Plumber Woodland Hills install and repair pipes, fixtures and appliances for water distribution and waste removal. They also work on new construction projects and must be familiar with blueprints and architectural plans.

Plumbing is a skill that requires physical strength and stamina, along with good manual dexterity. Plumbers often work in tight spaces and on ladders.

Drain cleaning is a service that plumbers offer to remove debris and blockages from residential or commercial plumbing. It is necessary because clogged drains can lead to overflowing toilets, flooding and water damage. Clogged drains also create foul odors that can spread throughout a building. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways that a plumber can clear these obstructions and return the pipes to good condition.

One option is to use a chemical drain cleaner, which is available in solid and liquid forms. These products work by causing a reaction with the organic material that is clogging the pipe. They are typically effective for minor clogs. However, they can be corrosive and may damage the pipes. Plumbers generally avoid these chemicals and instead opt for more natural, environmentally friendly drain cleaning methods.

Another way to clean a drain is by using a mechanical tool. A plumber can use a snake, an auger or a drain-cleaning machine to break up and remove clogs. These tools have blades that are attached to a durable cable that can cut through tough clogs. The plumber then pulls the clog out of the pipe and disposes of it. This method can be messy and may require several attempts before the clog is fully removed.

Keeping your drains clean can help prevent costly repairs down the road. In addition, it can protect your family or employees from pests like flies, mosquitoes and roaches that are drawn to stagnant water. Regular drain cleaning can also reduce soap scum, mineral deposits and other waste that can build up in your pipes.

In some cases, a clogged drain is caused by tree roots that have infiltrated the sewer line. Plumbers can often find these intrusions by performing a camera inspection of the pipes. This allows them to identify the root of the problem and make recommendations for how to resolve it. They can also install or repair vents to keep the roots from infiltrating the drain system again in the future.

Leak Detection

Leak detection services are offered by plumbers to identify and fix leaks in gas and water pipelines, tanks, equipment, or anywhere else. This is part of the overall maintenance process known as LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair). Having a robust leak detection program in place helps prevent major accidents, wasted resources leading to higher costs, and underperforming assets.

Depending on the nature of the leak, finding it can be a tricky task. A plumber will typically use a combination of methods to locate the leak, including physical inspection, odor and sound, and pressure changes. Detection techniques also include the use of software packages, which monitor data such as flow and pressure change to help determine the presence of a leak.

Physical leak detection includes using the naked eye or specialized equipment to visually inspect pipes and other structures for signs of a leak. In some cases, a plumber may use a high-powered flashlight to better visualize the inside of pipes. Other tools include acoustic emission detectors, fiber optic sensors, negative pressure detectors, and ultrasonic technologies. These methods are particularly effective when dealing with minuscule leaks, or those located under challenging surfaces.

Other non-invasive leak detection techniques include using a helium mass spectrometer, which uses a probe to measure the mass of helium within the pipe system. The spectrometer can then pinpoint the exact location of the escaping helium with incredible accuracy. This is especially useful in detecting leaks in difficult to reach areas, or those located under challenging surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, and tile.

In addition to helping plumbers locate leaks, these systems can also track and record data for each device in the pipeline. These reports provide valuable information to the maintenance team, which can then be used to improve the performance of the asset.

In addition to tracking and recording data, these systems can also be used for remote leak detection. They can send an alarm to a technician’s smartphone or tablet when the sensor is activated. This allows the technician to quickly get on-site, resolve the issue, and return the system back to service. In this way, a smart device like a water leak detector can save both time and money for the customer.

Sewer Cleaning

If your home’s plumbing seems to be working well, but you’ve noticed a foul smell in your yard or basement, it may be time for sewer cleaning. A plumber can use a hydro jet or a plumbing snake to clear obstructions in your home’s drain lines. If you choose the latter, look for one with a motor that makes it easier to maneuver the cable into the pipes. A quality plumber will also provide you with a written estimate before beginning work.

The plumbing system in your home relies on the sewer line to transport wastewater and garbage to the city’s waste management system or septic tank. Over time, this line can become blocked with debris such as leaves, roots, or egg shells, leading to a messy, costly backup. Regular sewer line cleaning can prevent this and keep your home smelling fresh.

A plumber can also perform a video inspection of your drains to determine the cause of a blockage. Using a camera mounted on the end of a long tube, a plumber can see the condition of your pipes and recommend the best method for cleaning.

There are several different methods for cleaning sewer lines, but the most effective is probably hydraulic cleaning. With this technique, a plumber inserts a nozzle at the nearest access point and releases water to remove the obstruction. If the blockage is particularly stubborn, the plumber might use a ” plumbing snake” to break up or hook the debris from inside the pipe.

Chemical cleaning is another option for removing obstructions from your sewer line. This involves pouring a mixture of acids and alkaline into the affected pipe to break down and dislodge debris. After the blockage is cleared, the plumber will flush your pipes to remove any remaining chemicals and restore proper function to your plumbing system.

The top signs that your sewer lines are in need of cleaning include gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet, slow drainage in your home’s sinks and tubs, and the smell of sewage in your basement. If you notice any of these symptoms, call a plumber right away to avoid costly repairs and cleanup.

Water Heater Repair

Your water heater plays a critical role in your home, providing hot water for showers, washing machines and dishwashers. As a result, it’s important to maintain your hot water heater properly to avoid costly repairs and extend its lifespan. Fortunately, your plumber has the skills and tools to perform a wide range of water heater repair services.

When a water heater breaks down, it can be disruptive to your daily routine. In addition to not having hot water for showers and washing machines, you may also be left with cold showers and dirty dishes. Fortunately, your plumber is available to perform fast and affordable water heater repairs.

There are some water heater repair projects you can do yourself, such as flushing the tank and resetting the circuit breaker or high-temperature cutoff switch (located near the bottom of the unit). However, it’s best to hire a professional for more complicated water heater repair jobs, such as a leaking tank or broken heating element. Working on a gas or electric water heater without proper training and experience can be dangerous, as it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or an electrical fire.

Water heater repair costs can vary depending on the severity of the problem and whether parts need to be replaced. A plumber will typically charge an hourly rate plus the cost of any necessary parts and supplies. If you have a newer model with a warranty, your plumber will likely work under the warranty to reduce your overall repair bill.

Strange noises coming from a water heater are often caused by sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. These noises can include rumbling, popping or banging. A plumber can drain and flush the tank to remove the sediment, which will restore the normal operation of your water heater.

As the water heater ages, it can lose efficiency and start to break down. While it’s possible to repair an older water heater, in many cases, it makes more sense to replace the unit entirely. Your plumber can help you weigh the pros and cons of repair versus replacement so you can make an informed decision.