Waco, Texas (PRWEB) April 18, 2013 -- When tree or bush roots grow through a crack or a bad joint in a pipe, it’s called root intrusion. Roots from trees and bushes hundreds of yards away can do significant damage to a plumbing system. The older the pipe, the more susceptible it is to cracks, breaks and deformations, thereby making it more likely to become a victim of root intrusion.

Since root intrusion can cause a major blockage in plumbing systems, it’s important to look for warning signs to avoid a plumbing emergency. To do so, pay attention to the lowest plumbing fixtures in your home.

For instance, after a bath or shower, look for the water to drain in a swirling, cyclonic action. If it does not, it could mean a sudden backup or flooding is waiting to strike. To prevent any damage, call a qualified, licensed plumber.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) January 05, 2013 -- “If pipes do freeze,” says Beall, “the first sign may be a faucet that refuses to yield water. But all too often, the freeze-up is announced by a flood from a break.” Water expands about 8 per cent in volume as it begins to freeze, generating pressure that splits pipes, especially where expansion is impeded by joints or bends. “Ice may form throughout a long straight section of supply line before it meets and obstruction and cracks the pipe; thus, says Beall, “the entire length of pipe that supplies a stopped faucet should be considered suspect, both for ice blockages and leaks.”

LUMBERTON, NJ – BLANCO, German innovator of finely-crafted sinks and faucets, debuts educational how-to videos on www.blancoamerica.com. The videos offer step-by-step tutorials designed to answer the most frequently asked questions about sinks and faucets including: 1) How-to clean a SILGRANIT® II sink 2) How-to change a ceramic faucet disk cartridge and 3) How-to select a stainless steel sink.

BLANCO’s short how-to videos offer expert tips and advice from purchasing a sink or faucet to maintaining one for the long term. BLANCO plans to continuously update this online channel with new videos ongoing (on topics such as how to buy a faucet or how to green your kitchen).

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) December 11, 2012  -- “You must pick a drainpipe diameter large enough to keep the fluid from slowing down (you need at least 2-ft. per second) and to allow air in the pipe at all times,” says Mr Rooter. Bob Beall, master plumber and owner of Mr Rooter Plumbing, offers free expert plumbing advice daily to consumers in the Southwest Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio region.

“Practically speaking, there are four different pipe diameters to work with: 1 1/2 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch, and 4 inch,” says Beall. Mr Rooter recommends staying away from 1 1/4 inch because its small diameter can become easily clogged and fill with water.

“There are very complicated tables the consumer can use to help choose minimum pipe diameters, but the following simple tips will keep you out of trouble,” says the most referred and trusted plumber in Pittsburgh and Youngstown.

The sink drain in the home is an important part of everyday activities. Home owners use their drain for washing dishes, disposing of food garbage and many other uses. The drain needs to stay clear to be able to provide home owners with access to water and the ability to clean but sometimes the drain can become clogged. A clogged drain can become an aggravation to home owners as anything you try to do with the sink will be delayed until the drain is unclogged. Thankfully, there are a few steps that can be taken to avoid a clogged drain. Follow the tips below to avoid this issue.

Boiling Water

One of the best ways to prevent a clogged drain is with boiling water. Once every week, home owners should take a pot of water and boil it. The water should then be used to flush the drain. This option takes just a few minutes and is an eco-friendly way to keep your drain clear. No harmful chemicals are used and you can keep your drain free and clear of clogs.

CINCINNATI, Nov. 27, 2012 -- When pipes freeze, water pressure builds causing cracks, whether the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash 250 gallons of water in a single day.  Cracked pipes are one thing but, the real problem comes when the pipes begin to unfreeze.  If you're planning on traveling for the holiday season, take the proper steps to ensure your home's plumbing system will survive the cold and your house is protected from disaster.

If you have a house sitter, leave them instructions for turning off the main water supply to your home, should a problem arise.

It's 4 p.m. Saturday and you're cooking dinner for a big crowd, and suddenly, the kitchen sink backs up. Whom do you call? Or can you fix it yourself before guests arrive? Believe it or not, before you call a plumber, you can attempt this job yourself and probably succeed.

In fact, there are several plumbing jobs around the house that you can take on, if you're patient and careful and have the right equipment. Of course, many readers may find the following jobs pretty basic. But if you're a new homeowner, you might want to read further:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) October 02, 2012 -- “Whenever it is necessary to change an element in an electric heater, leave the heater unused over a freezing winter, or when the heater needs cleaning, it must be drained,” according to Bob Beall, master plumber and president of Mr Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh.

An electric water heater will need to be drained prior to replacing the unit, as well.

According to Mr Rooter, “to drain a heater open both its drain valve and the T&P valve (or a hot water faucet in the house) to break the vacuum the water will pull as it drains.” Beall adds, without breaking the vacuum, some water will always stay in the heater.

TRADE SECRET: Hard water can build scale that reaches the bottom element in a just a few months. If the heater is not drained, the element will be covered by the scale and burn up.

Cleveland OH (PRWEB) September 17, 2012 -- Restoration Local, one of the leading providers of water restoration service in the country, is offering tips to property owners on beginning the winterizing process for homes and businesses. The change in seasons often leaves structures more prone to water damage problems, and it is always recommended to take proactive measures to defend against leaks and flooding.

As fall begins, winter isn’t very far behind, which means ample opportunity for snow, ice, and other probems that can be sources of water damage. The following are recommended approaches for minimizing this threat.