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Bulldog Rooter - Plumbing Services Q&A Page


Plumbing can be a very tricky job to DIY, that is why most residential and commercial builders/fixer-uppers leave it up to the professionals! There are so many questions that you may have about plumbing and the different services we provide. At Bulldog Rooter, we wanted to share some of our most common plumbing Questions and Answers with you here. 

Check out our Plumbing Q&A below, broken down by Our Plumbing Services! Click one of the services below to go to directly that plumbing services Q & A!

Back Flow Testing & Prevention

Constant Water Pressure Systems

Drain Cleaning

Emergency 24 / 7 Plumbing Services

Frozen Pipe Repair & Prevention

Full Plumbing System Maintenance & Prevention

Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair

Gas & Water Lines

HydroJetting / Jet Washing

Leaking Pipes & Leak Detection

Main Water Line Repair

Mobile Home Plumbing

Pipe Repair & Replacement

Plumbers Snake Cleaning (Cable Cleaning)

Plumbing Add-Ons & Upgrades

Plumbing Construction / Remodeling

Plumbing Fixtures (Toilets, Faucets, Sinks, Tubs)

Residential & Commercial Plumbing Services

Sewer Line Repair & Cleaning Services

Sump Pump Repair & Installation

Trenchless Pipe Repair

Video Pipe Inspection

Water Heater Repair & Installation

Water Filtration, Testing & Treatment

Water Softener Systems and Repair

Call Now to Schedule

Back Flow Testing and Prevention Q&A

(See our Back Flow Testing and Prevention Page)

Back Flow if the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping water system or consumer's water system. There are two types of Back Flow: Back-Pressure Back Flow & Back-Siphonage. 
It is Back Flow caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system or consumer's potable water. Increases in downstream pressure can be created by pumps, temperature increases in boilers, etc.
Back-Siphonage is Back Flow caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum ~ or partial vacuum) in a Public water system or consumer's potable water system. The effect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Back-Siphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby fire fighting, a break in a water main, etc.
A Back Flow preventer is a means or mechanism to prevent Back Flow. The basic means of preventing Back Flow is an air gap, which either eliminates a cross-connection or provides a barrier to Back Flow. The basic mechanism for preventing Back Flow is a mechanical Back Flow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to Back Flow. The principal types of mechanical Back Flow preventer are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the double check valve assembly.
Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed. Therefore, all backflow preventers have to be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly. A visual check of air gaps is sufficient, but mechanical backflow preventers have to be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment.

Constant Water Pressure Systems Q&A

(See our Constant Water Pressure System Page)

Some of the main causes of Low Water Pressure are: corroded pipes, scale buildup due to hard water, main water shutoff valve isn't open, municipal water problems, leaking, or even additional water systems are working against one another. 
A piece of equipment that makes sure your water pressure always maintains a certain rate, regardless if you are mowing your lawn and running the dishwashers and washing machine. Your shower or sink will always deliver water at a constant pressure! 

Our systems can range from 40, 80 and 120 gallons of water. But, if you are looking for a Constant Water Pressure System for your office or commercial space, we offer multiple packages with various tanks to accommodate the size or your water system!

As long as your system does not have any leaks, the water won't deplete and you can simply turn off the system to save energy! 

Slow draining water, water backs up in your toilet sink or shower, gurgling pipes is also a sign of clogging. Also, if you begin to have abnormal odors, this can be the result of clogged drains. 
At Bulldog Rooter, our minimum recommendation is to get your drains cleaned every few years. This will help mitigate any major problems in the future, ensuring you always good water pressure and no backups.
No. There are basic clogs that you can DIY with a plunger, generally for your toilet or sink. If neither of these work, or the problem returns frequently, you’ll need more extensive drain cleaning work from professionals to tackle the problem.
If there are drains in your house that don’t have drain covers (strainers) on them, we recommend purchasing them. They are especially helpful for bathroom drains, where they catch hair that is one of the biggest causes of clogged up drains. In the kitchen, make sure to pour fats, oils, and grease into a separate container rather than down the drains or the disposal.
If heavy and extensive root infiltration exists it should be replaced. Extensive root growth is indicative of the failure of the entire line. If a back-pitch of the line exists, an extensive section of the run of pipe typically has to be replaced to have the correct pitch. 

