Sewer Repair in Addison, IL

Dec 19, 2022

Sewer Repair in Addison, IL

  • Sewage Services
Sewer pipe repair Addison, IL

Have you ever had a drain that just wouldn’t drain? What if all of your drains won’t drain? You likely have an issue clogging up your sewer. That’s what happened to this customer, and what ultimately ended up leading to sewer repair in Addison, Illinois. 

Sewer Repair In Addison, IL

As Chicago’s #1 plumber, Quality Plumbing was called to clear out the sewer. At first, it seemed like a straightforward job thanks to the outside clean-out installed 5 years prior. After a failed attempt to rod the sewer upstream from the clean-out, it was discovered that the previous repair had failed. Improper couplings had been used, the sewer pipe was not correctly bedded, and the same soil was used to backfill the trench, including the old pipe. This caused the pipe to drop and the coupling stretched below the pipe allowing roots to grow into the sewer.

Prior To Work

Sewer repair markings
Marked ground for sewer

First, the yard was marked so Quality Plumbing knew exactly where the issue was. This prevents unnecessary digging and disturbance of your yard.

Failed Sewer Pipe Repair

roots growing into sewer pipe
Stretched coupler, roots growing in sewer pipe
Failed sewer repair coupler
Failed sewer pipe repair

As you can see from the picture above, the old pipe and cleanout had sunk down into the ground. This caused the improper coupling to stretch, allowing roots to grow into the sewer pipe and ultimately clog it.

New Sewer Pipe

new pvc sewer pipe repair
New sewer pipe

Brand new PVC pipe was put in its place, along with the proper couplers with reinforced clamps. This type of coupling will prevent plants from growing into the sewer pipe and keep its integrity for years to come. 

New Sewer Bedding

New sewer bedding
Sewer pipe bedding

So that the pipe was supported properly, guaranteeing that it will last for this Addison, IL homeowner, proper bedding of stone was filled in below the pipe. If soil was used again, it may collapse in the future after being exposed to water. 

Completed Job

Completed sewer repair job
Completed sewer repair job

Once the trench had been filled back in, the job was complete. As you can see by the photo above, there was minimal disturbance to this client’s yard.

If you are experiencing any issues with your sewer, don’t hesitate to contact Quality Plumbing! Feel free to check out our reviews!

Frank JourigeFrank Jourige
22:33 14 Oct 22
Sanitation line backed up thru the line in laundry room and couldn't flush toilets or shower so I called a couple of other companies but couldn't get any service until tommorow, so I called quality plumbing and they showed up in an hour. Scott was very professional and knowledgeable I was very pleased with scott & quality plumbing.
Peter KimPeter Kim
18:29 19 Aug 22
Fixed an issue regarding a shower barely having any water flow-this was an easy fix my other plumber (out of town) wasnt able to help with. Got charged 300$ for this something this simple. No call to tell me ahead of time what the issue was and how much the estimate would be. Last time using this company
Joe LiawJoe Liaw
23:13 05 Aug 22
My in-laws had a bad leak coming from their ceiling, and I needed a plumber to help get it fixed quickly to prevent further water damage--called around and Quality Plumbing was able to get someone out in a timely manner. Diana was very easy to work with to schedule someone, and Kevin who came out did a great job diagnosing the problem (toilet tank with a hairline crack and also loose wax ring from poor installation from previous contractor) and coming up with different solutions which he explained clearly. We ended up replacing both aging toilets with upgraded Gerber toilets that are much more comfortable and better quality backed by a 5 year warranty and Kevin was very careful and professional in making sure everything was installed up to code and correctly. Kevin was extremely professional, hard working, and detail oriented in his work, and I would highly recommend him and Quality Plumbing to anyone!
Torsten ZeebTorsten Zeeb
16:53 10 Apr 22
Outstanding service. Called them up for to service the water heater they installed about ten years ago. The technician Scott did outstanding job and dispatcher Diane was very helpful over the phone. In these times,we are living and working 24/7 now days. We need these types of services
Barbara KrawczykBarbara Krawczyk
17:21 05 Feb 22
Had a sewer backup on Christmas eve. Quality Plumbing came right away. They put a plan in place and followed through. It was a 3 day job and these guys showed up on time, were extremely courteous, and cleaned up every day. Definitely the best plumbing experience I have had in 30 years of home ownership. Thanks Quality Plumbing!
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By zachadmachinescom

Hot Water Heater Is Leaking? Here’s 5 Reasons Why

Nov 29, 2022

Hot Water Heater Is Leaking? Here’s 5 Reasons Why

  • Plumbing Services
water heater is leaking quality plumbing addison

Water leaks are not an issue that you can put off. These leaks can cause monumental damage to your home. Leaking water can also increase your water bill, furthering the damage. Not to mention, if your water heater is leaking, you might not have hot water for your showers! In this blog, we go over the 5 most common reasons why your hot water heater is leaking. 

