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Expert Septic Tank Repair and Installation: What You Need to Know

February 12, 2025

Septic systems play a crucial role in managing household wastewater, but they require proper installation and routine maintenance to function efficiently. If a septic tank is not installed correctly or becomes damaged, homeowners can face costly repairs, environmental hazards, and unpleasant odors.

Knowing when to call a professional for septic tank repair or installation can save time, money, and frustration. Contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 to request service.

Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Repairs

A failing septic system can lead to serious property damage and health risks. Homeowners should be aware of common warning signs that indicate a septic tank issue.

Slow Drains and Backups

If sinks, bathtubs, or toilets drain slowly or frequently back up, it could mean the septic tank is full or there is a blockage in the system. Ignoring this issue may result in sewage backups inside the home.

Foul Odors Around the Property

A properly functioning septic system should not produce noticeable odors. If you smell sewage near your drain field, yard, or inside your home, it may indicate a leak or overflow.

Pooling Water or Soggy Ground

Standing water or damp patches near the drain field or tank area suggest the septic system is not draining properly. This can happen due to clogs, broken pipes, or a full tank.

Lush, Overgrown Grass Near the Drain Field

If the grass above your septic system is significantly greener or growing faster than the surrounding area, excess wastewater may be leaking into the soil. While this may not seem like a problem initially, it can lead to system failure and groundwater contamination.

Gurgling Noises in Pipes

Hearing strange gurgling sounds from toilets, sinks, or drains often signals a problem within the septic system. This could be due to air pockets caused by blockages or improper drainage.

The Importance of Professional Septic Tank Installation

Septic tank installation is not a DIY project. A properly installed system ensures efficiency, longevity, and environmental safety. Professional plumbers have the expertise to assess soil conditions, determine the right tank size, and install drainage fields correctly.

Choosing the Right Septic Tank Size

Septic tank size is determined by household water usage. A system that is too small may fill up quickly and require frequent pumping, while an oversized system may not properly break down waste. Professionals evaluate household needs to install the right-sized tank.

Proper Drain Field Placement

The drain field disperses treated wastewater into the soil. Incorrect placement can lead to poor drainage, groundwater contamination, and system failure. Experts ensure the drain field is positioned correctly based on property layout and soil conditions.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations

Local and state regulations govern septic tank installation. Licensed professionals ensure systems comply with these codes, preventing costly fines and environmental damage.

How to Maintain a Healthy Septic System

Routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of a septic system. Homeowners should follow these best practices to keep their system running smoothly.

Schedule Regular Pumping

Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years, depending on household size and water usage. This prevents solids from building up and clogging the system.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or grease can clog pipes and disrupt the septic process. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed.

Limit Water Usage

Excessive water use can overload the septic system. Spacing out laundry loads, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient fixtures can help prevent strain on the system.

Inspect the System Regularly

Homeowners should visually inspect their system for any signs of leaks, odors, or pooling water. Annual professional inspections can catch small issues before they turn into major problems.

Call a Professional for Septic Tank Service

Septic tank issues can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. Whether you need repairs or a new installation, working with a skilled plumbing professional ensures the job is done right the first time. If you suspect a problem with your septic system or need a new tank installed, contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 to schedule an inspection and service.

What to Do When You Have a Burst Pipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

January 20, 2025

A burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home if not addressed quickly and properly. Water can flood your living spaces, ruin belongings, and even weaken your home’s structural integrity. Knowing the right steps to take in an emergency can help minimize damage and keep you safe. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do when you have a burst pipe. Contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 to speak with a plumbing expert.

Turn Off the Water Supply Immediately

The first and most critical step is to shut off your main water supply to prevent more water from flooding your home. Locate the main shut-off valve, usually found near the water meter, in the basement, crawl space, or outside along the perimeter of your home. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water.

Drain the Faucets

After shutting off the water supply, open all cold water faucets in your home to drain any remaining water in the pipes. Start with the lowest faucet and work your way up to the highest. This will relieve pressure in the system and help minimize additional leaking. Don’t forget to flush the toilets to clear water from the tanks.

Turn Off the Electricity if Necessary

If the burst pipe has caused significant flooding, especially near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker box, turn off the electricity to the affected area. This will reduce the risk of electrical shock. If you’re unsure or if water has reached your electrical panel, contact a professional electrician for assistance.

Locate the Burst Pipe

Once the immediate danger is under control, try to locate the source of the burst. Look for signs of water damage such as wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. If the pipe is visible and accessible, you may be able to apply a temporary fix until professional help arrives.