Emergency 24 / 7 Plumbing Q&A

(See our Emergency 24/7 Plumbing Page)

NEVER! Bulldog Rooter doesn't charge our customers an extra arm and a leg just to come for a plumbing emergency!
All of our services fall within our Emergency 24 / 7 Plumbing Services! Whether you need emergency drain cleaning services or main water line emergency services, Bulldog Rooter has you covered!
Bulldog Rooter supplies the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho communities with Emergency 24/7 Plumbing Services. 
Check out our Plumbing Service Locations Map. 

Frozen Pipe Repair & Prevention Q&A

(See our Frozen Pipe Repair & Replacement Page)

Winterizing your plumbing is very critical to avoid frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause water damage. Winterizing protects water lines, fixtures and drain line traps from freezing and becoming damaged. 

Disconnect garden hoses, protect/cover outside spigots, drain water from lines prone to freezing, keep garage door closed and don't let your thermostat fall below 55 degrees. 

All pipes can freeze if the temperatures gets cold enough, but the most common places we find pipe freezes are; garages, crawlspaces, unheated basement pipes, hose connections, swimming pool pumps and sprinkler systems. 
If your pipes freeze and bursts, you need to act quickly to minimize more damage: 

  • Turn off your main water supply and water heater
  • Remove any belongings away from the burst/water buildup
  • Call Bulldog Rooter right away and our Emergency Plumbing crew will help stop the water flow from the burst and repair your pipes! 

When water freezes, it expands rapidly and this expanding force can cause your pipes to burst or crack. Not all pipe types are flexible enough to handle the pressure from expanding, frozen water. 

Full Plumbing System Maintenance Q&A

(See our Plumbing System Maintenance Page)

Yes we do! Bulldog Rooter can repair or fully install any full plumbing system for any size of property! Whether the property is a school with various plumbing needs, or a small office space, we can cover all of your Plumbing System Needs, large or small! 

That depends on what level or type of plumbing services you are looking to upgrade. For example, replacing your bathroom fixtures may not require a permit, but upgrading your main water lines will most likely require a permit. Every area has their regulations but, you can leave it up to Bulldog Rooter to handle all of the permits and regulations for you! 
Our skin soaks up chlorine, which poisons our body. It increases the aging process and removes our skin of natural oils. This means dry, flaky, as well as unhealthy skin. Chlorine likewise kills excellent microorganisms that protect our bodies from hazardous conditions and infections. Too much chlorine is extremely destructive to faucets and plumbing, which is why you need a well-functioning water filtering system mounted in your house.

Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair Q&A

(See our Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair Page)

If your dishwasher is not draining correctly, then you can probably blame your garbage disposal. When your dishwasher is done running, it drains all of the dirty water through your garbage disposal. If your garbage disposal is brand new and the plug is still inserted, then it won’t allow any of this water through the disposal, and it will have nowhere else to go but back into the dishwasher.
No! As a standard, most sinks come with a 90mm sink hole and just about every (residential sized) disposal fits into this. The biggest factor of space is ensuring the space underneath your sink has room for the disposal. 
Garbage disposals are very low maintenance appliances. Simply making sure you frequently use your disposal can help to remove any excess food scraps that accumulate over time. Below are a few steps to clean out your disposal: 

  • First, turn off your garbage disposal
  • Next, Remove the sink baffle and clean the underside and place back in sinkhole
  • Turn on the disposal and run a medium stream of cold water
  • Place ice cubes mixed with cleaning solution to freshen up the smell

