Frequently Asked Questions

🚨 Emergency Situations

• What should I do if a pipe bursts?
  Immediately turn off the main water valve to your house. Open the lowest faucets in your home to drain the remaining water out of the lines. 
• Where is my main water shut-off valve?
  It is typically located near your water meter, in the basement, in a crawlspace, or near the street curb in an outdoor valve box. 
• What is the first step to take if my toilet is overflowing?
  Take off the tank lid and press down on the rubber flapper valve at the bottom to stop water from entering the bowl. Then, turn off the local shut-off valve located behind the toilet base. 

 

🚽 Toilets & Drains

• Why does my toilet constantly run?
  This is usually caused by a faulty or misaligned flapper, an improperly adjusted fill valve, or a tank chain that is too short or too long. 
• Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
  No, professional plumbers strongly advise against them. The harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes over time and damage the environment. Use a plunger or a plumbing snake instead. 
• How do I prevent my drains from clogging?
  Install hair traps in showers, and never pour fats, cooking oils, or grease down the kitchen sink. 
• What items are unsafe for a garbage disposal?
  Avoid putting stringy vegetables (like celery or asparagus), potato skins, coffee grounds, eggshells, or bones down the disposal. 

 

💧 Water Pressure & Costs

• What causes a sudden spike in my water bill?
  The most common culprit is a hidden toilet leak. You can test this by putting a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank; if color seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. 
• What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
  This can happen due to mineral buildup inside the pipes, a partially closed main valve, a faulty pressure regulator, or a leak in the municipal supply line. 
• Why do my pipes make a banging or rattling noise?
  This is called "water hammer," which happens when water abruptly stops flowing. It can be resolved by installing an air chamber or a water hammer arrestor. 

 

🌡️ Water Heaters

• How long does a standard water heater last?
  Most conventional tank water heaters last between 10 to 15 years. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years.
• How can I extend the lifespan of my water heater?
  Flush the tank annually to clear out mineral sediment and replace the magnesium or aluminum anode rod every 3 to 5 years to stop the tank from rusting.
• Why does my water heater make a loud rumbling sound?
  This indicates that a thick layer of sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. The sound is caused by boiling water bubbles trapping and bursting under the sediment layer. 

 

🛠️ Hiring a Professional

• What should I ask a plumber before hiring them?
  Always ask if they are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also ask if they offer a flat rate or an hourly estimate, and if their work comes with a warranty. 

If you are dealing with a specific plumbing issue right now, let us know and we can help! (Contact Plumbing Support)