1. Bad Connections to Hot and Cold Water Pipes

If your plumber recently serviced your hot water heater, there may be some issues with the fittings. These fittings connect the water heater to your home’s plumbing system. There could be corrosion in the fittings as well, where they meet the pipes. You may be able to get away with tightening the connections if they are serviceable, otherwise, you may need a professional plumber to replace them for you.

2. Old and Worn-Out Gaskets

Similarly, to the connections, the joints in the plumbing could be leaking due to faulty gaskets. This could be due to two reasons. The joints and connections were installed incorrectly. Or, the connections are just old. 

The thread sealant on some of the fittings could have also failed. It’s worth noting that could be the source of your problem if the pipe in question has a threaded connection. 

3. Leaking Hot Water Heater Drain Valve

The drain valve for your water heater is located towards the bottom of the side. This valve does exactly what its name implies, it is meant to drain the water tank. If this valve has failed, it could be dripping water, or worse, gushing water onto your floor. The valve could have become loose,  broken, or corrosion could have built up inside of it causing it to leak. 

4. High Water Tank Pressure

Because your water heater heats up water, pressure can build within it. The pressure relief valve on most water heaters will vent extra pressure to the outside of the tank. Your water heater may build excessive pressure if the heaters don’t turn off or the temperature is set too high. In the process of relieving this pressure, you may see small accumulations of water. While this should not cause immediate concern, you will want to have your water heater evaluated by a professional to diagnose any issues.

5. Hot Water Heater Tank Corrosion

Older water heaters have taken years and years of use, doing their best to keep on providing for your home. However, after some time, corrosion will build up and can cause issues within the tank that can push out fittings or worse, crack the tank. While a cracked tank is unlikely, water leaks from an unknown source (corrosion being on the inside) should always be evaluated by a professional.

If you need your water heater repaired or replaced, call Quality Plumbing for quality service! Be sure to also check out our reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

Sewer Repair in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Nov 10, 2022

Sewer Repair in Bloomingdale, Illinois

  • Sewage Services
Broken sewer pipe repair

Water coming back into your house can only mean one thing: sewage issues. This happens when water is trying to drain but has nowhere to go. That’s a clear indication that there is a blockage of some kind, and what this customer initially called about. After attempting to power rod the blockage, it was determined that would not be enough. This customer in Bloomingdale, Illinois needed sewer repair.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need sewer repair as well:

  • Your yard smells of sewage
  • Your yard is soggy
  • Your drains are draining slowly or not at all
  • Your water bill is rising

Sewer Repair Inspection

Quality Plumbing

By utilizing specialized equipment, Quality Plumbing was able to use a camera to visually inspect the issue. This allowed them to locate the source of the sewage repair problem. Roots from a tree located next to the lateral sewer line had wrapped themselves around and breached the sewer line causing the blockage.

Sewer Repair in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Quality Plumbing sewer line excavation sewer repair Bloomingdale, Illinois

After locating the problem, Quality Plumbing’s specially trained technicians began digging up the front yard of this Bloomingdale, Illinois customer’s home. Using their excavation equipment, the old lateral sewer line was exposed quickly and as noninvasive as possible.

Sewer Line Repaired

Quality Plumbing repaired sewer line repair bloomingdale, illinois

Once the damaged lateral sewer line was exposed, Quality Plumbing’s technicians cleared the area and removed the damaged section. In its place was a PVC pipe connected to the old sewer line with high-strength couplers, and a T-off for a cleanout pipe. 

The Quality Plumbing Difference

Following the installation of the cleanout pipe, this Bloomingdale, Illinois sewer repair started to take the form of a front yard again. First, the hole was filled in with stone for drainage purposes. Finally, the affected area was covered with topsoil for a clean, professional appearance. Soon-to-grow grass would be hiding the operation completely. This was done flush with the cleanout pipe. Minimized were any obvious signs of work being done, maintaining this beautiful property’s curb appeal.

At Quality Plumbing Services we believe a job done right the first time gives you peace of mind. It also leaves you worry-free. Customer satisfaction is our ultimate goal. We will strive to provide you with many years of Quality service as your own personal plumber. Contact us today for any of your plumbing, sewer, or drain needs, and be sure to check out our amazing reviews!

