What every homeowner should know about their plumbing system - Part 1.

As a homeowner what should you know about your plumbing system? Part 1.

1. Plumbing Emergencies are almost 100% avoidable. 

How so? With a yearly inspection by a professional plumber; you can just about eliminate any hidden surprises. A visual inpection of your plumbing system can reveal any potential disasters before they occur. 

2. High water pressure is the #1 cause of all plumbing problems. 

High Water Pressure causes the majority of plumbing failures. The higher the water pressure; the more plumbing problems you will have. High water pressure places too much stress on fixtures, faucets, appliances, and pipes. Your plumbing system wasn't designed to withstand water pressure above 80psi. 

In fact, Uniform Plumbing Code 608.2 mandates that any time the incoming water pressure exceeds 80psi - a pressure reducing valve must be installed. 

Your plumber isn't trying to upsell you when he checks your water pressure. In fact, he is seeking to help you avoid future problems. Isn't that what you expect of your plumber? Help

3. Thermal Expansion. What is that and how come I've never heard of that before? 

Thermal Expansion occurs when your water system is closed, and your water heater - heats water. 

Several things can create a closed water system - a pressure regulator, in line check valve, or backflow assembly can place your water system into a closed water system state. Once in a closed state - every time your water heater heats water, pressure increases within the system; due to the steam building up (similar to a tea kettle heating water). This additional pressure has no where to go due to the closed water system, and your water system pressure rises. 

So even if you thought you were protected against high water pressure - you may not be protected against it during the water heating cycle. 

What can you do to fully protect your water system? Have your plumber install a thermal expansion tank or similar device. It's easily installed and will give you 100% protection against high water pressure. 

How is it that you've never heard of thermal expansion? 

1. As the efforts to protect our drinking water increases; we are seeing more and more in-line check valves installed by the water companies. These check valves allow water to be delivered to your property with no return. The check valve prevents water and pressure from being absorbed back into the water purveyors system. Thus creating a closed water system. 

2. In days past - new construction plumbers used to install water systems with air chambers (pipe extensions of 12in with a cap at each fixture - on both the hot and cold sides). These air chambers would serve as a place for the expansion to be absorbed. This practice is rare since copper piping systems started being installed. Thus, thermal expansion has become a more prolific problem, and one that your average "new plumber" doesn't quite understand. 

To be continued: For more information please visit our website at www.aap-allamericanplumbing.com 

24 Emergency Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Service | Call 1-855-893-3601 |...

Foul Sewer and Drain Smells?

Sewer Odors! Yesterday we performed a smoke test within a large multi-tenant building in order to find the hidden breaches of their sewer system: that caused foul odors.

How does a smoke test work? We seal the pipes and induce smoke into the drain and sewage system. The smoke will fill the system and escape through any breaches. We trace the smoke down to the source and correct as needed. The test is repeated until we achieve a sealed tight system. 

Smoke tests can be complicated at times due to logistics and the fear triggered by the appearance of smoke. Therefore, it's always wise to inspect for the obvious:

1. Loose toilets. Toilets are supposed to be mounted sealed tight. If the toilet wobbles or has rust signs at its base; it may have a breached seal. Pull and reset the toilet to correct. 

2. Dry trap ways (due to lack of use). If a fixture or faucet goes unused for a couple of weeks; the water will dissipate from the trap (designed to prevent sewer smells), thus, allowing sewer gases to escape. Always keep your plumbing fixtures active by running a little bit of water into them at least once every couple of weeks. 

3. Loose or missing clean out plugs or caps. Often times, drain cleaning technicians with limited experience will fail to secure the cap or plug back on after a simple drain cleaning service. Unaware that they just left the vent system breached: sewer smells are left with an easy path into the building. 

4. The most common source of sewer smell and odors into buildings has to do with plumbing vents, air conditioning systems, parapet walls and wind patterns. Use of carbon filtered vent caps will immediately correct such issues.

Sewer smells aren't normal, nor are they healthy to be exposed to. They do indicate a problem with your plumbing system that must be immediately corrected.

For more info visit our website at www.aap-allamericanplumbing.com or give us a call 1-855-893-3601

Our Plumbing Service Call

A call for our plumbing and drain cleaning services. 

1. Will be greeted by one of our friendly customer service specialists. 

2. We will attempt to gather as much information as possible so that we may assign the most experienced plumber to handle your particular issue. 

3. We will collect your email address so that we may send you a profile (including a picture) of our plumber for your security and peace of mind. 

