Frozen Sewers

Cold Weather Sewer Repair

Sewers as well as pipes can freeze in the cold weather. Inside the pipe, frozen water sticks to the sides, narrowing the tube and causing clogs. When frozen water fills the diameter of the pipe it can expand and cause the sewer to rupture.

 Whether a sewer freezes up depends on how deep it's buried, how far down the frost line extends, whether the system is being flushed out regularly, whether the slope and therefore flow of the sewer is proper, and whether the sewer sags anywhere. The depth of the freeze line is determined in large part by the extent and extremity of cold temperatures. Snow covering insulates the ground and reduces the depth of the freeze line.

Continually flowing water lessens the effects of the cold, as water in the pipes is exposed to cold temperatures for less time. That's one reason why municipal regulations always require plumbers to lay sewer pipes that slope down to the city sewer line. Debris in the sewer may temporarily impede the flow of water; however, regular use of indoor appliances will flush out the standing water before it can freeze. But if the sewer sags anywhere, more water will collect than can be flushed out by regular use and after a while, if the temperatures are cold enough, it will freeze. As ice forms, it narrows the pipes, which can lead to blockages caused by trapped debris and or solid frozen ice filling the entire diameter of the pipe. During a cold winter, pipes that lay above the freeze line can totally freeze up with plugs of ice that extend for a long distance.

Should your sewer line freeze up, there are some steps you can take to thaw it out. You might be able to thaw small ice blockages by pouring boiling water down the drain. You can thaw more severely frozen pipes if you have the proper tools and know-how. For example, you might be able to thaw out a segment of ice by inserting heat tape on the end of an auger and gradually advancing it into the ice. Probably the best course of action is to call your plumber and let him drill through the ice with a blade attached to the end of his professional electric auger.

Sometimes the frozen pipe is caused by uneven slope or even a sag in the sewer line. In this case you'll have to make it through the winter as best you can and fix the sewer in the spring. You can also undertake sewer repair in the winter, although the cost goes up due to the time involved in clearing the snow and breaking through the frozen ground cover.  
+Pinchas Urszuy 

Resources: If you live in the greater Baltimore area, contact 1st Choice Plumbing for sewer repair. Call them at 410-967-6547 or visit their website at: http://1stchoiceplumbinginc.com/sewer-repair-baltimore; 3502 Taney Road' Baltimore, Md. 21215

Should You Buy Sewer Repair Insurance?

Sewer Line Repair

If you want sewer line and water line repair insurance you can get it from some municipalities or from insurance companies offering homeowners insurance either as an add on or separate policy. External line repairs can be expensive, with water lines running $2,223 and sewer lines $3697; yet, most homeowners have no insurance coverage for this problem. At the same time, North American sewer and water line repairs have been increasing both in number and frequency in recent years. 

The Civil Engineering Foundation indicates that the number of sewer backups has been steadily increasing at a rate of 3% per year. Furthermore, the age of the average sewer line is more than 30 years and more and more homes are connected to older sewers. As expected, older sewers are more prone to breakage because of corrosion and the ingress of roots from established trees on older properties.

Under current conditions, insurance companies and municipalities have been making a greater effort to provide sewer repair insurance. Some cities are now offering sewer insurance for an additional $1 a month on the utility bill. However, municipality sewer insurance may require the homeowner to pay a $250 deductible before receiving payment. (http://wnins.com/resources/personal/features/sewerbackup.shtml)

Private sewer insurance is generally running about $40-$50 a year. Extent of coverage and payout upper limits vary from policy to policy. One insurance website, insure.com indicates that $75-$150 annually will buy anywhere from $5,000-10,000 in coverage. 

One of the more active sewer repair insurers is HomeServe of Connecticut. HomeServe is known for their rapid payouts and dependable service and their reputation has won them marketing contracts with a number of North American cities. The arrangement they have with cities allows them to market to residents with a letter displaying the city logo. For their part, HomeServe agrees to pay back a percentage of the take to be used as a fund to pay sewer repairs for poor homeowners. The HomeServe policy only covers external water and sewer line repairs and not the cost of repairing damage to the basement.

As an example of HomeChoice Insurance, the Baltimore City HomeServe policy costs close to $9 a month, covers external water line and sewer repairs and comes with coverage up to $10,000 and no deductible. One local plumbing company, 1st Choice Plumbing Inc., has worked with HomeServe and said they are reliable when it comes to making provider payoffs. 1st Choice Plumbing management believes the repair policy is good for homeowners with older sewer lines or homeowners who have purchased an already built home and are unsure about the condition of the external lines. 

