The Importance Of Regular Drain Cleaning Service For Your Home

4/10/2023

As a homeowner in NOLA, you know that plumbing issues can quickly become a nightmare. One of the most common problems homeowners face is clogged drains. A clogged drain can cause water to back up, leading to water damage and potential health hazards. That’s why regular drain cleaning service is crucial for maintaining a healthy and safe home.

How Clogged Drains Affect Your Home

Clogged drains can cause a variety of issues in your home. They can lead to slow draining water, foul odors, and sewage backup. These problems can cause water damage and mold growth. In addition, clogged drains can create health hazards by attracting pests and promoting the growth of bacteria.

With the help of our professional plumbers, you can avoid clogs from ever occurring. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about our drain cleaning procedure or to schedule an appointment.

Regular Drain Cleaning Prevents Backups

When you invest in drain cleaning, it can prevent future backups that present hygiene and aesthetic issues. When you remove buildup from your pipes, water flows more smoothly, making your entire plumbing system more efficient. This can also increase the lifespan of your drains and pipes.

Regular drain cleaning can remove debris and bacteria that create bad smells and potential backups. Create a healthier, more pleasant environment at home by calling our team to clean your drains.

Signs Your Drains Need Cleaning

How do you know if your drains need cleaning? There are signs that indicate an issue that can be solved by regular drain cleaning. For one thing, frequent backups may indicate a problem throughout your sewer line. If you notice foul smells coming from your drains, it’s a sure sign that bacteria has built up, and that may indicate that you’re likely to have a clog if you leave the issue unaddressed.

Why Hire a Professional Drain Cleaner?

With professional drain cleaning, you know that the job gets done right. DIY tools can’t reach deep into the pipes to remove debris. However, our drain cleaning service encompasses the right tools and expertise needed to get your plumbing system back in working order. So, contact us for preventative maintenance that will keep your plumbing in top condition.

Choosing the Right Drain Cleaning Company

Choose a drain cleaning company with an outstanding track record. Our team of experienced, licensed, plumbers have experience addressing the unique needs of plumbing systems in Louisiana. We feel confident offering a satisfaction guarantee because our well-trained plumbers know what they’re doing! If you aren’t happy, we haven’t finished the job.

Trust bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans for Your Drain Cleaning Needs

At bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy plumbing system. That’s why we offer professional cleaning service for drains to homeowners in NOLA and the surrounding areas. Our plumbers use the latest technology to identify and address any issues in your plumbing system quickly.

Here are a few reasons why customers call us first for outstanding drain cleaning service:

• Prevent blockages: Drain blockages occur when dirt and debris clog your pipes. This includes hair, grease, and soap scum. Plumbing blockages often result in water backing up into sinks, toilets, and tubs. Regular drain cleaning can remove the buildup of debris and prevent clogs.
• Reduce odors: Over time, organic matter such as food waste and hair accumulates in your drains. This may result in bad smells, but you can call us to clean your drains and improve the smell throughout your home or business. Our service eliminates odors at the source.
• Save money on repairs: Plumbing issues can be expensive to repair, so we recommend a proactive approach that includes regular service.
• Keep your plumbing system running better: When your drains are clean and free of blockages, your entire plumbing system works more efficiently. This could result in pipes that last longer and save you money on future repairs.
• Protect your property: Water damage caused by overflowing drains can be expensive to repair. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent this damage from occurring, protecting your property from costly repairs and damage.

How Can Cleaning Remove Bacteria?

Organic matter builds up in your pipes and your drains can provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Our safe cleaning materials kill bacteria and germs but do not harm your pipes or fixtures. Bacteria left behind by organic matter can cause you or your family members to become ill. Therefore, it’s important to have your drains cleaned professionally to make your home or business a safer place to be.

How Can Cleaning the Drains Make My Pipes Last Longer?

When you keep your drains clean, it can extend the life of your plumbing system because clogs place pressure on the pipes, which results in unnecessary wear and tear. If you wish to save money on repairs and pipe replacement, we highly recommend regular drain cleaning.

Feel free to ask about other plumbing maintenance to keep your sewer line running smoothly.

Maintain a Healthy Environment

Do you want to promote a healthy environment in your home or business? You can prevent mold and other harmful substances from growing in your pipes with drain cleaning by our experienced professionals. Prevent the spread of illnesses and diseases by killing germs and bacteria that cause them.