4. We will respect your time and only schedule a timeframe that we can surely meet. We pride ourselves on being on time - every time. 

5. Our plumber will assess your plumbing or drain issue and formulate all of the available options to properly correct your plumbing issues. 

6. We provide options to fit every type of budget from the quick band aid fix to the end all solution. 

7. While working- your home or place of business will be treated with the utmost respect of your privacy and cleanliness. 

8. We will stand by our work and honor all warranties with complete satisfaction in mind. 

9. We will offer you a complete plumbing inspection on every visit that enables us to catch the small problems before they become plumbing emergencies.

10. Our goal is to become your plumber of choice for many years to come. 

Visit our website www.aap-allamericanplumbing.com

We are available 24 hours of everyday at the same low rates for nights, weekends and holidays. Our prices never change!

Slab Leaks

Early Slab Leak Detection

1. Higher water bill
2. Higher gas bill
3. Moist soil surrounding a building/structure
4. Hot floors
5. Hot or lukewarm water out of cold side of faucets or in the toilet
6. Sound of running water with no fixture(s) actually on
7. Room is humid for no apparent reason
8. Moisture or condensation found under furniture, boxes, throw rugs
9. Mildew smell
10. Water Heater or Boiler constantly running or cycling

What causes slab leaks and how to prevent them!
1. Excessive incoming water pressure: Uniform Plumbing Codes deem water pressure above 80psi to be considered excessive. However, most plumbing part manufacturers recommend 50psi as the optimum pressure rating for long lasting faucets, water heaters, and toilets. Frequently monitor the incoming pressure by testing with a inexpensive ($10.00 local hardware store) pressure gauge http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Pressure_Sensors_-a-_Pressure_Gauges/Dial_Pressure_Gauges_%281.5,_2.0,_2.5_Inch_Dials%29?source=google&keyword=%2Bpressure%20gauges&type=search&gclid=CKXkutTek64CFeUaQgodS3EDLg. Should the pressure be over 75psi consider the installation of a pressure regulator and/or adjusting an existing pressure regulator down.http://www.zurn.com/pages/catalog.asp?ProductGroupID=86&OperationID=11

2. Thermal Expansion:

General Information - What is Thermal Expansion?

When water is heated it expands. For example, water heated from 90°F to a thermostat setting of 140°F in a 40 gallon hot water heater will expand by almost one-half gallon. This is because when water is heated, its density decreases and its volume expands (see below). Since water is not compressible, the extra volume created by expansion must go someplace. During no-flow periods in a system, pressure reducing valves, backflow preventers, and other one-way valves are closed, thus eliminating a path for expanded water to flow back to the system supply. Hence, system pressure increases. http://www.watts.com/pages/learnAbout/thermalExpansion.asp?catId=64 How to curb Thermal Expansion: with the installation of a thermal expansion tank or other authorized device.
3. High PH levels in the water supply:
1.Copper pitting corrosion remains poorly understood despite a number of reports released in recent years. There have been cases of copper pitting problems in waters having high pH, low alkalinity, and significant levels of sulfate and chloride http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_copper_ai2.html To correct add a water softener and/or water conditioning device.


Don't let the small leaks become costly repairs.
1. Leaky toilets http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html
2. Leaks under sinks
3. Shower Valve leaks
4. Improper caulking around fixtures/faucets http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/caulking-your-tub-and-shower.html
5. Leaks at toilet base http://www.doityourself.com/stry/h2replacetoilet

All of these minor types of leaks can lead to very unpleasant experiences in the form of mold, mildew, and costly restoration repairs due to water damage. Its wise to perform monthly inspections of all visible plumbing. And, to correct even the smallest of leaks before it becomes a big one (left alone they all do).

Low Cost Drain Cleaning

Low Cost Drain Cleaning... Deal or Bait and Switch??? You decide

Have you heard the deals? $99.00 to clear any drain - $89.00 drain cleaning specials - $79.00 to clear your drains - $49.50 - $34.99 and so on. Heck, there are even companies that have embedded low price drain cleaning slogans on their actual trucks, and company names. Great for the consumers, right? NOT!

For starters, many of these "drain specials" come with hidden restrictions such as there must be an accessible cleanout, the line can't be longer than 100 ft., the work must be performed during normal work hours, etc. etc.

This is where the problem begins! The consumer has no idea the so called "specials" come with varying restrictions, and immediately feel betrayed by misleading advertising. Or, once the drain cleaner hits your door the dreaded high pressure sales pitch starts.

