Commercial Plumbing Blog | Action Plumbing

The Benefits of Plumbing Cameras

March 15, 2021 By Action Plumbing

Efficiency is key when it comes to ensuring your plumbing job is done right. With the many technological advances we’ve had over recent years, there’s no doubt that one of the most beneficial was the introduction of video cameras into the commercial plumber’s arsenal of professional tools.

Before plumbing cameras, it was impossible to see exactly what was happening inside your pipes without excavation. Not only is excavation extremely expensive, but it can damage the environment. This is why so many commercial plumbing problems go ignored or simply treated ineffectively, causing more damage and costly problems down the road.

Fortunately, there’s a better solution these days thanks to sewer camera inspections.

Why Are Plumbing Cameras So Effective?

Today, plumbing cameras give us the flexibility and maneuverability of a plumbing snake along with the major benefit of actually being able to see what’s going on inside your pipe. This makes locating problems like leaks and clogs easier than ever before.

Although cameras aren’t used for every job, in many instances they can help to keep down costs and eliminate the guesswork that typically came along with performing many similar jobs in the past. It’s the best way to diagnose and ensure that a problem has been solved by performing the proper repair job.

There are many instances when a plumbing camera is the right choice for your needs, some of which include:

When you’re unsure about the extent of damage you’re facing or what’s causing the problem in the first place.
When you’re doing a remodel and you don’t have the blueprints needed for a plumbing installation.
When you can’t find a leak using traditional methods.
When you’re experiencing a blockage in your business’ drains, such as grease buildup
When you’re buying a building and you want to be 100% certain that there is no plumbing issue.

Don’t forget that unknown issues are often the reason the small plumbing jobs turn into big plumbing jobs, and although a plumbing camera won’t scale down the amount of work to be completed, it will ensure that your plumber is accurately diagnosing any issues and performing the best repair work possible.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of sewer cameras or about how our commercial plumbing professionals utilize the most modern technologies available to get your job done right the first time, contact one of our representatives today.

Plumbing and Electronic Leak Detection You Can Trust

February 8, 2021 By Action Plumbing

If you suspect a leak somewhere in your business, it’s important you can trust that your plumber is certain about where it’s located. Obvious leaks may be easy to detect, but some leaks are hidden in hard to reach areas or in places you may least expect. This is why Action Plumbing uses specialized electronic leak detection technology to ensure your leak is located and repaired as quickly as possible.

Electronic leak detection devices are able to locate leaks in even the most difficult to reach places, including:

under concrete slabs and asphalt
behind walls
inside construction
under landscaping and irrigation

The frustration of hard to find leaks is compounded by the fact that any leak has a direct impact on your water bill. And many business owners typically realize they have a leak when they discover a drastic or unexpected increase in their monthly bill.

Luckily there are other signals that you may have a leak, and knowing what to look for can give you a head start before you call a plumber. Some common signs of leaks to watch for include:

The sound of running water when you don’t have anything turned on
Hot water coming from a cold tap
Your water heater is running continuously
Unexplained water puddles

If you do suspect a leak, turn off your building’s water supply and call Action Plumbing right away. Your water supply shut-off valve is typically located outside in a covered hole from which water may need to be removed before the electronic leak detection can be performed.

Your experienced technician will then perform a number of activities which can include disconnect pipes from the hot water heater or pressurizing with nitrogen before performing the electronic leak detection. Best of all, the process of electronic leak detection will find your leak on the first try 90% of the time.

If you suspect you have a leak, stop before you begin ripping out drywall and give the experts at Action Plumbing a call. Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

January 15, 2021 By Action Plumbing

So, you’ve taken all the precautions you can think of in order to prevent your pipes from freezing, but alas, you’ve found yourself with a problem. You turn on the faucet in the bathroom or kitchen and … nothing. Not a drop comes out.

What to do now?

For starters, don’t panic. It’s time to get to work because your frozen pipes need to be addressed immediately in order to avoid damage.

Here’s some helpful advice on how to thaw a frozen pipe in your business:

Where’s is the Frozen Pipe?

The first thing you need to do is figure out exactly what pipe is frozen and where the problem area is. This is often easier said than done, particularly if you have a large business. Start with the most likely culprits … unfinished basements and attics are usually a good place to begin your search.

Once you locate your frozen pipe you need to apply heat utilizing one of the following methods:

A hand-held hair dryer is often the fastest and easiest way to thaw a frozen pipe. Just move the hot hair up and down the frozen area of the pipe evenly and consistently.
Place a space heater near the frozen pipe no closer than 3 feet and allow the hot hair to heat the pipe. Be sure your heater is no closer than the recommended safe distance to avoid a potential fire.
Apply heat tape (which can usually be purchased at any hardware store) to the frozen part of the pipe. Just wrap it evenly and plug it in to begin heating. Don’t forget to remove the heat tape when your thaw job is complete. Heat tape is NOT meant to be kept on your pipes all the time and doing so can cause a fire.

And remember, you should NEVER attempt to thaw your pipes using an open flame. Doing so can have a disastrous outcome, resulting in a life-threatening fire.

We’re Here to Help!