Quality Plumbing Services, Inc. Reviews

Frank JourigeFrank Jourige
22:33 14 Oct 22
Sanitation line backed up thru the line in laundry room and couldn't flush toilets or shower so I called a couple of other companies but couldn't get any service until tommorow, so I called quality plumbing and they showed up in an hour. Scott was very professional and knowledgeable I was very pleased with scott & quality plumbing.
Peter KimPeter Kim
18:29 19 Aug 22
Fixed an issue regarding a shower barely having any water flow-this was an easy fix my other plumber (out of town) wasnt able to help with. Got charged 300$ for this something this simple. No call to tell me ahead of time what the issue was and how much the estimate would be. Last time using this company
Joe LiawJoe Liaw
23:13 05 Aug 22
My in-laws had a bad leak coming from their ceiling, and I needed a plumber to help get it fixed quickly to prevent further water damage--called around and Quality Plumbing was able to get someone out in a timely manner. Diana was very easy to work with to schedule someone, and Kevin who came out did a great job diagnosing the problem (toilet tank with a hairline crack and also loose wax ring from poor installation from previous contractor) and coming up with different solutions which he explained clearly. We ended up replacing both aging toilets with upgraded Gerber toilets that are much more comfortable and better quality backed by a 5 year warranty and Kevin was very careful and professional in making sure everything was installed up to code and correctly. Kevin was extremely professional, hard working, and detail oriented in his work, and I would highly recommend him and Quality Plumbing to anyone!
Torsten ZeebTorsten Zeeb
16:53 10 Apr 22
Outstanding service. Called them up for to service the water heater they installed about ten years ago. The technician Scott did outstanding job and dispatcher Diane was very helpful over the phone. In these times,we are living and working 24/7 now days. We need these types of services
Barbara KrawczykBarbara Krawczyk
17:21 05 Feb 22
Had a sewer backup on Christmas eve. Quality Plumbing came right away. They put a plan in place and followed through. It was a 3 day job and these guys showed up on time, were extremely courteous, and cleaned up every day. Definitely the best plumbing experience I have had in 30 years of home ownership. Thanks Quality Plumbing!
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By zachadmachinescom

5 Water Heater Accessories To Improve Your Heater’s Effectiveness

Jun 28, 2022

5 Water Heater Accessories To Improve Your Heater’s Effectiveness

  • Plumbing Services
water heater accessories

A properly installed and maintained water heater will operate efficiently and effectively for years after its purchase. And while most systems are more than suited to keeping your household comfortable, we at Quality Plumbing believe even good things can be made better. That’s why we’ve compiled this quick list of five water heater accessories you can purchase and install to improve the effectiveness and safety of your equipment. 

  1. Timers Perfect for the energy-conscious customer, these devices help cut down on the power your heater draws when not in-use.  These devices get wired directly into the unit’s electrical supply and can be set so the water heater only draws electricity at specified times, making sure your water heater is never acting like an energy vampire. 
  2. Expansion Tanks These are pretty simple, as they just provide extra tank-space for more water. Ideal for homes that have had additions built and require additional heating, more tank space means more water, which inevitably means more heat. 
  3. Water Heater Pan Another fairly standard item, the pan acts as a reservoir to collect excess/overflowing water. The pan has an opening in the side for a drain hose to carry away any overflow water. While seemingly mundane on its own, the pan is especially effective when combined with our next entry…
  4. Leak Detectors and Alarms. These little gizmos can be real life-savers. They sit either in the pan beside the water heater. If the heater leaks or overflows, the alarm will sense the liquid coming into the pan and give an audible alarm to alert the homeowner that there’s a problem. Some of these alarms are even equipped with Wi-Fi so you can be alerted on your phone. A leak detector/alarm can be a huge money-saver should your water heater ever spring a leak, giving you an early heads-up on the problem. 
  5. Water Heater Stands. These accessories raise gas units off the ground, protecting them (and your home) from fire should flammable liquid spill nearby. When installing one of these devices, note that it will have an impact on your measurements along with your plumbing and venting. Unless you’re a plumbing expert yourself, are absolutely going to want to have a professional on-hand for a stand installation to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Consult With Your Plumber  There are plenty of water heater accessories out there to make your equipment that much more effective at keeping your home comfortable. Give us a call at Quality Plumbing today and ask us about possible water heater accessories and other ways you can increase your equipment’s safety and effectiveness!

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today! We specialize in water heaters and water heater accessories!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

The In’s and Out’s of Drain Cleaning in Warrenville

The In’s and Out’s of Drain Cleaning in Warrenville

  • Plumbing Services
drain cleaning warrenville

Homeowners often take their plumbing for granted until something happens that needs immediate attention. A kitchen sink stops running or a toilet overflows and then the plumbing becomes a high priority. With a little preventative maintenance, Warrenville homeowners would never need to deal with plumbing emergencies like a clogged drain in need of cleaning. Here is how you can make sure their drains are always working properly.