If you want peace of mind, regular drain cleaning can keep your plumbing system functioning properly. Protecting your property from unhygienic germs are bacteria that accumulate and unmaintained drains. You can also gain peace of mind and avoid the stress of expensive plumbing issues with a little proactive maintenance.

Contact bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans today to schedule your drain cleaning service and keep your plumbing system in top condition.

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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The Major Benefits Of Professional Drain Cleaning Service

There are many steps to taking care of a home, but one of the most important unseen areas to tackle is the drain systems. These drains work throughout the day to move dirty water and waste material out of the home, keeping it healthy and safe. Yet, over time, it goes without saying that drains can become clogged and built up with a significant amount of debris, which poses a high risk to any home. Drain cleaning service can help to fix this, reducing the risk of backups, improving the overall flow of water, and enhancing overall sanitary conditions in the home.

Why Invest in This Plumbing Task

Without a doubt, cleaning service is necessary for virtually every home. Yet, very few property owners recognize the risks of not having professional service on a routine basis. With routine care, though, you may see a significant improvement in the movement of water through the home’s pipes and lines, helping you to avoid what could be a dangerous buildup otherwise. Consider some of the most important reasons to invest in cleaning service.

#1: Reduce the Risk of Clogs

A clog can occur without any warning. If something goes down the drain that should not, that could cause a build up to occur and limit water flow. However, many clogs develop because the drain lines become so built up with material along the interior walls that the amount of room available for water and waste to flow down and through them is very limited. This ultimately leads to a buildup that is hard to wash away.

A clog is more likely to happen as a result of this buildup, and that means it is critical for homeowners to invest in routine cleaning service to help flush the lines clean, helping to eliminate this problem from occurring.

#2: Remove Root Systems from Drains

One of the other common causes of backed up drain lines is the development of roots within them. The roots can grow into the lines as they seek out water. This can happen more aggressively in areas with new growth and in dryer conditions, but it can occur anywhere in the region. The roots around your water lines and sewer lines are powerful enough to break into them, causing damage and creating a blockage.

Drain cleaning service helps to pinpoint this risk so that it can be dealt with properly. The process typically only takes a few minutes, but washing away those lines and ensuring nothing builds up within them is a critical investment in your home. This can help to prevent ongoing threats to the entire drain system.

#3: Get Rid of Odors

Many times, no matter how much you clean your home, you may find that some of the drains have a scent to them. Do not pour any chemicals down the drain. Instead, work with a service to clean the interior lines properly. This process will help to strip away all of the built up material that forms on the inner components, which often restricts the flow of water and allows for bacteria to grow. The odor you smell is likely from that bacteria as well as mold development.

#4: Reduce the Risk of Leaks

Imagine a drain pipe that is blocked and backed up with material from a lack of cleansing. Over time, the pathway for wastewater to move through is very limited. That leads to a significant buildup of water that causes added pressure to the joints of those lines. Sometimes, this is one of the reasons why a leak will develop. You may notice that leak if it is in the ceiling or behind a wall, but other times, it is hidden under the foundation of the home. It still happens, and it can be very expensive to repair.

With cleaning service, you can remove that material to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place. It helps to ensure that water moves quickly and easily out of the way, eliminating any type of backup that could lead to too much pressure.

#5: Prevent Damage to the Home

Drain cleaning service is a type of preventative maintenance. When you do not have your drains or sewers cleaned, there is a heightened risk of a backup. That could mean that sewage and other materials back up from the floor drains into your home. This creates a very big problem. Not only does it mean you have bacteria and sewage in your home’s lowest floors, but it also means there is a high risk for mold growth. This can create a dangerous situation for homeowners, especially those that may lose a substantial amount of their belongings from a backup.

How to Know When to Call for Help

There are many times when you should call for cleaning service. That includes:

• When you notice there is an odor coming from the drains.
• When the sinks drain slowly.
• If you are seeing water buildup at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• When water comes back up from the drain, after going down.
• You hear gurgling noises coming from the system.

In addition to this, it is often a good idea to have your drain lines cleaned at least one time every other year, or if you have had problems with them in the past, consider doing this at least annually. Having a team come out to inspect your lines can help you minimize the risk of backups occurring over time. The key is to make sure you are handling this type of service on a routine basis.

