All Plumbing, Inc.

For More Information About Water Heater Efficiency, Sewer Line Problems, and Plumbing Winterization, Visit These Resources

Take a look at the links below for information about how to increase your water heater’s efficiency, which steps to take to winterize your plumbing, and what forces can affect your sewer line. All Plumbing, Inc. is available to provide you with comprehensive plumbing services, including sewer and drain line repairs, water heater replacement, and more.

• This article from ThisOldHouse.com offers water heater maintenance tips that can help you improve your energy efficiency.
• Read this article from AngiesList.com to see how trenchless sewer line replacement has revolutionized sewer line repair.
• Head to HouseLogic.com to get an idea of when it might be a good time to replace your water heater was something newer.
• Visit Weather.com to learn how to react if one of your pipes freezes or bursts in the winter.

Call us at (571) 451-2971 for additional information.

Factors that Contribute to the Degradation of Your Sewer Line

There are many different ways that your sewer line can become compromised. Age is a major cause of sewer line failures and leaks; even the gradual, natural movements of the earth can take their toll on your plumbing system. Sewer lines with existing problems, even small leaks, are prone to further issues like tree root intrusion. Read on to understand what forces can have an effect on your sewer line and when to seek the services of a qualified plumber.

Old Pipes
Pipes are durable, but they don’t last forever. Even new buildings can be joined to sewer lines that are anywhere from 50 to 100 years old, which exceeds the average intended lifespan. Older materials like galvanized steel and clay are vulnerable to rust, shifting soil, and overall degradation. Many of these pipes can spring leaks, which are problematic in and of themselves but can also compound existing issues.

Shifting Soil
The dirt underneath your home shifts naturally over time, due to temperature changes, moisture fluctuations, and even the growth of trees. While most of the shifting occurs over a period of many years, it can be detrimental to pipes. Even galvanized steel pipes are stressed by this kind of movement. Hairline cracks or fissures can turn into major leaks.

Tree Roots
One of the most common problems sewer lines encounter is tree root infiltration. Tree roots aren’t typically strong enough to penetrate a sewer line, but they can readily detect and take advantage of even the smallest leak. Once a tree root has infiltrated a sewer line, it can cause slow drainage, further stress, and clogs.

The best way to avoid these problems is to have your sewer line inspected by a plumbing service that offers video analysis. This allows a plumber to precisely and non-invasively diagnose problems with your sewer line; your plumber can then recommend localized repairs or complete replacement.

All Plumbing, Inc. will provide the necessary inspections and sewer line repairs to ensure that your plumbing remains in good condition. If your line is too old or has extensive damage, we can perform trenchless replacement that is gentle on your landscape. To learn more, give us a call at (571) 451-2971 today.

Avoiding Water Damage from Frozen Pipes

This video from State Farm explains how even the smallest crack in a frozen pipe can cause plenty of water damage in a short span of time. Following a few important steps and enlisting the assistance of your local plumber can help you prevent frozen pipes.

Disconnecting your garden hose from the outdoor spigot before freezing weather arrives is a good way to keep the short span of pipe inside your home from freezing. You can also use caulking or other insulation around dryer vents and areas where electrical wiring protrudes from the walls of your home. Insulate your pipes and consider using heat tape, installed by a professional plumber. Avoid setting your thermostat lower than 50 degrees if you are leaving your home. Watch this video for additional tips.

All Plumbing, Inc. offers 24-hour emergency plumbing services to North Virginia customers, and we can help you avoid frozen pipes this winter. Call us at (571) 451-2971 for additional information.

A Homeowner's Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Heating your household water can be an expensive prospect, especially if you have an older storage tank water heater. Even natural gas water heaters can cost a lot of money to operate compared to today’s tankless units. “Going tankless” with the help of your plumbing service is one way to realize increased energy savings without limiting your access to hot water.

Energy Savings
The reason why tankless water heaters are superior to older storage tank models is that they operate incredibly efficiently. Instead of containing tens of gallons of water that need to be kept at a constant temperature whether water is being used or not, tankless water heaters only operate when hot water is currently demanded in your home.
Gas and electric units operate similarly. When you need hot water, such as for doing dishes, washing laundry, or taking a shower, cold water enters the tankless unit. The heating element or burner activates and immediately heats water to the desired temperature. This water is then distributed to the fixture that requires it. As soon as you’re finished using hot water, the heater deactivates. According to Energy Star, this can save you 30% on your hot water costs.

Near-Instant and Indefinite Hot Water
One of the key advantages to going tankless, aside from savings, is the ability to enjoy near-instant hot water on an indefinite basis. An appropriately sized tankless unit can provide your entire home with indefinite hot water, while larger homes may benefit from having multiple, smaller units installed. The water inside the unit is heated instantly, and you only encounter a minor delay as the cold water sitting in your pipes is pushed through before hot water arrives.

To learn more about using tankless water heaters, sizing the appropriate unit for your home, and getting one installed, call All Plumbing, Inc. of Arlington at (571) 451-2971. We can help you choose the perfect tankless water heater to suit your needs. Visit us online for more information today.

Find that Troublesome Leak!

Do you have trouble finding where a leak is coming from in your home? Find out how to locate that leak and more when you look through these links.

• Check out this article from Angieslist.com for a list of things to keep in mind when considering trenchless sewer repair or replacement.
• On this page from The Family Handyman, you can learn more about locating a pesky leak in your home’s plumbing and save some water along the way.
• Visit Pexinfo.com to learn more about replacing your home’s plumbing with advanced types of piping like PEX.
• For additional information on how trenchless sewer repair is superior to the old-fashioned digging method, check out this news article from WTHR.com.

All Plumbing, Inc. can answer any of your plumbing questions. Call us today at (571) 451-2971 or visit our website for more information.