The Nightmare of Clogged Drains

By not spending some time to maintain the drainage system in the home, a person opens themselves up to several unfortunate realities. When any problems in the drains occur, a homeowner can experience:

  • an increase in utility bills
  • plumbing fixtures that wear out sooner
  • decreasing levels of sanitation in the house
  • unpleasant odors and strange sounds from the drains

All of this increases the stress of being a homeowner. This can be prevented with a little DIY home plumbing maintenance.

Benefits to Proactive Drain Maintenance

For a small investment of time and effort on their drains, the homeowner gains much throughout the year. The benefits include:

  • utility bills are lower
  • longer lasting plumbing fixtures
  • less spent on plumbing fixture repairs
  • reduced risk of overflowing toilets and clogged sinks
  • more comfortable and sanitary living space

This is especially important in large households where several people may contribute to the drains becoming clogged. The more people living in the house, the higher the risk of a drain problem if regular maintenance is not performed.

Plumbing Maintenance for the Homeowner

There are a number of ways that a homeowner can ensure that their drains are in proper working order. None of these take much time and are easy for any person to do. The first step is maintaining the drains to prevent them from stopping up. Next, one should be ready in case a clog does develop so they can react quickly to clear the drain.

Preventative Maintenance Steps

These actions will help to prevent clogs from happening:

  • Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it set for several minutes and then flush thoroughly with warm tap water.
  • Pour boiling water from a pan or tea kettle down the drain to clear out any sticky grease that has adhered to the inside of the plumbing pipes.
  • Purchase small strainers that fit in the drains to catch items before they get down into the plumbing.
  • Keep a container near the stove to pour used oil and grease into. Never pour these down a drain.

In case a drain blockage happens, the homeowner should have on hand:

  • A standard plunger for flat drains, such as in the kitchen sink.
  • A flange plunger for curved drains, such as in the toilet.
  • A bucket and several old rags for cleanup.

Typical Drain Clogs

If a clog should occur, a homeowner can try to clear it out themselves. Their success depends on the type of clog they encounter. There are two clogs a homeowner is likely to face:

Soft clog – This is made up of hair and skin cells and is usually found in bathroom sinks, tub and shower drains. The clog stays soft and rarely compacts in the drain. These are normally easy to remove.

Hard clog – This is caused by grease and foods sticking to the sides of the drain pipe. Once the clog accumulates enough material to completely block the drain, it will continue to compact itself in the drain and become a hard mass. The longer a hard clog sits, the hard it is to remove.

Removing a Soft Clog

These clogs can often be removed by the homeowner.

  • Use a standard plunger to pull the clog up out of the sink or to push it on through the drain pipe.
  • Use a long, stiff brush made to fit down into the drain, snag the clog material and pull it back up and out.
  • Use a plastic strip with serrated edges, made to remove clogs, by being inserted into the drain and pulling out the material.
  • If the homeowner is not intimidated by plumbing work, they can disconnect the P-trap below the bathroom sink and remove the clog lodged there.

Removing a Hard Clog

If here is standing water, use a wet and dry vacuum to remove all of the water before attempting to unclog the drain.

  • Try using a standard plunger briefly to release a fresh clog. Do not do this for too long or too forcefully as it can damage the plumbing pipes and make them come apart.
  • Pour dish detergent down a clogged toilet to loosen up a blockage there.
  • Use a plumbing snake to break up the clog and clear the drain. These should be used carefully as they can puncture a hole in the side of old, rusty plumbing pipes or cause drain pipes to come apart where two are joined.

Drain Cleaning Techniques to Avoid in Warrenville

Chemical drain cleaners – These are very dangerous to work with and can damage a person’s skin and eyes should they splash onto them.

Water balloons – These devices fit onto the end of a garden hose and are slipped down into the drain. When the water is turned on, it expands the balloon, sealing it against the sides of the drain pipe. Water is then forced down into the drain to try to loosen the clog. These devices can easily break plumbing fixtures or cause them to come apart.

Many household drain clogs can be dealt with by the homeowner. If they prove resistant to several attempts, a professional drain cleaning service should be considered. They can remove any clog without damaging the existing plumbing.

