How Do I Replace My Cast Iron Drain Pipe In My Basement

Replacing a basement drain pipe can be a costly project. Depending on the circumstances, it can require part of your foundation, walls, and basement floor to be removed, and you’ll be unable to stay in your home while the project takes place.

But luckily, full-scale replacement isn’t the only choice when it comes to cast iron drain pipes. Pipe lining repair is usually an option, too. In this blog, we’ll look at the basics of cast iron basement drain pipes, discuss signs that you may need a repair or replacement, and go over your options for repairs, such as trenchless pipe relining.

Do I Have A Cast Iron Drain Pipe?

If your house was built before the 1970s, you probably have a cast iron drain pipe. Cast iron was widely used for drain pipes and water mains before the 1970s, when plastic materials like PVC became more popular.

Cast iron pipes can easily last up to 80 or 100 years, but they do tend to corrode and rust over time, and will eventually wear out and fail.

Not sure if your pipe is made of cast iron? It can be hard to tell on your own. We recommend contacting a plumber in Lehigh Valley to check on your pipes and determine the material they’re made of.

Signs Your Cast Iron Drain Pipe Needs to Be Replaced

If you suspect you need to replace your basement drain pipe, there are a few signs you should look out for.

● Nasty smells in your home – Sewer gas or other foul odors can indicate damage in your basement cast iron drain pipe.

● Sluggish drains – If more than one or two of your plumbing appliances is draining slowly, this usually indicates a crack, damage, or other issues with your sewer drain pipe.

● Lush patches of grass – Very lush, green patches of grass over the drain pipe usually indicate that sewage is leaking from your pipe.

● Cracks in walls or foundation – This may indicate prolonged basement drain pipe issues. Over time, leaking sewage and/or water can cause damage to the foundation of your home.

Trenchless Pipe Relining Is the Best Way To Replace Your Basement Drain Pipe

So, what should you do if you think your cast iron drain pipe needs to be replaced in Lehigh Valley?

First, don't think - what's this gonna cost?! Call an expert plumber to come look at your basement slab and pipes.

In many cases, there are only a few problematic areas that are damaged and need replacement. If this is the case, trenchless pipe relining is the best option to repair your cast iron drain pipe.

In the pipe lining repair method, a plumber uses a flexible camera to identify damage to your pipe. Then, they will use special tools to place a fiberglass felt liner in the damaged area, and inject it with resin.

This essentially creates a “pipe-within-a-pipe,” sealing the leak and damage without requiring you to dig up and replace the entire pipe.

The only reason we would have to dig would be if the pipe is offset so much so that we can’t level it out before lining.

So, if the pipe is completely cracked and one part of the pipe is substantially lower than the other part - In this case we would put a leveling agent in that area to make up for the difference, but that is only able to be done when its minor. Otherwise we would have to dig.

Fully Replacing A Basement Cast Iron Drain Pipe Is A Last Resort Option

In some cases, it may not be possible to reline the cast iron drain pipe.

Significant damage may require one or several sections of the pipe to be removed. If this is the case, it’s usually a good idea to completely tear up the pipe and replace it with a modern PVC sewer pipe.

This is a long, complex, and difficult process, which often requires the removal of walls, flooring, and even digging up your front yard. Usually, you and your family will need to stay at a hotel or somewhere else since the plumbing will be inoperable throughout the process.

Replacing your drain pipe is definitely worth it if there are serious problems with your cast iron drain pipe – but due to the cost and complexity of this process, it’s best to explore other options like trenchless pipe relining first.

Got Sewer Drainage Issues? Contact Deluxe Plumbing & Heating Today!

At Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in repairing and restoring cast iron pipes that are under concrete basements and foundations.

We offer 24/7 service, and are always prepared to help you restore your plumbing in Lehigh Valley. Contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724 to get the service you need right away.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-do-i-replace-my-cast-iron-drain-pipe-in-my-basement

How to Remove Calcium Buildup from A Water Heater?

Got no hot water at your house? There are a lot of different reasons your water heater may not be working, and if you have hard water, one of the most common causes is calcium buildup on heating elements.

Calcium is found in many municipal water supplies in small amounts. Over time, calcium will collect with other sediments in your water heater. If your water heater is not working or the hot water is strangely colored, this may be the cause of your issue.

How to Remove Calcium Buildup from A Water Heater?

Here are two common ways to remove calcium buildup from water heaters.

• Flush the water heater – This should be done once per year to reduce calcium buildup. This simply involves turning the water heater off and letting all of the water (and sediment buildup) drain out.
• Use chemical treatments – If you already have a lot of calcium in your heater, you can flush the tank, then pour vinegar into the hot water tank, and let it sit for a few hours. Then, just flush the tank thoroughly to remove the vinegar and calcium.