1st Choice Plumbing is a local Baltimore sewer contractor that has been selected to work for HomeServe because of their dependability and reliability. 

When to Repair, When to Replace Your Broken Boiler

Age wears on your boiler causing increased repair costs and decreased energy efficiency. So if your older boiler has broken down, deciding whether to repair or replace it is a pressing question. To help you make this decision, we offer you some guidelines. As you read through the article, bear in mind that finding a competent technician who is willing to repair your older unit for a reasonable price is an important factor. If you live in the Baltimore area, call on Alan Urszuy, the director of 1st Choice Plumbing Inc. Alan is an experienced plumber and gas fitter, with years of experience installing and repairing boilers.

Consider Your Boiler's Energy Efficiency

If your boiler is more than 20 years old, chances are that it's not a condensing boiler. Condensing boilers, which have been in widespread use since the mid 90s, increase energy efficiency by recycling heat in the boiler's flue to heat up colder water in the boiler. Boilers with condensers are 10%-20% more energy efficient. A family living in a semi-detached home can save up to $240 a year by installing a condensing boiler. You should also consider replacing an older condensing boiler that breaks down, as it too looses energy efficiency as it ages

Consider Your Boiler's Warranty

If your boiler's warranty has expired than your annual repair and maintenance costs may be 5 times that of a warranteed boiler.

Consider Availability of Parts and Labor

A cost analysis that justifies keeping an older boiler is a mere theoretical consideration unless you can find parts and a technician willing to repair it. 

Consider Your Boiler's History

Some appliances are troublesome right from the start, this can result from a manufacturing error, faulty installation, poor maintenance, and or improper use. If you've had to put a lot of money into your boiler, consider replacing it earlier on.

Consider Whether the Money Your Putting into Your Boiler is Increasing a Lot, a Little, or Staying the Same

While any one repair job will cost only a fraction of the price of installing a new boiler, consider how money you're laying out for the boiler is trending to get some idea of likely future layouts.

Consider the Following Specific Indicators for Replacement

·         Water Leaking from your Heat exchanger

·         Water that has gotten into your boiler

·         For additional information and a professional evaluation call our office at 410-967-6547

Consider Your Purchase Options

Since newer boilers are more energy efficient you might be eligible for a tax rebate; check with your plumber to find out. Space saving advantages may be an important consideration if you are considering switching from a regular boiler to a combi-boiler.

Talk Over the Problem with Your Plumber

When deciding whether to repair or replace your boiler, there are a number of complex considerations, which your experienced plumber is best able to help you resolve.  If you live in the Baltimore are, call us at 410-967-6547 for advice from a licensed plumber

Resources: In the Greater Baltimore Area Contact 1st Choice Plumbing Inc.; 3502 Taney Road; Baltimore, Md. 21215; 410-967-6547; http://www.1stchoiceplumbinginc.com for all your boiler needs. 

 

Sump Pump Alternatives

Wayne Sump Pump

A sump pump sits at the lowest level of the basement, pumps out any water that accumulates there and is an essential item for any basement in danger of flooding. When purchasing a new sump pump, you can select from many brands, styles, and backup pump options.

Decide whether you want to purchase an above ground (pedestal) or submersible pump. The advantage of a pedestal pump is the easy access it provides when you need to repair it. A submersible pump, on the other hand, is hidden in the sump pump pit and therefore makes less noise and doesn't get in the way. Selecting a pump with adequate pumping power is crucial for keeping your basement dry. A sump pump that removes either too much or too little water is not an appropriate choice. To ensure that you purchase an appropriate pump you or your plumbing company will first need to measure your basement's "system capacity." System capacity is defined as the number of gallons of water per minute that will seep into your sump pump pit under the worst storm or flood conditions. The other number you need to know is your discharge tube's "dynamic head." The dynamic head is a numerical value that reflects the work that must be done to pump water through the discharge tube. It takes into consideration bends in the tube, friction, and the vertical rise from the sump pit.

Brand selection is another important decision you need to make. Storm Pro, Zoeller, Liberty, and Flow Tech are among the top manufacturers making submersible pumps. Wayne and Little Giant are two of the most respected pedestal pump manufacturers. As you evaluate the various models a company is offering, only consider units that pump out a number of  gallons per minute at a given dynamic head that is equal to or somewhat greater than your basement's system capacity. 