In urban homes with limited space, storing food in caddies for collection is problematic and not always popular. There are also several foods that should not be composted but can be put in a garbage disposal. These include meat, bones and dairy products. Municipal composting does not recover any energy from food waste and since approximately half of all wastewater treated in the U.S. includes anaerobic digestion, disposers can help recover both nutrients for fertilizer as well as carbon for energy. 
Finely ground food waste from a disposal will not block a well-maintained sewer. It is 70% water and has a very similar composition to the human waste that all sewers are designed to handle. An extensive study at the University of Sheffield recently confirmed that these concerns are unfounded.
Utility lines are usually installed prior to any new construction. If the land is graded, leveled, or reshaped in any other way, this will change the depth of any underground utility lines. Natural ground settling will also change the depth. If you need to dig near the locate marks, hand-dig (use a hand implement, like a shovel) or soft-dig (use air or water pressure) within 24 inches of either side of the markings to avoid damage.
Water and sewer facility owners will only locate up to their meters next to the road right-of-way. From that point on, these service lines are installed by the technicians or their agents and are the property of the homeowner. It is your individual responsibility to contact a private locator to have the water or sewer service line from your meter to your home located.
Pressure tests are conducted by licensed experts to ensure the right amount of gas is getting into your home and to your fixtures. If the pressure is too high, you may have too much gas pumping into the fixture and create a serious risk. 
 
  • Disconnect gas lines, install a test gauge close to your meter, turn off all valves the appliance uses
  • Keep main gas valve on (if you have one), pressurize the gas system using the valve on the test gauge. 
  • This then shows the pressure in the gas system. It should be no higher than one and a half (1 ½) times the working pressure, and no less than 3psi. Outside of that range and it’s no good.
It’s probably something you don’t realize but gas lines need to be grounded. The national codes on all this require homes have a grounding system that has a ground rod driven into the ground nearby your electric meter. To ground gas lines, a bare copper wire will run from your gas line to the grounding system.

Hydro Jetting (Jet Washing) Drain Cleaning Q&A

(See our Hydro Jetting Service Page)

Our plumbers use a hydro jet—which is made up of a water tank, a pressurizing system, and a hose with a specialized nozzle—to clear buildup within a drain or sewer. Your plumber will insert the hose into your pipes through the clean-out. Then, once the hydro jet is turned on, it will force high-pressured water through the drain, clearing out any grease, minerals, hair, or other buildup in its way. Hydro jetting can actually remove tree roots and other large clogs that may be causing problems.
If your sink, shower, toilet, or other fixtures have been draining slowly, this could indicate a larger problem within your pipes. Typically, if multiple drains are clogged or backed up or you have recurring drain problems, it’s a good indication that you could benefit from hydro jetting.
Because of the high pressure, hydro jetting allows for the fast, efficient removal of clogs. Additionally, hydro jetting can be used to clear large clogs and tree roots that may be blocking the flow of a pipe. Hydro jetting also clears out grease, minerals, hair, and other buildup—leaving your pipes clean and less susceptible to future clogs.
Although the hydro jet is extremely powerful, it is actually much more gentle than an auger. If you’re looking to increase the lifespan of your pipes by cleaning your drains completely, then the hydro jetter is your best bet. However, if your pipe is already on its last leg, both the drain snake and the hydro jetter will damage your pipes further. In that case, the line would need to be replaced as opposed to cleared or cleaned. In addition, whenever we jet a pipe, we make sure to use our advanced in-pipe camera system to diagnose and analyze the situation. This makes the procedure as safe as possible. 
Often, the blockage is in a sewer line. Fortunately, sewer drains have access areas called clean-outs. You’ve probably seen one in your yard. It is a capped pipe that sticks out of the ground about 2-3 inches. The hydro jet’s nozzle and hose are placed into the clean-out and then sent into the sewer line. 