If flushing the heater and using chemical treatments does not work, you may have too much calcium buildup, or the issue may be unrelated to calcium deposits. Contact a plumber to get to the bottom of the problem.

Prevention Is Better Than Removal – Keep Your Water Heater in Good Shape

Ideally, you should avoid calcium buildup on heating elements completely. If you have hard water that’s high in calcium, you should use a lower temperature for your water heater. Keep it closer to 120 degrees, as higher temperatures tend to leave behind more calcium.

An even better option is to invest in a water softener if you have hard water. A water softener will remove calcium and other minerals like magnesium from your water, which will prevent calcium buildup on heating elements. With a water softener, you won’t have to worry about having no hot water due to mineral deposits in your hot water tank!

Got Hot Water Heater Issues? Get Help from Deluxe Plumbing & Heating!

At Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in plumbing as well as water treatment services, including water softener installation. If you think your hot water heater is having issues due to calcium deposits, contact us online or call us at 610-628-1724 to get the assistance you need.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-to-remove-calcium-buildup-from-a-water-heater

How to Light A Hot Water Heater – Your Step-By-Step Guide

If you have a gas water heater and no hot water, you may be wondering how to light a hot water heater.

In some cases, it’s possible that your water heater is in perfectly fine shape, and the pilot light has simply gone out.

All-righty, in this blog from Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we’ll discuss a few steps and precautions to take when lighting a gas hot water heater.

Let’s get started.

1. Turn Off the Gas and Open the Pilot Light Access Door/Cover

First, turn off the gas to your hot water heater for about 5 minutes.

Then, check your owner’s manual to find the pilot light access door or cover and open it.

This is usually located right below the gas valve.

2. Find the Burner Inside

You will want a flashlight or headlamp to identify the pilot light burner. You’ll see two small gas tubes leading to it.

3. Turn the Gas Knob To “Pilot”

In some water heaters, this may be done using a separate button, usually colored red, which you’ll need to press and hold as you light the pilot light.

4. Light the Pilot Light

Some units may have an igniter button. If this is the case, use it. This will usually create a small electrical short that ignites the pilot light.

If your unit does not have this, you can use a long gas grill lighter or a long grill match. Don’t try to use a short cigarette lighter or match, or you’re likely to burn yourself.

While holding down the pilot button or keeping the gas knob open, carefully place the flame near the pilot light.

Once the pilot light is fully lit, continue to hold the knob or gas valve open for at least a minute. Release it slowly, and make sure the light is still lit.

5. Turn the Gas Back on Completely

Turn the gas to your gas hot water heater back on completely, and listen for the “whump” or “whoosh” sound of the main burner igniting.

This will be familiar if you’ve ever used a gas-powered grill or fireplace.

6. Replace the Pilot Light Access Door or Cover

Close or replace the pilot light access door or cover completely. Your pilot light is fully lit – you’ve just learned how to light a hot water heater!

Got Pilot Light Problems? Contact Deluxe Plumbing & Heating

A pilot light can be extinguished by natural changes in gas pressure, but if your pilot light keeps going out, this likely means there’s an issue like a bent or dirty thermocouple, a small device that detects flame outages and automatically turns the gas off when the pilot light turns off.

If your gas hot water heater is acting up, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is here to help. We’re fully certified with the cities around the Lehigh Valley to work on gas lines!

Contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724 to get the help you need right away.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-to-light-a-hot-water-heater-your-step-by-step-guide

My Plumbing Work Didn’t Pass Inspection – Here’s What Happened

If you’ve recently had to get a plumbing permit for a home renovation or other serious plumbing work, you may be wondering how you can make sure you pass a plumbing inspection. What are some common issues with plumbing changes that can make your home fail an inspection?

Find out below or watch this funny video of plumber causes major flood in apartment

1. Problems with Plumbing Traps

House traps for plumbing are a type of pipe that creates a water barrier under a drain, trapping water to prevent nasty and potentially-dangerous sewer gases from escaping into your home. There are lots of different types of traps in plumbing, but some of them are not allowed due to Pennsylvania building codes.

This includes “S” traps, which are shaped like a horizontal S. Your plumber may use under sinks and in other areas either without realizing they violate the plumbing code, or because they don’t care that it’s a violation.

S traps are not allowed because, when draining a lot of water, they may cause a “siphoning” effect that eliminates the water barrier and allows dangerous sewer gases into your home.

You need to make sure that you or your plumber uses P traps or another type of plumbing trap that is allowed by the Pennsylvania Residential Code of 2009.

2. Test Leaks in Plumbing Systems

If you have hired a plumber who doesn’t know their stuff or you try to take on a plumbing job yourself, you may end up with a leaky plumbing system.

