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Plumbing Advancements: Everything a Homeowner Needs to Know

Old sewer lines, often hidden and forgotten beneath the ground, play an essential role in the infrastructure of any home or building. Over time, the aging sewer main can experience a host of issues that disrupt the flow of wastewater and, in some cases, pose a health hazard. Common problems with old sewer lines include clogs caused by tree roots, corrosion, and buildlt up debris.

Other factors may include ground shifting and poor initial installation, which can exacerbate these issues, leading to frequent backups and costly repairs. Understanding these common problems and exploring effective solutions is important for maintaining a functional and safe sewer system, providing the longevity and reliability of this important component of urban living.

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Hydro Jetting: The Most Powerful Drain Cleaner on the Planet

Hydro jetting, also called hydro jetter, hydrojetting, and hydro jet drain cleaning, offers homeowners numerous benefits for maintaining their plumbing systems. This technique uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean pipes, effectively removing stubborn blockages caused by grease, scale, and other debris that traditional methods may not fully eliminate. It can unleash up to 4000 pounds of water pressure (PSI) on any blockage.

Unlike a mechanical auger, hydro jetting guarantees a comprehensive cleaning, restoring pipes to near-original condition. It is also an environmentally friendly option, as it uses only water without the need for harsh chemicals. Additionally, regular hydrojetting can prevent future clogs, extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, and improve overall water flow, leading to fewer plumbing emergencies. There are many plumbing advancements, but hydrojetting stands out the most.

Plumbing Advancements: PEX Tubing Cross-Linked Polyethylene  

Homeowners need to know their options when it comes to their plumbing system. PEX was developed in the 1970s for heating floors, and by the early 1990s, it had evolved into tubing for new construction and home repiping. And while many homeowners are not aware of this plumbing advancement, it has become the go-to piping for most plumbing companies.

PEX tubing, or cross-linked polyethylene tubing, is a flexible, durable plastic piping used in plumbing and radiant heating systems. Its flexibility allows it to bend around corners and obstacles without additional fittings, making installation easier and faster than rigid materials like copper. PEX is also highly resistant to scale and chlorine, providing longevity and reliability even in hard or treated water areas.

PEX Tubing for home repiping another Plumbing Advancement

Smart Water Leak Detectors: Detecting Leaks Right from Your Phone

A smart home water leak detector is an electronic device designed to monitor and detect the presence of water leaks in a home. These detectors are generally equipped with sensors that can identify moisture or water in areas where leaks are likely to occur, such as near pipes, water heaters, washing machines, or dishwashers. Many smart water leak detectors connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing them to send alerts to the homeowner’s smartphone or other connected devices when a leak is detected.

These devices can identify leaks early, often before they become significant problems, reducing the risk of extensive water damage. Early detection and prevention of water damage can save homeowners money on repairs, insurance claims, and potential increases in insurance premiums. Some devices allow the homeowner to turn the water off right from their phone should a leak occur while away from home. Overall, a smart home water leak detector is a proactive tool that can help protect a home from water damage.

Your Plumbing System Needs A Flo by Moen

Smart Toilets: Advanced Features and Less Water Usage

Smart toilets are advanced, high-tech fixtures that enhance the bathroom’s comfort, hygiene, and efficiency. They often have features like automatic flushing, heated seats, bidet functions, air dryers, deodorizers, and even ambient lighting. Some smart toilets have touchless controls or can be operated via smartphone apps, offering personalized settings for multiple users.

The benefits of smart toilets include improved hygiene through hands-free operation and thorough cleaning features, enhanced comfort with adjustable seats and water temperature, and increased water efficiency, which can reduce utility bills. Additionally, smart toilets often come with self-cleaning mechanisms, reducing maintenance efforts. Some models include health-monitoring capabilities, which provide valuable data for health-conscious users.

Veil Toilet Smart Plumbing System

Smart Faucets and Showers Reduce Water Wastage

Smart faucets and showers are technologically advanced fixtures that provide greater control, efficiency, and convenience in the bathroom and kitchen. These devices can operate through touchless sensors, smartphone apps, or voice commands, allowing users to adjust water flow and temperature with precision.

Some smart faucets and showers feature programmable settings for different users, water usage tracking, and even the ability to monitor and reduce water consumption. The benefits of smart faucets and showers include enhanced convenience through touchless and remote operation, improved water efficiency by reducing wastage, and personalized settings that cater to individual preferences. Additionally, they contribute to better hygiene by minimizing physical contact, thus reducing the spread of germs and bacteria. These products are part of more plumbing advancements offered to homeowners for bathrooms and kitchens.

moen smart kitchen faucet

Low-Flow Toilets and Shower Heads Save Water Without Giving Up Comfort

Low-flow toilets and shower heads are water-efficient fixtures that use less water than traditional models without sacrificing performance. These devices are often certified by WaterSense, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes water efficiency. Low-flow toilets typically use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, compared to the standard 1.6 gallons, while low-flow shower heads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute.