Leaking Pipes and Leak Detection Q&A 

(See our Leaking Pipes and Leak Detection Page)

There’s no one single way to do the job. We use a variety of techniques and tools, starting with visual checks. Depending on the situation, we will then use acoustic listening devices, thermal scanners, video pipe cameras, and other non-invasive tools that won’t disrupt the building.
No. For one thing, the equipment is expensive, and you need multiple different devices to be able to do a complete job. For another, the equipment isn’t like a point-and-shoot camera. It requires specialized training to be able to handle. It’s quicker, easier, and less expensive to go straight to a professional.
First, we strongly recommend any home or business have leak detection done as a preventive service every few years or so. The plumber may find no leaks. Or they may find small ones, in which case you’ll be glad to have the issue solved early when its small. Second, there are warning signs you may have hidden leaks, and if you notice any of them, it’s time to arrange for leak detection. These signs include:

  • High water bills
  • A water heater turning on and off at odd times
  • A rise in mold, mildew, and humidity in the building
  • Patches of discoloration on the wall or ceiling
  • Warped floorboards

Make sure spaces near plumbing pipes are not crowded. Sometimes replacing your pipes is better than trying to repair. Always know where your water main shutoff valve is located. Make sure to keep your pipes and plumbing systems as well maintained as possible. 
  • Clogged Drain lines can easily become leak or bursts
  • Corroded pipes over time will age and become high-risk for water damage
  • Tree Root invasion - We rarely (if ever) see tree root invasion into our plumbing systems, but tree roots can cause major problems to our systems 

Main Water Line Repair Q&A

(See our Main Water Line Repair Page)

Water main breaks can occur anytime but more often during the winter months because of the soil movement caused by freezing and thawing of the ground. This puts stress on the water pipes, causing leaks to occur. 
Our Certified Repair Crews will determine the most likely point of the leak. Often, where the water is reaching the surface does not indicate where the pipe is leaking. Water can travel far underground before surfacing. Once the leak is located, it is repaired, water service is restored, the hole is backfilled, and the site is cleaned up. Most breaks involve holes or cracks in the pipe caused by the soil, these breaks are repaired using a clamp. Some breaks involve broken valves or require cutting out and replacing a bad section of pipe. These types of repairs typically take longer to identify and complete the repair. 
In most cases, the repair is made under reduced pressure. What this means to you is that you will experience low to no water pressure during the repair. During the winter months it doesn’t hurt to have a couple of jugs of water on hand in the event you are affected by a water main break. In over 75% of all cases water service to customers is affected for less than 3 hours.
Once water is restored you may notice discoloration, this is due to disturbing the main. Similar to when we flush, sediment in the main gets stirred up. If you experience discoloration or air in your lines, run the cold water from the highest point in your home until the water runs clear (a bathtub faucet is a good place to run)

Mobile Home Plumbing Q&A

(See our Mobile Home Plumbing Page)

1. Frozen Pipes, 2. Leaking Pipes, 3. Clogged Drains, 4. Low Pressure, 5. Dripping Faucets or Taps
Manufactured home plumbing runs through the floor of the home. Your pipes are located within the belly board, which is sometimes called the bottom board, and is surrounded by insulation. The belly board closes in the insulation around your plumbing and keeps everything in place under your home's flooring system.
Beneath your bathroom or kitchen sink, you will find a plumbing fixture called a P-trap. The purpose of your P-trap is to capture the debris that drains from the sink, prevent clogs and prevent gas leaks from entering your home.
Most plumbing in manufactured homes uses plastic. Plastic pipes include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), PEX pipe and PolyPipe®. Metal plumbing pipe consists of copper, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.
Examine the water pump for the mobile home and turn it to the highest possible setting to give you the highest pressure it can provide. If the pump is still not providing enough pressure, consider replacing the pump.

Pipe Repair & Replacement Q&A

(See our Pipe Repair & Replacement Page)

Most sewer pipe repairs take one to three days. However, the time it takes to fix a sewer pipe depends on a variety of factors including the location of the pipe, the size of it, and what type of damage has occurred. While some sewer pipes may only take a few hours to fix, others may take up to five days or more.
PVC. The leading choice in residential drain lines over the past four decades, PVC is a light-colored, highly durable plastic that resists the elements and appears to outlast all other piping materials. PVC is made in several different grades: schedules 40 and 80 and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).
You should be able to easily identify when there is a leaking soil pipe in your home. Tell-tale signs of a leaking soil pipe and things to look out for are: unpleasant smells. water draining too slowly from your toilet. 
Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.

