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Connecticut Plumber Explains Why Hot Water May Not Be Coming Out of the Shower

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Hot water is a crucial component of any shower, and when it stops flowing, it can be a major inconvenience. There are several potential causes for this problem, and it’s important to understand them in order to get your hot water back as soon as possible. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why hot water may not be coming out of your shower, as well as what you can do to fix the issue.

Connecticut Plumber Shares Insight On Potential Causes

One of the most common causes of hot water not coming out of the shower is a malfunctioning water heater. Your water heater is responsible for heating the water that flows through your pipes, and if it’s not working properly, the water that comes out of your shower will be cold. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a broken thermostat, a clogged burner, or a malfunctioning heating element. In most cases, a professional Connecticut plumber will be able to diagnose and repair the problem.

Another common cause of hot water not coming out of the shower is a clogged or broken shower head. If your shower head is clogged with mineral buildup, the water flow will be restricted, and the water that comes out will be colder. Additionally, if the showerhead is broken, water may not flow through it at all. If you suspect that your shower head is the problem, you can try cleaning it or replacing it.

A third cause of hot water not coming out of the shower is a problem with the plumbing. If the pipes that supply hot water to your shower are clogged or broken, the water flow will be restricted, and the water that comes out will be colder. In some cases, the problem may be due to a leak in the pipes, which can cause water to escape before it reaches the showerhead. A plumber will be able to diagnose and fix any issues with the plumbing.

Finally, it is also possible that the problem is with the water supply from the city. It could be an issue with the water being too cold coming from the source, this can be verified by checking the water temperature at different points in your home. If this is the case, it will require the help of the local water department to fix the issue.

Contact a Trusted Plumber Today

If you’re experiencing a lack of hot water coming out of your shower, it’s important to understand that there are several potential causes. By understanding the possible reasons, you can take the necessary steps to get your hot water back as soon as possible. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing hot water issues contact our licensed, professional Connecticut plumber today by calling (860) 863-8189. We’re here to help!

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Commercial Plumbing Professional Shares Common Building Issues

Most commercial buildings like hospitals, hotels and education centers have in-house maintenance workers who are able to assist with daily plumbing issues. However, there are many instances when hiring a commercial plumbing professional is necessary for larger and more urgent problems. These are the top five most common commercial plumbing issues that may require a professional plumber.

Damaged Water Pipes

Commercial properties rely on their water pipes functioning properly. It is important to avoid damage and know when to call a professional when something seems off with your plumbing. Signs of damaged water pipes include discolored water, low water pressure, increased water bills and foul smells.

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Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure in commercial buildings is an indicator of a leaky or burst pipe. This is detrimental in commercial properties because they rely on properly running water to meet certain industry standards. They also must maintain a proper level of cleanliness. If you’re concerned about the pressure of your water being too low, contact a commercial plumbing professional ASAP.

Blocked or Damaged Sewage Lines

No commercial property owner wants disgusting matter from their sewage line to back up into their building. Unfortunately, that happens when you allow blocked sewage to go untreated by a commercial plumbing professional for too long. Even worse, the sewage lines can experience major damage while remaining blocked for too long. A bad smell circulating your building is a clear indicator that your sewage lines may be blocked.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks can cause serious damage to your commercial building’s foundation. They are also very difficult to detect. If you let a slab leak go unattended, you could potentially face major damage to your entire commercial property. Indicators that you need to call a commercial plumbing professional include cracks in the walls, ceiling and floor, warping on your hardwood flooring, and wetness in carpets.

Corroded Pipes

Corrosion on plumbing pipes is a major sign that the pipes are old and are more susceptible to major problems. Leaks, restricted water flow and even bursts are common with corroded pipes. It’s important to know when to decommission your commercial building’s piping. This way you’re able to prevent any future damage from happening.