If your pipes are leaking in Pennsylvania when the plumbing inspector shows us, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll fail the inspection.

3. Improperly-Sized Pipes & Drains

Pennsylvania, like all other states, has strict requirements outlined in the building codes relating to the proper width and diameter of pipes, drains, and other plumbing elements. If you do plumbing work yourself or hire a plumber who is not familiar with local building requirements, improperly-sized pipes could lead to a plumbing inspection failure – and the entire project may need to be replaced or reworked.

4. Failure to Use Nail Plates & Guards Near Important Pipes

Building codes in most states require nail guards to be installed anywhere water pipes run through or near wall studs. These metal plates protect the pipe from damage if a nail or screw is driven through the stud during a remodel or some other project.

They are required because nails driven into unprotected studs that contain or are near pipes could pierce the pipe. This is particularly dangerous for plastic pipes made of PVC.

Here are a few other reasons you may fail on your plumbing:

https://youtu.be/xpsLXmntINE

Turn to A Pro for Plumbing Work & Make Sure You Pass Inspection!

At Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we’re intimately familiar with plumbing and building codes in Bethlehem and Pennsylvania. If you need some plumbing work done, don’t try to do it yourself, or hire an unlicensed plumber. Contact the pros – give us a call at 610-628-1724 or get in touch online, and we’ll provide you with the professional plumbing services you need!

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/my-plumbing-work-didn-t-pass-inspection-here-s-what-happened

Understanding Your Bethlehem Water Utility Bill – Your Quick Guide

If you live in Bethlehem, PA, you may have found that your water utility bill looks a bit different.

So, in this guide from Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we’ll take a look at your Bethlehem water bill and discuss what it means.

Section A – Header

This section is located at the very top of your bill. It includes your basic personal information, including:

• Service address
• Date of billing
• Due date for payment
• Account number
• Total amount due

Section B – Account Summary

This section is located directly under Section A, and includes an overview of your past bills and payments.

Section C – Current Charges

Located directly beneath Section B, this section of your Bethlehem water bill has a detailed breakdown of your total charges for the current billing period.

Section D – Message Center

This is located to the upper-left of the bill, and contains any special messages about your services, as well as contact information for the Bethlehem Sewer and Water Resources Department.

Section E – Total Amount Due

This shows the amount you owe to the city on or before your water bill’s due date. It’s located just below section C.

Section F – Water Consumption Graph

Located just below Section D on the lower-left, this graph lets you get an “at-a-glance” look at your water consumption compared to your previous billing periods. Be on the lookout for big spikes. This could indicate a water leak or another such issue if your water use has not changed.

Section G – Meter Readings

This section is located just below Section E, and it details your last two-meter readings, and your units and usage for the current billing period.

Section H – Payment Coupon

Located just below section G, this is where you’ll detach the bill and return it in the envelope along with your payment.

Pay Attention to Your Water Bill

It’s always a good idea to pay attention to your water consumption to save money, and if you notice major spikes in water usage, this may indicate unnoticed leaks in your home, and you should call Deluxe Plumbing & Heating right away for help.

Call today at 610-628-1724 or contact us online for the assistance you need.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/understanding-your-bethlehem-water-utility-bill-your-quick-guide

Should I Purchase A Water Softener from Lowe’s Or Home Depot?

Water softeners are an excellent addition to your home, and can remove calcium, magnesium, and other minerals from your water, resulting in water that tastes better, is more effective for home cleaning, and doesn’t form soap scum in the shower.

But you may be wondering where to buy water softeners.

And if you’re DIY’er, your thoughts have probably already turned to Lowe’s water softeners or Home Depot water softeners.

But should you buy one of these units?

Let’s find out now!

Should I Purchase A Water Softener from Lowe’s?

Lowe’s has a lot of different water softeners for sale, but the principal brand they sell is A.O. Smith, which offers 35,000 to 50,000 grain water softeners.

The “grain” capacity refers to how much water the softener can treat in a day. The cost of these water softeners ranges from $357 to about $797, which is not bad!

However, it’s important to note that, when choosing a Lowe’s water softener, the employees at Lowe’s are far from specialists.

They may not be able to guide you toward the right unit for your needs – so you’ll need to do plenty of your own research and come prepared.

Should I Purchase A Water Softener from Home Depot?

Thinking about browsing Home Depot water softeners instead? Like Lowe’s, Home Depot has plenty of units available. Its most popular units are from GE, which is definitely a reputable manufacturer.

Again, like Lowe’s, the GE water softeners from Home Depot are available in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 30,000 to 40,2000 grains, with prices varying from $397 to $799, so you have lots of options to choose from.