Plumbers Snake Cleaning (Cable Cleaning) Q&A

(See our Plumbers Snake Cleaning (Cable Cleaning) Page) 

  1. Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake.
  2. Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. 
  3. Rotate the snake against the blockage until you feel it feed freely into the pipe.
  4. Run water full force for a few minutes to be sure that the drain is unclogged.
With a high-bristle wire pipe brush, poke through the plumbing snake's crevices, dislodging any remaining particulate that the scrubbing brush was unable to reach. Then, run the plumbing snake through clean water to ensure that the coil is clean. Wipe it down with a rag and leave it out to dry completely.

If you have a clogged pipe, a drain snake is a simple and cheap tool you can use to fix it. These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes. 

The heavier and more rigid metal material makes it easier to push through tough clogs and to navigate through into the drainage system. These snakes tend to be between 10 and 25 feet long, and some are more than 50 feet.
A drain snake is a long, retractable metal cable that you wind down into a drain to either grab the material causing the clog, or force it through. A toilet snake is a type of drain snake made specifically for use on toilets.

Plumbing Add-Ons & Upgrades Q&A

(See our Plumbing Add-Ons & Upgrades Page)

Updating Plumbing and Electrical – With a 260% average return on investment (ROI), simply updating your homes plumbing and electrical work without making any major changes is a fairly inexpensive but extremely effective way of increasing your home's value.
Some pipes corrode and develop leaks, some pipes burst, and others narrow with time due to debris deposits and corrosion. Replace your plumbing system when its materials age and no longer provide you with a safe service. Your plumbing system is likely old if the house is old and still has its original plumbing system.

A complete repipe can take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Smaller homes can be repiped in as little as two days, while large homes with multiple bathrooms can take much longer. However, it's important to note that you won't necessarily be unable to use your plumbing during that entire time.

When you decide on doing a new bathroom or changing other plumbing fixtures in your home, doing a repipe at the same time would be a good idea. A repiping can save you time and money. It may also help you to avoid issues that can arise from the meeting of the old and new systems.

Plumbing Construction / Remodeling Q&A

(See our Plumbing Construction and Remodeling Page)

  1. Remove Bathroom Fixtures. ...
  2. Install the New Shower or Tub. ...
  3. Lay the New Flooring. ...
  4. Hang Drywall and Start Painting. ...
  5. Install Cabinets and Vanity. ...
  6. Update Lighting. ...
  7. Hook Up the Plumbing.
Average labor cost to remodel bathroom. The average labor cost to remodel a bathroom is $1,300 to $4,300 and up, or around 20% of the total budget for a standard bathroom. Bathroom remodeling technicians charge $40 to $100 per hour on average depending on the type of specialist.

In your installation process, you should put the backer board down and tile the floor and the backsplash around the tub first, but leave off the row of tiles that directly surround the tub. Next, you'll install the tub, make it level, and connect all of the plumbing.

  • Single stack system.
  • Partially vented single stack system.
  • One-pipe system.
  • Two-pipe system.
The most common plumbing fixtures are faucets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets.
A gate valve is the most common valve for water supply systems. It represents a linear-motion isolation valve and has a function to stop or allow the flow. Gate valves got their name from the closure element sliding into the flow stream to provide shutoff and, therefore, acting like a gate.

In its simplest form, a schedule of plumbing fixtures lists the number of plumbing fixtures required for any plumbing installation. A plumbing fixture schedule might have a table that, in addition to sanitary ware, indicates information like cold water pipe size, hot water pipe size, drain size, and vent size.

Fixtures are part of the plumbing system, and the primary function of the plumbing system is to move water from one part of the home to another. Fixtures include components like faucets and sinks, toilets, shower heads, and bathtubs. Other fixtures include showers, and less commonly in the U.S., bidets.

