the heater?
• How old is your hot water heater?
• If gas, is the pilot light lit?
• If there are any questions, call Irock Plumbing!

If Your Tank is Cracked

If the water is leaking from the bottom or side of your tank, it means the tank is no longer viable. If your hot water heater is in or near a finished area, getting it swapped out quickly is critical to minimize the risk of serious water damage.

A cracked tank can be caused by age or sediment that builds up in the tank and corrodes the metal. In addition, if there is no pressure relief valve on your hot water heater, the excessive pressure can shorten the life of your heater.

There is no alternative to a cracked tank except getting a new heater. Irock Plumbing is the hot water specialist in Western New York!

Broken or Non-Functional Pressure Relief Valve

Your water heaters pressure relief valve is most often at the top of your hot water heater. This mechanism is what controls the pressure in your tank to ensure it does not crack (as stated above).

When deposits from the water clog the valve up, it no longer functions properly and can lead to water coming out. This piece can be changed without getting an entire new hot water heater. Call Irock Plumbing to come check and replace your valve!

Failing Gasket

For hot water heaters that use electricity to heat water, there are gaskets around the heating elements that can wear out. When this happens, water can leak out and that is the water you are seeing on or around your hot water heater. We highly recommend you call Irock Plumbing to get these gaskets replaced to give your heater additional life!

Loose Pipes

There are pipe leading into your hot water heater near the top: one brings in fresh water to be heated and the other carries the nice warm water to the faucet that has been turned on. If either of these pipes becomes loose at a connection, it can lead to water on or around your hot water heater.

You can try, if you are comfortable, to fix these connections on your own. If not, call Irock Plumbing for a quick fix of the situation!

Call the Experts at Irock!

The team of professionals at Irock Plumbing are ready to help with any of your hot water issues. From repairing a unit to installing a new efficient heater with a tank to going all the way to the most efficient tankless hot water heater, Irock Plumbing has you covered! Call us at 585-571-7399.

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