Frequently Asked Questions

Give your plumber a call right away. When water heaters leak, it’s a sign that the bottom of the tank has rusted and the system needs to be replaced.

As the hard water moves through the water softener, it passes through resin that is charged with sodium ions. These sodium ions attract hard water ions.

When the water reaches the bottom of the tank, it’s softened and ready for use.

A study by the University of Wisconsin showed that discharge from water softeners had no adverse effects and did not interfere with soil percolation.

The study indicated that the presence of calcium and magnesium balances the effect of sodium.

Hard water results from high mineral content from compounds like magnesium and calcium.

They aren’t hazardous to your health, but softening your water has many benefits, including cleaner dishes, clothes, hair, and more.

You’ll also use about half the amount of soap in dishwashers, washing machines, and while bathing and cleaning. You will notice that your fabrics are softer and last longer.

Iron in the water oxidizes when exposed to air. This causes rust-colored stains on showers, sinks, bathtubs, faucets, and clothing.

You should have a sump pump if part of your home’s structure is below ground level, such as a basement, cellar, or crawl space.

If water enters your home due to rain, flooding, or a faulty sprinkler, it naturally flows to the structure’s lowest point. A sump pump is situated so that the water flows into its tank, where it remains until it’s automatically pumped away from your home’s foundation.

Most sump pumps hold between 15 and 25 gallons of water and are available in pedestal and submersible models. A pedestal sump pump is easier to service, while submersible sump pumps are less noticeable.

Inspect the plumbing pipes periodically to look for rust or lime deposits, which can indicate the beginning of a leak.

When you notice a small problem, call a trusted plumber to inspect your system and repair any leaks.

You don’t want to wait, as leaks can quickly become a bigger problem, causing damage to your walls, flooring, furniture, and other belongings.

A variety of factors can cause faucets to drip, such as high water pressure, hard water, or sediment and debris buildup.

Faucets have internal parts that may need to be repaired or replaced.

You can help prevent problems by gently turning faucets, installing a filter or water softener, and keeping your water pressure at 80 psi or below.

First, you need to determine the cause.

Low water pressure can be caused by shut-off valves being partially closed or malfunctioning, a crimped water line, deposits in older plumbing pipes, and clogged faucets.

Other causes include a problem with the water lines, bad well pumps, or an undetected leak.

An experienced plumber can locate the source of the problem and explain your repair options.

Always run cold water when grinding food to help move the food waste into the drain lines.

Generally, most biodegradable food waste can be put in a garbage disposal.

Don’t use them for corn husks, clam or oyster shells, food with high fiber content, or non-food objects made of metal, glass, or plastic.

Odors can be caused by food or grease in the disposal. You can use ice cubes, lemon peels, or orange peels in the disposal.

Run the disposal for 20 seconds and then flush it with water for another 45 seconds to eliminate bad odors.

When there are cracks in the tank or bowl, seals have deteriorated, or the old fixture was not installed correctly, it may not function as it should.

Newer toilets conform to standards for water usage by using no more than 1.6 gallons to flush, so you can save money on your water bills and conserve water.

Begin by turning off the main water supply to your sprinkler system.

Drain the system using an air compressor and evacuate the water. Using the right amount of pressure is important, as too much can damage the system, and too little won’t evacuate all the water.

You want to get the water out to prevent freezing in the winter. With the right equipment, you can winterize your sprinklers yourself.

Kitchen and bathroom drains may become clogged when people aren’t careful about what goes down them. Food particles, grease, and other items get stuck in kitchen plumbing.

In the bathroom, hair, residue from soaps and shampoos, and small objects put into the drains by children often cause clogs.

Slow drains have partial clogs that eventually allow sink, bathtub, or shower water to drain away. When a drain is completely clogged, water sits in the or overflows from these fixtures.

Slow and clogged drains can each be a sign of bigger problems, including a broken sewage pump, root infiltration, or a broken sewer pipe.

If you’ve tried DIY remedies, but the problem persists, it’s time to call a qualified plumber with the proper tools and methods to better diagnose the cause, including video camera inspections.

There are some steps you can take to unclog a drain. For instance, if you’re dealing with a minor sink or toilet clog, you can probably quickly clear it with a plunger.

Mixing baking soda and vinegar is another DIY remedy that can help clear away mild clogs.

Sometimes a drain snake or auger is needed for more stubborn clogs, but homeowners must exercise caution when using these tools, as they can damage your drain pipes if used incorrectly.

Professional plumbers agree that chemical drain cleaners shouldn’t be used to clear clogs, as they can damage your pipes. If you cannot remove a clog after a few attempts, it’s best to turn the job over to a licensed plumber to ensure proper drain clearing.

Trenchless technology allows your plumber to replace your existing sewer line without digging trenches around the pipes.

Trenchless sewer line replacement is typically faster, less invasive, and less costly than traditional sewer line replacement because there’s less property damage to clean up.