The call had us stepping straight into the pond to clear a clogged line – because sometimes the problem isn’t just under your sink… it’s under water.
Clogs don’t stand a chance when you’re willing to get your boots (and more) dirty.
Another line cleared, another happy customer, and another shout out to Ben!
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Food waste occurs when edible food is discarded which often happens during cooking or can even be due to overbuying, improper storage or expiration.
Garbage disposals are very convenient for several reasons:
Just remember don’t add any grease or stringy food materials into your garbage disposal such as celery and potato skins. You want to keep your food waste going into your disposal at a minimum to keep everything flowing properly. Instead of putting all your food waste into the garbage disposal or the trash, put the majority of your big food waste into your waste bin for waste management or keep them to feed your animals!
Upgrading your water heater to a tankless is a great move, especially if you’re looking to save on energy and space.
We recently just upgraded a 50 gallon traditional water heater to a more efficient, tankless water heater. The demand on this home required 2 Rinnai tankless water heaters to keep up with 5 bathrooms. Rinnai tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency and ability to provide endless hot water, which is a huge plus especially for a larger home. The 2 tankless are linked together and run simultaneously without running out of hot water.
I mean look at all of this extra space! If you’re interested in upgrading your water heater, please call Craig Johnson Plumbing!
We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and got to spend time with their loved ones. With the new year coming up we are back to voting for Nevada County’s “Best Of” which starts on January 7th. You are able to vote once per day until they close the registration on January 25th. We are encouraging you all to vote for your favorites of Nevada County!
https://www.theunion.com/magazines/best_of_nevada_county/
Craig Johnson Plumbing would also like to thank you all for another great year and always trusting in us to fix your plumbing needs! Remember, no job is too big, and no job is too small!
Did you realize that with the colder weather water heaters generally work harder because of the incoming water being colder which requires the water heater to use more energy to reach desired temperature.
To make sure you maintain hot water through the winter and the holidays it’s important to stay up to date on maintenance.
Flushing and maintaining your water heater are recommended to be done every year. This is done on both, tankless and traditional tank water heaters. While we are flushing the water heater, we are also making sure that everything is working properly.
Insulating your water heater could help minimize heat loss.
Water heaters last on average 10-12 years. If your water heater is on the older side, has started leaking either at the top or the bottom, or is no longer providing hot water it may indicate that it’s time for a replacement. Tankless water heaters are more efficient as they are on demand heaters.
If you are experiencing any issues, please give us a call and we will troubleshoot any issues that you are having. There is nothing more inconvenient than running out of hot water on a cold day, so don’t wait!
We hope everyone had a happy new year and a Merry Christmas! Starting the new year, most people usually have a new goal. What if that “new goal” is to take care of your drains before there is an issue. Winter is here and that means storms are coming! Keeping your storm drains and sewer drains clear are essential during the weather. Fall has passed which means lots of leaves have fallen and could have possibly clogged your storm drains and gutters. Getting those drains clear before the storm hits will prevent them from backing up and causing a major issue. Craig Johnson Plumbing has a Hydro Jetter and a snake that could clear those lines for you!
If you’re interested in keeping these drains clear, give us a call! Remember – new year, new you and clear drains!