pristineplumb1, Author at Pristine Plumbing

How to Maintain Your Storm Drain

pristineplumb1 on March 22, 2023

Storm drains are essential to ensuring your property doesn’t flood in the event of a storm. Keeping up with the maintenance of your storm drain will give you peace of mind when the next rainstorm is around the corner, as this will help your neighborhood drain properly and not cause any damage to your home. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about maintaining your storm drain.

What are Storm Drains?

Nearly every street has grated storm drains designed to redirect the flow of water when a rainstorm overtakes a neighborhood. These are necessary to ensure that no flooding takes place and that all of the properties in the area are kept safe. The storm drain closest to you likely has an underground pipe to lead to the main storm drain of your street.

What Causes Storm Drain Clogs?

If you have experienced a rainstorm in your area recently, but your street has been flooded, then your storm drain may be clogged. This can be caused by debris like leaves, dirt, twigs, mud, trash, and other things. If the drain becomes clogged to the point that no water is draining, this is a serious problem for your property, as it could cause water damage to your home.

Consequences of Storm Drain Clogs

If the storm drain outside your home clogs, you could experience terrible water damage to your home, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to repair. Some of the consequences can be water damage, mold damage, basement flooding, landscaping damage, and other issues to deal with.

Ways to Clean & Maintain Your Storm Drain

The easiest way to ensure that your storm drain is always clean is to schedule routine drain cleaning and try to reduce the amount of waste on your property. Here are some tips:

Rake up all leaves
Pick up pet waste right away
Dispose of yard and landscaping debris in a bin or specific container
Ensure your trash cans have fitted lids to prevent the trash from ending up on the street

Pristine Plumbing Can Help You Maintain Your Storm Drain

If your storm drain is starting to become backed up when it’s raining, or you just notice a lot of debris surrounding the drain, contact Pristine Plumbing immediately. The professionals at Pristine Plumbing can remove the debris and ensure everything will drain smoothly when the next rainstorm hits your neighborhood. Call now or visit our website for more information on how to book an appointment with us today!

3 Tips For Giving Your Plumbing a “Green” Makeover This St. Patrick’s Day

pristineplumb1 on March 21, 2023

Forget about wearing green this St. Patrick’s Day! With rising water prices and climate change, homeowners should consider how “green” their plumbing systems are and how they can save “green.”

In this blog, our plumbing experts give a brief overview of three different ways to reduce the environmental impact of any home plumbing system. Saving water is good for the environment and helps homeowners save money on rising utility bills.

Invest in New Eco-Freindly Appliances

One of the best ways to give a plumbing system a “green” plumbing makeover is to invest in new eco-friendly appliances and plumbing fixtures. There have been many modern advancements in plumbing to make new environmentally-friendly appliances much more efficient than their older counterparts.

Water-saving appliances include low-flow showerheads, which reduce the amount of water used during the shower without sacrificing water pressure. There are also eco-friendly toilets that use less water to flush, low water flow sink faucets, and eco-friendly washing machines to consider investing in.

Another eco-friendly appliance installation that homeowners should consider this year is a new touchless faucet. Touchless faucets help homeowners save water by automatically shutting off the water flow when not in use. They also help to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses via the faucet handle while washing dirty hands.

“Green” Plumbing Rules to Follow to Save Water

In addition to installing green appliances, homeowners should do their part to prevent wasting water and money. Eco-friendly habits include being mindful of water conservation and not using an unnecessary amount of water from the plumbing for bathing and cleaning.

It is recommended to take short showers instead of long showers or baths to save the most water. Turning off the water while shaving or shampooing hair can help prevent wasting water in the shower. Homeowners should also turn off the faucet whenever possible when doing the dishes and other cleaning tasks.

Do Not Flush Trash in the Toilet or Drains

Some people get into the bad habit of dropping trash into the toilet and flushing it, but this is terrible for the environment. A general rule of eco-friendly plumbing habits is never to use the toilet as a trash can to dispose of solid waste items. Homeowners should only ever flush toilet paper down the toilet to be safe.

Not only can flushing the wrong things cause a toilet clog and waste water, but it can also damage the environment if chemicals and inorganic materials make their way into the main water line. Wastewater may eventually lead into the ocean, meaning toxic waste such as pharmaceuticals could make its way there and harm ocean life.

About Pristine Plumbing, Inc.