If you own a commercial building and have experienced any of the plumbing issues above, Contact us today for 10% off your first service! You can count on our team of experts to deliver dependable service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement

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Many homeowners can feel overwhelmed by the decision to repair their water heater or to just replace it altogether. Before you make the decision to replace your unit, hire a trustworthy plumber that knows what they’re looking at. They may be able to efficiently repair your water heater saving you a lot of time, money and hassle. Here are some of the tips we use to help our client decide on water heater repair or replacement.

Know The Age of Your Water Heater

Most water heaters last between 10 and 15 years. If you’re experiencing consistent problems with your water heater, it may be time to consider replacing rather than repairing. Water heater efficiency and cost is important. Continuing to put money into repairs on an old water heater is not the most beneficial option when considering your time and money.

Access the Frequency of Repairs in the Past

If you’re making yearly repairs on your water heater, it may be time to consider investing in a new one. However, if you’re experiencing an issue for the first time, you may benefit more from a simple repair. Keep in mind the cumulative cost of constant repairs versus a one time investment of a new water heater.

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Evaluate the Severity of Your Water Heater Issues

Evaluating how serious your water heater problems are is vital in making that final decision in repairing or replacing. Call a professional from Moonlight Plumbing to come in and evaluate your water heater problems. We will give you an accurate estimate on the cost of your water heater repair. We can help you decide whether it’s a smart idea to replace or repair.

Consider the Cost of Your Current Water Heater Bill

Another benefit of talking to a Moonlight Plumbing professional is getting a general idea of your monthly water heater cost. If your monthly bill is too high or you’re experiencing frequent loss of hot water, we can help you analyze your cost to benefit ratio to determine your smartest option.

Compare the Quality and Cost of Technicians in Your Area

If you’ve hired plumbers in the past for water heater repairs but continue experiencing low quality performance, it may be time to get a second opinion. If water heater issues are occurring because of misdiagnosis, you shouldn’t jump right into purchasing a replacement. First, get a trusted second opinion and an accurate assessment from a professional at Moonlight Plumbing.

If you want a second opinion on replacing your water heater, contact us today for 10% off your first service! You can count on our team of experts to deliver trustworthy service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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What to Look For in a Commercial Plumber in Connecticut

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Finding the right commercial plumber in Connecticut doesn’t need to feel like a difficult decision. Experience and expertise are some of the top qualities you want to look for in a commercial plumber, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with our team. This article breaks down the top four qualities that you’ll want to look for next time you’re in need of a commercial plumber in Connecticut.

A Reliable Commercial Plumber Should Have/Do the Following

  • Hire a Plumber with Expertise in Commercial Properties 
    • Hiring a commercial plumber can feel a bit more intimidating than hiring a residential plumber. Luckily, our experts at Moonlight Plumbing can do both! Our team of plumbers have served commercial industries like hospitals, firehouses, education centers, hotels and more. It’s important to feel a sense of confidence in the job that is getting done for your commercial property. 
  • Ensure Your Commercial Plumber has Experience
    • When you’re looking to hire a commercial plumber, you want a team that has years of experience under their belt. Be sure to take into consideration the specific type of experience the plumber you’re hiring has. Again, you don’t want to hire a team that only has experience with small scale properties if you’re hiring for a commercial property. 
  • Hire a Trustworthy Commercial Plumber
    • One of the most important things to keep in mind about commercial plumbers are ensuring that you can trust them. You want the plumbers to accurately present the scope of work and get the job done right the first time. You don’t want the plumbers to misquote you on a project or leave you with a poor quality job. Our commercial plumbers take pride in building trust with our clients and you can always count on Moonlight Plumbing to be Connecticut’s most trustworthy team of plumbing professionals.
  • Make Sure your Commercial Plumber is Dependable
    • You depend on your commercial plumbing to function properly. There are too many things could go wrong if you chose a plumber who cannot deliver the high quality and punctual service that commercial properties rely on. 

