They say the best offense is a good defense. So instead of having to call a Los Angeles plumbing company to fix your pipes, here are some shower and tub maintenance tips to help keep everything operating in excellent condition.

Blocked Shower Head

When the shower head gets clogged, the problem is usually lime deposit. This is not good for the shower head, or your human head. A simple solution is to fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and rubber band it around the head of the shower to soak overnight. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to replace it.

Watch your Drains

Showers are one of the top culprits of clogging that we see, but they are also the most easily preventable. Simply purchase a drain cover to catch the hair that get tangled and knotted inside the drain. You can also remember to pour a chemical drain cleaner down every month, to prevent a clog before it happens.

Caulk Check

When the caulk in shower doors or behind tile gets damp, it can mold and start to detach. This causes further water damage to walls, floors, and other surfaces. These issue can quickly add up, including reducing the value of your home.

Mold Remediation

Mold is an underrated problem in homes. Sure, you freak out when it is on your foods, but did you know that mold can kill you? It builds up in damp, unseen areas where it is able to flourish. Side effects include allergies, nasal blockage, rashes, and, in extreme cases, death. Showers and tubs are notorious sources of mold. Make sure to scrub mold and examine your tile on a regular basis for cracks where water can infiltrate into the wall.

Los Angeles Plumbing Company

If you do need the assistance of a Los Angeles Plumbing Company , Rooter Experts is here to serve. We have a professional staff of licensed plumbers ready to respond to a call at a moment’s notice. Check out more blogs and follow us on Twitter @RooterExperts

Thousands of years ago, human beings were hunters and gatherers, traversing the terrain looking for berries to eat and animals to kill. These primitive beings were free to drink from the river and go to the bathroom wherever they chose, because they could simply move onto the next location when the hunting was sparse.

Societal developments changed humans from hunters and gatherers to agricultural communities that set up in one location and grew crops there. This new “town” was the center for established society, meaning that the people could no longer simply leave their waste behind on the trip to a new area. They needed to invent a way to properly dispose of fecal matter.

Ancient Toilets

Believe it or not, there are actually signs of plumbing dating back to 2700 B.C. in the Indus Valley Civilization. While we may consider it a modern luxury, its routes trace back nearly 5,000 years.

Many of the major improvements were made during the Roman Empire’s dominance. Ancient Rome had public outhouses as some of the earliest toilets that were important centers for business and meetings. They even had water systems that transported the fecal waste downstream in lead pipes, which would remain the material of choice until the late 1800s when the United States adopted galvanized iron and then settled on copper.

De-Contaminating Water

Another big advance in the field was to create underground plumbing that was more protected from contamination. Previously, water was collected in above ground storage, where it was more likely to become a cesspool.

In 1854, a cholera outbreak in London made de-contaminating the drinking water more important. New theories were beginning to be developed concerning microscopic germs causing diseases.

The early 1900s saw the scientific work of two U.S. Army Majors, Carls Rogers Darnall and William J.L. Lyster, lead to the invention of the Lyster Bag. This device purifies water in a bag filled with calcium hypolchlorite and allowed water to be stored in water towers for consumption.

Los Angeles Plumbing

Today, we have companies like Rooter Experts who specialize in all aspects of Los Angeles Plumbing . If you have a problem with your toilet or water transportation, give us a call at 888-488-4808

Follow us on Twitter @RooterExperts for fun blogs, like this one about The Simpsons Plumbing Myths .

On a Season 6 episode of The Simpsons entitled “Bart vs. Australia,” Bart and Lisa are squirting toothpaste down the sink (see video below). The kids notice that the water circles counter-clockwise down the drain which Lisa claims is due to the “Coriolis Effect.” Furthermore, she says that water always drains counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and drains clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bart is skeptical and tries to prove his sister wrong. He calls a boy in Australia to disprove this theory and after hours of making the child flush toilets , admits his defeat. Toilet water flushes in different directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Only one problem: this is a common plumbing myth.

The Coriolis Effect

First of all, the Coriolis Effect is misrepresented in the episode. What Lisa says is based on fact, but not actually factual.

