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FAQ

  • Plumbing

    • Do I really need a plumbing inspection before buying a new home?
      Getting a plumbing inspection done before making an offer on a new home ensures you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. Make sure to check the main sewer line, water heater, and toilets. If anything needs to be replaced, this can help when negotiating the sale.
    • Can you perform sewer line replacement without messing up my yard?
      Trenchless sewer line replacement eliminates the need for digging and trenching. This can drastically cut the cost of having to replace your sewer line because this method does not disrupt the surrounding your landscape and hardscape.
    • Why does my toilet keep running?
      If your toilet continues to run water after flushing, then the issue is likely with the supply line. First, check the float to see if it needs to be adjusted. Then, ensure the refill tube is not overly inserted into the overflow tube. If the problem still isn't resolved, the ballcock could have a leak and will likely need to be replaced.

  • Top Plumbing Questions

    • What happens during sewer camera inspection?
      Sewer video inspection takes the guesswork out of resolving your sewer line problems. During the inspection, we send a tiny camera down the drain pipe which is able to locate any problem areas of the pipe. From there, we are able to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right solution.
    • Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners to clear small clogs?
      While chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution to stubborn clogs, they often leave you with more problems than you started with. These drain cleaners use lye and other powerful chemicals which can corrode your pipes. This causes weak spots in your piping over time and can even result in burst pipes and other drain problems.
    • When is repiping necessary?

      Repiping is often put off as long as possible as it can be a large investment, but it is necessary when your pipes are old or defective and connections are starting to leak. If your home was built before the 1970s and still has galvanized steel pipes in place, repiping is needed.

      At Hall's Plumbing, we know what an inconvenience these issues can be. That's why we strive to ensure your service with us is as easy and hassle-free as possible.

  • Trenchless Services

    • What exactly is trenchless technology?

      Trenchless technology refers to less invasive techniques that minimize or eliminate digging while still delivering the desired results. One of the most common trenchless methods today traces its origins to the early 1970s when an agricultural engineer had to fix a pipe but needed to do so without removing it. This is when what's known as cured-in-place piping or pipe lining was developed.

      Pipe bursting was also developed in the 1970s. It was a practical way to deal with thousands of older cast iron pipes that needed to be replaced throughout England and other parts of the UK.

      Another trenchless method known as micro tunneling originated in Japan in the '70s before making its way to the U.S. in the 1980s. Trenchless technology has continued to evolve to the point where it's much more accessible, versatile, and affordable today.

    • When is trenchless repair advisable?
      Trenchless repair is appealing and popular today because it's a money-saving, long-term way to address a wide range of pipe-related issues, including damage from soil movement, age, and tree roots. It's often an advisable approach to repair if the damage is mainly limited to one area. The pipe also needs to be structurally sound if the preference is for repair rather than replacement.
    • How do we determine if trenchless services are applicable to the situation?
      The condition of the pipe is one of the top factors we consider when determining the feasibility of trenchless repair. This is usually determined with a video camera inspection. We also consider the location of the affected pipe along with the nature and extent of the damage.
    • Why do we recommend trenchless repairs?
      We typically recommend trenchless repair when it's not possible to use traditional methods for practical or logistic reasons. In addition, we realize many homeowners and business owners prefer techniques that are highly effective but minimally disruptive and cost-effective. These are among the many benefits associated with trenchless technology.
    • What are common trenchless options used today?
      The most common approach to trenchless repair is cured-in-place piping. With this process, a resin-filled liner is inserted into the pipe after it's saturated with a durable resin material. Additional options include pipe bursting, where the damaged pipe is fragmented as a new one is inserted within the same space. With brush coating, a wear-resistant resin coating is applied to the inside of the pipe.

  • Video Inspection

    • How does a video inspection work?
      A video inspection is typically done through an existing access point called a cleanout. For this reason, it's a non-intrusive process. In order to do this type of inspection, we begin by inserting a cable with a lighted camera attached to the end into the pipe. One of our technicians views the real-time images provided by the camera on a monitor as our crew manipulates the cable along the natural path of the pipe.
    • What do we look for during inspections?

      We look for anything out of the ordinary that may be affecting the pipe being inspected. A common blockage culprit with underground pipes, for instance, is tree roots. With a video inspection, we can determine the location of the roots and the extent of the related damage. Other things we typically look for during an inspection include:

      • Pipe cracks or fractures
      • Accumulated water where it shouldn't be pooling
      • Debris that's causing drains to be slow or regularly clog
      • Minerals caked on pipe walls – "pipe scale" – that could be narrowing pipes
    • Are video inspections accurate?
      The video camera used for these inspections is designed to provide clear, high-resolution images even when it encounters water. The camera is also lighted, so it can produce clear images even without a natural light source. For this reason, the results from inspections are often highly accurate. In addition, this affords us the opportunity to inspect the entire line with the flexible cable and attached camera, which further boosts accuracy.
    • How long does a video inspection take?
      On average, a video-based inspection takes about half an hour to complete. The actual amount of time involved will depend on how accessible the pipe is that needs a thorough evaluation and whether or not multiple pipes need an inspection. Typically, however, it's a quick and easy process from start to finish.
    • When should you have a video inspection done?
      We recommend contacting Hall's Plumbing about a video inspection if your drains are clogging, backing up, producing unpleasant odors, making odd noises when used, or going down slow. Additionally, it can be helpful to have an inspection done if you've just moved into an older home or if you're in the process of purchasing a home. You're also welcome to contact us to schedule routine inspections so smaller issues can be detected and addressed early.

  • CIPP/Pipe Lining

    • What is CIPP?
      Cured-in-place piping, or CIPP, is an approach to pipe repair that keeps the original pipe in place while essentially "fixing" it from the inside with a newly applied coating.
    • How does pipe lining work?
      During CIPP, we thoroughly clean the affected pipe first, usually with high-pressure water. After the initial inspection and cleaning, we turn a resin-filled tube inside out and insert into the pipe with air or water pressure. After the resin material "cures in place," we take out the liner to leave you with a like-new pipe!
    • What issues can CIPP address?
      CIPP is a highly flexible process in that it can address a wide range of common issues. These include cracks from soil-shifting or age as well as damage from corrosion, tree roots, and general deterioration from normal wear. In some instances, small gaps in pipes may also be filled with the liner once the resin hardens.
    • Is this method effective on older cast iron pipes?
      Many older properties have cast iron pipes that have been in place for several decades. As long as the pipe is still structurally stable, it's often possible to strengthen older cast iron pipes with a new resin coating to provide many more years of safe, reliable use.
    • What are the signs you may need pipe lining?

      Not all pipe problems are noticeable right away. In fact, it's more common for issues to be spotted long after a sewer or drain line has been damaged to some extent. This is often the case with tree root intrusions. That said, there are some signs we recommend looking out for that suggest CIPP may be right for your situation. These include:

      • Unusually soggy or green spots on your lawn
      • Damage around or to your foundation
      • Issues with more than one drain in your home – including frequent clogs and backups
      • Persistent and sometimes strong odors coming from drain or sewer lines
      • Pest and/or rodent problems
      • Rising water bills
    • How long does it take to complete CIPP?
      The total duration of this type of pipe repair will depend on the location and length of the pipe as well as other factors unique to the situation. However, the actual relining process is usually completed during part of a single day. What's more, the process is minimally disruptive, meaning you can rest easy knowing there will be no significant post-project restoration and cleanup costs.
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