Contact Our Reliable Team Today

Save yourself time, stress and money by keeping these things in mind when searching for your next commercial plumber. If you’re in need of a commercial plumber in Connecticut, contact us today for 10% off your first service! You can count on our experienced team of experts to deliver trustworthy and dependable service. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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Top Plumber in Connecticut Shares the Secrets on How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

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It’s getting to be that time of the year, again, where you have to put on a few extra layers before walking outside. For many in the North, the snowfall has already begun. With the snowfall comes freezing temperatures, with freezing temperatures comes plumbing issues if not properly cared for/prepped! Our plumbers at Moonlight Plumbing, a top plumber in Connecticut, want to help ensure your family’s plumbing is prepared for what this winter may bring.

Before Winter Plumbing Prep

Install Insulation in Your Pipes

If water in your plumbing freezes, it will expand causing the pipe to burst. That’s why it’s so important to insulate and, in general, prep pipes for freezing temperatures. The best option is to purchase specifically designed pipe insulation. It’s especially important for areas of your home that are unheated like an attic, garage or basement. If you need an urgent, temporary solution, you can always use duct tape and newspaper for a quick insulation fix.

Seal Any and All Cracks

You’ll want to be sure you check your home for cracks and openings to stop drafts from freezing water systems. Specific areas to check include window and door frames, cable holes, sill plates, interior and exterior walls, etc. These fixes will improve your home insulation, in general, for the brutal winter nights.

Apply Electrical Heating Tape to Pipers

This is an option for easily-accessible pipes. This tape can be applied directly to any pipe to help retain heat. Note there are two different kinds of heating tape that can be used; self-monitoring and manual. Self-monitoring has a sensor that will automatically turn on and off when it senses the pipe needs more or less heat. Manual requires you to plug it in when the pipes may need more heat.

*DANGER: Follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety procedures when using and applying electrical heating tape.

Seal Crawl Spaces

If you live in an area where the winters are quite brutal, you want to be sure to cover crawl spaces with foam pieces cut to the dimensions of the vents. Secure foam with duct tape to ensure best insulation.

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During Winter Tips/Tricks

Open Cabinets Regularly

While this may sound like an odd suggestion, any warm air circulating around pipes will better help to retain heat within the pipes. Be sure to remove any harmful chemicals from the cabinet if accessible to small children or pets!

Keep the Garage Door(s) Closed

Obviously, this is really important if you have water lines that run through your garage. Even one night of letting the cold air rush in because of leaving it open can be enough to burst and ruin your pipes.

Keep Thermostat Consistent

It’s important to keep steady temperatures around the home as it will help prevent ice blockages. It may be tempting to lower the thermostat at night to save on the heating bill, but this puts your pipes at risk. Take our word for it, a burst pipe is much more expensive than a slightly larger heating bill!

Open Interior Doors to Keep Your Home at a Consistent Temperature

This goes hand in hand with the point above. A steady flow of a consistent temperature will only improve and ensure pipes stay warm.

Set Heat to at Least 55˚F When You’re Not Home

This message mostly goes out to the “snow birds.” While it’s easy to just think you can turn everything off to save on utilities while you’re gone for the next few months, that’s just not the case. Be sure to keep your thermostat set to 55˚F or above to help prevent a piping disaster.

Let the Faucets Drip

Last tip/recommendation is to let the faucets drip. This doesn’t mean to turn on all the faucets in your house for every winter night. But, when particularly bitter weather is headed your way, determine which faucets are fed by “exposed” pipes and keep a drip of water running throughout the bad weather. Since running water carries more internal energy, it will create a warmer pipe versus stagnant water.

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Frozen Pipes? The Top Plumber in Connecticut Can Help!

If you happen to run into an unfortunate frozen or burst pipe issue, be sure to contact a professional IMMEDIATELY! Our Moonlight plumbers are available to assist with any plumbing emergencies anytime (24/7). Call the top plumber in Connecticut, Moonlight Plumbing, or email our team for more information/assistance. Stay safe and be prepared for the coming winter months!