If you have questions or concerns about a frozen pipe in your business, Action Plumbing is here to help. Contact us anytime to talk with one of our experts. Our professional plumbing services are available anytime, day or night to give you the assistance you need when you need it.

Can Rats Climb Toilets? What You Need To Know

October 8, 2019 By Action Plumbing

Having a wise, adorable, mentor rat as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had back in the day sounds good. However, rats don’t seem to understand us when we tell them to leave. Although some people enjoy rats as cute, cuddly pets, the majority of us are not so fond of them. In fact, there are many diseases rats can spread to you and even your pets. As you can see, it’s important to keep them out of your house every way you can. But, can rats climb toilets? The answer to this urban legend as old as toilets may surprise you.

Can Rats Climb Toilets? (SPOILER ALERT: YES)

Yes, they can. According to the video seen above from National Geographic, it’s actually pretty easy for them to do so. Rats have underrated swimming capabilities and can hold their breath for up to 3 minutes. That’s long enough for them to swim from the sewer line into and up through your toilet. Furthermore, fitting in through tight spaces isn’t a problem for them. Some small rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter.

How Often Does This Happen?

Animal control experts say it rarely happens and is more likely in larger cities with big sewer systems. The good news? You’re not likely to see a rat during a late-night or home movie bathroom break. According to animal control experts, they say only 1 of a 1000 calls for rodents has been entering the home through a toilet. So rest easy, but always look before you sit!

What To Do If You Find a Rat in The Toilet?

We suggest if you find a rat in the toilet, shut the lid of the toilet and put something heavy on top of it. The rat may be able to pop open the lid of the toilet seat if there isn’t any weight on top of it. Fortunately, there are many qualified pest control professionals in the area to call if this happens. Call them and they should be able to get rid of your pesky problem.

If you have any other commercial plumbing issues that need fixing, take action, and contact Action Plumbing. Our expert team of commercial plumbers is there to get the job done quickly for you.

4 Celebrity Plumbers You Never Would Have Known

September 24, 2019 By Action Plumbing

The glitz, glamour, and excitement of being a celebrity is a stark contrast to the life of a plumber. However, if you’re want to become famous, there’s a lot of work which needs to be done to get you where you need to be. Some of the world’s most notable celebrities have started their careers as famous plumbers or plumber’s apprentices. So, without further adieu, here is a list of some really famous celebrity plumbers you would have never guessed.

4 Celebrity Plumbers

Conor McGregor

The Notorious Conor McGregor must have been good working with pipes with arms like that! In a quote from a 2019 profile on McGregor in Business Insider they say:

Uninterested in school, McGregor took to plumbing as a trade and did what he could to make it a living for some time. There were times when he would work 12-hour days before heading to the gym to train as a fighter.

Incredible! To go from working as a plumber to one of the best fighters in our generation is an incredible jump.

Sir Michael Caine

One of the most well-known actors of our time. Understandably, Sir Michael Caine has been nominated for an Oscar in every decade since the 1960s. Caine has appeared in hundreds of motion pictures throughout his career. He has worked with Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Batman trilogy, Inception alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, The Italian Job, and many other monumental films. However, Alfred Pennyworth did more than just serve Bruce Wayne. He worked his way through life as a plumber before turning towards the big screen. As you can see, Caine is one of the celebrity plumbers who turned down a life of backflow certification in favor of French Riviera vacations.

Ozzy Osbourne

No, you are not on the Crazy Train. You read that right. Before rocking the world with smash hits like Iron Man, War Pigs, & other massive songs, one of the celebrity plumbers worked lots of odd jobs. As you can see, Ozzy had dropped out of school at the age of 15 opting to work as a laborer on construction sites along with serving as a plumbers apprentice.

After some trouble with the law and a prison sentence, Osbourne found himself meeting up with future bandmates after each of their first music ventures ended up failing. Their connection together ended up in their band, Black Sabbath, becoming cultural icons. And to think, it all started from Ozzy being a part of helping coordinate plumbing repairs.

Bob Hoskins

In case you’re not familiar with Bob Hoskins, the late actor and director got his start in the early 70s doing smaller roles. Eventually, Hoskins would catch his big break receiving British Film Awards, BAFTA nominations, & larger roles. However, his career wouldn’t be remembered as one of the celebrity plumbers. He played Detective Eddie Valliant in the Oscar-Winning film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

You may have also seen him acting as video game plumber Mario in the universally pined Super Mario Brothers movie. What you may not have known is that, like Mario, Hoskins worked in plumbing. However, just before starting his acting career, he worked many manual labor jobs including being a plumber. Just imagine hydro jetting your pipes only to have Roger Rabbit come out the other end.

What Does This All Mean?

Some people just aren’t cut out for plumbing. There are even other plumbing companies that don’t perform quality plumbing work. It takes lots of hard work, training, and attention to detail to become a successful plumber. When you’re working for your business, you demand a certain standard of excellence. Therefore, you need a team of plumbers who will do the same for you. The team at Action Plumbing demands the same when we work for our clients. Contact us now for more information on how Action Plumbing can help your business.

Source Links

Sue Crawford (2003), “Ozzy Unauthorized”; ISBN 978-1-84317-016-7