Apply a Temporary Fix

If you can access the burst pipe, use materials like plumber’s tape, pipe clamps, or even a rubber patch with a C-clamp to temporarily stop the leak. This won’t be a permanent solution, but it can help reduce water damage until a professional plumber can perform a proper repair.

Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the affected areas, including any damaged property. This documentation will be useful when filing an insurance claim. Keep records of repair costs, receipts, and any correspondence with your insurance company.

Contact a Professional Plumber

Even if you’ve managed to apply a temporary fix, you’ll need a professional plumber to assess the damage and perform permanent repairs. Burst pipes can indicate underlying issues such as corrosion, freezing, or high water pressure that require expert attention. Contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 for prompt and reliable plumbing services.

Prevent Future Burst Pipes

After addressing the immediate issue, consider preventive measures to avoid future problems. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Keep your home’s temperature consistent, even during cold weather, and regularly inspect your plumbing system for signs of wear and tear.

Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts can save you time, money, and stress. Acting quickly and contacting a professional will help ensure your home stays safe and damage is minimized.

The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters: Is It Right for Your Home?

January 10, 2025

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have become increasingly popular in modern homes. Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, tankless models heat water directly as it flows through the unit. While they offer several benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider.

This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons to determine if a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home. Contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 for all your residential plumbing needs.

The Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

One of the most significant benefits of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Since they only heat water when it’s needed, they eliminate the standby energy losses associated with traditional tank water heaters. This efficiency can lead to lower utility bills, especially in households that use less hot water.

Tankless water heaters provide a continuous flow of hot water, making them ideal for families with high hot water demands. Unlike traditional units that can run out of hot water, tankless models heat water on demand, ensuring you never experience a cold shower due to an empty tank.

These water heaters are compact and can be mounted on walls, freeing up valuable floor space. This makes them a great option for smaller homes, apartments, or properties with limited utility room space.

With proper maintenance, tankless water heaters typically last longer than traditional tank models. While a standard water heater may last 8-12 years, tankless units can often function efficiently for 15-20 years, providing long-term value.

The Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters

One of the primary disadvantages of tankless water heaters is their higher upfront cost. The units themselves are more expensive than traditional water heaters, and installation can also be costly, especially if modifications to your plumbing system are required.

While tankless water heaters provide endless hot water, they may struggle to supply hot water simultaneously to multiple fixtures. For example, running the shower and dishwasher at the same time might exceed the unit’s capacity, leading to reduced water temperature.

Installing a tankless water heater can be more complex than replacing a traditional unit. It often requires professional installation to ensure proper setup, including potential upgrades to your home’s gas lines or electrical system to accommodate the unit’s power requirements.

Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to prevent mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. Regular descaling and flushing are necessary to maintain efficiency and prolong the unit’s lifespan. Failure to keep up with maintenance can lead to performance issues and costly repairs.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Your Home?

Deciding whether a tankless water heater is right for your home depends on your household’s specific needs and budget. If you value energy efficiency, endless hot water, and space savings, a tankless unit could be an excellent investment. However, if upfront cost, installation complexity, or limited flow rates are concerns, you might prefer sticking with a traditional tank water heater.

Consulting with a professional plumber can help you assess your home’s hot water demands, existing plumbing infrastructure, and budget to make an informed decision. For expert advice and installation services, contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906. Our experienced team is here to help you choose the best water heating solution for your home.

DAMAGED PLUMBING CONNECTIONS ARE A COMMON CAUSE OF WATER LEAKS IN POMONA

December 19, 2024

Loose or damaged plumbing connections are a common cause of water leaks in Pomona. These types of leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water and cause costly property damage. If you suspect you have a leaking connection, better call Hank & Sons Plumbing ASAP.

Hanks & Sons Plumbing has been providing expert water leak repairs in Pomona and throughout the Inland Empire since 1999. Plumbing connections can be difficult to work on because they are typically hidden from view in walls, ceilings, and floors. We have the skills and equipment to quickly locate your leak and perform any needed repairs.

WHAT IS A PIPE CONNECTION?

A plumbing connection is a point where two or more pipes are joined together using specialized fittings. They’re essential for distributing water throughout a plumbing system, allowing it to flow through a plumbing system by changing direction or connecting different pipe sections.

There are many different types of plumbing connections:

Pipe fittings

Common pipe fittings include elbows, tees, reducers, unions, couplings, crosses, caps, swage nipples, plugs, bushings, adapters, outlets, valves, and flanges.

Pipe joints

Common pipe joints include threaded joints, soldered joints, welded joints, flanged joints, and compression joints.

Couplings

There are three types of couplings: full, half, and reducing. Full couplings join small pipes, half couplings branch from a pipe or container, and reducing couplings join pipes of different sizes.