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Faucet Trends From a Commercial Plumber

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If you own, manage, or are developing a commercial building, you’ve got plumbing on your mind. When it comes to commercial plumbing, the current trends are quality and convenience. Our commercial plumber recommends finding the balance between functionality and eco-friendly with your appliances and fixtures to best serve your customers or employees.    

Today, let’s talk about faucet trends.

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Commercial Plumbing Faucet Trends

High Efficiency

We’ve all been told to turn the faucet off when we’re brushing our teeth. But what about saving water when we turn the faucet on? With water efficient faucets on the market, it may be time to consider a WaterSensed labeled faucet. These faucets, good for commercial or residential sinks, can reduce water flow by 30%. This low-flow fixture still offers 1.5 gallons of water per minute, and will help your business be more environmentally friendly.

Antimicrobial

When you are in high traffic facilities, you are more susceptible to germs. For example, hospitals, doctors offices and senior living facilities, are places that should highly consider these faucets. The inside of these fixtures are coated with an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Touched by multiple people a day, these faucets can reduce the spread of infection. In today’s climate, these quality faucets have never been more important.

Motion Activated

These faucets are both functional and eco-friendly. With these faucets, you don’t have to touch a surface hundreds or thousands of people are touching daily. Water is only flowing when your hands are directly below the faucet. It’s a win-win for commercial plumbing, and although they’ve been around for a while, we’re seeing more and more buildings installing these highly efficient fixtures.

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Contact A Commercial Plumber

When it comes to commercial plumbing fixtures, you have options but you won’t go wrong following these trends. If you have questions, are considering an upgrade or need to replace your commercial appliances or fixtures, contact us today!

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New Construction Plumbing for Those Who Build From the Ground Up

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When building a house or commercial building “from scratch”, there’s a lot of moving parts. There are things and people to manage, numerous decisions to make, a budget to keep in mind, and a whole lot more. Honestly, it can be quite overwhelming. But, the plumbing aspect doesn’t have to be a headache. If you choose a professional plumber, he/she/they should have a thorough understanding of the complexity and amount of work that all new construction plumbing entails.

When you buy an older house/property instead of building, you often run into the issue of outdated and/or unmaintained plumbing. While it may feel like a burden upfront for all new plumbing appliances, the longevity and opportunity to properly care for new appliances can save significant amounts of money in the long run. Also, there are constant updates and improvements needed on plumbing appliances to help them run more efficiently. Installing these more efficient appliances upfront will help you save money on the utility bill each month.

We, at Moonlight Plumbing, understand you have a lot to worry about and we are prepared to help give you comfort knowing your new construction plumbing work is in good hands. Here are two new construction plumbing tips for your property.

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New Construction Plumbing Tips

  1. Understand Basic Plumbing Systems/Processes
    • Septic Tank/Sewer
      • You need to know what size of septic tank you need (dependent on the square footage and # of rooms in the house).
      • Septic tanks separate solid and liquid waste. The breakdown is completed by microorganisms and it outputs gas that needs to be vented properly.
    • Piping
      • Clean water flows through pipes at 50-60 psi from a supply line. Gravity pulls down the heavier, dirty water that will then exit the pipe system. Air also blows through the vents to help keep pipes clean and flowing smoothly.
    • Plumbing Appliances/Hardware
      • We all are familiar with plumbing hardware like tubs, sinks, showers, toilets, etc. It’s important to know that these appliances are easier to install if the walls and doorways haven’t been built out. Forgetting to do this prior to building will cause quite a headache and a lot of backtracking as far as building goes. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of the appliances, cover them with plastic or cardboard to help keep clean during construction.
  2. Important Plumbing Decisions to Keep in Mind When Building
    • Where will the main stack be located?
      • Generally, 3-4 inches in diameter and runs from the basement to the roof. Needs to be able to run without interruptions.
    • Install Drains and Vents
      • Bends in pipes need to be smooth when connecting to the main stack, pipes need to slant at a ¼” per foot to keep drain running properly, and venting needs to be set up properly so water and air can run through accordingly.
    • Be sure before any plumbing is installed you get a building permit to install your plumbing (this includes a plumbing diagram to be drawn up for approval).

