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45 Frequently Asked Questions about Plumbing

General

  1. What are the reasons behind corroding pipes?
    Corrosion of pipes are caused by some factors including the water pressure and temperature, ph level, as well as possible chemicals contained in the water. Corrosion of pipes will likewise affect your water quality.
  2. What can I safely put in the garbage disposal without worrying about clogs?
    Any soft and edible stuff can be put down in the garbage disposal. Things to avoid are mainly highly fibrous materials.
  3. There is a foul smell in my drain? How can I get rid of it?
    As a home DIY solution, you can pour boiling water down your drain, or vinegar to try to break up the accumulated junk in your pipe. A plumber may also opt to have your pipes cleaned.
  4. How can I make my faucet and sink last longer?
    Maintain a good and clean pipe, and always remember to address leaks right away.
  5. My kitchen sink and washing machine drain keeps on clogging, what can I do about this?
    First, sinks and drains are not supposed to collect heavy and non-edible sediments. Check the kind of things that pass by your drains as these may be causing the constant clogging.
  6. What does that vibrating sound in my pipes mean?
    This is completely normal, as the pipe may react to the changing water pressure. However, if you hear a sort of rattling sound, this could mean loose pipes or anchors, which can be best addressed by a plumbing professional.
  7. We have discolored water, why is this happening?
    This is often caused by old water passing by your pipes or simply rust in your pipe system. Try to let the water flow for a couple of seconds, and see if the discoloration goes away.
  8. Can I unclog my drain by myself?
    You can do initial measures to address the clog, by opening your drain hole and getting all accumulated substance there. You can also use vinegar or boiling water to help get rid of the sediments in the pipe.
  9. Why do we experience a sudden increase in water usage?
    This is one of the first signs of having a faulty water system. Have it checked by a plumber to know where the problem
  10. What is the reason why the dishwasher is not draining?
    The typical reason for this is a leak in the valve or there are mineral deposit in the pipes. You can call a plumber in order to help you with the replacement of the valve or how to clear the deposits in the pipes.
  11. My dishwasher is not filling with water, why is that?
    This is usually caused by a dry filter in the inlet valve that has been dirty. If it still doesn’t work after cleaning it, then the inlet valve should be replaced.
  12. Is it safe to use store brought drain cleaners on my pipe?
    For minor clogs, it is safe to use it. but for completely clogged drains, they can do more harm than good. For completely drugged drains, you should contact a professional plumber to fix it.
  13. Should I open and close the main water supply shutoff valve?
    It is recommended to do so. By doing so, you can minimize the chance of having plumbing problems in the future.
  14. Can my two-handed faucet be replaced with a single-handed faucet?
    Yes. The fixture dimension and opening in the sink has have standard size so switching will not be a problem.
  15. What can I do to deal with a blocked sewer line?
    You will need a plumbing profession to unblock the line or replace it. Doing it on your own may cause more harm on the sewer line.
  16. Does chemical cleaners damage my pipes?
    For minor clogs, they can be effective and useful. But for full clogs, it is better to contact your plumber for safe and efficient fix.

Leaking Issue

  1. It is possible for me to check if there are leaks?
    Yes, it is possible to check for leaks by yourself. You can do this by putting off water usage for a couple of hours, and check your water meter. If you notice changes in your meter, despite turning off all water sources, then it’s time to call SG1 Plumber to locate and address the leak.
  2. Are hidden leaks really a cause for worry?
    You may not see it, it may not significantly affect your water supply, but hidden leaks can lead to larger plumbing problems including broken pipes, and not to mention skyrocketing water bill.
  3. Will small leaks become bigger if not addressed?
    Even a needle-like a leak can grow bigger and create larger damages to your home.
  4. What should I do in case of leaks in the water meter?
    Depending on where the leak is, you should contact a plumber immediately if the leak is within your residence. If it is between the meter leading to the water utility, then you should contact the water service provider immediately.

Water Heater

  1. How many years do water heaters last?
    They can last for a long number of years between 8-10 years with proper maintenance, and it can provide you with hot water 24/7.
  2. I can hear vibrating noises in my water heater, is this normal?
    Water heaters do not usually create noise. If you notice the noise, have it checked by a plumber or electrician right away because it can mean sediment build up or a short circuit waiting to happen.
  3. Old water heater is not as efficient as before, why is this so?
    This is completely normal since water, through time will cause sediment build-up in your tank. This is why regular draining of tank is recommended to keep water heaters more efficient for a longer period.
  4. When should I replace my old water heater?
    You should replace the water heater when it reached the end of the lifespan. When it reaches it, you might be paying more than what is needed to heat the water.
  5. Is a tank less water heater compatible with my house?
    Most of the tank less water heaters are as big as a briefcase and works in almost every home. So there should be no problem as long as it has 120V, 60Hz and 3 amps of power, which is available on almost every house.

