Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What causes clogged drains?

    Drains get clogged for many reasons, but the two biggest reasons are residue build-up and objects falling into the drain. The items that wash down your drain in the normal course of using them such as soap, lotion, hair, and food remnants will collect along the side of the drain walls and in the trap at the bottom of the drain. If your drain is not cleared out on a regular basis, then these items will cause clogs.

    The more common reason for clogs is items that are put into the drain that are too big for the drain to clear. We always recommend that you give us a call when you have a clog, because improperly clearing a clog can do more harm than good.

  • Q: Why is my faucet dripping?

    Faucets are actually complex appliances that have several moving parts in their enclosed areas. When those parts start to wear out, the faucet will no longer be able to do its job properly and it will start to drip. Sometimes a faucet can be saved by replacing its internal parts, but in other cases a dripping faucet will need to be replaced.

  • Q: How can I tell when my water heater is not working right?

    When customers ask this question, we always assume they mean being able to identify water heater problems before they get the unexpected cold shower. There are three ways you can tell that your water heater needs to be looked at by a professional.

    - If your water heater is not consistently heating your water, then there is something wrong and it needs to be repaired.

    - If your water heater tank is leaking, then you need to give us a call.

    - If you hear strange moaning or banging sounds coming from your pipes, then that could be water heater problems.

  • Q: My toilet runs constantly. Is that a big deal?

    A running toilet can be fixed by repairing or replacing one of the faulty mechanisms inside the tank. If your toilet is running, then it is constantly running water into your tank and causing your water bill to go up. The sooner you get a running toilet fixed, the sooner you can stop the extra charges on your bill.

  • Q: Why does my toilet have a weak flush to it?

    One of the indicators that you need service done on your toilet is if the flushing process does not create the powerful swirling effect it used to. A possible reason for a weak flush is that the water jet at the bottom of your toilet is clogged. Another potential cause is the parts in your tank that create the flush need to be replaced. You might also have a very deep clog that is slowly getting worse and could cause your toilet to back-up the next time you flush. Your solution is to give us a call and we will handle the problem right away.

  • Q: Why does water back-up into my shower when I am using the washing machine or after I flush the toilet?

    If you are experiencing this problem, then you need to contact us immediately to have one of our experts come out and troubleshoot your system. This type of issue is caused by a major clog somewhere in your plumbing that needs to be found and removed immediately.

  • Q: What should I do if my garbage disposal starts making loud noises when I turn it on?

    There are two primary reasons why your garbage disposal will make loud noises the moment you turn it on. The first reason is that something is stuck in the disposal and it is hitting the blades as they spin. The second potential reason for loud garbage disposal noises is that your blades or other internal parts need to be replaced. If you hear loud noises coming from your garbage disposal when you turn it on, you should turn it off immediately and have it serviced before you use it again.

  • Q: How does my plumbing system work?

    A plumbing system does not need electricity or power of any kind to work properly. There is a constant supply of water pressure in your water supply pipe from the curb, and your plumbing system is set up to use gravity to move water from one spot to the next. Vents are also installed to help keep the balance of air and water in your system, and to vent sewer gas to prevent that gas from building up.

  • Q: How can I prevent my pipes from leaking?

    The best way to prevent your pipes from leaking and getting work done on your pipes when they need it is to have one of our expert technicians inspect your pipes at least once a year. If you start to notice green lime deposits or brown rust starting to form on your metal pipes, then call us immediately to get the problem handled.

  • Q: When can I take care of a plumbing issue myself and when should I call a plumber?

    The Internet has opened up a whole new world of instructional materials for people who want to take care of their own plumbing issues, and that is great. Small jobs such as clearing a light drain clog or replacing the P-trap under your kitchen sink are jobs a DIY enthusiast can do themselves. But installing plumbing fixtures and major plumbing repairs are jobs best left to the professionals. We always tell our customers that calling a plumber whenever you have a plumbing issue is never a bad idea, because you never know what other problems could be lurking.

  • Q: How do I prevent my pipes from bursting?

    Pipes generally burst in the winter when standing water inside the pipes expands as it freezes until it destroys that section of pipe. Many people have most of their pipes in the basement near the furnace, but that does not help the pipes in the walls and other remote parts of the house. You can wrap the pipes in more remote parts of the house with special piping insulation that will keep them warm. For the pipes in your walls, have an insulation contractor use blown-in insulation to make your home more energy efficient and protect your pipes.

  • Q: What can I do to extend the life of my furnace?

    Most furnaces will last around 15 years, and remain energy efficient, if they are maintained properly. The first step to extending the life of your furnace is to change your furnace filter at least twice a year. Remember to note the direction of airflow from your intact duct to the furnace and install the filter properly. Secondly, you can have your ducts inspected and repaired once a year to prevent air loss and inefficiency. Lastly, you should have one of our experts inspect your furnace every fall to make sure it is ready for the winter weather.