Do you need a new construction plumber? 

With new construction plumbing projects, it’s important to find and hire a reputable plumbing contractor you can trust. Moonlight Plumbing has a team of experienced plumbers who have a diverse and expert understanding of new construction plumbing. We understand there’s always a budget to stick to and deadlines to meet whether building a residential or commercial building, and we are prepared to meet these expectations. We hope you choose one of our professionals to help with your next project! In the meantime, we are prepared to answer any questions you may have. Call one of our team members any time. If you are ready to receive a quote contact us today!

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Tips for Finding the Right Plumber

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It’s inevitable that a majority of us will need to call a plumber at some point in our lives. Whether your plumbing breaks because of an accident, the daily wear and tear, or one of the many other reasons it’s bound to happen. And, whatever the reason, you’ll most likely be calling an expert for help. But, how do you know if you’re choosing a reliable plumber? How do you know if the pricing is fair? Many of us have never done this before, what makes a plumber a good plumber? These are all important and great questions to have answers to before making that initial call. We’re here to provide some answers and helpful tips on how to choose the right plumber for the job.

Our Plumber Suggests to Check These Things

  • Check Qualifications

    • You want to ensure they have a license. Licenses are a REQUIREMENT for all practicing plumbers.
    • Also ensure they have insurance in case of disasters. You don’t want them to get hurt in your home and try to hold you responsible.
    • Before scheduling a visit, ask if they do background checks on employees. After all, the plumber will be entering your home, place of business, etc. and you shouldn’t have to worry about the broken plumbing and the plumber fixing it.

  • How Professional Are They?

    • Yes, they are just “plumbers” but plumbers represent a business. Don’t work with a plumber who doesn’t treat you with kindness and respect!
    • Ensure they are dressed appropriately for the job. Showing up in sweatpants and a ripped up t-shirt isn’t what we call “professional”.
    • Don’t forget, professionalism also includes scheduling and invoicing. Arriving to appointments, scheduled phone calls, etc. should be on time and well organized in general.

  • Are they prepared for emergencies?

    • A professional plumber should never put you off, tell you to wait, or act like your emergency is unimportant. He/she should also not panic and should help you feel more at ease about the situation after just a short phone call.
    • They should have 24/7 availability for all urgent needs. A good plumber knows that you don’t ask for your kitchen to flood at a certain time, but you need it to be stopped ASAP!
    • And, last but not least, they should obviously have the appropriate equipment to handle the urgent situation.
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  • Pricing

    • A plumber has expertise in his/her field so prices can be higher than some expect. But, ensure they are not too high to a point where they are likely taking advantage of the situation. Also, take caution of plumbers who seem “cheap”. There could be a reason for this. For example, using low quality products for the repair or they may be inexperienced. Just be aware when getting estimates.
    • Also, be weary of plumbers who provide an estimate over the phone without ever seeing the situation in person. How do they know how much it costs if they haven’t seen what they’re fixing? We don’t know how they do it!
    • While it is expected that initial estimates will not match the total to the penny, they should be close. An experienced plumber understands we all have a budget and saying one price and charging another isn’t right or fair. But, also understand things may come about during the repair. A professional will discuss any options with you prior to acting on them if they suspect additional charges.

  • Look at Reviews

    • A reliable, trustworthy plumber won’t, and doesn’t need to, hide their customer’s feedback. While no ones perfect, an average of ratings can give a good impression of the type of service you will receive.
    • At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself. Trust the reviews! See what customers have to say about us on Google, HomeAdvisor, or on our website.

