Frequently Asked Questions
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What can I do if the temperature of my hot water is much higher than what I think it needs to be?
New water heaters are set at the factory to 120°F. This is what the maker feels is the standard setting for the majority of households. Some of the older models permit you to set the temperature by adjusting the dial on the front of the water heater. Sometimes the electric water heaters will have one or two panes along the side of the tank for adjusting the temperature. This should only be done after turning off the electricity to the water heater to avoid shock. Plumbing EXPERTS will help you determine the best temperature for your household.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to avoid shock from any exposed electrical wires and before doing any work with the electric hot water heater, always turn off electricity to the water heater.
What's the rumbling sound coming from the hot water heater?
Sometimes after a water heater has been on a while you may hear sounds coming from it like humming or rumbling. This happens because there are mineral deposits which have accumulated inside the water heater on the bottom and the water becomes trapped and after that begins to boil.
This can be remedied occasionally by draining the water heater right into a bathtub or floor drain. Let the water drain through the water heater for 5 minutes or so. This will help get rid of the sediment. Newer models are made to prevent this mineral sediment build up.
You may give us a call for the general maintenance of your water heater.
WARNING: Hot water is unsafe. Don't allow the hot water to go onto your plants or lawn as it may kill them. Instead allow it drain right into a floor drain or a laundry tub or bath tub. Remember to turn the power off on your electric heater to prevent it from burning up.
If roots find their way to drain lines, what could occur?
Hairy type roots can grow into a leaky pipe. Time will pass and in the end it is going to block completely with toilet paper, grease or debris.
Roots which are in the pipe may continue to grow so that the pipe is forced to crack, collapse, or break. Your only option right here is to go ahead and replace the pipe.
Certain pipe types including PVC, clay, and concrete all develop the tendency towards root problems. However, PVC is the least likely to have a root problem mainly because it has fewer joints and far less leaks.
Call Plumbing EXPERTS and they'll come out with their advanced drain cameras and perform a recording of your drain problems within your pipes.
How can I eliminate the white scaling that is building up on my faucets and shower head?
The buildup you can see growing on your shower head and faucets is caused by mineral deposits sometimes known as calcium in the water. You can remove these deposits by placing some vinegar inside a plastic bag and put it on the shower head or faucet. It may be tied on with some line or a garbage bag twist tie. Leave it on through the night and after that the next day remove the bag and clean the shower head or faucet using small brush or old toothbrush to eliminate the leftover deposits. Plumbing EXPERTS can show you how water softening may help this condition.
How can I eliminate foul odors that are coming from my garbage disposal?
No one likes these smells. They originate from food accumulation inside the disposal. The best way to get rid of the odors can be to put some ice along with lemon or orange peels into the disposal and turn it on for about 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent or a little bit of bleach into the disposal and turn it on about twenty seconds. After all that let cold water run inside the disposal while it's running for about 30 seconds to remove the remaining debris.
I wish to replace a toilet inside my home. What would you recommend?
Be sure to only purchase a toilet bowl fixture from a major maker. If you purchase from an off brand you could get something with cracks or fissures inside it and will also affect the operation of the fixture. If the fixture is poorly installed or it's seals and rings aren't any good, this will affect the way it works also. New government standards state that they use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush.
Just lately my water bill went up extremely high. What may be the reasons?
Sometimes the culprit in a high water bill is the toilet. Check and be sure it is not running all the time. Many times the water is going over the top of the overflow tube and also the valve does not shut off. There may also be a small screw on the top of the valve that can be fine-tuned to shut the water off sooner. Plumbing EXPERTS can come out and inspect a leaky toilet and give you an estimate to fix it before your next water bill.
The plumbing in my house sounds like someone is blowing a trumpet. Can I fix this?
Whenever you lose the air cushion in your plumbing this can happen. Turn off your water at the main valve. Then go around your house and turn on all the faucets in your home. Then turn on the primary valve again and go about your house and turn off each faucet one by one. This will get the air out of the lines and get eliminate the strange noises.
Exactly what can I do about my gradually draining kitchen sink?
Always start using the plunger first. Then in the event that doesn't work use a liquid drain opener. Make sure to read the directions first and wear gloves to protect your hands. This should be used with extreme care as it may be caustic. Next you can remove the drain trap and clean it out from under the sink. If you've used liquid drain cleaner just before this you want to take care you don't splash it in to the eyes since there may be some left inside the trap. Lastly, if the drain is clogged beyond the trap, you might want to use a drain auger that extends from about 15 to 50 feet. Also available for older homes are enzyme-based openers that can dissolve accumulation inside the drainpipes.