Tee fittings

Tee fittings are one of the most common pipe fittings and have one inlet and two outputs. The outputs are at 90 degrees and 180 degrees, giving the fitting its name.

Reducers

Reducers are fittings used to connect pipes of different sizes.

Cross-connections

A cross-connection occurs when a plumbing system’s potable water supply is connected to a non-potable source. There are two types of cross-connections: direct and indirect.

The type of connection used depends on the pipe material, application, joining method, and the required strength and flexibility.

SIGNS THAT YOUR CONNECTIONS COULD BE LEAKING

Age, corrosion, construction inside the house, and poor installation are just a few reasons why plumbing connections can begin to leak. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs that you may have a leaking pipe connection:

  • A sudden increase in your water bill without any change in usage habits.
  • Water stains, puddles, or damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors.
  • Musty smells, mold growth, peeling paint, and other moisture-related issues.
  • Low water pressure in multiple areas of your home.
  • Unusual noises like dripping, gurgling, or rushing water sounds from pipes.

Depending on the extent of the problem, the plumbing connection may need to be tightened; resealed, or replaced. While most homeowners can tighten a loose joint using a wrench, resealing and replacement is a job best left to a professional plumber.

24/7 WATER LEAK REPAIRS IN POMONA

The sooner you have a water leak fixed, the better your chances of avoiding severe water damage. Hank & Sons Plumbing is available 24/7 whenever you require water leak repairs in Pomona. Call us at 909-524-2906 to schedule a service call from one of our licensed Pomona plumbing contractors.

INLAND VALLEY COMMERCIAL PLUMBING REPAIRS

December 12, 2024

Plumbing issues are the last thing any Inland Valley business operator wants to deal with. Unfortunately a plumbing crisis can occur when you least expect it. It’s good to know that Hank & Sons Plumbing is available 24/7 for commercial plumbing repairs in Pomona and other Inland Valley communities.

Plumbing problems can have a negative impact on just about any business. Property damage, lost sales, missed deadlines, inventory losses, bad reviews, and production delays are just a few of the ways a plumbing problem can affect a business. Ignoring a plumbing problem can be a big mistake.

THE MOST COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS INLAND VALLEY BUSINESSES EXPERIENCE

The Inland Valley plumbers at Hank & Sons Plumbing have the experience, training, and tools to tackle just about any plumbing problem your business may experience. Some of the most common commercial plumbing issues we deal with include:

  • Water leaks
  • Clogged drains
  • Damaged or corroded water pipes, loose plumbing connections
  • Water heater issues
  • Damaged toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.
  • Damaged garbage disposal units
  • Water pressure problems
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • Damaged water lines
  • Slab leaks
  • Backflow problems

We offer a complete range of Inland Valley commercial plumbing services, such as:

  • Water leak detection and repairs
  • Professional drain cleaning and repair
  • Hydro jetting for sewers or drains
  • Commercial bathroom repairs and installation
  • Commercial kitchen repairs and installation
  • Garbage disposal unit repair and replacement
  • Gas line repair or installation
  • Sewer line repair and replacement
  • Re-piping

We’ve worked with all types of Inland Valley businesses: restaurants, bars and nightclubs, hotels and motels, retail establishments of all kinds, schools, office buildings, grocery stores, medical and dental clinics, gyms and fitness centers, churches, multi-family dwellings, and more.

24/7 EMERGENCY COMMERCIAL PLUMBING REPAIRS IN THE INLAND VALLEY

Hank & Sons Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency commercial plumbing repairs in the Inland Valley. We’re ready to respond any time of the day or night; we strive to be on-site and at work within an hour of your call.

We have the equipment and expertise to quickly locate and diagnose the source of your problem. We’ll carefully explain the work that needs to be done and provide an accurate estimate of costs. Most repairs can be made in a single service call, minimizing downtime.

WE ALSO OFFER NON-EMERGENCY COMMERCIAL PLUMBING SERVICES

We offer non-emergency commercial plumbing services as well. Our inspection services spot and address minor issues before they become major problems. Need new fixtures? We can replace your old toilets, sinks, and faucets with brand new ones.

You can also call Hank & Sons Plumbing whenever you need professional residential plumbing services, new construction plumbing services, and gas piping.

CALL HANK & SONS PLUMBING FOR EXPERT COMMERCIAL REPAIRS AND SERVICE

Hank & Sons Plumbing has been providing commercial plumbing repairs in the Inland Valley region since 1999. Local businesses know they can depend on us to deliver prompt, reliable plumbing repairs. Contact Hank & Sons Plumbing at 909-524-2906 to schedule a call from a licensed Inland Valley commercial plumber.