How Our Team Can Help You

We strive to provide you with the support you need to keep your home’s drain clean and free-moving. When you contact bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, you will get exceptional support from us throughout the process. If you need drain cleaning service, call us today.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Steps To Take Before Calling An Emergency Plumber

Picture this, it’s late at night, you walk and open the bathroom door to answer nature’s call, but your first step into the bathroom is met with a slosh. Before you know it, your socks are soaking, so you turn on the lights only to find out your entire bathroom is flooded. You panic, but only briefly because you remember you can call an emergency plumber to address the issue quickly.
This is a scenario most homeowners in Louisiana are all too familiar with. While 24-hour plumbers can save the day, there are a few steps to take before calling one to ensure you truly need one.

Here are a few things you can do before calling the plumber during an emergency.

Turn Off the Water

The first thing you should do when you suspect a plumbing emergency is to turn off the main water supply. This not only reduces the extent of the damage but also stops wasting water. Turn off the water supply before your entire home gets flooded and your flooring, electrical appliances, and devices get damaged.

Determine Whether It Qualifies as an Emergency

Discovering a leaky pipe in the middle of the night doesn’t automatically make it an emergency. Some plumbing issues are just that and aren’t actual emergencies. These issues can wait till the next day or business day for a standard plumber to check them out.

The first step is determining whether the problem is an emergency. Plumbing issues that qualify as emergencies include:

• Severe flooding
• Sewage backup
• Frozen pipes
• Water heater malfunction
• Burst pipes
• Main valve failure

Don’t call a plumber for an emergency if you can wait till morning to solve the issue. Instead, turn off the main water supply at the shutoff valve and wait till morning. This will save you a lot of trouble, and you won’t have to pay a premium price for emergency plumbing services.

Cordon Off the Flooded Area

Flooded regions of the house pose a safety threat to you and your family members. Sewage water might contain contaminants and other bacteria that may compromise your health. Remember, you don’t have to ingest sewer water to get a bacterial infection. Coming into contact with sewage water can result in illnesses like gastroenteritis and bilharzia.

Electrical outlets and devices near the flooded region put you at risk of electrocution. Electricity and water don’t mix, so ensure you block off access to these areas to prevent electrocution. You can also consider cutting off power to the room at the circuit breaker. Doing so eliminates the risk of injury and an electrical fire.

Diagnose the Issue

Most, if not all, emergency plumbing issues are impossible to fix without professional help from a professional plumber. However, sometimes visual inspection can help you pinpoint the problem. Check for any signs of a burst pipe, leaky fixtures, and sewage backup. Also, consider calling your municipal system in cases where your house has no water. The issue might be with the main water supply.

Diagnosing the issue makes the plumber’s job a lot easier. That way, they can swoop in, work their magic and restore your plumbing to normal functioning within the shortest possible time.

Sniff for Any Gas Leakage

If you have a gas-powered water heater that’s acting up, be sure to check for any gas leaks. These leaks are hazardous and could lead to your house going up in flames. It’s worth noting that smoke detectors don’t detect gas leaks, and you’ll have to pick up the scent of leaking with your nose.

If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home and call 911 or the fire department immediately. The longer you stay in your home, the more you risk your life and your home. After doing so, call your gas company to determine your home’s safety. Only call a plumber once the gas company declares your home safe to get into.

What to Say to the Plumber When You Call

After you’ve conclusively established you have a plumbing emergency, you can call an emergency plumber to end the mess. Here’s what to say during the call.

Ask for the Service Call Quote

Most 24-hour plumbers in Louisiana will charge a fee for answering emergencies during odd hours. This fee is known as a service call care and varies from one emergency plumber to the next. Ask how much the service call costs to help with your financial organization for the emergency plumbing service.

Give Particular Details About the Problem

The plumber expected to deal with your emergency must understand your plumbing system’s issue before they can give you a quote. The more details you give about the problem, the better the plumber can estimate the repair cost. However, be sure to give information you only understand. Avoid trying to sound smart or talking about information you saw on the internet. This will only confuse the plumber into giving you an inaccurate quote.

Request a Repair Cost Estimate

Repair costs from the bulk of the plumber’s estimate because it covers labor and costs for replacement costs. An accurate description of the problem should help the plumber estimate a fair quote for the repairs, which gives you an idea of what you should expect to pay the plumber. However, this quote is subject to change after professional diagnosis by the plumber, but not by much.