Residential and Commercial Plumbing Services Q&A

(See our Residential and Commercial Plumbing Services Page)

Residential plumbing involves a standard eight-hour work – except for emergencies – while commercial plumbing takes place at any convenient time of the day. At times, commercial plumbing needs to be done during the weekends or holidays when employees aren't at work.
The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues, low water pressure, and a running toilet. Each of these issues requires a different solution that we will cover below.
There are three different types of plumbing systems; sanitary drainage, stormwater drainage and potable water. Each of these systems have their own unique functions and purposes. Here is a more in-depth look into how these systems operate.
Commercial water heaters get exponentially hotter than do residential water heaters so as to protect homeowners from instant burns. ... A commercial water heater can also handle up to 250 gallons while a residential water heater can typically handle up to 100 gallons.

Sewer Line Repair and Cleaning Q&A

(See our Sewer Line Repair and Cleaning Page)

Most sewer pipe repairs take one to three days. However, the time it takes to fix a sewer pipe depends on a variety of factors including the location of the pipe, the size of it, and what type of damage has occurred. While some sewer pipes may only take a few hours to fix, others may take up to five days or more.
  1. There Are Strange Smells Around Your Home. 
  2. Your Toilets Make Gurgling Noises.
  3. The Drains Aren't Draining.
  4. The Lawn is Super Green.
  5. There's Mold on your Walls.
  6. Puddles and Soft Spots Outside Abound.
  7. There's an Increase in Pests.
  8. The Toilet Backs Up When You Flush.
Common causes of sewer pipe damage include: Sewer pipe rupture due to shifting soil, settling, increased traffic on the ground above, or use of heavy construction equipment above ground. Corrosion of an older pipe, causing the pipe to break or collapse.
Clay pipes were a common choice in ancient times. In the United States, they came to be used very early on and were still very popular until relatively recently. Clay pipes started being phased out in the 1960s and 1970s when plastic sewer pipe options such as ABS and PVC were developed.
Collapsed sewer lines are most often the result of several types of untreated sewer line issues. ... All of these things can lead to the loss of structural integrity of your sewer pipes and eventually to the soil above collapsing into the line, completely blocking the flow of wastewater.

Sump Pump Repair & Installation Q&A

(See our Sump Pump Repair & Installation Page)

The most common reason for sump pump failure is an electrical power outage as a result of bad weather or a storm. Sump pumps depend on your home for power and these blackouts can be problematic. Because power outages happen at random, the best way to combat this is by having a backup generator.

If you are sizing your current sump pit for a sump pump, it's important to know how much water it holds. As a general rule of thumb, for sump pits that are 18” in diameter, each inch of water equals around 1 gallon.

The first way to test the sump pump is to trace the two electrical cords of the sump pump. The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Both cables should be unplugged, and only the pump cord should be plugged into the outlet. If you hear a humming sound when turning on the pump, the pump works.
If the sump pump fails during a big rain event, the basement can flood causing extensive water damage to your property, in addition to creating a huge mess. The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage.
The typical pit is 30 inches in depth and 18 to 24 inches across. The standard sump pit insert available in home improvement centers is 26 gallons and 18 inches diameter. In many cases the pit needs to be a minimum of 24 inches and up to a depth of 36 inches. But some builders just use a common 5-gallon bucket.

Trenchless Pipe Repair Q&A

(See our Trenchless Pipe Repair Page)

The job can usually be accomplished in one full day of work with a crew of three or four plumbers.
In many cases, it can last for up to 50 years, making this a very cost-effective option. Unfortunately, for some pipe systems, it might already be too late to try to fix the existing piping. 
Epoxy pipe lining is often viewed as an alternative to replacing the old piping with a completely new system. In theory, the lining process involves coating the inside of the pipes with an epoxy resin to seal off pinholes and corrosion, creating a lasting solution to solving your pipe problems.
While pipe relining is a longer-term business play, it's well worth it for three reasons: The method is less intrusive than pipe bursting; The end product is more comprehensive and superior; and. You save the customer money in both the short- and long-term.
Unsurprisingly, one of the most significant factors in pricing your pipe reline job is the diameter of any sections that need to be repaired. As you'd expect, the larger the pipe concerned, the more resin, liner, and time we need, and the higher the cost. But compared to future damage costs, Trenchless Pipe Relining saves you much more in the long-run! 

