PLUMBING TIPS

Q) MY TOILET BUBBLES WHEN I FLUSH IT. IS THIS SOMETHING I SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
A)Yes, the closet may be improperly vented, and the sewer system should be checked for possible obstruction.

Q) RUSTY WATER COMES OUT OF MY FAUCETS.
A) It is possible that you have an accumulation of sediment in your water heater which may require replacement, or build up of rust in your galvanized piping.

Q) I HEAR A LOUD BANG WHEN I SHUT MY FAUCET OFF.
A) It is possible that you have a loose washer in the faucet or perhaps the water piping is not secured properly in the plumbing walls. Possibly the installation of a water hammer arrester may help.

Q) MY TOILET TANK WILL NOT REFILL.
A) Perhaps just an adjustment or the replacement of the internal parts could fix the problem.

Q) WHAT IS THE BEST FAUCET BRAND?
A) There are many quality brands available, however, it is important to understand that many of the products available at the local retail store are of lesser quality than those offered by your plumbing professional.

Q) WHAT BRAND HOT WATER HEATER IS BEST.
A) Like faucets, there are many quality brands available: most important is the warranty that is offered. Secondly, you want to be certain that the water is installed properly as not to jeopardize the warranty. This is, most definitely, a job for a licensed plumber.

Q) MY TOILET RUNS ON UNTIL I JIGGLE THE HANDLE.
A) Replacement of the handle or flapper mechanism should solve this problem.

Q) THERE IS A SEWER SMELL COMING FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN BY MY WATER HEATER.
A) Very simple, you need to add water to that drain on a regular basis so that it is always primed, locking sewer gasses in the sewer piping. For a more long-term solution, you might pour 8 oz, of vegetable oil down that drain.

Q) I HAVE A RELATIVELY NEW SUMP PUMP THAT HAS STOPPED RUNNING.
A) Sometimes it's as simple as the pump not being plugged in. Also, depending on what type of switch your pump has, float switch or diaphragm, a replacement part may take care of the problem.

Q) WHAT CAN I DO DURING EXTREME COLD TO KEEP MY PIPES FROM FREEZING?
A) There are a couple of things that you can do. First it would be wise to trickle your faucets that run along an exterior wall. Also, open cabinets to let more heat at the piping underneath sinks.

Q) MY WATER BILL HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLY HIGHER COMPARED TO THIS TIME LAST YEAR. IS IT POSSIBLE I AM LOSING WATER AT MY TOILETS.
A) Here's a simple and inexpensive way to determine if your toilet tank is leaking. Just before you retire in the evening, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet bowl. If you do not see any coloring in your bowl the next morning, you most definitely have a leak in your tank.

Q) MY SUMP PUMP RUNS CONTINUOUSLY BUT DOES NOT REMOVE THE WATER.
A) If it is during the winter months, it is quite possible that ice has formed in your discharge hose outside. If it is spring, it could very well be the thawing and spring rains that are keeping your pump busy, or a faulty check valve. It could also be a faulty impeller.

Q) HOW CAN I KEEP MY EXTERIOR FAUCETS FROM FREEZING IN THE WINTER?
A) First, you should remove the hose from the spigot each fall. Second, it would be wise to have a frost proof hose bib install for guaranteed protection.

Q) I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET GOOD WATER PRESSURE AT MY KITCHEN SINK.
A) Remove the aerators and clean out the screens with water. The problem may be that simple.

Q) MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL KEEPS CLOGGING.
A) Be certain to use only cold water when operating your disposal. Never put any form of grease down the drain, and continue to run water about a minute after operation.

Q) IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF MY WATER HEATER.
A) You could drain a couple of buckets of water from the tank monthly. This will flush scale from the tank bottom. If you have hard water, the installation of a water filtration system will extend the life if all you're plumbing fixtures.

Q) DO YOU RECOMMEND THE USE OF LIQUID DRAIN OPENERS?
A) Absolutely not, these caustic chemicals not only pose a threat to the plumbing fixtures appearance, but one must also consider the danger to your own health if a spill or splash should occur.