Low-flow toilets and shower heads offer substantial water savings, lower utility bills, and reduced strain on municipal water supplies. They also help conserve water resources and protect the environment by reducing the amount of wastewater generated. WaterSense-labeled products guarantee that these fixtures meet strict performance standards, providing efficient water use without compromising on effectiveness or user satisfaction.

Tankless Water Heaters Recognized by WaterSense for Their Efficiency

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water directly without using a storage tank, providing hot water only as needed. When a person turns on the hot water tap, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, which is heated by either a gas burner or an electric element. Tankless water heaters, often recognized by WaterSense for their efficiency, offer several benefits. They provide a continuous hot water supply, eliminating the need for a storage tank and reducing energy losses associated with maintaining a hot water tank.

This efficiency can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank models and take up less space, making them ideal for homes with limited space. Tankless water heaters contribute to household sustainability by providing efficient water use and energy consumption.

Navian Tankless Water Heater another plumbing advancement

Heat Pump Water Heater: Energy Star-Certified Models Guarantee Benefits

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are innovative devices that use electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat water rather than generating heat directly. These highly efficient water heaters often earn the Energy Star certification for their energy-saving capabilities. HPWHs can be up to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric water heaters because they transfer existing heat rather than creating it.

The benefits of heat pump water heaters include significant reductions in energy consumption and utility bills, making them a cost-effective choice over the long term. They also have a lower environmental impact due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, HPWHs often have longer lifespans than traditional water heaters, lowering maintenance and replacement costs. Energy Star-certified models guarantee these benefits while maintaining high performance and reliability. More plumbing advancements that are leading the way.

Trenchless Sewer Lines Require Less Labor and are More Cost-effective

Trenchless sewer lines are your advanced plumbing solutions that allow for installing, repairing, or replacing underground pipes without extensive digging and disrupting the landscape. There are two primary types of trenchless sewer line techniques: pipe bursting and pipe lining. Pipe bursting involves breaking the old pipe apart while pulling a new one into place. Pipelining, also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged pipe, which hardens to form a new, durable pipe within the old one.

The benefits of trenchless sewer lines include minimal disruption to the property, as there is no need for large trenches, reducing the impact on landscaping, driveways, and other structures. This method is faster and more cost effective than traditional digging methods, with less labor and restoration work required. Additionally, trenchless technology often results in more durable and long-lasting repairs, improving the overall integrity and functionality of the sewer system.

Knowing the Latest Plumbing Advancements can Empower Homeowners

Homeowners should make the right decisions regarding their plumbing. This will provide them with options should the need arise for a water heater, toilet, faucet, or shower head. Remember to always look for the Energy Star or WaterSense Label. You’ll always get the product that will provide the best water-saving and energy efficiency. Knowing your options for a new sewer line can save you from digging up your landscaping.

Furthermore, you now understand drain cleaning better should the need arise. Of course, snaking a drain should still be your first choice, but for those drains that will not budge, hydrojetting will accomplish the task. And lastly, you now have a choice of repiping your home should the need arise. Plumbers and plumbing companies still have not picked up the latest 21st-century plumbing advancements. So now you have the knowledge to ask questions and not regret your plumbing choices.

Brandon and Family, Licensed plumbing contractor

Family Owned & Operated

My name is Brandon Mageno. I'm the founder, President, and CEO of Big B's Plumbing Company. As the founder, I never thought about being average or good. My passion for being the best plumbing company in Southern California has always been the same. Providing plumbing services to this great county is simply in my DNA. Nothing makes me happier than to see a satisfied customer. Learn More About Us

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I called Big B's Plumbing because I the hot water would not turn off in our master bathroom. I tried to turn the valve off under the sink and it broke off, so I had to shut off the main water to the house. It was noticeable the valves were original to the home. When I called, the rep stated that I would be informed about the service tech and their experience along with services offered "On The Spot". I was on a bit of a time crunch...
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Found them on Google and they had good quality reviews. Made the call and set up the appointment for same day. Dispatch called me a few hours later to confirm our appointment and let me know that the technician Mathew was on the way. This was supposed to be an easy job once Mathew arrived. But it turned out to be so much more than that. Without hesitation or a sour look on his face, he dove deep into his van...
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Randy was very knowledgeable and professional. He helped us figure out what we could do with the space given for our bathroom with our remodel. He picked out perfect fixtures and the work he did was beautiful. The cleaned up properly when they were done and everything was handled in one day! I will be calling for Randy anytime we have any plumbing needs. Thank you for doing such a great job!
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