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Outdoor Plumbing Essentials

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Leaky Hose Bib Repair Made Easy

Hose Bibs, Sprinklers & Drainage: Outdoor Plumbing Essentials

Outdoor plumbing systems work hard behind the scenes to keep your yard functional and your home protected. From watering your lawn to directing rainwater away from your foundation, systems like hose bibs, sprinklers, and drainage lines all play a critical role. When one fails, it can lead to wasted water, higher bills, or even property damage.

Here’s what every homeowner should know:

Hose Bibs: Small Fixture, Big Impact

Your hose bib (outdoor faucet) is one of the most frequently used plumbing fixtures outside your home—and one of the most commonly overlooked.
Common Issues:
• Constant dripping or leaking
• Loose handles or worn-out washers
• Cracks from freezing temperatures
A leaking hose bib might seem minor, but over time it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and even cause damage behind the wall.
Pro Tip:
Disconnect hoses before winter and consider upgrading to a frost-free hose bib to prevent freeze-related damage.

Sprinkler Systems: Keeping Your Lawn Alive

A properly functioning sprinkler system keeps your landscaping healthy and your property looking its best—but even small issues can reduce efficiency.
Watch for:
• Uneven watering or dry spots
• Low water pressure
• Broken or clogged sprinkler heads
• Underground leaks
Leaks in irrigation lines often go unnoticed until you see unusually high-water bills or soggy patches in your yard.
Pro Tip:
Run your system at the start of each season and visually inspect every zone to catch issues early.

Drainage Systems: Protecting Your Foundation

Drainage is one of the most important—and most ignored—parts of your outdoor plumbing. When water isn’t directed away properly, it can pool around your home and cause serious damage.
Common Problems:
• Clogged or blocked drains
• Improper grading causing water to flow toward the house
• Cracked or collapsed drain lines
• Tree root intrusion in underground pipes
Poor drainage can lead to foundation cracks, erosion, and even flooding.
Pro Tip:
Keep gutters and downspouts clear, and make sure water is being directed at least several feet away from your home.

The Hidden Threat: Tree Roots

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, making underground pipes a prime target. Over time, roots can break into sprinkler lines, drainage pipes, and even sewer systems—causing blockages and costly repairs.

At Craig Johnson Plumbing, we often use sewer cameras to locate root intrusion and hydro jetting to clear the lines safely and effectively.

When to Call a Professional

Outdoor plumbing issues can escalate quickly. It’s time to call in a professional if you notice:
• Persistent leaks or standing water
• Sudden drops in water pressure
• Unexplained increases in your water bill
• Signs of root intrusion or pipe damage

Keep It Flowing
Maintaining your hose bibs, sprinkler system, and drainage isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your home. A little preventative care now can save you from major repairs later.
If something doesn’t seem right, Craig Johnson Plumbing is here to help with expert service, from inspections to repairs and full system upgrades.

Plumbing 101

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Plumbing 101: What Every Homeowner Should Know!

When it comes to your home or business, plumbing is one of those systems you rarely think about—until something goes wrong. From slow drains to hidden leaks, even small issues can turn into expensive repairs if ignored. At Craig Johnson Plumbing, we believe that a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your property.

Your Plumbing System Works Around the Clock

Every day, your plumbing system delivers clean water and safely removes waste. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, shower, or sewer line, everything is connected and constantly in use. That’s why even minor issues can impact your entire system if left unchecked.

Small Leaks, Big Consequences

A dripping faucet or a tiny leak under the sink may not seem urgent, but these problems add up fast. Over time, they can waste thousands of gallons of water and lead to higher utility bills, water damage, and even mold growth.

Tree Roots & Sewer Line Damage

One of the most common issues we see in our area is tree root intrusion in sewer lines. Roots are naturally drawn to moisture and can enter pipes through small cracks. Once inside, they expand and create blockages that can lead to backups or even broken pipes.

At Craig Johnson Plumbing, we use advanced tools like sewer cameras and hydro jetting to locate and remove root intrusions efficiently.

Grease Buildup in Drains

Grease might go down the drain as a liquid, but it quickly cools and hardens inside your pipes. Over time, this creates thick buildup that restricts flow and causes major clogs—especially in kitchens and commercial settings.

