Blog

News

When Plungers and Drain Cleaners May Not Be Enough – Dealing with Deep Drain Clogs in Escondido

January 21, 2024

A clogged drain is a common plumbing problem every Escondido homeowner must deal with sooner or later. In most cases, the clogged drain can be cleared using a plunger or drain cleaner. However, sometimes the blockage causing the clog is so deep in the drain that these DIY solutions don’t work.

What is a Deep Drain Clog?

Deep drain clogs are blockages or obstructions that occur deep within a home’s plumbing system, typically beyond the reach of common household plumbing tools like plungers, cleaners, or drain snakes. These types of clogs are typically found in the main sewer line or other large pipes that connect the various drains in a house…


Clearing Rooftop Drainage: Tips and Techniques for Unclogging Roof Pipes

January 15, 2024

Your rooftop drainage system is critical in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. Over time, roof pipes and drains can become clogged with debris, leaves, and dirt, impeding water flow and potentially causing leaks. This blog post will explore effective tips and techniques for clearing and maintaining rooftop drainage to ensure its optimal performance.

1. Safety First

Before attempting rooftop work, prioritize safety. Use proper equipment, including a stable ladder, non-slip shoes, and fall protection gear. Ensure someone knows you’re working on the roof in case of an emergency.

2. Identify Clogged Areas

Inspect your rooftop drainage system to identify areas where clogs may have formed. Common trouble spots…


Corrosion Can Damage Pipes and Water Heaters in Solana Beach

January 12, 2024

Water leaks are a common cause of water damage in Solana Beach, CA. In a lot of cases, a damaged pipe is responsible for the leak. Water pipes can become damaged in many ways.

Corrosion is one of the ways a metal water pipe can become damaged and fail. It’s a natural process that occurs when the metal a pipe is made from has an electrochemical reaction with water, oxygen, salt, and other materials in the surrounding environment. This reaction causes the metal to become weakened and damaged in a process called corrosion. Plumbing pipes made from iron, steel, copper, and lead are particularly susceptible to corrosion-related damage.

What Causes Corroded Pipes…


Your First Choice for 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services in San Marcos, CA

January 8, 2024

The last thing anyone in San Marcos, CA wants to deal with is a plumbing emergency, especially when that plumbing emergency happens during the middle of the night, a weekend, or on a holiday. Clogged drains, leaking pipes, water heater issues, and backed up toilets are just a few of the unexpected plumbing problems that plague San Marcos area home and business owners. Their first choice for emergency plumbing services in San Marcos, CA? Why 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, of course!

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration has been providing reliable, affordable emergency plumbing services to residents and business owners in San Marcos, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. Our…


Preparing Your Plumbing for Extreme Weather: Tips for Climate Resilience in Oceanside, CA

January 6, 2024

Extreme weather events have become more frequent and unpredictable as our climate continues to change. Oceanside, CA, is no stranger to such weather fluctuations, from intense storms to prolonged droughts. To protect your home and plumbing system from the challenges posed by extreme weather, this blog post offers valuable tips and insights on climate resilience.

1. Inspect and Insulate Your Pipes

Extreme cold snaps during winter storms can lead to frozen and burst pipes. Inspect all exposed pipes and insulate them with pipe sleeves or insulation tape. Pay special attention to outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces.

2. Secure Outdoor Fixtures and Valves

Strong winds and heavy rain can…


Gas or Electric? Water Heater Installation in Oceanside, CA

January 3, 2024

If you’re moving into a new home or replacing a worn-out water heater, it’s important to consider your options when choosing your new water heater.

There are two main types of water heaters: those that heat water using natural gas and those that heat water using electricity. Each type of water heater has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best for you? We want to help you make the most informed decision possible. In this post we’re going to compare gas water heaters and electric heaters.

Gas Water Heaters

Advantages:

  • Lower operating costs. While gas water heaters may be more expensive to install than electric ones, natural gas is often cheaper…

Water Leak Detection in Del Mar, CA

December 28, 2023

If you own a house in Del Mar, CA, the chances are good that you’re going to experience a water leak sooner or later. Water leaks are a common plumbing problem. It’s important to know when you have a water leak and the steps you need to take to repair it.

In some cases, the source of a water leak is easy to determine. In others, it isn’t. You may not realize you have a water leak until it’s too late.

Signs That You May Have a Hidden Water Leak in Del Mar, CA

Some of the signs that you may have a hidden water leak in your home include:

  • Higher than usual…

How Your Trees Could Be Your Sewer Line’s Worst Enemy

December 27, 2023

In a place like North San Diego County, CA, there are many ways your home sewer line can become damaged. Clogs and corrosion can damage the pipe from the inside, causing backups and leaks in the line. Changes in water pressure can also place stress on a sewer line.

External form can damage a sewer line as well. In addition to soil erosion and seismic activity, tree roots are a leading cause of sewer pipe damage. Tree roots can damage your home’s sewer line through a process known as infiltration.

How Root Infiltration Can Damage Your Sewer Line

Most trees have vast networks of roots. These roots are attracted to sources of moisture…


Backflow Testing and Certification in Oceanside, CA

December 26, 2023

Under normal circumstances, the water in a home or business travels in one direction. Clean, potable water flows in; wastewater flows out. However, in some cases, this flow can be reversed. “Backflow” refers to the unwanted reverse flow of water through a plumbing system.

How Does Backflow Contaminate Clean Water Supplies?

Backflow can create a dangerous health emergency. It can pollute a clean water supply with a wide range of contaminants, including feces, soap, food waste, chemicals, pesticides, suspended sediments, fertilizers, and other harmful materials. Serious illness, infection, and even death can occur when these contaminants are ingested or come into contact with the skin or eyes.

How does backflow happen? There…


The Role of Water Quality in Oceanside: Understanding and Improving Your Tap Water

December 24, 2023

Water is a fundamental resource, and its quality matters for the health and well-being of your Oceanside, CA, household. In this informative blog post, we’ll dive deep into water quality in Oceanside, helping you understand the factors that affect it and providing guidance on ensuring your tap water is safe and of the highest quality.

Factors Affecting Water Quality

The quality of tap water in Oceanside, CA, can be influenced by several key factors:

1. Source

Oceanside’s tap water primarily derives from local reservoirs and groundwater sources. These sources are subject to natural variations based on rainfall, droughts, and seasonal changes.

Understanding the source of your tap water is essential as it provides insights into the…