Waterproofing Question

  1. Why do we have a leaky basement? How can we stop this from happening?
    It is completely normal for basements to suffer from water leakage from pipes, moisture, and foundation cracks. Call a plumbing company to have a waterproof basement.
  2. What is the major benefit to having a plumber waterproof my basement?
    You will be able to reduce significant cost in repairing properties damaged by water leakage. This also greatly protects your house’s foundation from water-related cracks. Find out more waterproofing service here.
  3. Can plumbers help us make a bigger basement?
    Your plumber can suggest ways to make your basement more responsive to the water flow, as well as help determine where to properly locate the water pipes to prevent the common cases of basement flooding.
  4. Does wet basement always require a sump pump?
    Sump dump will certainly help for basements that usually get wet, but an ideal solution is to determine first how the water comes in the basement

Toilet Issues

  1. What type of toilet should I choose?
    One thing you can do is look for online comparison on the toilet properties such as the models and flush ratings. You should consider all the features the toilet can offer before choosing what is best for you.
  2. Why is my toilet running all the time?
    Usually, this is caused by the flapper that fails to seal the bottom of the tank. It can easily be easily checked by opening the toilet tank and see if the water would stop below the overflow pipe.
  3. Can my tracked toilet tank be fixed?
    Yes, when the tank is dried out, apply the epoxy on crack and allow it to dry to fix the tank.
  4. The sewage is coming out of the toilet, why is that?
    It is likely caused by the main sewage line backing up. You should call a toilet repair service right away.
  5. Is there a way for me to check toiler leaks?
    One trick to do this without spending too much is to put a colored food or substance in your toilet tank. If there is a link, you would see this color in your toilet bowl water.

Bathroom Issues

  1. Why does the pressure in my shower so low?
    When you experience this while other faucets are running it may be caused by an inadequate plumbing service in the household. If it happens even though other faucets are off, it is likely caused by pipe leaks that should be checked.
  2. Is maintenance on the bathroom plumbing really necessary?
    Yes, especially when a leak persists or there is a low water pressure. This is especially true when DIY home repairs would fail to fix the reoccurring problem.
  3. How often should the bathroom plumbing be maintained?
    Typically, it should be every 18 months to two years. But if you are experiencing a plumbing issue, then you can immediately contact a plumbing service to help you with the task at hand.
  4. Is it possible to change the water pressure of the faucet in my bathroom?
    Yes, you can. Most faucets now come with this control for pressure. However, it is best first to check the state of your rubber washers or seal as this may prevent you from increasing the water pressure.

Roof Leaking Issues

  1. Why is there a leak in my roof?
    Leaking in the roof can be caused by a lot of factors. You may be missing a shingle or water may have infiltrated from the chimney. The only way to be sure is to have it professionally assessed.
  2. Is the shingle the reason why my roof is leaking?
    Not every time. it can be due to the issues with the ridge gaps or the chimney. When it is because of the shingle, it can just be due to some missing or damaged.
  3. What are the common repairs that can be done to a leaky roof?
    The most common roof repair activity is replacing or repairing the shingles of the roof. For bigger problems and leaks, there can be a partial or complete reroofing for the house.
  4. Do I need to replace my roof if it is leaking?
    Depending on the magnitude of the problem. If it is only a damage on the shingles then it doesn’t need to be repaired. But if the problem is widespread, then yes. It should be replaced especially when the roof reached the end of the lifespan.
  5. How do I know that there is a bigger problem than the leak in the roof?
    This can be discovered by checking the roof. If there are widespread of damages and decays, then it the leak is just a sign of a bigger issue with the roof.
  6. How long does it take for my roof leak to be repaired?
    Depending on the problem, it can range from less than an hour if it only needs to be repaired on a certain area only, to longer duration when the entire roof needs to be replaced.
  7. Where is the area the roof is leaking?
    This can be easily observed during a rain and check to pinpoint where it the water actually leaks. But it is still advisable to have all of the roofs checked in order to find out if it is the only one with the issue.