Posts

Garvin's Sewer Service Cares About your winter plumbing

/0 Comments/in , , /by

dreamstime_xxl_24937967
Spigots are sexy.

Well, not really. But they are important.

Why?

Because if treated properly, they won’t flood your basement. And if not, they will.

It’s almost like you have to succumb to the power they yield.

Submit.

It’s a shame they can have so much power, but they do. And while Garvin’s Sewer Service is all about drain cleaning and sewer cleaning, we have a few suggestions for your fall and winter plumbing.

Tame your spigot by:

1. Detaching your hose BEFORE the first frost. In Colorado, that is usually around the last part of October.

2. Making sure you have a frost-free spigot installed.

3. Know where your emergency water shut-off valve is so you can turn it off in case the spigot does split.

 

If you have questions, please contact Garvin’s Sewer Service at 303- 571- 5114

Sewer Service Scams and Ethics

/0 Comments/in , , /by

dreamstime_xxl_52135Holy buckets! Sometimes I get all fired up about the things I see in the sewer repair industry!

I believe that people should be able to expect a fair service done by professionals trained in their field. Especially when you are hiring them to come into your home! We should be able to trust folks! So, why do I hear stories like this???

— A homeowner is told they need sewer replacement. When we gave a second opinion, all he needed to do was a sewer cleaning. Price difference: $8020.

— A homeowner is charged $700 at a “reduced Preferred Client” rate which includes a guarantee on the work performed. For less than that, we would run the line twice in a year, guarantee included.

— A local news channel ran an expose on local companies that lied about the need for sewer repair or made the problem worse before “selling” a solution to the client.

— A partnership between companies that is self-serving in that kickbacks are given for referrals performed by subcontractors, whether or not the actual work is needed.

There are ethical ways to make a profit in this world, and there are unethical ways. Garvin’s has been in business for 75 years because we do the right thing. Integrity is part of our decision-making and practices.

Can you share a horror story with me of your own? Follow me on Facebook and tell me your story. https://www.facebook.com/PlumbingGirl

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stuff Women Need to Know About Preventing The Need for sewer service

/0 Comments/in , , /by

dreamstime_9421492Hi Ladies!

I get a lot of questions and realized I could address some of them more publicly:

1. Is Drain-O/ Liquid Plumr really that bad?

In 75 years of business we have:

  •      Gone out to clean a drain after one or similar products have failed to clear a clog (on more than one occasion)
  •      Gone out to clean a drain after one or similar products have failed to clear a clog and the product splash-back caused skin burns that sent the technician to the hospital (on more than one occasion)
  •      See the warning labels on these types of products and don’t understand why they are available to non-professionals for use
  •      Found non-chemical products to be longer lasting, and safer for the environment and all lifeforms

In this product, the “grabbing tool” is more effective than the chemical product.

 

2. Does the type of toilet paper really matter?

In 75 years of business we have found:

Low flush toilets and toilets with low water pressure or small openings do have more issues with the type of paper

Thick papers such as those labeled Ultra Soft/ Ultra Plush/ Super Absorbent, do cause more issues than those that don’t. Use as little as possible in order to prevent the need for sewer cleaning

 

3. What is the BEST way to get rid of clogs?

In toilets: PLUNGER, AUGER, or Pulling the toilet (in the case of an object falling in and getting stuck)

In sinks and tubs: a grabbing tool such as shown below

In sewers, floor drains, kitchen sinks and laundry lines: Professional Drain cleaning equipment, run by a professional sewer cleaner

 

4. It says, “Flushable”, yet I still have problems.

Tampons and wipes are HUGE culprits in creating clogs. Wrap the cotton portion in the trash rather than flushing it and limit the use of wipes. This will save you money on sewer cleanings. They are designed to be strong and absorbent, not like toilet paper which is designed to disintegrate.

 

Do you have any other questions you’d like me to answer?

Follow me on Facebook and ask me there! Or go ahead and give Garvin’s Sewer Service a call today.

 

 

 

How Preventive Sewer Maintenance and Sewer Scopes can fix root problems

/0 Comments/in , , /by

roots in the sewer lineWe have a root showing contest happening here in the office.

Let me explain.

When roots enter the sewer lines, they cause backups. We send our guys out to nab the problem. Most of the time, these roots come out in bits or are pushed through to the city main. In some cases, such as these, they snap a photo for our wall of fame.

Brian’s Big Root
Brian’s root came from a storm drain. It took him about 4 hours to clear it out of the line. Another company suggested using a high-pressure water sewer jetter, but it is the blades on the machine that get these root snakes out of the line.

Bill and John’s Big Root
Bill and John wrestled a Lock Ness-size root-ster from a commercial drain line. Preventative maintenance does save money in the long run. Hours of work by two men to clear the line once could have been prevented with annual cleanings.

Mark’s Nasty Root
This clog was a blend of waste entangled in roots. It impacted the line so completely, it couldn’t be removed. The line was dug up and replaced. Again, regular maintenance could have prevented this repair. The home was occupied by a single woman who never cleaned the line.

Tom’s Fat Root
Tom pulled a root from a residential sewer line that was causing a severe sewer line back up. The client hadn’t had the line ran in over a decade. Tom battled them until they finally came, kicking and screaming, out of the line. Cleanings and root destroying product used 1-2 times per year could have prevented this nightmare. We recommend RootX.

Stories from the Trade Show: Do You Even Need Sewer Replacement?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

dreamstime_2797965They say fact is stranger than fiction…

An older woman approaches me at a recent trade show and says, “How much do you guys charge for sewer replacement?”

“It depends on a bunch of things,” I reply. “Can you tell me a little about what’s going on?”

I always ask that question when people ask me things because a lot of times they have misinformation and have already made diagnosis about what’s happening based on that.

“Well, I live in a cul-de-sac with four houses and two of my neighbors have gotten sewer replacement. I figure it’s just a matter of time.”

I smile and ask, “How often are you having sewer backups?”

This is important because most the time, there are signs it is bad or going bad.

“Oh, never. We haven’t had them in the time me and my husband have been in the house,” she answered.

“Ok, and how long have you been in the house?”

“Twenty-two years,” she pauses and then adds, “I’m sure it is time to get it replaced.”

I looked at her with gentleness. “The sewer line isn’t an appliance — it isn’t just going to stop working. I have seen 100-year-old sewer lines that are in perfect condition.”

She looked at me a little surprised. I continued, “Let me ask you something, if your neighbor broke their arm, would YOU get a cast?”

She smiled at me, “Heavens no!”

“Ok, so, if you would like to have peace of mind, we can come clean the line and see if everything is ok. It sounds like it probably is. After that long maybe just a sewer cleaning is in order.”

“Thank you dear. I will take your card… and this piece of candy.”

You know what? She did give us a call. Hope you will too.