In addition to the damage already caused to your home and yard by a damaged sewer line, traditional trench repairs can wreak further havoc as landscaping and sidewalks are torn up to replace the broken pipe. Depending on the location and weather conditions, trench repairs can also be a lengthy process to complete properly and safely. Fortunately, advances in technology mean that less disruptive repair solutions are now available to Seattle property owners. Keep reading to learn more from the experts at Best Plumbing!

Trenchless Options

There are two major types of trenchless sewer repair methods in use, depending on the nature of the problem. First is pipe bursting, which is a technique where a fiberglass cone and pipe is pulled through the old pipe, causing it to crack into small pieces. The new sewer line is then pulled through the tunnel left behind from the burst pipe.

The second technique is called pipe lining, also known as cured in place pipe (CIPP). In this case, a flexible, epoxy-covered membrane is forced through the damaged pipe. The lining is then inflated to fit and reinforce the existing pipe — essentially creating a pipe within a pipe. Once the epoxy is cured, the line is ready to be used again. 

Benefits and Uses

Trenchless sewer repairs are less intrusive and keep your yard and landscaping more intact. Because they don’t require as much digging, they can also save you time and money in terms of labor. When done properly, these techniques create permanent repairs that fully meet industry standards. They are particularly suited for repairing piping beneath extensive landscaping, apartment buildings, or difficult terrain. They can be used for a variety of repairs, including fixing cracked lines or upgrading old pipes to modern materials. 

Your Local Plumbing Experts

Contact Best Plumbing today if you are in need of a sewer line repair. We will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the nature of the problem and whether it a good candidate for trenchless repair. We have served the greater Seattle and Bellevue areas since 1968 and are here for all your plumbing needs.

Visit our blog or YouTube page for more tips and explanations from our expert plumbers!

The last thing you want to happen when temperatures start to drop in Seattle is to discover you need to replace your water heater. Here are some tips for winterizing your water heater to make sure you aren’t left in the cold!

Tip 1. Test the TPR Valve

Both gas and electric water tanks have a temperature-pressure release (TPR) valve on the top or side of the tank. This valve will open if the pressure inside the tank gets too high in order to prevent an explosion. To test, lift the trip lever on the valve then release it again. You should see some water or hear a faint hiss of air exit through the valve. If you don’t, or water keeps flowing after you release the lever, then you need to replace the TPR valve.

Tip 2. Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod works to capture corrosive elements in water so they don’t eat through the lining of your water tank. If your tank is more than 2-3 years old, you should inspect the anode rod annually. It’s normal to see some pitting and surface corrosion, but if the rod is covered in calcium, missing pieces, or has dissolved to less than a ½ inch thick, then it’s time for it to be replaced.  

Tip 3. Drain the Tank and Wash Out Sediment

The build-up of sediment can make your water heater run less efficiently, which results in higher utility bills. It can also clog your water lines. Flushing the tank 1-2 times a year can greatly extend the lifespan and performance of your water heater.

Tip 4. Adjust the Temperature

Take a look at the temperature setting on your water heater. If it is set to 125° F or higher, consider turning it down to 120° F. This is still hot enough for regular household needs and you can expect to save between 3-5% percent in energy costs for every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered!

Tip 5. Insulate You Tank & Pipes

Many newer water heaters come pre-insulated. If you have an older tank, you can use a fiberglass jacket to help improve performance. Make sure to cut the insulation to fit around pipes, the TPR valve, and the temperature controls — be careful not to cover the top of gas or oil heaters! You can also buy foam pipe insulators to fit around any exposed water pipes in your home The insulation will keep the hot water in your pipes warmer for a longer period of time between uses. This means lower energy expenses and a shorter wait for the hot water to kick in!

Regular maintenance for your hot water heater will extend its lifespan, lower your energy bill, and ensure that you have a steady supply of hot water available whenever you need it. If you want assistance or discover an issue with your water heater, contact the experts at Best Plumbing today! Our fully licensed plumbers can service, repair, or upgrade your water heater to best fit your needs.

For more plumbing tips and tricks, visit our blog or YouTube channel!

Photo Credit: paolobros, available under Creative Commons CCO.

While many water line issues can be repaired with trenchless techniques like pipe lining, sometimes the location of the line needs to be changed, or an entirely new line needs to be installed (such as with new construction). Whenever possible, Best Plumbing uses a technique called horizontal directional drilling or HDD. Also known as directional boring, this method can be used in a variety of conditions and has minimal impact on the surrounding area, making it a great fit for installing new lines in urban areas.

How It Works

Before starting, the drilling operator will need to gather complete information about all the existing utilities and structures in the area so they can plan a route. A major benefit of directional drilling is that operators are able to change the direction of the drill in order to avoid obstructions.

Once the route is planned, the operator digs a small hole at the predetermined entry and exit points for the new line. The drill is inserted at one end and is used to bore a pilot tunnel for the new pipe. Once the drill head reaches the exit hole, the new line is attached and dragged back through the newly drilled tunnel — eliminating the need for open excavation.

Benefits of Directional Drilling

Directional drilling helps preserve the surrounding environment by cutting down the amount of digging needed to install a line. It also allows operators to more easily avoid preexisting utilities or unexpected obstacles (such as buried rocks or large tree roots). Because it doesn’t require as much manual labor, directional drilling is a much quicker process than conventional trenching methods and saves you time and money.

Contact Best Plumbing today if you have any questions about directional drilling and if it might be suitable for your sewer or water line project. We are trusted local experts, serving the greater Seattle area since 1968.