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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!

Sump Pump

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A sump pump is a plumbing device installed in a basement or crawl space to help prevent flooding by removing excess water. It works by pumping water that accumulates in a sump put, typically located at the lowest point of the area, to a safe location outside of the home.

  • Sump pump activates when water levels in the sump put rise, usually due to heavy rain, ground water seepage and snow melt

With all of this rain, it’s important to make sure that your sump pump is doing it’s job!

It’s important to ensure the discharge pipe is directed far enough away from the foundation to prevent water from flowing back towards the house. Regular maintenance such as cleaning the sump pit and testing the pump is key to keeping it functioning properly.

If you’re having any issues with water flooding or need help ensuring that your sump is working properly, give us a call!

Tankless Water Heater Service / Annual Flush

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Are you having problems with your tankless water heater?

Does your tankless water heater need service? Did you know that its recommend that you service / flush your tankless water heater annually?

Here is a breakdown of the service that we recently did to get this tankless water heater working properly:

  1. Unit tear down: A full tear down was required for this unit to inspect internal components for wear, corrosion or building and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
  2. Burner replacement: The burners on this unit were worn out or damaged which is why it was necessary to replace them to restore proper heating functionality. If the burners in your unit are in good condition we would then do a burner cleaning. Over time, burners get clogged with soot, mineral build up or debris. Cleaning them will improve efficiency and performance.
  3. Secondary burner chamber flushing: This chamber can collect sediment, especially in areas with hard water. Flushing it will help prevent blockages and keep the unit running smoothing.
  4. Flushing unit: The filters can also cause a build up of sediment and debris which is why it’s important to keep them clear and flowing by using our approved descale solution.

It’s important to get your tankless water heater serviced annually to avoid any damages and to keep it functionally efficiently. If you haven’t scheduled your annual service please give Craig Johnson Plumbing a call to make sure your water heater is working properly.

Water Heater Upgrade

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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!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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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!

What does a gas leak smell like and what to do if you have one

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There are millions and millions of people who have natural gas or liquid propane in either residential or commercial buildings. It sounds crazy, but did you know the best indication of a gas leak is when you smell “rotten eggs”. Often times the utility providers will add a rotten egg smell to the gas to make it easier for the homeowner to detect a gas leak. However, sometimes gas leaks could have no smell at all.

If you can’t smell a gas leak, another way to determine that something is wrong with your gas is if:

There is an odor or strange noises coming from your oven or even if your food isn’t turning out the way it should.

If there is an outdoor gas leak there will potentially be gas bubbles forming puddles onto the ground.

 

If you suspect that you may have a gas leak:

Don’t use or open any type of flame / burner, evacuate from your home or commercial building and do not smoke.

Gas leaks are very serious and cause significant damage. Once you are in a safe place, call us! We are able to locate and repair gas leaks. 

Why you should never pour grease down the drains

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Everyone loves a good breakfast; however, your drains do not agree!

 

Yikes! This is How Your Grease Drain Looks Like If You Don’t Fix It | by Sarah Lavinski | DIY ...

 

A lot of people say, “it’s okay if you use hot water.” Don’t let them fool you. After a while the grease collects in your drains and gets into the sewer lines which doesn’t just create a kitchen clog, but it can create a clog throughout your home. If this does happen, the best thing to do is pay your local plumber to come out and clear the line. If it doesn’t get resolved damage can be caused in your sewer lines which can create a larger problem.

Our best advice to dispose grease is:

Let the grease dry and dispose into a container or throw away. If there is excess grease still on the pan, you can use a paper towel to scrape it off and throw away.

Why you should flush your water heater

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Hot water is a necessity! There is nothing like waking up and realizing you have no hot water. Getting your water heater flushed is very important to keep it maintained and working properly.

Flushing your water heater will increase the longevity of the unit, get hot water quickly, improve efficiency and it will comply with warranty.

Your water heater is a huge investment, and of course, you want it to last as long as possible. Over time sediment and lime can get into your water and eventually it can settle at the bottom of your water heater tank which can cause it to stop working effectively.

It is recommended that you get your water heater flushed annually. If you have hard water, you may want to get it serviced every 6 months.

Craig Johnson Plumbing can flush your water heater and ensure proper operations.

Storm Drains

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Wasn’t that last rainstorm crazy!

Now that it has passed – this is the time to get your storm drains cleared before the next storm!

A storm drain is also known as a storm sewer which is a drainage system designed to drain excess rain or surface water from surfaces like roofs, sidewalks, parking lots and streets through undergrounds pipes into streams or rivers. Unlike sewer lines, storms drains drain the water without it being treated in a sewage treatment plant.

In most homes, homeowners use gutters to collect rainwater from their house and use gutter downspouts to drain out the water.

gutter guard

It is important to keep these drains clear and flowing especially before a storm because if they are full of debris there will be a clog and the water will not be able to drain throroughly which can cause a variety of other issues within the home.

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