Pristine Plumbing, Inc. is a team of fully licensed, professional plumbers serving their community with plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance. They offer straightforward pricing and 24-hour service so homeowners can have peace of mind when plumbing issues arise. Call them today for plumbing services in Irvine, CA.

What Do I Need to Install a Sump Pump?

pristineplumb1 on February 24, 2023

When heavy rainfall occurs, your home is at risk of water damage. A sump pump can help alleviate those worries. Sump pumps provide a simple solution to keep water from damaging your basement or foundation.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a motor unit installed in the basement or foundation of your home. It has water-sensing valves that can help pump water out of the basement and move it to another location, like the side of your house or a designated draining system. Sump pumps are usually placed in a basin below the floor to collect water at the lowest point of your home, then remove it.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

If you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall or is prone to flooding and has poor drainage systems in place, then a sump pump could be a great investment for your home. Unattended water can cause serious damage to your home and the structural integrity of its foundation. This could cause mold growth, warp your baseboards, and weaken your home through rotting and cracks. Overall, a sump pump can end up saving you money and the hassle of dealing with all of these things by preventing them in the first place.

How Much Does a Sump Pump Cost?

Installing a sump pump can be pricey, but the amount of money it can save you makes this a worthwhile investment. Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,000-1,500 for the unit and professional installation. For just the unit, you can expect to pay around $300.

Can You Install Your Own Sump Pump?

While it can be done, we don’t advise making a sump pump installation a do-it-yourself project. If your sump pump is installed incorrectly, or installed in the wrong location, the resulting cost of fixing this mistake will double what would have been your original installation cost with a professional. This is a project that is best saved for the professionals. Furthermore, a professional plumber will be able to recommend the best type of sump pump for your home’s needs, which can be hard to decipher on your own.

Services with Pristine

If you’re located in the Orange County area, the professionals at Pristine Plumbing have got you covered for all things related to sump pump installation. Our team of experts know exactly what you need to get through heavy storms without experiencing any water damage. Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you today!

The Pros and Cons of Hydro Jetting

pristineplumb1 on February 3, 2023

Have a slow-draining sink, clogged drain, or other issues with a build-up in your pipes? Hydro jetting may be the best solution for you. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of hydro jetting to help you decide if this is right for you.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is utilizing highly pressurized water to remove grime and build-up in your pipes. This method can break down tough sludge stuck in your pipes and help water run smoothly again. Essentially, this shoots water through your pipes at such a high pressure that it can clear away nearly any obstructions.

The Process of Hydro Jetting

If you hire a professional plumber to clear out your pipes, they will use a hose connected to a machine to create intense water pressure. But, before they start the process they will conduct a video inspection to check out the condition of your home’s piping system. If the pipes are old, this method will not work, as the pressure can break pipes if they are structurally unsound. If your pipes are in good condition, then the plumber will continue with their plan to hydro jet the grime away. A professional plumber will know the perfect amount of pressure to apply in order to remove the sludge without damaging the pipes. It’s essential to work with an experienced plumber when committing to hydro jetting, as it can cause severe damage if done incorrectly.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydro Jetting

Pros:

It unclogs everything, as opposed to a snake drain that may only offer a temporary solution.
It is non-invasive, meaning no ground has to be broken in order for this to work.
It is safe, especially if you are working with an experienced contractor.
It is environmentally friendly since there are no harsh chemicals involved; this is a sustainable solution to clogged pipes.

Cons:

It can damage old pipes.
It is not a project that can be DIY’ed. You will need a professional to perform hydro jetting.
It uses an excessive amount of water.

Services with Pristine Plumbing

If you suspect that your pipes are clogged up, or it’s been a long time since you know your pipes have been thoroughly cleaned, then it may be time to call in a plumber to hydro jet your plumbing system. In the greater Orange County area, call Pristine Plumbers to get the job done right. The plumbing experts at Pristine can handle any situation with care.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

pristineplumb1 on January 26, 2023

A sump pump helps remove water from the lowest point of your house by pumping it to a drainage system outside your house. This helps prevent severe damage to your home from pooled water sitting for long periods of time.

What Sump Pump Do You Need?

The different types of sump pumps are submersible, pedestal, battery-operated, water-powered, and combination. It’s important to select a sump pump that fits your house’s specific needs. Each different type of sump pump comes in variations with varying levels of horsepower, so it’s essential to choose one that has the adequate horsepower for the size of your home, but not too much that it overwhelms your electricity bill.