Pro Tip: Always dispose of grease in a container, not your sink.

Toilets Are Not Trash Cans

Flushing anything other than toilet paper can cause serious plumbing issues. Items like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products don’t break down properly and often lead to stubborn clogs and sewer backups.

The Importance of Camera Inspections

One of the best ways to diagnose plumbing problems is with a sewer camera inspection. This technology allows us to see exactly what’s happening inside your pipes—whether it’s roots, cracks, or blockages—without unnecessary digging.

Preventative Maintenance Saves You Money

Routine maintenance is the key to avoiding major plumbing emergencies. Regular drain cleaning, inspections, and water heater servicing can extend the life of your plumbing system and help you avoid costly repairs.

⚠️ Know When to Call the Pros

If you notice slow drains, recurring clogs, foul odors, or unexplained water spots, don’t wait. Plumbing issues rarely fix themselves—and usually get worse over time.

💡 Why Choose Craig Johnson Plumbing?

At Craig Johnson Plumbing, we take pride in providing honest, reliable service you can count on. Whether it’s a simple repair or a complex sewer line issue, we’re committed to getting the job done right the first time.

📞 Need Help?

Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a big problem. Contact Craig Johnson Plumbing today for expert service, inspections, and repairs you can trust. 530-274-7275

 

Kitchen Plumbing Facts Everyone Should Know

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Kitchen Plumbing Facts Every Homeowner Should Know!

The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in any home—and your plumbing system works hard behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. From washing dishes to preparing meals, your kitchen plumbing takes on more than you might think. Here are some important facts every homeowner should know to avoid costly repairs and keep things flowing properly.

1. Your Kitchen Sink Isn’t a Garbage Can

It’s easy to treat your sink like a catch-all, but not everything belongs down the drain. Grease, oils, coffee grounds, and food scraps can quickly build up and cause serious clogs. Even if you have a garbage disposal, certain items can damage it or clog your pipes.

Pro Tip: Dispose of grease in a container—not down the drain.

2. Garbage Disposals Need Care Too

A garbage disposal is a great tool—but it’s not indestructible. Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and eggshells can jam the blades or create buildup.

Keep it running smoothly by:

• Running cold water while using it
• Avoiding hard or stringy foods
• Cleaning it regularly with mild solutions

3. Grease Is the #1 Kitchen Plumbing Problem

One of the most common causes of kitchen drain issues is grease buildup. When hot grease goes down the drain, it may seem harmless—but as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to your pipes. Over time, this leads to slow drains or full blockages.

4. Slow Drains Are Early Warning Signs

If your kitchen sink is draining slowly, don’t ignore it. This is often the first sign of buildup forming in your pipes. Addressing the issue early can prevent a complete blockage and expensive repairs later.

5. Hydro Jetting Can Restore Your Pipes

For tough clogs and buildup, hydro jetting is one of the most effective solutions. It uses high-pressure water to clear grease, debris, and even tree roots from your pipes.

Bonus: It not only clears the blockage but also cleans the pipe walls.

6. Hidden Leaks Can Cost You

Small leaks under your sink can go unnoticed but lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher utility bills. Check under your sink regularly for moisture, corrosion, or drips.

7. Sewer Line Issues Can Start in the Kitchen

Many people don’t realize that kitchen habits can impact the main sewer line. Grease and debris can travel beyond your sink and contribute to larger sewer problems over time.

8. Regular Maintenance Saves Money

Routine maintenance—like professional drain cleaning and camera inspections—can catch issues early and extend the life of your plumbing system.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your kitchen plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated. Small habits—like being mindful of what goes down the drain and addressing issues early—can make a big difference.

If you’re dealing with slow drains, clogs, or suspect a bigger issue, professional help can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Commercial Sewer Line Maintenance

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Hydro jetting is one of the most effective methods for clearing grease buildup in commercial sewer lines—especially in restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food-processing facilities.

However, clearing the line is only part of the job. After hydro jetting, it’s extremely important to perform a camera inspection to ensure the line is fully restored, flowing properly, and free of hidden issues.

A sewer camera allows us to verify that all grease and debris have been removed while also identifying any underlying problems that may not be visible from the surface.

