Plumbing - Clean Flo Sewer and Septic

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Why It’s Advisable To Use NonMetal Pipes For Plumbing And Sewer Lines

Written by Kevin on April 23, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Choosing the right pipe material is critical for longevity and performance. When upgrading or repairing plumbing, or for sewer line repair in Greenville, SC, nonmetal pipes have become the top choice. They’re known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to corrosion. The industry uses them as the default material for new or replacement pipes.

NonMetal Pipe Advantages

Professional sewer line services use nonmetal parts for repairs, installations, and replacements. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are the popular nonmetal options.

Most metal pipes rust or deteriorate over time. Modern nonmetal materials are more reliable with fewer long-term issues.

In addition to corrosion and deterioration resistance, nonmetal pipes have high flexibility. For trenchless replacement and pipe lining they also have high resistance to root intrusion. They are also lightweight, easy to install, and durable.

Low Maintenance, High Resistance Features

Traditional metal pipes often corrode, leading to leaks and blockages that disrupt drainage. Nonmetal pipes reduce frequent sewer repair. Modern plastic-based alternatives are resistant to chemical reactions. They do not degrade in harsh underground conditions. This reduces the likelihood of costly emergency repairs and extends its lifespan.

Nonmetal pipes are the top options for sewer line replacement. They have higher efficiency and affordability. Trenchless installation methods such as pipe bursting or slip lining work well with flexible materials like HDPE. These methods also use zero to very minimal excavation. They keep landscaping intact while providing a long-lasting solution for damaged sewer lines.

Preventative sewer line maintenance is easier with nonmetal pipes since they are less prone to scaling and buildup. Their smooth interior surfaces also promote better water flow, preventing clogs and blockages. Regular inspections and maintenance keep them in peak condition.

Nonmetal Water And Sewer Lines

When you need to replace sewer line parts, nonmetal pipes are the top choice. They are more affordable and easier to install, with a longer lifespan. Plumbing technicians prefer them for both residential and commercial applications.

When your pipes need repairs, reinforcements, or replacements, call Clean Flo Sewer and Septic today. We use nonmetal materials with our extensive expertise for reliable, long-term solutions.

How to Plunge Like a Plumber

Written by Kevin on March 2, 2022. Posted in Plumbing.

If you’ve ever come face to face with a clogged toilet, you know it can be pretty tense. Watching that water rise quickly and knowing you only have a few minutes or even seconds to react can be extremely stressful. The last thing you want is for the contents of that bowl to overflow onto your floor! If you want to be prepared to come out the winner in this showdown, use these tips to learn how to plunge like a plumber.

Keep the Right Plunger Handy

You might not realize there are actually two types of plungers:

Red Cup Plungers: To make it easier plungers are colored either red or black. Red plungers have a shallow cup design to handle clogs in sinks. These plungers will not be of much use when you try to flush out a clogged toilet.
Black Flanged Plunger: The black plunger has a flange and deeper cup providing more pressure to release the clogs in a toilet. They are designed to create a strong seal at the top of the toilet drain, so you can create pressure when you plunge the toilet.

There’s no use having a plunger if you keep it in the basement or garage. Each bathroom should be equipped with a black plunger to handle clogs quickly to avoid overflows.

Avoid Overflows

As soon as you see that water rising after a flush, you have to act fast. Quickly remove the tank lid and lift the ball float or fill valve. When you do this, you should see the water in the tank stop filling immediately. Next, remove the water line from the overflow tube, or push down on the flapper valve to stop the water in the tank from entering the toilet bowl.

Turn Off the Water Source

On the wall behind the tank, you will see a valve for the water source. Turn the valve to the right (tighty righty) to turn off the water so there is no chance more water can enter the bowl.

Start Plunging

Now that the water is under control, you can get down to the real work. Place the plunger into the toilet bowl, making sure you get a good seal around the toilet drain. This will help ensure you have enough force to dislodge the clog in the u-trap. Holding the plunger with both hands using a rapid up and down motion keeping the seal in place to apply pressure. Soft clogs should release quite quickly while some clogs might be more stubborn and require several plunges.