For complete protection, you must purchase a backup sump pump as well. The backup sump pump will remove water during times when the main pump fails due to power outage or other problem. There are two types of battery powered backup pumps. Type one is a rechargeable battery operated pump that will give you an additional eight  or more hours of pumping after the electricity goes out. Type 2 is a rechargeable battery that will supply power to the main pump if there is an electrical outage. The type 2 pump is of no use when the main pump fails for other than power outage reasons. The other type of pump is water powered and works for many hours after the electricity goes down. Our plumbing staff will go over the possibilities with you and help you make a decision you are satisfied with. You can buy your back up pump as part of the main pump or separately.

Our staff will help you thoroughly investigate all the possibilities and purchase the sump pump and backup unit that you are pleased with.

For experienced Baltimore area sump pump installation and repair, contact 1st Choice Plumbing of Baltimore; 3502 Clarks Lane; Baltimore, Md. 21215, 410-967-6547

How to Spare Water and Enjoy Your Shower

If you haven't yet placed low flow shower heads in your abode, rest assured you can spare water and maintain peak shower performance by acquiring a shower head displaying the WaterSense label. Water saving shower heads vary in price from $8-$50 and are simple to put in place. Just unscrew your old shower head and replace it with your new one. The low flow device will scale down your water expenses by 25%-50%, and thereby pay for itself in a matter of weeks to a few months, depending on your rate of water usage.





WaterSense-EPAWaterSense criteria have been established by the EPA, and a shower head that carries the WaterSense sticker, must conform to a few EPA requirements. These specifications include a demonstrated 20% greater efficacy in comparison to unlabelled shower heads, ability to reduce the water bill, and third party verification that the product conforms to EPA requirements. WaterSense labeled shower heads produce 80 psi pressure at all times and must give consumers a satisfactory shower experience..


WaterSense endorsed shower nozzles on the market use one of two accepted mechanisms to scale down water flow. Some shower nozzles inject air into the flow thereby maintaining steady water pressure in the face of decreased water flow. The extra air may reduce the temperature slightly.

Non-aerated heads maintain pressure by making water flow through smaller openings. This mechanism gives the water a pulsating quality, which causes the user to feel like he is having a gentle massage.

You can perform a simple test at your house to discover if your present nozzle is EPA compliant. Put a two quart jug directly under your nozzle so that all the water flows into the container, and turn on the water at a temperature you like for your showers. If the 2 quart container fills in less than 12 seconds, then your current head is permitting water flow at more than 2.5 GPM and is therefore not EPA compliant. Before starting the test, you might conserve time by looking to see if your shower nozzle bears the WaterSense label. Your shower nozzle might have a sticker reading 2.5 GPM or less . This means it conforms to government requirements for water efficiency, but is not as strict as shower heads displaying the WaterSense label.

You can find water saving heads at your local retail outlet (Home Depot, Loews, etc.). With a family of three of more you can expect to save $200 a year or more.

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Resources; 1st Choice Plumbing Inc.; 3502 Taney Road; Baltimore 21215. are experienced in the selection and installation of low flow water heads. Call (410) 967-6547

Tales from the Ethical Plumber: Yankel and the Baal Shem Tov

With arctic temperatures busting plumbing pipes left and right, work was no problem for Pinchus the Baltimore plumber.

 "I'm getting home at 8:30PM every night, he told me. Every muscle in my body aches.
The problem is the money,"

"What do you mean?" I asked him.  

"Some of my customers don't have enough money to pay me," he explained. "But I can't leave them without heat and water in the middle of winter."

"You're racking up blessings, " I told him.

"I don't know," he replied. 

The uncertainty of this good hearted plumber reminded me of a story of my holy ancestor, the Baal Shem Tov. Once there was a poor man named Rav Yitchak and a rich man named Yankel (name changed to protect the innocent). One day Rav Yitchak, who couldn't afford any luxuries at all, had an urge for tobacco. He went to the Beit Knesset, siddled up to Yankel the rich man and begged for a pinch. 

"You come in to the Beit knesset with your smelly clothes and dare to ask for a pinch of tobacco," he replied."Get out."

This rebuff on top of all the other tribulations of poverty was too much for the gentle Rav Yitchack, who fainted on the spot. At that moment, a decree was made in Heaven that all the money of Yankel the rich man would pass over to Rav Yitchak. Over the next three years, opportunities opened up for Rav Yitchak, and his fortunes grew, and grew, and grew. At the same time, Yankel the rich man was plagued with bad luck and his wealth dwindled, dwindled, and dwindled. To the exact measure that Rav Yitchak's fortunes increased, Yankel's  sank.  