Types of Sump Pump Switches

There are multiple types of sump pumps that operate in different ways, but for sump pumps that operate on a switch system, here’s how it works. A switch allows the pump to be turned on without someone manually pressing a button, but there are different switches for different purposes. Let’s dive into it.

Pressure Switch: This type automatically senses the amount of pressure from the water, then triggers the pump to turn on.
Vertical Float Switch: This type is a magnet that slides up and down on a rod depending on the level of water. When the float rises, the pump turns on. When the float goes down, the pump switches off.
Tethered Float Switch: This switch floats in the pump basin. It turns on when the float cannot float any higher which tugs on the tether, then an electrical signal is sent to activate the water removal pump. Conversely, if the float is too low, it will turn off the pump.
Electronic Switch: This type automatically senses the water levels in the basin and switches on when it reaches a certain height.
Diaphragm Switch: This switch flips out as the pressure rises, and flips in when the pressure lowers in order to get the water pumped out.

Pristine Plumbing

If you are having trouble deciding which sump pump would be best for your home, call in the professionals at Pristine Plumbing to help you understand what would work best for your house. Visit our website or call to schedule an appointment today

What is a Sump Pump?`

pristineplumb1 on January 19, 2023

In an emergency or major flood, preventing water from entering your home and pooling up at your house’s lowest point is difficult. Regardless of preventative measures taken, there will likely be water left over from floods or heavy storm periods that pools in your basement. This is where a sump pump comes in to save the day. A sump pump is specifically designed to protect your home from possible structural damage in the event of a flood or major storm.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a device that removes water from your home, specifically from the basement. It displaces the water to the outside of your home to reduce the risk of damages caused by still water. The sump pump is installed in a sump, a hole naturally constructed beneath the main surface of your basement floor. The sump pump is placed into this pit in the ground and is equipped with valves that evaluate the water levels or differences in pressure. If water levels get too high, the sump pump will automatically start removing water from the basement and pump it to the outside of the home. The discharge line that connects the sump pump to a specific draining area outside is called an effluent.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are five types of sump pumps: pedestal sump pumps, submersible sump pumps, battery backup sump pumps, and combination sump pumps. They each accomplish the same overall goal, but let’s dive into the other features that they offer and why you should each one.

Pedestal Sump Pump

This is usually the cheapest sump pump option available. It is also the most common type of sump pump. It’s built with a motor mounted high on a rod to keep it dry, which also makes it simple for repairs to be made. These sump pumps are typically long and skinny, which makes for the perfect sump pump in some pits that wouldn’t fit a traditional-sized pump.

Submersible Sump Pumps

This type of sump pump is fully underwater at the base of a sump pump pit. The motor on this type of pump is fully wrapped in a waterproof casing. This option tends to be more expensive at the point of purchase but usually lasts longer than its counterparts, which makes it more cost-effective in the long run.

Battery Backup Sump Pump

This is a great type of pump to have in case of an emergency. If your power goes out during a rainstorm, this battery-powered pump can help keep your basement dry for over 12 hours.

Combination Sump Pump

This type of sump pump is a traditional pump, with a backup battery-powered sump pump included. This helps keep your pump running during an emergency. This backup pump can also kick in when the primary pump is overwhelmed by water, which can make water drain much faster than with a traditional pump alone.

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

This type of pump clears out excess water by increasing water pressure. Essentially, there’s no need for electricity, which is great in case of an emergency power outage. However, some areas do not allow for this type of sump pump because the use of additional water can be wasteful.

Pristine Plumbing

If you’re looking to replace your sump pump or install a new one, look no further than the professionals at Pristine Plumbing. They have all the knowledge and experience needed to help you decipher the perfect sump pump for your home or business. Reach out today!

How Hydro Jetting Works

pristineplumb1 on January 6, 2023

Do you experience slow drains and recurring clogs in your home? This can be a frustrating situation, but beyond causing daily annoyances, this can also contribute to sewer backups and ultimately contaminate your water supply. If this is a constant problem in your house, there are practical solutions to eradicate the issue, like hydro jetting. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about hydro jetting.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting removes debris from pipes and clears out blockages through the use of high-pressure water jets. This is a non-invasive plumbing solution that can help unclog plumbing systems without removing any piping. In order to receive this service, a plumber will conduct an inspection on your home. Once they find the ideal spot to insert the hose, they can start the process of hydro jetting your pipes. Hydro jetting hoses can shoot out 20 gallons of water a minute, which can force the debris through the pipes and into the sewer system. This method is extremely successful and works very well, regardless of whether the pipe has grease or mineral build-up.

