Being a homeowner means having to deal with plumbing concerns. When hiring a plumbing expert it is important to ask: if they’re licensed and insured, if they have experience with your specific problem, charge a service fee, and if their repair is an hourly or flat rate. Aside from hiring a professional, it is important to know what common plumbing questions homeowners ask and identify if you can repair the problem yourself. Even if the repair isn’t a DIY, it is wise to have some background knowledge of the issue.
Here are the top ten most commonly asked plumbing questions from homeowners:
- Why does my faucet constantly drip?
The O-ring or washer are probably worn out.
- Why is my toilet always running?
A faulty flapper valve or fill valve is usually the reason a toilet is constantly running. However, if the valve is replaced and the problem persists, it is wise to contact a plumbing expert to rule out any potential hidden leaks.
- How can I prevent clogged drains?
Never put grease, hair, or large food particles down the drain. Flush your drains regularly with hot water and vinegar to prevent buildup.
- Why is my water bill high this month?
If you experience a sudden increase, there may be a hidden leak. If you suspect a leak, contact a plumber as soon as possible. If no leak is found, contact your water company and request that they reassess the consumption level on the bill.
- What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect outdoor hoses, consider outdoor spigot covers, and keep faucets dripping inside the home during freezing temperatures.
- Are there signs that indicate my hot water tank needs to be repaired or replaced?
Yes, there is an issue if you experience: inconsistent water temperatures, rusty or discolored water, strange sounds, and a leak from the tank. You might also notice a spike in your electric bill because the tank is having to work harder to heat the water.
- Can I use Drano?
There are toxic chemicals in chemical drain cleaners and the substance can cause your pipes to deteriorate from the inside out; causing drain lines to potentially need to be replaced. Our recommendation is to avoid chemical drain cleaners like Drano.
- Why am I experiencing low water pressure?
There are a variety of reasons. To troubleshoot the possible issues you will want to check shut-off valves, clean aerators, and/or look for leaks.
- Why do I run out of hot water so quickly?
If you have an electric water heater, an element may have stopped working. There is a reset button that could have been tripped and if it did trip, this could be an indication that there is something wrong. If it is a gas water heater, check to see if the pilot light is lit. Another possibility is that your tank is small and you are taking long showers that exceed the amount of hot water available.
- Why does my water heater make a rumbling sound?
If the sound is associated with steam, you may be able to fix the issue by lowering the thermostat setting. If the setting is all the way down and does not turn off, you may need to replace the thermostat. If the sound is on the louder end, there is probably sediment in your water heater. You will need to open the drain line and drain off the water until it runs clear; however, remember to allow the water to completely refill before testing the water heater again.