Dry Bowls

It is not uncommon for clogs to allow the water to drain but keep some of the solid debris in the bowl. Don’t try to plunge a dry bowl, as not only could this cause a disastrous mess, but also you won’t be able to get a good seal and enough pressure to release the clog. If this is the case, you can turn the water valve back on, turning it to the left. Allow enough water to fill the bowl so you can begin plunging.

When the Clog Isn’t Flushed

There are two possible reasons you aren’t able to remove a clog with the plunger:

Solid Object: A solid object could be lodged in the toilet such as a toy. If you dare, you can put on a rubber glove to see if you can feel anything at the mouth of the toilet drain and try to remove it.
Clog Beyond the Toilet: If you don’t find anything solid at the mouth of the toilet drain, there’s a good chance the clog is beyond the toilet. This could be a clog in either the branch drain or main sewer.

If you are unable to dislodge the clog with your plunger, it’s time to call Clean Flo Sewer and Septic. We have the tools to assess the situation and take proper steps to fix the problem.

Using a Snake or Auger

Professionals will use a tool called an auger or “snake” to try to clear the obstruction. The flexible tool can reach down into the pipes safely and force the blockage out of the way. This can be a messy job but can work quite well as the wire can reach as far as 25 feet into the pipes. If this doesn’t work, chances are the clog is further down in the main sewer.

If you have a toilet clog in Anderson, SC you can’t remove with a plunger, speak to the experts at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic today.

frozen pipe plumbing problem during winter frozen pipe plumbing problem during winter

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing

Written by Kevin on November 8, 2021. Posted in Plumbing.

When a cold winter’s night is approaching, it is a wise idea to consider if you should do something to prevent your pipes from freezing. While you might go many winters without getting a frozen pipe, a single burst will be enough to make you cautious every winter after. Pipe bursts from freezing are major hassles that can cause serious water damage to your home, even to structural components.

They can cause mold, damage things like your furnace and do plenty of damage. They can also wrack up quite the water bill, along with the bills to repair and replace the pipe and everything it has damaged. At the start of every winter and before the worst record-breaking cold nights, you should consider if you need to do anything to prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are the steps that you can take to prevent pipe freezing.

Insulate Your Pipes

Just like walls, pipes can be insulated. Hardware stores sell insulation specifically for pipes, don’t try to put wall insulation on them. Also, you may not necessarily need to insulate every pipe in your home. Steel and copper pipes will be more vulnerable to cold temperatures than plastic ones because metal is a better heat conductor. When you insulate these pipes, you may also find that this solves condensation issues too.

Add Heat Tape

Heat tape is another option to keep your pipes from freezing. This can be a safety risk, so you should read the instructions for heat tape carefully and only use them where and how the manufacturers recommend it. Some tape is meant only for outdoor pipes and some only for indoor pipes.

Turn Up the Heat

Especially if the home is vacant, you should turn up the heat during winter nights. Excess heat can help protect the pipes from freezing and it can be protective of other features, appliances and surfaces in the home too, which are all likely not meant to be frozen.

Look for Foundation Problems

Cracks and gaps in the foundation can let in cold air even though the home is warm. These gaps and cracks are especially a problem if they are right next to pipes, as this will expose the pipes to the coldest air and increase the odds that they will freeze over. You can fill in these gaps and cracks before the cold weather arrives. Ideally, you’d have a professional do this to ensure that the crack is filled for the long-term, or you’ll find yourself out there next winter filling in the same gaps.

Drain Outdoor Fixtures

The outdoor fixtures are more likely to burst than the indoor ones, simply because they are exposed to colder temperatures and aren’t protected by the house. It is a good idea to disconnect the outdoor hoses and drain water from the pipes that lead to outdoor hoses. Though these are internal pipes they will also be colder than the other indoor pipes because they lead outside.