At the end of three years, Rav Yitchak was a wealthy man. In the afternoons he showed up at the bet Knesset in clean perfumed rich man's clothes. He was respected by everyone in the community. Yankel was now reduced to poverty and walked around in poor beggar's clothes, bemoaning his losses. He went around from Rabbi to Rabbi asking for answers. How did  his fortunes abandon him? What was the cause of his bad luck? He didn't remember the tiny affront he had made to Rav Yitchak at all. Finally, someone suggested he go visit the holy Baal Shem Tov. 

Yankel made the pilgrimage to the home of the holy sage. He was met at the gate by the worker in charge of charity (gabbai tsedahkah). Everyone who came to the gate of the Holy Bal Shem Tov received a ruble for their trouble. Only those with more serious problems were invited in. The  gabbai handed Yankel a rubble, but Yankel angrily threw it to the ground .

"What use is a ruble to me," he said. "I used to deal every day in thousands of rubbles until my fortunes changed. You know the rules, give charity to a man up to the level he is used to. This one ruble is nothing."

"Calm down," said the gabbai, I will let you in to see the Baal Shem Tov. Explain your problem to him." 

Yankel stood before the holy wonder worker and asked him what was causing his current poverty.  The Baal Shem Tov proceeded to explain to Yankel his whole story.

"When you refused to give Rav Yitchak a pinch of tobacco, a decree was written in the Heavens that all your money would transfer to him."

"What can I do to get my money back?" asked Yankel.

"You must ask Rav Yitchak for a pinch of tobacco," said the Baal Shem Tov, "and if he refuses to give you some, the decree will be reversed and all your money will return to you."

Yankel returned home with one thought on his mind; he must ask Rav Yitchak for tobacco in a way that will make him refuse his request. The next day he showed up at the Beit knesset in his dirtiest smelliest beggars clothing. He siddled over to Rav Yitchak, and boldly asked him for a pinch of tobacco. 

"A Jew asks for some tobacco, how can I refuse," replied Rav Yitchak.

Without hesitation he pulled out his silver tobacco case and gave the beggar a pinch.

"Drat," thought Rav Yankel,"he gave me some." 

Not to be defeated, Yankel waited until the next time Rav Yitchak was called to the Torah.  Just as the rich man was walking towards the bimah, Yankel  strode up and demanded more tobacco. Rav Yitchack turned, pulled out his silver tobacco case, and handed him a pinch. 

"A Jew asks for some tobacco, how can I refuse," he said.  

Darn again," thought Yankel. "Next time I'll ask at an even more difficult time."

Yankel waited until Rav Yitchak was marrying off his daughter. The wedding was a splendid affair and all the townspeople were invited. Beggars could also attend and a small table was set for them in the corner. Yankel marched through the crowd of wedding guests in his filthy beggar clothing and stode up to Rav Yitchak who was at that moment attending to the Ketuboth (marriage contract). 

"Rav Yitchak," he said, "give me some tobacco." No please, no grace, just blunt words coming from Yankel's mouth. Without a seconds delay, Rav Yitchak pulled out his silver tobacco case and gave the poor townsman another pinch of tobacco.  

 "A Jew asks for some tobacco, how can I refuse,": he said.  

Yankel was very depressed at this turn of events, and decided he would try one last time. Just as Rav Yitchak was escorting his daughter down the aisle in front of all the guests, with beautiful wedding music playing in the background, Yankel run up behind him, pulled on his jacket in the most obnoxious way possible and asked for tobacco. Rav Yitchak paused, turned around, pulled out his silver tobacco case, and gave the miserable beggar some more snuff. 

 "A Jew asks for some tobacco, how can I refuse,": he said.  

This final development was too much for the poor Yankel who abruptly cried out and fainted on the spot. The defeated beggar was laid out on a couch and after he revived he explained the whole story to the patient Rav Yitchak.

"If the holy Baal Shem Tov  told you that my money came from you, then it must be so; consequently, I will give you half of my wealth."

We see from this story that little acts of charity make great waves In Heaven, which is why the honest Baltimore plumber who gives free or reduced service to poor customers in winter is truly collecting great blessings.

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The story is courtesy of 1st Choice Plumbing Inc. ; 3502 Taney Road, Baltimore, Md. 21215; 410-967-6547 ; http://www.1stchoiceplumbinginc.com