When is Hydro Jetting Necessary?

Plumbers will opt for hydro jetting if the plumbing system has constant clogs and slow drainage. Since this issue can contaminate your whole house’s water supply if the sewer is backed up for long enough, it would be an important time to utilize hydro jetting to clear out the entire system. If you have drains that are consistently clogged and create a smelly situation when they are backed up, you might need hydro jetting. Plumbers can inspect the situation and create a plan of action.

Risks of Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting when not necessary can ruin the plumbing system in place, so it’s important to work with a professional plumber to assess the damage and decide if hydro jetting is right for your plumbing problem. If your home’s pipes have a root infestation, then hydro jetting might further damage the pipes and create a larger issue. In addition, if the pipe’s waterproof coating is damaged, then hydro jetting can cause further damage. Because of these risks, it is imperative to hire a professional plumbing company to assess the situation before taking action.

Pristine Plumbing

If your home has severe clogging, it’s time to call in professional plumbers to perform a full inspection of your plumbing system. If you’re located in Orange County, call the reliable team at Pristine Plumbing to help get the job done. Visit our website or call now to schedule a visit right away.

Tips to select a quality water filter

pristineplumb1 on December 14, 2022

Why is it essential to select a high-quality water filter? Well, the short answer is to maintain the health of the people in your home. All water from every sink or faucet in your home will come through a filter, so it’s imperative that your filter is actually filtering out the bad stuff, and allowing your family to have access to clean, safe water for all their water needs.

Tap water can contain unhealthy chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides. Thankfully, these harmful contaminants can be removed from your home with a high-quality water filter.

First of all, decide if you would like to filter your drinking water only, or filter all contaminants from the water that runs throughout your entire home. This will help you narrow down the filters you should look into.

How does your water become contaminated?

Not all water companies comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements, and the EPA does not regulate every possible contaminant that could end up in your water. So, what can increase the chances of your home’s water having harmful contaminants in it? A multitude of factors can go into this, such as your home’s proximity to the industrial plants, where your water is sourced, the age of plumbing fixtures in your home, and storm runoff entering the sewer system.

Common Contaminants

Some common types of contaminants are:

Lead
PFAS
Arsenic
Fluoride
Pathogens
Perchlorates
Pharmaceuticals
Household cleaners
Radioactive materials

In order to know which types of contaminants are in your water supply, you can purchase an at-home water testing kit, or hire a plumber to come and test your water for you.

Types of Filters

Here are 5 types of filters you might opt for to remove these contaminants from your home:

Shower Filter – mainly eliminates chlorine from your water system to reduce the effects on your skin while showering
Refrigerator Water Filter – eliminates contaminants that come through your refrigerator water dispenser and ice maker
Faucet Water Filter – eliminates contaminants from exiting the faucet head, the most inexpensive option
Under-Sink Water Filter – eliminates contaminants from sink faucets through an under-sink installation
Whole House Water Filter – eliminates contaminants throughout the entire house in one filtration system

Pristine Plumbing

Got questions about how to choose which water filter is right for your home? Reach out to the professional team at Pristine Plumbing to help you pick out the perfect solution for your house.

How is a Slab Leak Created?

pristineplumb1 on December 14, 2022

Slab leaks can be every homeowners worst nightmare, since they can be hard to detect leak before damage is done. Once you recognize any signs, you need to act quickly, as these slab leaks can cause a lot of damage very quickly.

What is a Slab Leak?

A slab is the concrete foundation which most houses are built on. Typically, there are water pipes and sewer lines running underneath the concrete slab. If one of these lines bursts or has a crack in it, it can result in a slab leak. This type of damage needs to be addressed immediately, as it can cause a huge amount of damage in a short period of time.

How Common are Slab Leaks?

Homes that are built with copper or galvanized steel pipes are more prone to slab leaks since these types of pipes are prone to corrosion. This is particularly common for older homes. Also, slab leaks are more likely to occur after an earthquake or soil erosion.