Run the Water

If all else fails, and a very cold night is approaching, then you can run the faucets a little. Just a small trickle for every faucet will keep the water moving, which helps prevent it from freezing. Moving water needs much lower temperatures to freeze than standing water, although it is still possible for them to freeze. And don’t forget to turn off all the taps in the morning.

What If My Pipes Have Frozen?

Well, worse has come to worst and you’re certain you have a frozen pipe. What steps should you take to prevent additional damage? Of course, you should call a professional plumber right away, to get them on the road to you as soon as possible. You should then take the following steps:

Turn off the water: Turn off the home’s main water valve to stop the flow of water or prevent it when the pipe thaws. There will still be some water in the frozen pipe though, so be prepared.
Do not use flame: Yes, thawing the pipe is the next step, but using an open flame in the house is dangerous.
Try a hair dryer: But don’t stand in water while you work.

Do you need help preparing your home for the next big freeze? Or, are you worried that you are dealing with a frozen pipe problem already? Reach out to us at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic. we can help you minimize the damage to your home and recover quickly.

Clean flo plumbing sewer and drain Anderson SC gas water heaters Clean flo plumbing sewer and drain Anderson SC gas water heaters

How To Turn Off Your Water Heater

Written by Kevin on June 7, 2021. Posted in Plumbing.

It might not seem like something as basic as turning off a water heater would be difficult. Many homeowners find themselves scratching their heads when trying to figure out what valves to turn! And because it varies based on whether your system is gas or electric, it can take a few extra steps to make sure everything is shut down completely. Here are easy instructions to turn off both gas and electric water heaters to make sure you do it properly.

When You Should Turn Off Your Water Heater

The only time you need to turn off your water heater is when you have a leak. This can happen for many reasons from age and rust to a malfunction with the valve. As soon as you realize your water heater is leaking, you should turn off the water supply until someone can come and have a look to determine what is causing the leak. They will make repairs or suggest a replacement if the tank can’t be repaired. Some people think they need to turn off their water heater before they go away, but it is not necessary.

First, when you turn your water heater off completely you will return home to find you have no hot water. Second, you can also add wear and tear to your water heater from the effort required to shut down, turn back on and then heat an entire tank of water. It makes more sense to either lower the temperature to about 50 degrees F or to set your water heater to VAC for “Vacation Mode”. Most new models provide this handy setting.

For Gas Water Heaters

Find Your Water Heater

If you aren’t sure where your water heater is located, they are usually in the basement, a utility closet, or sometimes in the garage or attic.

Find the Temperature Dial

For gas water heaters, you’ll need to look for the temperature dial which is usually at the front on the bottom. Turn the dial off.

Draining the Heater

If your intent is to drain the heater, you’ll need a hose hook up to the boiler drain. You can then put the hose outside to let the water drain into your yard, or you can use a bucket. However, a bucket might not be big enough depending on how much water is in your tank.

Locate the Gas Supply Valve

The valve tends to be on the right side of the water heater. To shut off the gas you either have a lever or a knob. If it is a lever turn it perpendicular. For knobs turn it clockwise.

Locate the Relief Valve

The final step is to look for the relief valve near the top of the heater. Once you turn it off it allows air to enter the tank.

For Electric Water Heaters

Find Your Water Heater

Your electric heater will be located in the same areas as gas water heaters.

Find Your Breaker Box

For electric water heaters, you’ll need to find your breaker box. In most cases, the box is located either in the garage or on the exterior of your house. From there you need to find the breaker line providing power to your water heater and turn it off.

Draining the Heater

As with gas water heaters, if you need to drain the heater, you can attach a garden hose to the boiler drain. Either put the house outside to let the water drain into your yard or use a bucket. However, watch the water level on the bucket to as it might not be big enough depending on how much water is in your tank.

Locate the Relief Valve

The final step is to look for the relief valve near the top of the electric water heater. Turn it off to allow air to enter the tank.

If you are having issues with your water heater or can’t figure out how to turn it off, speak to your Anderson, SC plumber expert at Clean Flo Sewer and Septic today.