FAQ
Q: HOW CAN I PROLONG THE LIFE OF ALL MY PLUMBING FIXTURES AND WATER HEATER?
A: The best way to prolong the life of your plumbing fixtures and extend the life of your water heater is to install a water softener or water conditioner in your home. These systems are designed to stop scale build-up, protect pipes and fixtures and make all appliances that use water more efficient.
Q: WHY DOES MY DRAIN GET CLOGGED?
A: Usually drains are clogged because people are not careful of what they put in them, especially in the kitchen. Other drains, like in the bathroom, get clogged because of the oil residue from soaps, shampoos and hair. It is recommended that you are conscious of what you put down your drains and treat them regularly with a drain cleaner such as Bio-Clean.
Q: WHAT CAUSES MY FAUCET TO DRIP?
A: Usually when a faucet is dripping the problem has a relatively simple solution. The internal mechanisms need to be rebuilt or replaced. This is an easy and inexpensive fix. Did you know that you could extend the life of your washers by turning off your faucets gently rather than forcefully?
Q: HOW CAN I PREVENT LEAKING PIPES?
A: Take the time every once and a while to inspect your pipes. If rust or lime is depositing on them, this may indicate a leak is starting. If this is happening, contact The Plumbing Store to address the problem. By performing an occasional inspection you could stop a small problem before it turns into a large one. Leaking pipes can damage floors and belongings and become much more costly than if the problem was detected early.
Q: HOW LONG SHOULD A WATER HEATER LAST?
A: How long a water heater lasts depends on how well it is maintained, the water quality in your area, proper installation, and amount of use. When you buy a water heater, it's always good to look at all of the information that comes with it. That way, you will know what to expect. If you install your new water heater properly and maintain it, you can expect great results. For example, if your less expensive water heater is guaranteed to last for six years, with proper maintenance; it will probably last for eight.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF MY WATER HEATER IS LEAKING?
A: You should call The Plumbing Store right away. Leaking water heaters usually indicate the bottom of the tank has rusted. There are really no good repairs for this problem. You most likely need a new water heater.
Q: IS IT A BIG DEAL IF MY TOILET IS RUNNING?
A: This is not only an annoyance but also a waste of water and money. Leaky toilets can cost almost $100 extra per year on your water bills. If the toilet continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the mechanism is out of order and needs to be replaced.
Q: WHAT CAN I PUT IN MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL?
A: This can be huge problem for homeowners. Here are some tips to keep your disposal in good working order. First, always run cold water when grinding to move the waste all the way down the drain lines. Fats and grease congeal and harden in cold water and can be flushed through the system. Hot water should not be used because it can dissolve fats and grease, which may then accumulate in the drain line.
Q: WILL A GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLOG MY PIPES?
A: No. A garbage disposal that is used properly will not clog your pipes. However, the key to making sure that your garbage disposal doesn't clog your pipes requires proper installation and then usage that is compliant with your particular model. Before you install any kind of garbage disposal, you have to make sure that the drainage pipes are clear in the first place. This is why a Plumbing Store Super Plumber should install your garbage disposal. They can check for preexisting clogs and also clear them out. Remember, a garbage disposal is supposed to be a convenience, not a nuisance.
Q: WHEN I USE MY DISHWASHER, WATER BACKS UP INTO THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL, WHY?
A: Water backing up into the garbage disposal and then the sink is generally caused by food that is left in the disposal. If you leave food particles in the disposal and then forget about them without grinding them up and then sending them through the drain pipes with a good amount of cold water, these food particles will clog up your drainage system. Since the dishwasher and the garbage disposal share the same drainage pipes, you will have plumbing problems in the kitchen if you do not make sure that food particles from the disposal are cleared before using the dishwasher.