Request Multiple Quotes

It’s always a good idea to call several plumbers to receive multiple quotes. That way, you can find a plumber who falls within your budget. Avoid going for the cheapest plumber, or you might just end up getting what you pay for. Instead, pick one with a reasonable quote that aligns with standard rates.

Get Emergency Plumbing Services Immediately

Plumbing emergencies happen at the worst possible times, but you have nothing to worry about with a licensed emergency plumber on call. At bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, our 24-hour plumbers are eager to solve your plumbing emergency outside regular hours, like late at night, during weekends, and holidays. Contact us today for emergency plumbing services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Signs You Are Working With An Honest Plumber

One of the greatest worries for homeowners when hiring a plumber is whether or not they can trust them. If you ask this question, you are likely looking for an honest and reliable professional who will do the job without cutting corners. But how can you tell if your prospective plumbing technician is trustworthy? This blog post provides distinct signs that your plumbing professional is honest and dependable – ensuring more peace of mind.

Organization and Cleanliness

When choosing a plumbing service provider, organization and cleanliness can speak volumes about their professionalism and honesty. A well-organized and tidy technician is a sign of someone who takes pride in their work and is committed to providing quality service. You can expect an honest service provider to have a clean work area, neatly stacked tools, and a well-maintained vehicle.

Professionals who take pride in their craft will show up to your home with an organized workspace. An honest technician will also take the time to lay down drop cloths, move furniture if necessary, and clean up after themselves. After they finish the job, they will take the time to put everything back in its place and leave your home looking better than when they arrived. So, if you’re looking for an honest technician, pay attention to the organization and cleanliness they display – it could be a good indicator of their integrity and commitment to quality work.

Transparency and Communication

The importance of transparency and communication when working with a plumber cannot be overstated. Honest technicians understand the value of keeping their clients informed throughout the process, from assessing the problem to fixing it. By being open and clear about the issue and the cost of the repairs, homeowners can trust that they are not being taken advantage of. Trustworthy plumbing professionals will also take the time to explain the issue and provide options for fixing it, ensuring that the homeowner is equipped to make an informed decision. Furthermore, they should keep you informed every step of the way and answer any questions you may have. If a plumbing technician is not communicating properly, it’s a sign that they may be hiding something.

Offer Guarantees on Their Work

Finding someone trustworthy for your plumbing needs can be challenging. One way to ensure you work with an honest technician is to look for those who offer guarantees. When plumbing experts stand behind their work and offer a guarantee, it shows that they have confidence in their abilities and are willing to take responsibility for their work. So, when searching for a plumbing service professional, be sure to look for one who offers guarantees, as it is a clear sign of their honesty and dedication to quality workmanship.

Upfront Pricing Policy

When hiring a plumbing service provider, one of the biggest concerns people have is being overcharged. However, if you’re working with a plumber with an upfront pricing policy, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you won’t be hit with any unexpected fees or charges. This policy, which provides customers with a clear and complete breakdown of all costs associated with a plumbing job, is a telltale sign that you’re working with an honest plumbing technician. By providing upfront cost estimates, they demonstrate that they value transparency and fairness, which can go a long way in building trust and establishing a positive working relationship. So if you want to avoid any surprises regarding your plumbing bills, look for a service provider with an upfront pricing policy.

Valid License

When looking for a plumbing professional, most people look for licensing as a sign that they are reliable and honest. A license shows that they have undergone proper training and have passed all of the necessary tests to prove they are qualified to work in the field. It also serves as a form of protection for the technician, the customer, and your property. However, what people forget to check is the validity of the license. Many times, people will be presented with a license that has expired or has been revoked. An honest plumbing service provider should have a valid license and be able to provide proof of this if asked. So when looking for a reliable service professional, check their license’s validity before hiring them.

No Jargon

If you’re used to dealing with plumbing service providers, you know it can sometimes feel like they speak a completely different language. And while using technical jargon might make them seem knowledgeable or experienced, it can also be a sign that they’re trying to confuse or overcharge you. That’s why it’s refreshing to work with a plumbing technician who doesn’t use all the fancy terms but explains everything in plain, easy-to-understand language. Honest professionals understand that their customers might not be familiar with plumbing terminology and should take the time to explain everything clearly. So if you struggle to keep up with your plumbing jargon, it could be a sign that they’re not as honest as you’d like them to be. They may be trying to confuse you.