All things being neutral, water will in fact drain counter-clockwise in the North and clockwise in the South due to the rotation of the earth. But this only happens in perfect conditions, such as a flawless tank in a room that is entirely still; the conditions that can only be met in a laboratory. If there are any imperfections in the tank, movement in the water, or other extra-ordinary conditions, then those can be blamed for the water swirling in the reverse direction.

So if the Coriolis Effect does not cause the water to drain a certain direction, what does?

Solution: Jet Streams

When you flush the toilet, water is sprayed out of jets just below the rim that are facing the same direction. These determine which direction the water flushes and can be pointed counter clockwise or clockwise, regardless of what hemisphere you live in.

As for your sink, well it drains based on outside factors, such as slope of the room and interference from outside objects, like rinsing your hands.

Although “Bart vs. Australia” is one of the best episodes of The Simpsons, the basis of the episode is fictional. No matter what hemisphere you live in, the toilet company decides what direction your water drains, not the Coriolis Effect.

Watch “Bart vs. Australia” below. The argument between Lisa and Bart occurs right after the opening credits, 22 seconds into the episode. Enjoy!

Follow Rooter Experts on Twitter @RooterExperts

I come from a big family. It was my three siblings, my parents, and myself all living under a roof when I was in high school. This situation worked out all right for the most part, except in a few scenarios where there just wasn’t enough space or resources. One such situation was in the shower.

We’ve all had it happen. You are rinsing off in the morning, letting the warm water wash away the sleepiness, when suddenly a burst of freezing water makes you jump out of your skin. You hop up and down, trying to simultaneously reposition the shower head, turn up the knob, and get out of the stream, all while not slipping. For me, it was the result of four or five other people showering before me.

Luckily, there is now an option that can prevent you from doing the cold shower dance: tankless water heating. Let me review all you need to know about this terrific invention.

Tankless vs. Normal Water Heater

A normal water heater is a large, cylindrical tank that stores warm water, typically located in the basement. This means that as soon as the tank runs out of hot water, it must be refilled and rewarmed, a process that takes a while.

A tankless water heater, on the other hand, utilizes heated coils that warm the water as it passes through. Instead of storing warm water, it heats the water as it becomes necessary.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heater Installation

Along with the benefits of having warm water whenever it is needed, tankless water heater installation has other perks as well.

For one thing, a tankless water heater is more energy efficient than a tank. This helps the environment, but it also helps reduce your utilities bills.

Another benefit is the extra space you will have. Property in Los Angeles is expensive, so having additional storage room in your basement from removing that large, clunky tank will do wonders for your living arrangement.

Los Angeles Plumbing Company

If my testimonial has convinced you to get tankless water heater installation, contact Rooter Experts. Our top-notch Los Angeles plumbing company can quickly set you up with a new model to keep your showers warm and help you save some money.

The average person spends THREE YEARS of his/her life using the toilet! Isn’t that insane?! Now just consider that number and think about how you treat your toilet. How often do you have it serviced? How often do you clean it?!

Gross.

We can’t motivate you to clean the john, but Rooter Experts does have some tips to help keep your toilet functioning properly so you can enjoy its use for three years.

Cleaning The Bowl

When it’s time to clean the toilet, many people just throw a drop-in cleaner into the bowl and call it good. First of all, this doesn’t actually clean the part that you sit on. For that, you need spray disinfectants, used weekly or bi-weekly.

But drop-in cleaners are especially harmful, more than you’d realize. The bar starts to reduce over time, until it finally becomes small enough to get flushed. Problem is, it is still large enough to get lodged in the port holes, interfering with proper flushing that causes a backup. You may need to call a plumbing company to remove the cleaner.

Bonus tip: Wash your toilet’s flusher. This is the most likely piece to be touched by hands, so it carries more germs.

Check for Leaks

Did you know that the toilet uses more water than any other household appliance? This means that a leak can cause your water bill to rapidly increase. Many times it is impossible to even notice a leak, so put food coloring in the tank and check the bowl in an hour. If the water has changed colors, it means you have a leak and may need to get it fixed. Perform this test yearly.

Also, check to see if your toilet is flushing slower than normal. This could be a sign of a leak, backup, broken tank, or a toilet clog . If you think something is wrong, call a plumbing company for a thorough check up.

Don’t Flush Garbage

Toilet paper is designed to fall apart when it gets wet, making it safe to flush. But facial tissues, baby wipes, and paper towels can all cause clogs. Also, properly dispose of all trash and never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper.

