My Drain Company Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Bathroom Plumbing’

Toilet Malfunctions That Need the Help of a Professional Plumber

Monday, June 6th, 2016

The toilets in your bathrooms are the major source of indoor water use in your house—accounting for approximately 40% of annual household water bills. So, aside from their vital day-to-day functions, the toilets are also a major part of the freshwater plumbing for your house. This is why it’s important that they’re always in good working shape and that any malfunctions are repaired as soon as possible.

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Common Bathroom Plumbing Repairs to Watch Out For

Monday, April 11th, 2016

If it were up to you, you would never have to experience bathroom plumbing problems. However, your plumbing system is intricate, and even the most maintained system will eventually have an issue pop up. When a problem does occur, you need to have a professional inspect it, since many do-it-yourself plumbing projects can go awry and result in costly repairs later down the road.

Your bathroom plumbing is probably under the most stress over any other part of your plumbing system, given that you rely on it so much. Routine maintenance and reasonable use can help extend the lifespan of your bathroom plumbing, however in the interest of being prepared, here are some of the most common bathroom plumbing repair needs you should watch out for. (more…)

Signs It’s Time to Replace the Bathroom Toilet

Monday, February 15th, 2016

The toilet is the appliance in a home that uses up the most water. In fact, the toilets in your household probably account for around 40% of your monthly water bill. So not only is the toilet a vital part of your home’s plumbing (it must function every day, after all) but it’s also one that can create immensely high bills when it stops working the way it should.

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What to do in Case of a Toilet Clog

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

Of all the plumbing emergencies that homeowners may have to deal with, bathroom plumbing is probably the worst. Of those, the toilet clog is probably the most frustrating and feared bathroom plumbing issue. If your toilet does develop a clog, don’t panic! It’s actually a very simple thing to control while you wait for a plumber to arrive. You may even be able to solve it yourself. Let’s take a look at what you should do in case of a toilet clog.

Find and Close the Water Shutoff Valve

Every toilet has a water shutoff valve, located at where the toilet’s water line meets the wall. If you toilet is clogged and threatening to overflow, find the shutoff valve and turn it to the right. This should close the valve and prevent water from flowing into the toilet. If for any reason you can’t find the shutoff valve, you can also lift the back off the toilet tank and lift the float ball. This will prevent water from flowing into the tank. You’re going to have to find some way to secure the float so that it doesn’t drop again, but that’s the best solution for preventing the toilet from overflowing without shutting the water shutoff valve.

Plunge the Toilet

Grab a plunger and see if you can unclog the toilet yourself. Often, toilet clogs can be solved by plunging as long as you have a good quality plunger. If the toilet water level is too high, leave it alone for a while and see if it decreases enough for you to plunge it. You could also try skimming some of it off the top with a bucket, if you don’t want to wait. If the toilet is still clogged after repeated plunging, you’re probably going to have to call a plumber. Clear the surrounding area of any water that overflowed, and wait for a professional to arrive.

No matter what kind of plumbing emergency you have, call My Drain Company and we’ll take care of it. We provide comprehensive bathroom plumbing services throughout the Burbank area.

Why Pinhole Leaks are a Serious Threat to Your Plumbing

Wednesday, March 4th, 2015

Decades ago, plumbers installed galvanized steel pipes throughout a plumbing system, as these were considered to be the strongest, longest-lasting material available for the job. Steel pipes corrode easily, as steel is an iron alloy and iron rusts when it is exposed to water and oxygen. Galvanizing the pipes involves coating them with a layer of zinc that helps to protect them from rust and corrosion. However, plumbers soon found out that that layer of zinc does not always last long, or that corrosion can start from the outside in.

Today, copper pipes are the norm, as these are far less likely to corrode. However, you may still run into trouble if your pipes develop pinhole leaks. Pinhole leaks are rare, but they can occur in any plumbing system without warning. Call My Drain Company today for kitchen and bathroom plumbing services in Tarzana, CA.

What Are Pinhole Leaks?