You Can Save With DIY Installation, But You Can Also Get Installation Services

The low cost of Lowe’s or Home Depot water softeners may make them seem appealing, but unless you’re an experienced DIY’er, you may not be able to handle the installation and setup on your own.

In that case, you’ll need to hire an installation company to install and set up your Home Depot or Lowe’s water softener. You can hire an installer through Lowe’s or Home Depot, but it’s important to note that these are just contractors – not employees of the company.

They are not affiliated with the business at all, and their level of experience installing water softeners can vary quite a bit.

You’ll Be Responsible for Maintenance If You Choose Lowe’s Or Home Depot

Home Depot and Lowe’s may be able to help you with water softener installation through contractors, but that’s where support ends. You’ll be responsible for maintaining your water softener on your own if you choose the DIY route and buy a Lowe’s or Home Depot water softener.

This can be time-consuming and difficult if you have no past experience with water softening units.

In almost every case, when the water heater breaks down you need to call the 800 number on the pamphlet and troubleshoot the problems with phone support – have you ever had to do that before? Ouch - what a time waster!

If you don’t maintain your water softener properly, you could even shorten its lifespan, so make sure you read the instructions carefully and service your unit regularly.

Buying A Lowe’s Or Home Depot Water Softener Isn’t Always A Great Idea

If you’re an experienced DIY’er, have worked with water softeners before, and don’t mind a bit of troubleshooting and routine maintenance, you may want to buy a Home Depot or Lowe’s water softener to save some money.

But if you’d prefer to leave everything up to the experts, it’s best to hire a professional plumbing company like Deluxe Plumbing & Heating.

We can handle it all – from testing the hardness of your water and choosing a properly-sized unit from Puronics Water Treatment Solutions, to installing and setting up your water softener, and maintaining the water lines to and from the water softener system.

So, if buying a Home Depot or Lowe’s water softener is beginning to sound like more trouble than it’s worth, don’t bother with the headache.

Get in touch with Deluxe Plumbing & Heating Services to explore your water softening options today by contacting us online or calling us at 610-628-1724.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/should-i-purchase-a-water-softener-from-lowe-s-or-home-depot

Are There Home Air Purification Systems That Can Install into Your Existing Duct Work?

Whether you have allergies, lots of pets, or just want cleaner, purer air in your home, home air purification systems are a great option.

But you may be worried that you’ll need new duct work to install a whole-home air purification system – and that can be expensive.

Don't worry, though!

There are plenty of air purifiers that can install into your existing HVAC system.

Learn more and see how they work below!

Don’t HVAC Air Filters Purify My Air? Yes – But Not Completely

First, you may be wondering if you really need a home air purification system. After all, you swap your home’s air filter regularly.

Isn’t that enough? Not quite.

https://youtu.be/4cVIDbn2bWk

Your HVAC filter is designed to filter out a lot of different large particles such as pet hair and dander, dust, and other particles that could clog up your ventilation ducts.

These filters do not capture tiny particles like allergens, microbes, and contaminants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can reduce the quality of your indoor air.

If you want to eliminate these particles, an air purifier that uses a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or similar technologies to purify the air. Dedicated air purifiers filter out much smaller particles, eliminating up to 97% or more of contaminants in your air.

Using a dedicated air purifier has lots of benefits. You can reduce odors from smoke and pets, breathe more easily if you have asthma or allergies, and even reduce your risk of contracting airborne diseases.

Understanding How Clean Air Defense Products Purify the Air

There are a lot of different types of air filters. But the simplest type of filters, such as Clean Air Defense filters, don’t require any ductwork or additional equipment at all.

Instead, these filters slide into the existing slot where your traditional HVAC filter would go – requiring absolutely no modifications, but providing much better filtering power. Just slide it in, and you’re good to go.

Air filters use what’s known as “electronic polarized-media technology” to capture small particles. An electric current is sent through the filter, which attracts tiny particles and captures them, attaching them to the filter media and preventing them from getting into your indoor air.

Clean Air Defense products capture 97% of all particles up to .3 microns in diameter, and this includes smoke, dander, mold, and other such hard-to-capture particles.

https://youtu.be/bgEd_lZR8PE

Interested in A Whole-Home Air Purification System? Contact Us Now!

If you’re looking for an air purifier that can clean the air for your entire home, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is here to help. We offer Clean Air Defense products that can be easily installed into your existing HVAC system – with no ductwork modifications. That makes it the best air purifier on the market for people on a budget.

Interested in learning more? Contact Deluxe Plumbing & Heating to get more details, and see if a home air purification system may be right for you and your family.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/are-there-home-air-purification-systems-that-can-install-into-your-existing-duct-work