Thanks for taking the time to read over these toilet tips and hopefully they help you take better care of the porcelain throne.

Clogs in drains, pipes and toilets are one of the most common household problems. Sometimes they are simply an annoyance, but oftentimes they lead to overflows, water damage, and an increased utilities bill. Obviously, keeping you water flowing regularly is important to prevent further problems.

In order to keep you from spending money to fix the blockage, here are some clog tips from Rooter Experts, a local Los Angeles plumbing company who’s got your back:

• Never flush sanitary napkins, baby wipes, or thick toilet paper down the toilet. Regular toilet paper is designed to disintegrate when in contact with water, but napkins and facial tissues are not. These products can actually expand, creating a clog. Dispose of them in bio-degradable bags to prevent backing up the toilet and to be eco-friendly.
• Hair is another source of blockage. Use hair strainers in the shower and toilet to capture long hairs.
• Contrary to popular belief, liquid cleaning supplies can actually be harmful to your pipes. Use a plumber’s snake or plunger first, then consider calling a plumbing company.
• Finally, when in the kitchen, never dump fat, grease, or oils down the disposal. While they are liquefied when hot, cooling down turns them into a solid that can expand and block your pipes. The best way to remove them is to pour the hot liquid into a heat-proof plastic container or metal can, wait until it solidifies, then scrape it into the garbage or compost for removal.

Hopefully these tips help you keep your pipes clear and the water flowing!

To keep our customers filled in on the services we provide, our Rooter Experts Explain feature breaks down different processes. A previous article explained trenchless inliner services and today we will look at Sump Pump maintenance and installation.

What is a Sump Pump?

Right off the bat you’re probably wondering, what is a sump pump? Well that’s why we’re here to help.

A sump pump is a pump that prevents flooding in apartments, houses, and buildings. When it rains heavily, as it tends to do from time to time in Los Angeles, the poor drainage can cause backups and water finds its way into basements. This is where the real damage begins.

Flood water can destroy carpet, furniture, and other items near ground level. What a sump pump does is prevent this flooding from dealing too much damage. Instead of collection on the floor, water is directed towards a sump basin, which is basically a hole. The sump pump extracts the water from the basin, simply called a “sump,” and empties it with an appropriate means of disposal.

Where is the sump pump located?

There are two kinds of sump pumps; pedestal and submersible. Pedestal are mounted to the wall above the sump, making sump pump maintenance more convenient. Submersible have a plastic case that is water proof and are actually inside the sump basin, hidden from view.

Why should I get sump pump maintenance?

Some people have a sump pump and don’t even realize it. Seriously! Either it has broken down and the area has not flooded, or else it is working perfectly and yet the home owners are unaware of its existence. But wait until it breaks down and major flooding occurs…

The other reason to get sump pump maintenance is that sump pumps installed long ago do not properly dispose of waste. They may be causing pollution due to changes in sump pump laws, even if you don’t know about it. So contact Rooter Experts, your friendly plumber in Los Angeles , to see if you require sump pump maintenance or to get one installed.

Some of you may be wondering, Why should I pay for drain cleaning? Couldn’t I just get a bottle of liquid plumber to clear out my clog?

This is a good question. In these times, people are less likely to waste money on things they don’t need. If you can spend a few bucks on chemicals, why hire a Los Angeles plumbing company to fix the problem?

For starters, the problem may be worse than you imagine.

Drain Cleaning

When a blockage occurs, most people start by purchasing some liquid cleaner to clear out the hair and gunk that is causing the clog. This works fine… most of the time.

In some situations, the chemical drain cleaning solution is not strong enough to fully remove the obstruction. Then, the residue left behind builds up further, creating an even worse problem down the road.

Plumber’s Snake

At this point, you will probably want to try using a plumber’s snake, which is a long retractable wire device, to remove the clog. This works well, but has additional shortcomings.

If the clog is too far down, the snake will not reach it. The plumber’s snake can also have the same problem as the chemicals, where it cannot fully remove the problem. Finally, without a trained professional, it is easy to scrape or break your porcelain.

So what do you do?

HydroJetting

For those really tough obstructions that need the next level of drain cleaning, try HydroJetting .