Pinhole leaks are a serious threat to both kitchen and bathroom plumbing systems. These are tiny leaks that develop from the inside out, causing water to drip out very slowly which often remains undetected for long periods of time. Unfortunately, experts are still unsure as to how pinhole leaks develop. Sometimes, an entire neighborhood is affected by this type of corrosion, and experts study the water chemistry to attempt to form an idea of how they occur so that preventive action can be taken. Unfortunately, no links have been found for certain as of yet.

Pinhole leaks can affect your plumbing and damage your home. These leaks are so minor, you may not notice them until water begins to seep through the walls. By this point, you have a major mess on your hands, as water may have already ruined structural beams and flooring, and several pipes may require replacement by this point.

If you want to make sure that the pipes in your home are in good shape, call the experts at My Drain Company. You should call us if you notice a drop in your water pressure, dark spots on the walls and ceilings, or if you simply want to make sure your kitchen and bathroom plumbing in Tarzana, CA is protected with a professional maintenance visit. Get in touch today!

Reasons for a Leaking Toilet

Friday, November 21st, 2014

Leaking toilets can be more than irritating; they can result in serious water damage if left to leak for long periods of time. There are multiple reasons that can cause a leak to develop with your toilet, but no matter the cause, it’s important to take care of any toilet leak right away. For over 15 years, My Drain Company has offered comprehensive plumbing services in Glendale, and our expert plumbers can help with any kind of issue you may have. If your toilet has been leaking, give us a call today!

Why a Toilet Can Develop Leaks

Here are some common ways a toilet can develop a leak:

  • Problems with the overflow tube – the overflow tube in your toilet relocates the water in the tank should it start to overflow. However, if the overflow tube is obstructed or malfunctioning in any way, the water may not relocate as needed and instead overflow the tank.
  • Worn bolts/Issue with tank-bowl gasket – two large bolts and a three-inch gasket help keep the tank of your toilet attached to the bowl. Bolts can become worn or loose, creating a gap between the bowl and tank through which water can leak. Additionally, any problems with the gasket can also create a leak.
  • Cracked tank – any crack in the water tank of your toilet will cause water to leak. If left unattended for a long period of time, this kind of leaks can cause serious water damage. A cracked tank requires replacement of the tank.
  • Crack bowl – a cracked toilet bowl needs to be replaced immediately.
  • Corrosion – corrosion typically develops from water impurities and chemical reactions. Corrosion can occur on your toilet components or in the piping that supports your toilet. The main problem with corrosion is that it may not be seen right away, so if you are seeing any signs of corrosion, call for a plumber to review it.
  • Problems with the fill valve – fill valves refill your toilet tank and bowl after a flush. Fill valves can wear out or malfunction, causing issues with the water level.

A leaking toilet can result in serious water damage and gallons of wasted water that can increase your water bill. Repairing a leaky toilet as soon as possible can help prevent the development of these problems. Are you seeing the signs of a leaky toilet? Contact My Drain Company today and schedule an appointment with one of our certified plumbing experts.

 

Common Bathroom Plumbing Repairs for Toilets

Friday, September 26th, 2014

One of the most common reasons homeowners call for bathroom plumbing services in Glendale is due to problems with the toilet. Toilets are usually rather reliable, but there are still many reasons a toilet can stop working. And in this day and age, no home can be without a toilet for long, so repair needs are generally rather urgent. DIY repairs may be difficult and many problems simply require the service of a trained professional. When you need professionals to look at your bathroom plumbing, be sure to call My Drain Company right away. In order to help you learn more about some common repairs, we’ve made the following list.

  • Leaking: You may notice a leak from a couple of different areas of your toilet. Unfortunately, some leaks are beyond repair. When the leaking occurs at the tank due to cracks or other damages, it may mean you’ll need to replace your entire tank. A plumber can help you choose a new toilet and get it set up as quickly as possible. But leaks that come from behind the toilet tank, where your plumbing system connects to your tank, will likely only need to be sealed.
  • Clogs: If you have a toilet clog, your first line of defense is usually a plunger. But if a plunger does not effectively loosen a clog, it means you need to call for repairs quickly. There may be a major clog deep within your pipes that requires professional plumbing equipment to remove or dislodge from the sewer line.
  • Water Running Constantly: If water will not stop running, it can be due to a variety of factors with the float assembly and flush valve. A float in your tank makes the water shut off, but if the flapper cannot shut as the float rises, water will continue to run.