  • Find a Local Plumber

    • Typically, plumbing issues are an urgent matter so finding someone who can come ASAP is important. If you hire a non-local it could take quite some travel time, fitting in their schedule can be more difficult, and overall is typically a longer process from start to finish.
    • Also, if there are further pressing issues, you want to be able to call the plumber familiar with the situation to take another look. It’s definitely more difficult to get the exact same plumber out to your house when the business is a large corporation.
    • This may be stereotypical, but typically local plumbers have more respect for the town and the people in it. Also, unlike the big corporate plumbers, local plumbers are less focused on the money and more concerned with the service. All in all, TRUST LOCAL!
    • Moonlight is the number one local plumber in Mystic, CT. But, don’t take our word for it. We let our work speak for itself and let our customers speak for the work. Read the reviews above to find out why we are the number one local plumber in Mystic.

See If We’re a Good Fit

Take this information and use it to choose the right plumber for the job. At the end of the day, you want a plumber who can fix the issue(s), but you also want to be treated with respect and feel assured your plumbing is in good hands. Talk to one of our plumbers today to see if we’re a good fit to help you!

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Commercial Contracting Tip: What You Need to Know About Sewer Inspections, Repairs, and Maintenance

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If you go back to your grandparents era, you would see that sewer repairs were quite a headache. Thanks to ever-advancing technology, these repairs and inspections have become much easier to execute today. But, sewer repairs/maintenance can quickly become costly or cause much bigger issues with your piping. Especially, if you own a commercial property space. Understanding how to properly maintain your underground sewer for your commercial contracting properties can help to avoid costly repairs. We’re here to give you the inside scoop on sewer inspections, repairs, and maintenance so you know what to expect and how to properly care for your commercial property’s underground sewer.

Commercial Contracting – How We Complete Sewer Repairs

  • Just a few, short years ago we would have to do extravagant work if a sewer needed repairs. Typically, involving huge excavations, a dug up yard or street, and a mess overall.
  • Professionals often suggest a common repair called “pipe relining”. This process involves a high pressure hydro jet to help clean out a pipe. Then, he/she will insert the new pipe to line up against the old one in hopes that it hardens. This will prevent leakage in the pipes and help keep trees from rooting into them.
  • Another common repair is called a Resin injection. An expert will often do this when there are a few minor cracks in the piping. Professionals will dig to reveal the cracked pipe and proceed to fill cracks with resin which will eventually harden sealing the cracks.
  • Often, though, these repairs can get expensive fast at commercial properties. So, to avoid having to do repairs on your sewer, always do inspections and regular maintenance to your pipes.

How We Do Sewer Inspections

  • Your first sewer inspection should take place before buying a commercial property. This way you can avoid buying a property with sewer problems – what a headache!
  • Inspections are done by professionals with the proper knowledge and equipment to get a proper evaluation.
  • The expert will do the sewer inspection using a camera. The camera goes down into the piping and can help us see, at the surface, if there are clogs, cracks, root intrusions, or other areas of concern.

Commercial Contracting: Maintenance Tips and Tricks to Avoid Costly Repairs

  • Plant trees away from sewer lines on your commercial property (this will potentially avoid roots getting into the sewer pipes in later years).
  • Keep trees watered during drought. One reason roots get so long is because they are searching for water. Longer roots means greater chance of interference with pipes.
  • Know signs of sewer backup.
    • If multiple drains become slow on the commercial property at once, you have an issue!
    • Or, if water is running from one fixture to the next (instead of flushing down the drain).
    • Also, there’s likely a backup if you hear gurgling noises when water is flushed down pipes.
  • Always avoid putting any items down the drain that are not meant to be in pipes (hair, grease, etc) to help prevent clogging. Use proper tools to unclog drains from the store or contact a professional for extensive clogs.
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Need Sewer Help?

It’s important to keep up with sewer inspections and do routine maintenance, especially in commercial space, to avoid costly repairs. Understanding how sewers work, how to maintain them, and how to avoid repairs in general will help save you money and a headache. We hope the provided information is helpful from our commercial contracting team. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing sewage issues, contact our professionals today for expert help and guidance.

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