Water damage from broken pipes is a common homeowner's insurance claim, often caused by plumbing leaks or appliance malfunctions like toilet flooding or burst pipes. Sudden, unpredictable incidents are typically covered, but policies vary, so check with your agent. Regular maintenance, like inspecting pipes, caulking seals, and checking appliance hoses, can prevent issues. In cold climates, insulate pipes to prevent freezing. Shut off the water supply to appliances when away, and never leave them running unattended.

Plumbing noises like vibrations or banging may stem from improperly secured pipes. Metal water supply pipes transmit sound waves, especially as water flows, creating eddies and vibrations. To quiet them, remove obstructions or secure pipes with plastic clamps if accessible. Expansion and contraction of metal pipes can also cause noise. High water pressure can lead to water hammer, where abrupt shut-off causes pipes to flex and bang. Installing water hammer arrestors on affected lines can solve this issue.

Properly sized water pipes ensure adequate water pressure for multiple fixtures. Consult with a licensed plumber during construction to determine the correct pipe size according to plumbing codes. Using foam pipe insulation during construction can reduce noise from water running through pipes. If experiencing loud water noises in your new home, consider insulating exposed pipes. City Plumbing pro offers professional assistance for residential plumbing issues.

Copper and PEX are common materials for plumbing. Copper is durable and resistant to bacteria and corrosion, but can be expensive and susceptible to freezing. PEX is flexible, quick to install, and doesn't corrode or freeze, but isn't suitable for outdoor use and may be prone to water contamination and rodent damage. City Plumbing pro offers reliable residential plumbing services for all pipe types.

Hard water buildup, caused by minerals like calcium, can lead to plumbing issues. While acids can dissolve calcium, it's rare in copper pipes. Installing a water softener is the best solution. CLR drain cleaner can help externally but isn't recommended for long-term use due to toxicity. Removing calcium from inside copper pipes is difficult and not recommended for drinking water. Vinegar may help but requires extensive flushing. Consider replacing pipes with PEX, which resists mineral buildup. City Plumbing pro plumbers can assess and offer solutions for your pipes.

Root intrusion into drain lines occurs through holes in pipe joints. Cutting roots inside pipes doesn't eliminate those in joints, allowing them to grow larger and pressure pipe interiors. Eventually, roots can break pipes, allowing soil to enter. Camera inspection reveals pipe condition and root presence, helping plan for eventual replacement.

When investigating sewer problems, there are all kinds of ways to plug a pipe below ground. We have test balls that can be inserted through a clean-out and then blown up to stop the flow of water. This allows the water to be pumped from the pipe and so it can be inspected with a special camera to determine any required corrective action. Most City Plumbing pro locations have equipment necessary to detect and solve underground pipe problems.

This type of drain can be cleaned with a typical main snake, a water jetter, or if the clog is not too big, you may be able to force it out with a blow bag. A normal main machine would be my choice, because it pushes the debris out of the pipe, chops up any roots and scrapes the inside of the pipe clean. A jetter will clean any sand and debris out of the pipe by using 2,500 pounds of water pressure to flush the pipe, removing sludge and debris from the inside pipe walls. A blow bag is a device that expands in the pipe until it locks in place, then fills the pipe with water pressure. This device breaks through the clog, but doesn't remove all of the debris or scrape the pipe clean.