Helpful Tips for Plumbing in Your Home

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My garbage disposal stinks! How can I get rid of this odor?

    Odor occurs when food debris builds within the disposal. To eliminate an odor, begin by placing ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in the disposal and running it for 30 seconds. Next, spray some liquid dish detergent into the disposal while it is still running. Lastly, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away from the mechanism.

  • We know to turn off the outside faucets in the fall before the freezing weather arrives, but they still froze and broke. What did we do wrong?

    Plumbing systems are designed to prevent foul odors from entering the house by means of the trap attached to fixtures. Traps contain water to seal out foul odors; if the water seal evaporates, the odors enter the house. To solve this problem, pour a bucket of water in each trap, sink, shower, and floor drain. This will prevent the odors from entering the house.

  • We know to turn off the outside faucets in the fall before the freezing weather arrives, but they still froze and broke. What did we do wrong?

    Along with turning off the water, you must also disconnect the hose on the exterior of the house. Doing so will allow the water to drain out, thus preventing breakage.

  • How often should I have my septic system inspected or pumped?

    Septic systems should be inspected and/or pumped a minimum of once every three to four years. You might not be experiencing any problems now, but a full septic tank allows unwanted solids, such as toilet paper, to flow into the drain field, eventually clogging it. A blocked drain field is costly to repair or replace.

  • My shower heads and faucets have a buildup of a white, chalky substance around the area where the water comes out. Do I really have to replace them?

    The chalky buildup is mineral deposits and calcium. To remove mineral deposits from a showerhead, take a plastic bag filled with 1 cup of vinegar and tie it around the showerhead, using twist ties if needed. Leave it overnight. In the morning, remove the bag from the showerhead and, using an old toothbrush, scrub off the deposits. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and allow them to soak in a small bucket of vinegar overnight.

  • Our kitchen drain has taken longer and longer to drain recently. Should we have it cleaned?

    Before you have the drain cleaned, try using name-brand drain maintenance products. These products are designed to dissolve buildups of food, grease, or hair. Most of the time, these products can fix small clogs without a problem.

  • When the water is operating, I hear a rumbling sound coming from it. What could cause this?

    Rumbling sounds coming from a water heater are an indication that sediment has collected in the bottom of a tank. The sound is boiling water trapped in the sediment, thus preventing the heat from transferring into the rest of the water in the tank.


    You can try draining a few gallons of water off the bottom of the water heater tank to try to reduce some of the sediment. This is done by attaching a hose to the tank valve at the bottom. Allow it to drain for about five minutes.


    WARNING: HOT WATER IS DANGEROUS. DISCHARGE THE WATER ONLY INTO A FLOOR DRAIN, LAUNDRY TUB, OR BATHTUB. HOT WATER WILL KILL YOUR GRASS IF DISCHARGED ONTO YOUR LAWN. HOT WATER WILL CRACK A TOILET BOWL IF DISCHARGED INTO THE TOILET.


    Many newer models have anti-sediment mechanisms built in. If your heater is an older model, it may be cheaper to just replace the heater if buildup is severe.

  • I am hearing a whistle sound that comes and goes at times, but I can’t find the cause of it. What is it?

    The sound you hear may be caused by a toilet fill valve that is slowly leaking. Locate the leaking toilet by removing the lid of each toilet tank and adjusting the fill valve mechanism until it stops. Once you have found the toilet causing the problem, repair or replace the fill valve.

  • What do you recommend for replacing a toilet?

    Recent federal government mandates have been put in place that new toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilet manufacturers had to develop a toilet that would achieve this but that would also clear the bowl and carry the waste to the city sewer or septic system. Some of the early models performed poorly. Since then, complaints have forced manufacturers to develop new ways of flushing toilets. One new way is the use of a pressurized toilet tank that looks like a regular toilet, but it has a pressure tank inside that works like a commercial toilet. A large surge of pressurized water enters the bowl and clears the bowl of any waste. These toilets work very well but are as loud as a commercial model.

  • The temperature of my hot water seems to be too high. How can I conserve energy yet also be sure that there is an adequate amount of hot water?

    Most customers are satisfied with their hot water set at 120°F, the new standard that manufacturers use when pre-setting it at a factory. If you have an older model, set the thermostat at medium and test. Locate the dial on your tank. On a gas model, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve, usually. On electric models, the thermostats are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank. NOTE: Make sure to turn off the electricity before adjusting any mechanism on an electric heater.

  • There are four people in my house: two adults and two teenagers. We are constantly running out of hot water. After a five-minute shower, the water starts to turn cold. What’s the deal?

    One of two things has occurred. First, the dip tube may have broken off. This tube forces incoming water to the bottom of the tank so that hot water is drawn off of the top. When a dip tube breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water, causing it to cool. This is both a problem for gas and electric heaters.


    Second, if your heater is electric, the bottom heating element may be malfunctioning, causing only the top of the tank to heat properly. The cause of this problem could be a bad element or a thermostat malfunction. This type of problem should be evaluated by a qualified technician.

  • Recently my water bills appear to be really high. None of the faucets appear to be leaking, but what could cause such a high water bill?

    First, check to see if the toilet is leaking. Open the tank and see if the water is flowing into the overflow tube. If it is, adjust the valve so that the water stops approximately one inch from the top.


    Second, put a few drops of food coloring in the top of the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. Let the water sit for 15 minutes, and upon returning, the water in the bowl has changed color. This is an indication that water is leaking into the bowl and that the ball or flapper needs to be replaced.