In some cases, like this one, the camera inspection revealed that the sewer line is unfortunately broken. Catching issues like this early can prevent major backups, property damage, and costly emergency repairs down the road.

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Broken Sewer Line

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A broken sewer line is a serious plumbing issue, but the right fix depends on what caused it and how bad the damage is.

Below is a photo of a 4″ x 3″ broken main sewer line due to broken supports on Polaris pipe. When Craig Johnson Plumbing got the call, we went out there the same day to get this line fixed!

There are some warning signs to look:

  • Multiple drains backing up at once
  • Sewage smell in yard, home or business
  • Soggy or sunken spots in your yard
  • Gurgling toilets or slow drains
  • Sewage coming up through floor drains

If you’re seeing more than one of these, it’s likely the main sewer line – not just a clog. Give us a call at Craig Johnson Plumbing 530-274-7275

Re-routing water lines

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Tree roots are a common reason plumbers need to re-route water lines, especially when roots crush, lift, or repeatedly damage underground piping. Here’s an overview of how it’s usually handled in the field. 🔧🌳

Roots naturally grow toward moisture and nutrients, so even tiny leaks attract them. Over time they can:

-Crack PVC, copper, or poly water lines

-Push pipes out of alignment

-Cause repeated leaks

-Collapse older lines

Once roots are heavily established, spot repairs often fail, which is why rerouting is common.

Typical Water Line Re-Route Process

1. Locate the Existing Line

-Use a pipe locator or tracer wire

-Identify where roots are impacting the pipe

-Mark utilities before digging (811)

2. Excavate Around the Problem Area

-Dig test holes to expose the damaged section

-Remove as many roots as possible

-Determine if repair or reroute is better

3. Choose a New Route

-Route around the tree

-Run along the side of the property

-Install through a clean trench away from root growth

4. Install New Water Line

5. Pressure Test & Backfill

-Pressure test for leaks

-Bed pipe in sand

-Backfill and compact soil

If you are having issues with your water lines and believe that they need to be re-routed, please give us a call and we are always happy to help!

 

Are you looking to install a new gas line?

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Trenching for a gas line is one of those jobs that looks simple, but can go sideways fast if it’s not done right! There are a few steps you need to take before trenching just anywhere.

Safety First:

 It is mandatory in the US to call 811 before you dig. They will reach out to all the utility companies to mark their lines so make a clear digging area.

Permits and inspections are usually required.

Make sure to have a licensed installer for gas piping.

Pressure test needs to be done before backfilling.

No open flame, no shortcuts. Gas work isn’t DIY friendly!

Trench Depth:

Natural gas (poly/PE underground pipe): 12-18″ minimum cover

Metal pipe underground: 18″-24″ minimum cover

Sleeve under driveways/footpaths: required in many areas

Tracer wire: required for all PE gas lines

Materials Commonly Used:

Poly gas pipe underground

Anodeless risers at transitions to above ground

Tracer wire and warning tape.

Sand or fine soil bedding (native soil works), avoid rocks.

Overall, trenching for a gas line and installing a gas line isn’t for everyone. It is very important to do this the correct way to prevent any harm or danger. If you’re interested in re-routing or adding a new gas line, give us a call and we are always happy to help!

Yearly Tankless Water Heater Service

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Tankless water heaters require yearly cleaning (descaling/flush) is a big deal for performance and lifespan – especially if you’ve got hard water. This photo shows a cold inlet water filter clogged due to lack of maintenance. If you haven’t had your tankless water heater serviced within the last year, give us a call!

 

 

 

Moen Flo Smart Water Shut Off Device

Here at Craig Johnson Plumbing we offer a full range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including installations of the Moen Flo Smart Shut off Valve. This device monitors your plumbing 24/7 for any abnormal water flow or pressure drops and will automatically shut off your water.

This device is increasingly required by home insurance companies to qualify for coverage or discounts because it dramatically cuts down on catastrophic water damage claims.

The Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shut off is a smart, whole home water safety system that continuously monitors water pressure and flow in your pipes to spot leaks as small as a single drop per minute as well as runs daily tests to detect subtle issues. The device has an app which sends real time alerts if unusual flow or a leak is detected and this app allows you to also remotely shut off your water from your phone.

The Moen Flo is a great device to protect your biggest investment and offers a peace of mind.

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