So, how can a company promote such "low prices" for drain cleaning services and actually stand by their advertising? The simple answer is THEY CAN'T... Strike That!  They can, but they won't be in business very long.

Allow me to explain: the average cost per lead (or customer) is $50.00 on up to $350.00 per lead. So let's go with the conservative number of $50.00. Right out the gate, one can see where a company who promotes anything under $50.00 is already losing money and requires a desperate scheme to make up the difference SOMEWHERE! Guess where?

Ok, I shall digress... So, the lead costs $50.00 Now let's add on the rest.

- There is gas involved - call it $5.00 per lead (conservatively)
- Office staff/overhead - call it $15.00 per lead (this cost obviously varies from company to company)
- There is the actual plumber's pay - call it $24.00 per hour (the State of California Industrial Welfare Commission has determined $24.00 per hr. to be the going rate for a competent plumber)
- There are payroll taxes, workman compensation, and other benefits to pay (assuming the company promoting such low prices actually pays taxes and has workman's compensation) one would assume so but, its best to actually check and verify such. Let's add another $15.00 as a conservative number on the taxes/benefits side.
- Lastly, any company doing business would definitely like to make a profit, otherwise what's the point, right? Let's say 10% profit margin

So, in adding the hard costs we have $50.00 plus, $5.00 plus, plus $24.00 (assuming from start to finish the job only required 1 hour - not likely, if good service is involved), and $15.00 of which equals $94.00 ADD to that a 10% profit margin and we end up at $103.40 ...

Funny that we come up with $103.40. In 1988 the going rate to clear a main sewer line was $100.00 and that was 25 years ago!

So, where is the money going to be made? 

How can a company advertising to clear your drain for $35.00 stay in business if they can't turn a profit?

I strongly recommend you take the time to research the online reviews of every plumbing service company you're considering. Save yourself some time and frustration and don't be fooled.

By Anthony Pouliot

Toll Free 1-855-893-3601

San Bernardino Co. 1-909-758-0280

Riverside County 1-951-427-1707

San Gabriel Valley 1-626-696-3490

Better, Cleaner, Faster Service!

  CSLB C36 #967595

Water Leaks and the waste of water associated with the leaks!

Water Leaks --- My last post explained the reasons behind leaks. What causes them and how to best protect your plumbing system from having them.

Today, I will speak on just how much water is wasted on various types of leaks.

The number one source of wasted water within the home or place of business is the toilet... Often overlooked and frequently procrastinated on. When a toilet leaks: it tends to be internal (leaking directly from the toilet tank into the bowl and down the drain) and as such, it doesn't cause any visible damage - resulting in the repair being pushed off to some other time... Down the drain goes our precious resource and your money. A leaky toilet wastes between 300 gallons (a slow leak) and 60,000 (constantly running toilet) per MONTH!

The best way to detect a leak besides visually seeing or hearing the leak - is to drop a little food coloring into the toilet tank and wait 10-15 minutes without flushing. If the water in the bowl turns color, your tank is leaking.

Leaking faucets can also increase your water bills!
 Slow Leaks - 450 gallons per month
 Steady Drips - 750 gallons per month
 Slow Stream - 3,000 gallons per month
 Steady Stream - 12,000 gallons per month

The Underground Leak / Under concrete slabs interior aka "slab leak" / Exterior Leaks / Pin Hole leaks
can leak at a rate of (per size of pinhole)
 1/32" leak - 3,600 gals/month
 1/16" leak - 10,800 gals/month
 1/8" leak - 36,000 gals/month
 3/16" leak - 199,000 gals/month
 1/4" leak - 340,000 gals/month

Underground Slab Leak

Leak on 1/2" copper fitting

Leak on 1/2" Type M copper pipe

Some Tell-Tale signs a leak exists...
- Water bill increase
- Gas bill increase (indicating a hot side leak)
- Hot spots on ground level floors
- Musty/Mildew smell!
- Water meter dial is rotating with no known use of water
- The constant sound of running water or a hissing noise with no known use of water.
- The sporadic sound of water running or what sounds like the toilet is filling up after its been flushed
- Luke warm or hot water coming out of the cold side tap.

The following metrics were based on the incoming water pressure being between 60-80 psi. The higher the incoming pressure the more waste...

Have a question? Comment below and I will do my best to answer - Thanks for taking a few moments to read my blog, by Anthony Pouliot with http://www.aap-allamericanplumbing.com/leak-detection/