Do-It-Yourself Tips

Odors

  • Make sure traps (the U in the piping) are full of water, since the water in little-used toilets or sinks tends to evaporate.
  • Make sure all caps are on tightly and secured.
  • As a last resort, a small amount of bleach poured into a drain may help.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

  • Use liquid drain cleaners as opposed to crystal drain cleaners. Crystal drain cleaners may solidify in your pipes.
  • Be careful about using chemical drain cleaners in drains that are completely clogged. If the cleaner does not clear the clog, the chemical may damage your bathtub or sink after sitting dormant on porcelain.

Garbage Disposals

  • Stringy vegetables such as celery and banana peels are very hard to grind up and can clog garbage disposals. The stringy parts separate and wrap themselves around the mechanism.
  • Lemon peels seem to temporarily take care of bad odors from disposals. See our first question in the FAQ section.
  • Run the water while operating your disposal. This helps push foods through and keeps the disposal from clogging. Cold water works best.

Toilets

  • Leaking toilets can become an expensive ordeal. Thankfully, most of the time they can be fixed by replacing a faulty flush valve. They are inexpensive and extremely easy to put in.
  • Make sure the water level in the tank is at the proper level. See here how to check.
  • Toilet water ports or jets can become plugged with calcium or mineral buildup from hard water. You will find several holes, or ports, under the rim of the toilet bowl. Take a metal coat hanger and poke the end of the hanger up into the ports to release any loose buildup. Also check the main port at the bottom of the toilet stool, at the top of the main hole.

Water Heaters

  • Turning down the temperature on your water heater is an easy way to save money and prevent scalding burns. We recommend setting the water heater to no more than 120 degrees F.
  • Flush your water heater at least once a year. This will prolong the life of your water heater by reducing sediment buildup and keeping valves operational.
  • When you leave for vacation or an extended time period, turn your water heater down to its lowest setting. This will save you money and prolong the life of the appliance.

Water Saving Tips

Water is a Precious Resource! Conserve Water and You Are Helping Your Community and Your Wallet

Laundry

Use the load size selector on the washing machine to use only the amount of water your laundry load requires. Replace inefficient, older washing machines with higher-efficiency units. Presoak heavy stains to avoid the amount of water needed.

  • Water Savings: 2-8 Gallons Per Load of Laundry

Car Wash

Wet your car down quickly with the hose, then turn the hose off. Use a bucket of soapy water to wash the wet car. Remember, used water is fine for washing wheels, rims, tires, and bumpers. Rinse the washed car quickly with the hose.

  • Water Savings: Up to 50 gallons!

Hygiene

Rinse a toothbrush quickly and turn off the sink while brushing. Use a glass of water to rinse your mouth and toothbrush.

Water Savings: 2 Gallons Per Person Per Day!

When washing or shaving, fill a sink with water rather than running a faucet. Try installing a faucet aerator.

  • Water Savings: 2-4 Gallons Per Day
  • Install a water-saving showerhead, and keep shower times short and at low pressure.
  • Water Savings: 5-10 Gallons Per Shower
  • Water-sewer-service-tips Plug your drains before you run water in the sink or in a tub. Only fill the bathtub halfway. Reuse bathwater for outdoor cleaning tasks.
  • Water Savings: 10-20 Gallons Per Bath

Toilet

Only flush the toilet when necessary. Install a water-saving toilet with low-volume water consumption.

  • Water Savings: 1-3 Gallons per flush, up to 15 Gallons per person per day
  • Water Savings: 2 Gallons Per Person Per Day!

Lawn & Garden

Select plants that don't need much watering. Water lawns, plants, and flowers during times when the wind is light, temperatures are cool, and maximum shade exists. Allow grass to grow taller—this helps keep it shaded, cool, and moist. Use mulch to retain moisture around plants and trees.

  • Water Savings: Up to 50 Gallons Per Week!

Dishwashing

Fill a sink with soapy water rather than using a running faucet. Scrape and wipe food into the garbage or compost bucket before washing. Soak dishes before washing.

  • Water Savings: Up to 20 Gallons Per Day!

Cleaning

Fill a bucket of soapy water and use a sponge mop. Do not keep a hose running or use a string mop—this will consume more water and require more water to clean.

  • Water Savings: 5 Gallons Per Cleaning

Leaks

Check each faucet, spigot, and valve. Replace all old, cracked, or leaking washers—don't forget to check water supplies outside, including hoses and sprinkler systems. A single, slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water EACH DAY, or 5000 gallons per month. A simple 20¢ washer can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year on your water bill.

Avoiding Sewer Problems

  • Use common sense! Remember, whatever leaves through your home returns to the public water supply.
  • Avoid putting objects or materials into the sewer system that could possibly obstruct the pipes.
  • Always be sure that the cap on your basement clean-out trap is securely fastened.
  • Be sure to contact your water and sewer authority to report any major backup and to avoid sewer main issues.
  • Be sure the plumber you hire to work on your site is licensed and bonded.
  • Dispose of only natural, biodegradable materials into your plumbing system.
  • Use deep-rooting trees when landscaping your property. Shallow root systems can grow toward pipes and cause blockages.

Never dispose of hazardous or toxic substances into your sewer system. Paint thinner, turpentine, solvents, gas, motor oil, and other liquids should be disposed of through your municipal waste authority.

Disposable diapers, female sanitary products, cotton balls, cigarette butts, and baby wipes all clog pipes and sewer systems. Even if labeled "flushable," it's best to wrap this waste matter and place it into trash receptacles.

Cooking oils and grease can build up on the walls of your drain system. Avoid disposing of these materials in your sink drains and toilets.

Request Service Here