Overall, several indicators can help you make the right decision when looking for a reliable and trustworthy plumber. Look for technicians who prioritize communication and transparency, offer guarantees on their work, have an upfront pricing policy, valid license, and don’t overload you with complicated jargon. These traits can go a long way in ensuring you work with an honest service provider.

Want a Plumbing Expert You Can Trust? Call Us Today!

At bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, we understand that finding a reliable plumbing technician can be challenging. That’s why our team of experts is committed to providing you with the best service and quality workmanship possible. We go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction, from our upfront pricing policy to explaining our services in easy-to-understand language. So if you’re looking for a plumbing expert that you can trust, call us now.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Water Heater Repair Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Your home’s water heater is one of those major systems that you may not think about very often but you rely on it all day long. It helps you to keep your home clean and sanitary. It aids in making showers enjoyable and ensuring you can wash the dishes. There will be times when you may need repairs or upgrades to your water heater. That is to be expected. However, you may have some questions about water heater repair. Here are a few common questions and answers.

Can I Repair My Water Heater?

One of the most common questions people have about heater repair is this one. They are unsure if they can repair it or if they just need to replace it. There are many situations where repairs are an option and tend to be the best way for you to save money and time. There is no benefit to changing out a water heater that is still working just fine but needs an update or a new component.

There are some situations when you may be able to repair the water heater, such as when the sensors are not working, or the pilot is not functioning. Let a professional help you to decide which is better for your needs.

Will a New Water Heater Save Me Money?

It is very common for older water heaters to no longer work efficiently. They just wear down over time. Newer models are also designed to be more energy efficient than ever before. That also helps them to be a good option for those who want to reduce their energy bills. If your water heater is over 12 to 15 years old and it has other problems, it may be time to replace it. However, some will continue to work for up to 20 years and still be efficient for most of that time. The key here is to monitor your utility costs.

If your water heater starts to fail one and off and it is older, that could be a reason to replace it with a new, more efficient model. Doing so can help save money on those repair bills while also helping you to keep more money in your pocket every time you have to pay the utility bills.

What Is Usually Wrong with a Water Heater?

There are a lot of factors that can cause the system to stop working the way it should. Through a troubleshooting call and an inspection, your plumber can get a better idea of what’s really happening. Generally speaking, the components on the water heater are likely to fail first. This includes the gas control valve and the thermostat. You may also have problems with the heating coils on the electric units. In some situations, the temperature and pressure valve will also be a problem. Most of these repairs can be just that – repaired by replacing the components that are damaged. They do not often require the replacement of the entire system.

How Do I Know My Water Heater Is Going to Fail?

You don’t always have a lot of warning about water heater functionality over the long term. There are some situations where it can happen randomly. However, there are many others when it can occur slowly over time, indicating that there is a need for repairs long before a failure occurs. Some of the most important signs of problems to consider carefully include the following:

• Low water pressure
• Strange noises coming from the water heater, especially if they are new
• The hot water heater is old and seems to be struggling to keep up with your demand
• There is discoloration to the water
• There is material in the water
• You have a slow leak or drip
• The water heater cannot remain consistent in temperature for very long

If you spot any of these concerns, request water heater repair now. That way, any repairs that can be made will be made, and it may mean that you are able to reduce any risk of a total failure before it occurs.

Should You Shower If Your Water Heater Is Leaking?

There are many reasons why a water heater can leak. In all situations, you should call a professional in for repairs now. Ultimately, you are likely to need to repair or replace the water heater as soon as possible before a substantial issue occurs.

If you need to shower now or wash your hands, you may be able to do so if the leak is minor. If it is coming, for example, through the T and P valve or through the drain valve, taking a shower now is okay. Keep in mind that if the leak is anything bigger than a trickle, you should not do so.

How Long Should It Take for a Water Heater to Heat Back Up?

The length of time it should take for your water heater to come back up to temperature is dependent on various factors, including its size, overall age and condition, and functionality. In most cases, a 40 gallon hot water heater should be able to reach the ideal temperature in about 30 to 40 minutes. If it takes much longer than that, it may be time to consider repairs. If you have a larger tank, say as much as 80 gallons, it can take 60 to 70 minutes to reach the optimal temperature because there is a lot more water to heat.

If You Are Unsure, Call for Help

In situations where you are unsure what to do about your water heater, simply call for help. At bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans, our team is readily available to provide you with insight and support. When you call us for water heater repair, we will provide you with insight into what your options are and how soon you will need that help. Do not put off getting a water heater repair service.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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