Video Pipe Inspection Q&A

(See our Video Pipe Inspection Page)

Bulldog Rooter's camera snakes are equipped with bright LED lights that completely illuminate the inside of the pipe to reveal any cracks, clog sources or structural problems. A radio transmitter inside the camera records the underground depth and precise physical location of any defects or obstructions in the pipe.
Should I Get A Sewer Scope Inspection? Absolutely. A sewer line is often one of the most costly things to repair in a home. Getting a sewer scope inspection can help you avoid investing in a home that has serious issues with the sewer/septic system.
In most cases, a sewer camera inspection is needed if there is a blockage that cannot be solved by plunging, drain cleaning, or sewer augering. For bathroom remodels, you may want your sewer line inspected to ensure your property can handle the increased quantities of water.
  1. Troubles with your Sewer Line draining
  2. A Notice from the City or a Major change in your water bill
  3. New Home Warranty is about to Expire
  4. Prior to Selling your home (this could increase your overall value)

Water Heater Repair & Installation Q&A

(See Our Water Heater Repair & Installation Page) 

Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking. 
A gas water heater needs a 30-inch by 30-inch area, per International Residential Code (IRC M1305. 1.2), and an electric water heater has the same 30-inch by 36-inch requirement as an an electrical panel, per National Electrical Code (NEC 110.26[A]) 
While many say 8 to 12 years is the expected life for a standard gas-powered water heater, this range can change and be very dependent on where you are located. The level of sediment in your tank affects the lifespan of your water heater. 
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater.
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.

Water Filtration, Testing & Treatment Q&A

(See Our Water Filtration, Testing & Treatment Page)

Aeration treatment consists of passing large amounts of air through water and then venting the air outside. The air causes the dissolved gases or volatile compounds to release from the water. The air and the contaminants released from the water are vented. 
  1. Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration
  2. Ultraviolet Water Sterilization and Filtration
  3. Basic Filtration
  4. Distillation 
There are four types of aerators. They are gravity aerators, spray aerators, diffused air aeration systems and mechanical aerators. 
Perhaps the most common problem encountered by residential water filtration systems is a dirty filter. This lets chemicals and heavy metals to find its way into drinking water. There are different types of water filtering systems, each of which has its own requirements for maintaining the filter. 

Reverse osmosis filters are top of the line for removing a large percentage of contaminants out of the water, potentially including dangerous waterborne bacteria. The filters work by pushing water through the reverse osmosis membrane using pressure.

When it comes to best purification, RO purifiers are the best in almost all aspects. As compared to the UV purifiers, they are more effective since they usually have different filtration stages. They are also easier to maintain and are the best for large families. 

Water Softener Systems and Repair Q&A

(See Our Water Softener Systems and Repair Page)

There are Typically 4 Types of Water Softeners: 

  • Ion Exchange
  • Salt Free 
  • Reverse Osmosis and 
  • Magnetic

To determine the appropriate water softener size for your home, multiply the number of people in your home by the gallons of water they use each day (80 gallons per person is the average). Multiply that number by the grains of hardness in your water to figure out how many grains need to be removed each day.

Knowing your water and usage is vital to purchasing the correct water softener. A water softener that is too small will not be able to keep up with your needs and will wear it down faster. High grain water softeners cost more money and on over-sized softener means wasted money. 

Water softeners that operate using electricity to work can last anywhere between 2-10 years, depending upon the quality of the device. Water softeners that rely on the kinetic energy from water flow can last even longer, about 20 years if they are maintained well.
To remain in optimal condition, a water softener requires regular maintenance. With only a few steps, you can maximize the lifespan of your system and keep your water safe and soft for years to come.
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