Signs of a Slab Leak

Here are a few signs that you may have a slab leak:

Damp smell
Heaving foundation
Low water pressure
Uneven growth in garden plants
Dampness in walls, floors, and ceilings
Unexplainable increase in water or heating bills
Water puddles along the perimeter of the house
Running water meter when all appliances are turned off
Water stains, warm spots, or raised “dome” in your floor/carpeting

How to Fix a Slab Leak

It is important to hire a professional team of plumbers to check out your slab leak. This is the specific order of key steps that the plumber will go through:

Find the specific leak location. The plumber will utilize special equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the of the leak.
Find the best solution. Next, the plumber and their team will give you a few options depending on the severity of your situation.
Remove the concrete slab. Once the plumber finds the exact location of the leak, and comes up with the best solution, they will need to rip up the concrete slab to fix it.

Once these steps are complete, the plumber and their team will work on and complete the project, then you will be all set.

Services with Pristine Plumbing

If you’re located in Orange County, then reach out to the professionals at Pristine Plumbing to help you fix your slab leak with no issues. You can trust our reliable and skilled team of professionals to help you complete any project or fix any issues with ease. We’re available 24/7, so call now for services, or if you are concerned that you might have a slab leak.

Baking Soda and Vinegar for Drain Cleaner

pristineplumb1 on November 10, 2022

Are you experiencing a slow-draining sink or shower drain? Lucky for you, some items you probably have lying around can help dissolve the clog in your pipes and make things flow smoothly again in no time! Let’s dive into the pros and cons of using baking soda and white vinegar to help clean your drains!

Can You Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar?

The answer is yes, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean a clogged drain out. Baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, is a common kitchen item that works well to break down mineral deposits and grease. This makes it an excellent household cleaning agent to have on hand. When baking soda combines with distilled white vinegar, the reaction can help move clogs through your pipes and get water to flow freely again.

How to Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Let’s break down how to use baking soda and distilled white vinegar to clean out your drains:

Boil water (or heat it up in the microwave)
Pour the hot water down the drain with a bit of grease-fighting dish soap
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain
Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain
Wait until the fizzing stops
Pour more hot water down the drain to flush everything out

If your drain isn’t flowing smoothly after this cleaning session, keep reading to find out what to do next.

Should You Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar?

The baking soda and vinegar solution may be effective in breaking down some clogs, but if used too often, this chemical reaction can have negative effects on your drain system. Baking soda has a naturally abrasive nature, which can over time, wear down your pipes. If you’re dealing with clogs, baking soda and vinegar drain cleaning solutions are helpful. But if the problem becomes too consistent, it’s best to seek professional help to avoid potentially depleting your pipes.

Services at Pristine Plumbing

If you are looking for an alternative solution to clean out your drains, or the baking soda and vinegar failed to fully remove the clog, call the professionals a Pristine Plumbing. Servicing all of Orange County, Pristine Plumbing is available to clean out your drains and remove clogs. Call now to set up an appointment or visit our website.

Stay Connected:

What are Storm Drains?

What Causes Storm Drain Clogs?

Consequences of Storm Drain Clogs

Ways to Clean & Maintain Your Storm Drain

Pristine Plumbing Can Help You Maintain Your Storm Drain

Invest in New Eco-Freindly Appliances

“Green” Plumbing Rules to Follow to Save Water

Do Not Flush Trash in the Toilet or Drains

About Pristine Plumbing, Inc.

What is a Sump Pump?

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

How Much Does a Sump Pump Cost?

Can You Install Your Own Sump Pump?

Services with Pristine

What is Hydro Jetting?

The Process of Hydro Jetting

What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydro Jetting

Services with Pristine Plumbing

What Sump Pump Do You Need?

Types of Sump Pump Switches

Pristine Plumbing

What is a sump pump?

Types of Sump Pumps

Pedestal Sump Pump

Submersible Sump Pumps

Battery Backup Sump Pump

Combination Sump Pump

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

Pristine Plumbing

What is Hydro Jetting?

When is Hydro Jetting Necessary?

Risks of Hydro Jetting

Pristine Plumbing

How does your water become contaminated?

Common Contaminants

Types of Filters

Pristine Plumbing

What is a Slab Leak?

How Common are Slab Leaks?

Signs of a Slab Leak

How to Fix a Slab Leak

Services with Pristine Plumbing

Can You Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar?

How to Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Should You Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar?

Services at Pristine Plumbing

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License #: 922736

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