Plumber in Palouse, WA

Not always. We offer two main approaches: traditional open-cut excavation (which is sometimes the best option for severely deteriorated lines or collapsed pipes), and trenchless methods that don't require major digging. The most common trenchless technique is pipe lining - we thread a flexible liner coated with epoxy through your existing sewer pipe, inflate it, and cure it in place, creating a new pipe inside the old one. This saves your landscaping, driveway, and the cost of restoration. We always perform a camera inspection first to determine which approach is right for your specific situation.

Yes, and the fix is very different. Low pressure at just one faucet almost always means a clogged aerator (the small mesh screen at the faucet tip) or a partially closed isolation valve under the sink - both are quick, inexpensive fixes. Low water pressure throughout the entire house is a more significant issue: it can indicate a failing pressure reducing valve (PRV), significant internal corrosion narrowing your main supply line, a partially closed main shutoff valve, or in older homes, widespread galvanized pipe deterioration. We'll check pressure at multiple points to diagnose which situation you're dealing with.

Common warning signs: your water meter keeps moving even when every faucet is off, you notice warm or wet spots on your concrete floor, you hear running water when the house is completely quiet, your water bill jumped significantly for no clear reason, or you smell mold without seeing any visible source. Slab leaks are serious - water leaking under your foundation can cause significant structural damage over time. We use electronic acoustic sensors and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact location before any work is done, so the repair is surgical rather than destructive.

Skip the store-bought drain chemicals. Here's why: chemical cleaners generate heat that can warp PVC fittings, they rarely reach deep blockages effectively, and they create a hazardous situation for any plumber who works on the drain afterward. More importantly, a slow drain is often an early sign of a deeper problem - tree root intrusion in the main line, improper pipe slope from settling, or significant grease buildup that will eventually cause a full backup. A plumber can camera-inspect the drain and tell you exactly what's there before recommending the right fix.