HydroJetting works like a power washer that you feed down into the pipe. It sprays high-pressured water in several directions simultaneously, removing all build up from the pipe surfaces. It is environmentally safe, effective, and won’t harm your sink, toilet, or shower.

Ultimately, paying for a Los Angeles plumbing company to perform drain cleaning services is important because they will do a more thorough job, prevent future problems, and have better equipment. Consider that next time your drains aren’t draining properly.

Emergency Plumber

If you need an emergency plumber in Los Angeles to perform drain cleaning or other plumbing services, contact Rooter Experts. Our team is well-trained and professional and can handle any emergency plumbing situation you throw at us!

Follow Rooter Experts on Twitter @RooterExperts and read our blog , with weekly postings, like this one on trenchless inliner services .

Every few weeks Rooter Experts likes to help explain some of our Los Angeles plumbing services to you, the customer. It is nice to know what you are paying for, what benefits it has over other procedures, and why it is necessary for your residence. We’ve already explained how HydroJetting services work , and this week we will be explaining exactly what trenchless inliner service is.

Re-Piping Services

When pipes get old, rusty, cracked, shifted out of place, or ruined in any other way that could cause leaking, they must be replaced with re-piping services . If this is behind a toilet or under a cabinet, no problem! The Los Angeles plumbing company will simply turn off the water, take out the old pipe, and put in a new one.

Now, if it is behind a wall, re-piping services are slightly more difficult, but still quite doable. Using technology, we can locate the spot of a leak, cut through the sheet rock, and replace the leak.

But what happens if the busted pipe is underground?

Trenchless Inliner Service

With years of experience in the plumbing business, we have the know-how and tools to determine the location of a busted pipe, even if it is under the soil. That is all well and fine, but you’re probably wondering how we fix the problem without tearing up your backyard; that’s where trenchless inliner services come in.

Trenchless inliner services are mean by which we can replace old pipes without having to dig up the length of the pipe, aka dig a trench. Instead, our Los Angeles plumbing team will dig two holes in the dirt along the pipe. We insert a device into one hole and drag it through the existing pipe and out through the other hole. This trenchless inliner creates a new pipe within the old one, so the flow of water does not have to be re-directed and the existing pipe can remain where it’s located. Afterwards, we simply fill back in the two holes.

Los Angeles Plumbing

Hopefully that explanation helps you to understand how trenchless inliner services work and why they are beneficial, at least if you like your yard. Call Rooter Experts if you want top-notch Los Angeles plumbing or emergency plumbing services.

Plumbing is serious business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun. Here are some plumbing fun facts and statistics that will boggle your mind!

Did you know?

The two most famous plumbers in the world are the fictional brothers Mario and Luigi, stars of hundreds of Nintendo video games.

Before toilet paper, some of the items used include a mussel shell, leaves, a stick with a sponge on the end, hand, and corncobs.

Genius Albert Einstein is quoted in 1954 having said that if he could go back and do his life over again, he would be a plumber rather than a scientist or a teacher. Because of this, Einstein became an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union.

Since 1963, over 25 billion feet of copper plumbing has been laid in the United States. This is enough to circle the earth 200 times.

Copper is the main material used for plumbing systems today and was also the metal used by Ancient Egyptians for their piping back in 2500 B.C.

Money Saving Facts

Installing a low flush toilet can save up to 18,000 gallons each year!

Stop those drips! If a leaky faucet can fill an 8 ounce glass in 15 minutes, which equates to 2,160 gallons per year. That is a lot of lost water and money.

The average home wastes 9,000 gallons per year just waiting for water to heat up. That accounts for 15% of annual water heating costs.

Bathroom Statistics

One in four Americans with kids go to the bathroom to escape their duties and relax.

Almost 33% of Americans sing in the shower.

89% of women leave the toilet seat down, while only 70% of men in America leave it down.

32% of men claimed to have made love in a bathroom, which is double the number of women making the same statement.

85% of Americans who lost something down the toilet decided to retrieve the item themselves using their hands, a toilet scrubber, removing the drain, or some other homemade device.

Emergency Plumbing

Hopefully you don’t lose a ring wallet, or cell phone down the drain, but if it happens, don’t be one of the people who stick a hand down. Rooter Experts has emergency plumbing to retrieve the item, perform drain cleaning, or fix a leak. Just call 888-488-4808 .