If you’re experiencing these problems or any others with your bathroom plumbing, it’s important that an experienced plumber check out the problem to decide on the right course of action. When you need the job done right, trust the dependable team of plumbers at My Drain Company. To schedule bathroom plumbing service in Glendale, contact us today!

Some Ideas for Bathroom Plumbing Installations

Monday, July 21st, 2014

When you want to improve an old bathroom with new installations, you have a variety of options from which to choose. Bathroom plumbing can include everything from full new plumbing installation (useful for older homes that may have aging and outdated piping) to small tasks like adding aerators onto faucets.

For bathroom plumbing services in Glendale, you can turn to My Drain Company for the assistance you need for new installation. We offer full service for bathroom plumbing, and our skilled plumbers can help you find out what new installation will improve this important room that plays a large part in your daily life.

Here Are Some Possibilities for Bathroom Plumbing Installation

  • Low-flow fixtures: If you want to save money on water bills and contribute to water conservation efforts (currently a serious issue in Southern California), you should consider installing low-flow faucets and toilets for your bathrooms. These installations will make significant cuts in the amount of water the fixtures use, but without a sacrifice in quality. According to the U.S. EPA, an effective low-flow faucet reduces water flow by 30%.
  • New style of sink: Having a new sink installed can improve on the use of space inside a bathroom. You can have an old pedestal sink taken out and replaced with a cabinet sink for more storage areas. You can remove a cabinet sink and replace it with a wall-mount sink for more floor space. There are numerous options for sinks that meld form and function to improve a bathroom.
  • New piping: If you live in an older home (pre-1970, and especially pre-World War II), your probably have galvanized steel pipes for plumbing. Although strong, this material is prone to corrosion over time, leading to leaks and blockage. If you have encountered numerous leaks and inefficient plumbing in your bathroom, you can arrange for complete replacement with newer materials, like copper, CPVC, and PEX. You might also consider repiping for the whole house.

Whether you want new plumbing installation in your bathroom for decorative and luxury purposes, or to solve serious plumbing problems, you can rely on the services of My Drain Company. We offer Glendale, CA quality plumbing work that goes beyond expectations. We’re also here whenever you need us with 24/7 emergency repair work for whatever ails your plumbing.

Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

The first place you go in the morning is probably to the bathroom to get your day started with a nice warm shower. Probably the last place you go before bed is also the bathroom to brush your teeth. All of this near-constant use can cause a variety of common issues. My Drain Company Inc provides bathroom plumbing repair services in Glendale, CA and we wanted to share some of the most common problems that we see so that you can keep your eyes and ears open for them.

Bathroom Plumbing Repair in Glendale, CA

Give us a call here at My Drain Company Inc if you’re having any issues with your bathroom plumbing and need a plumber in Glendale, CA.

  • Clogs – Probably the most common call for service that we get is for clogs in the bathroom plumbing. For showers and bathroom sinks, hair and soap scum are often the culprits of clogs. For toilets, it’s usually solid waste and toilet paper. If you’ve tried breaking up the clog with a plunger, call My Drain Company Inc for bathroom plumbing repair in Glendale, CA.
  • Leaks – Any piece of equipment that deals with a lot of water daily is going to eventually start to leak. Leaks from the faucet and from the shower are pretty standard problems. However, if you hear your toilet constantly running it likely means that there is water leaking through the flapper which might need replacing. Also, leaks from underneath the sink are common problems so keep an eye out for that.
  • Slow drains –Before they actually develop clogs, your drains and bathroom plumbing might start to slow down. This is a great time to call for bathroom plumbing repair in Glendale, CA before the problem gets too out of hand.

Give us a call here at My Drain Company Inc for all your bathroom plumbing repairs in Glendale, CA. We guarantee that we’ll get to your house the same day that you call and we’re also available 24/7 for emergency plumbing repair.