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today for drain cleaning in Warrenville and the surrounding area!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

6 Tips to Maintaining a Clog-Free Toilet

May 27, 2022

6 Tips to Maintaining a Clog-Free Toilet

  • Plumbing Services
toilet clog

As a homeowner, chances are good that you have already experienced the displeasure of a clogged or overflowing toilet. In addition to the mess, a toilet that clogs or overflows frequently can cause lasting damage to floor coverings, sub-floors, plumbing infrastructure, and even the ceiling below, when the toilet is located in an upper-level bathroom. In addition, any moisture that remains after the clean up can result in unhealthy mildew and mold growth long after the job has been completed. 

The Cost of a Poorly Maintained Toilet

According to census data published by the United States Census Bureau, the numbers of new home constructions with three or more bathrooms each now outnumber new homes built with one to one and one-half bathrooms by a ratio of nearly ten to one, based on the samples taken. With the number of home toilets rapidly growing, the cost of damage from clogged or overflowing toilets also rises exponentially. 

Clogged or overflowing toilets can result in costs to homeowners. This includes:

 

  • replacement / repair costs to flooring, subflooring, walls and trim materials
  • replacement / repair costs to plumbing pipes and fixtures
  • repairs to drain and sewer lines
  • possible mold remediation from frequent or latent water infiltration
  • higher water bills when toilets are not operating correctly and must be flushed multiple times to move waste through the system

 

In addition to monetary costs, families who frequently deal with clogged or slow toilets are being forced to sacrifice much of the enjoyment they should get from living in the home. The good news, however, is that homeowners can avoid this type of damage to their homes with these simple tips designed to help keep home toilets functioning properly.

1. Teach Family Members What Objects & Materials Should Never Be Flushed

Many clogged toilets are caused each year due to improper use. In most of these cases, family members, both children and adults, attempt to flush materials down the toilet that should not be introduced into any type of sewage disposal system. These materials include common household items, such as: 

 

  • Paper products – including cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissues, diaper liners and excessive amounts of toilet tissue
  • Miscellaneous household waste products – including kitty litter, human or pet hair, grease, oils, dental floss, ashes, potting soil and dust and dirt from vacuums or dust pans
  • Other objects or materials – including children’s toys, small articles of clothing like socks, medications, pet food, potting soil, sand, gravel or other miscellaneous materials or objects

2. Provide Alternate Disposal to Encourage Proper Toilet Usage

A great way to prevent inappropriate objects and materials from being placed into the toilet is to provide an alternate disposal option for family members and guests who use your bathroom. To do this, place a small trash can near each toilet in the home. Doing this is an economical, effective way of preventing future clogged toilet issues because something was flushed that should not have been flushed. 

3. Keep Surfaces Clear of Small Items That Could Easily Fall Into the Toilet

Many clogged toilets also result from accidents where an object is knocked into the toilet accidentally. This often happens when nearby counters or over-the-toilet shelving is filled with small objects, such as jars, bottles, sponges and cosmetics. When these objects land in the toilet and are flushed accidentally, a clog situation is the likely result. Keeping these areas clear of small items will lessen the chances of this happening.

4. Flush Twice When Necessary

If the toilet has a large amount of waste or toilet paper in it, flushing twice may be necessary to completely empty the bowl. But a toilet that always needs to be flushed multiple times probably already suffers from some type of clog or plumbing problem.

If a toilet in your home is having to be flushed multiple times, the extra water usage is placing an additional burden on both your plumbing system and the family water bill. When this problem occurs homeowners may want to prevent excessive water bills and further damage to their plumbing by having the problem diagnosed and repaired by a professional. 

5. Learn to Plunge & Do So As Needed

Another cause of clogged toilets and the damage that results is ignoring or postponing obvious signs that the toilet is malfunctioning. Even when the toilet does empty by flushing it multiple times, flushing over and over is not healthy for the plumbing system and can cause more serious plumbing problems over time.

Homeowners who experience slow flushing action may be able to relieve the problem by using a plunger to help free the clog and push it through the pipes. To do this effectively, follow these steps: 

  • Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl, tipping it to allow any trapped air in the bell of the plunger to escape
  • Position the plunger over the drainage hole and plunge vigorously to move the water both directions in the drain to loosen and free the clog
  • Be patient and repeat the process until the clog is freed and the toilet bowl empties
  • If plunging does not give results and the clog remains firmly in place, calling a professional to clear the clog may be necessary

6. Know When You Need Professional Help

Plumbing problems that go unsolved are one of the most common reasons for water damage and mold issues in homes today. If you are homeowner with toilets that flush slowly, threaten to overflow or require the frequent use of a plunger, calling a professional to fix the problem quickly will help you avoid the costly, inconvenient home repair bills later. 

Call Quality Plumbing Services Inc. today for toilet clog removal service!

Check out our outstanding Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom