Author Archives: Drainmen Plumbing Inc

If the rotten-egg smell isn’t present or it’s faint, gas leaks also reveal themselves through the lines hissing, the presence of bubbles in the water near the gas line, or the pilot light burns a yellow or orange flame rather than blue. You may also notice dead plants around the area of the leak. You also may feel sick and experience nausea, headaches, eye or throat irritation, trouble breathing, or even memory loss.

If you suspect a gas leak, you need to open your doors and windows, and clear out of the home immediately. Once outside, report the gas leak to the gas company or fire department, so they can shut off the gas. You should then have a professional come to repair the gas line.

Do plumbers work on gas lines?

Who can fix a gas leak? Normally, you have just a few options when it comes to gas line repair in house and who can fix a gas leak: 

• Gas company technician
• A trained plumber
• A trained HVAC technician
• A homeowner

While the gas company may repair a gas line that’s broken on the street, they might not repair the portion of the gas lines maintained by individual homeowners. This will often depend on the individual gas company. Should you need a gas line repair, it’s usually up to the individual to find a professional to repair the line and stop the leak. While individuals can make the repairs themselves, it’s recommended they hire a specialty plumber or HVAC technician to do the job. Gas line leaks can be dangerous, and a professional natural gas plumber will have the right training and tools to get the job done safely and right. Make sure when hiring a specialty plumber for gas line repair, that person is licensed for work on natural gas lines.

If you have a gas appliance like a or stove or water heater that needs to be repaired, you can rely on the professionals at Drainmen Plumbing Inc. To find out more or schedule services, give us a call at 484-366-9362.

If you have gas appliances like gas furnaces, an HVAC technician will be needed. HVAC technicians will also be needed for air conditioning installation or other heating and cooling services.

Gas line repair DIY

While for safety’s sake it’s not recommended that you take up a gas line repair yourself, it is possible, especially for a smaller leak. Still, no matter the size of the leak, it’s preferable that a professional tend to the repair. The first step when repairing a gas line is to shut off the gas valve to stop the flow of gas into your home. You’ll then want to check for hairline cracks or holes. To seal the line, you’ll need to buy gas-rated pipe sleeves. You’ll also want to check the threads on the pipe. If they are loosened or warped, this may be the cause of the leak. You may just need to tighten the pipe with a wrench, but if this doesn’t work you will need to replace the whole pipe. Once the pipe is replaced, you’ll test it with a bubble solution. If the leak is repaired, there will be no bubbles.

Again, it’s best to save any gas line repair for a professional to avoid any safety issues. DIY repairs should be saved only for minor problems like a loose pipe. A bad repair could lead to serious problems, including explosion. 

How much does it cost to repair a gas line?

The gas line repair cost will vary. If you have only one line to a single appliance, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $650, including labor and materials. If the gas line that runs to the house has to be replaced you could spend anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. You may also have to purchase a new appliance, which could cost anywhere from $400 to $5,000, depending on the type of appliance you are replacing. 

How do they fix a gas leak?

No matter how extensive the repair may be, the first thing that’s required is shutting off the gas flow. The plumber will then test each gas line to find the source of the leak. Usually this is done by applying a soap solution to each fitting. When the soap bubbles, the leak has been found. Some plumbers may also perform an air pressure test. After the source of the leak is found, the plumber will then begin repairing the leak. This usually requires the pipe to be replaced.

If you’ve discovered you have a gas leak, and need gas line repair in Pottstown, PA, depend on the professionals at Drainmen Plumbing Inc. When you need our services, call us at 484-366-9362.

What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak?

Early detection is an incredibly important aspect of detecting leaks occurring in a foundation. When slab leaks are left undetected and unrepaired, a slab leak can eventually lead to thousands of dollars in water damage and structural damage to the home. For homeowners, the signs are subtle but necessary for detection. Sudden, unexplained spikes in water bills, water pooling where it shouldn’t, damp carpet or warped hard flooring, and mold and mildew are just some of the signs. A decrease in water pressure and a hot water heater that’s constantly running are also signs of a slab leak.

How Much Do Slab Leaks Cost to Fix?

The average slab leak repair cost — which typically includes hiring a professional to come to the home and find the leak — can cost from $150 dollars to $400 dollars. This cost ultimately depends on how difficult it is to determine where the leak is occurring. Additionally, the cost to remove the concrete and repair the damage to the pipe can cost around $2,000. The overall cost depends on where the leak is and how easy it is to access. Thankfully, many homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage to carpet, flooring, and cabinets, however, they do not cover costs associated with repairing the damaged pipes.

What Causes a Leak in the Slab?

Slab leaks happen when the pipes in the foundation of a home become corroded. Slab leaks can also occur if a pipe bursts. Usually, these are the two main culprits. Most homeowners are unaware that the home’s piping is funneled through the foundation. Homes are built this way because it’s the most straightforward way to handle the plumbing in a home. Moreover, it is the least expensive way to attain water in the home. When slab leaks happen, it’s because the pipes in the foundation have developed pinhole leaks. These leaks are caused by corrosion and can happen as a symptom of the home settling on the foundation.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Slab Leak?

The consequences of slab leaks can be disastrous. Even the smallest leak can lead to substantial issues as the problems associated with the leak worsen over time. Leaks that occur always lead to water damage to the surrounding area, including the structure of the home. The foundation may shift, leading to tiles splitting, doors not closing correctly, and more. Articles of furniture and miscellaneous possessions can develop mold or mildew in cases where slab leaks are left too long untreated. These fungi are to be taken seriously, as they can sicken the inhabitants of the home. Mold develops spores that can travel through the HVAC system of a home, becoming a health issue.

Slab Leak in Foundation

While there are no pipes in the concrete slab, there can still be a leak within the foundation of a property. Depending on the symptom, homeowners may be experiencing a sewer leak or multiple leaks (such as freshwater leaks). Evidence of sewer leaks includes cracks in the walls and the foundation, uneven or sloping floors, wall rotation, bowing of walls, separation of doors, windows, and garage doors, and spontaneous mold growth. Determining which specific pipe has erupted is a process that an established plumbing company can uncover. Slab leak service in Pottstown, PA can assist property owners who are experiencing the stressful experience of a slab leak. Slab leak detection can assist homeowners with alleviated water damage and correct and enhance the ultimate function of the home.

Slab Leak in New Home

Purchasing a new home is an extraordinarily exciting experience. New homes present an opportunity for homeowners to possess safety and security within the comfort of their own home. However, this sense of comfort can be compromised with a hidden slab leak. Homeowners should be on the lookout for red flags. The signs and symptoms for slab leaks include damp spots on the floor or carpets, annoyingly low water pressure in the shower, high water bills, and more. Slab leak detection should be initiated as soon as possible in order to maximize water damage resistance. For homeowners seeking a fresh finish for their hardwood flooring after recovering from water damage, select an appropriately qualified hardwood floor company. Hardwood floors can become one of the first victims in a slab leak.

Slab Leak Causes

The causes of slab leaks can be numerous. Please consult the list below to understand more about potential causes for slab leaks.

• Improper construction. One of the most common sources for slab leaks is improperly installed or poor-quality pipes. Copper pipes, in particular, can exhibit corrosion at a fairly fast rate. Pipes of the copper variety are invariably softer and offer less resistance to the elements.
• Outside pressure. Water pressure is not the only kind of pressure that can create a slab leak. Shifts in the underlying soil of a foundation can cause the home to move, putting increased pressure on pipes.
• Poor water quality. In addition to water pressure, it is important for homeowners to keep an eye out for the pH of their water. Water that is excessively acidic (hard_ or excessively alkaline (soft) can corrode pipes, leading to faster pipe deterioration.

Do you require slab leak detection for your home? Our staff at Drainmen Plumbing Inc are ready to take your phone call at __PHONE__. Receive accurate slab leak detection in Pottstown, PA today!

Is it Worth It?

A water well pump is exactly what it sounds like. This is a pump that extracts water from a well. Typically the two are installed around the same time by a plumbing company. There are several types of well pumps including:

• Hand pumps
• Injector pumps
• Solar pumps
• And more

If you are considering a well-pump you are probably wondering if it is even worth it. Long answer short, yes, a well-pump is worth it. Depending on your location and needs, a well-pump can be more beneficial and efficient than relying on water from the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many years do well pumps last?
  • It does depend on the type of pump and the installation, but most pumps will last between 8 and 10 years, sometimes up to 15.
• How to tell if your well pump is bad?
  • Look for fluctuations in water pressure, high electric bills, scalding water during showers, and spitting faucets.
• How much does a well pump cost?
  • It costs about $1,000 to replace and install a pump as well as the related parts.
• Can a well run dry?
  • If there is a drought, yes, a water well can run dry. There are several, easy repairs that can be done to add more water to a well, many of which don’t involve excavation.
• How do you clean a well pump?
  • There are several things that can be done to clean a well pump. The best bet is to let a professional plumber, like someone from Drainmen Plumbing Inc, to professionally clean the pump and filters.