Plumbing companies like ours routinely are asked many questions. Sometimes they are questions about which makes or models of water heaters are best (and most efficient). In other cases, individuals want to know what they can do to reduce the mold buildup in their home. No matter how simple or complex your question is, one thing is for sure. If your home’s plumbing is not working the way it should, you should have a licensed plumber out to make repairs. We’re happy to be there to help you with any plumbing or drain needs.
Common Questions – Here’s What Many People Want to Know
There are three key questions that we are asked quite often. Providing you with answers here may help you to get the right type of service for your needs.
#1: What Should Be Done About Clogged Drains?
When something – water and other material – goes down the drain, it does not always go straight down. Sometimes, material builds up along the inside walls of the drainage pipes. As this occurs, it makes the actual opening where water is supposed to flow more narrow. Over time, it becomes so narrow that even water cannot get through quickly. You’ll notice a slow-moving drain in most cases.
In other cases, drains can clog when the wrong material is pushed into them. It could be hair (very common), or it could even be a child’s toy that was flushed down the toilet. In all cases, the goal is to help open up the drain to allow whatever it is to continue to flow downward. How do we do that?
The solution depends on the situation. It’s always best to call your plumbing team to have a professional determine what the underlying problem is. Some of the solutions we may recommend include:
- Removing the U-bend, the area where most material gets caught, cleaning it out or replacing it, and reattaching it. If there’s a significant clog in this location, this is the best overall option.
- Clean out the pipes by flushing them with high-pressure water. If the pipes are in good condition, but there is buildup along the inside, this is the best option. Never use drain cleaner or unclogging products – these simply damage the pipes.
- Replace the pipes with new ones. This is the best option when the pipes are worn and damaged or when the material within them cannot be removed.
Calling a plumbing service whenever you have slow moving drains is best. That way, a solution can be handled by a professional before it becomes a much bigger problem causing serious damage.
#2: Why Isn’t There Enough Hot Water?
Your family takes showers, you wash dishes, and you need to run a load of clothes. Your hot water tank just cannot handle all of the hot water demand your home has. That is the easy answer here. However, our team knows that there are often many other causes of this problem as well.
First, we need to consider the size of the hot water heater. Is it the right size for your family? If it is too small and your family continues to grow, that means that you may need to replace it with a new one. This can be the best long-term solution. However, some families need so much hot water that this may not be enough. You may, on the other hand, benefit from replacing the tank with a tankless hot water heater. These work by heating water once someone draws it – rather than keeping a tank of hot water heater. There’s no way to run out using this system.
Second, we need to consider just how efficient your system is. If your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it may no longer be efficient. By replacing it with a more modern option, you’ll be able to count on it generating more hot water faster than your existing model. That saves you money over time, too.
#3: Why Does the Toilet Keep Running?
Plumbing companies often receive questions about a toilet that’s always running. That means that there is water continuously being added to the tank to keep it at the right level. If it is “running,” that means that the tank is not filling or that there is some indication to the system that it is not filling. This is one of the most common questions we receive and an easy fix for most homeowners.
Most of the time, a running toilet is caused by a flapper that is not properly closing. If the flapper (located within the tank) is not creating a proper seal with flush valve, it allows water to continuously drain out of the tank. The tank mechanisms, then, keep trying to fill it.
The most common reason for this seal not forming has to do with normal wear and tear. Over time, the flapper wears down and needs to be replaced. Plumbing services can easily make this change for you, but you can also purchase a kit to do it if you have the extra time and you’re handy enough to do a plumbing project. We recommend giving our team a call to ensure that the process is done properly so that a seal forms effectively.
When you notice that the toilet is running, pull off the top of the tank and look within it. You may notice that the float, which is generally a large, balloon-like component, isn’t floating. That’s a sign that the seal needs to be replaced. Allow our professionals to make this repair for you. It’s also a good time to check all other seals along the inside and outside of the toilet to ensure they are tight.
Do You Have Plumbing Questions? We Are Here to Help!
Having a go-to plumber, you can trust for any of your questions is critical. You can depend on our team at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. We’ll gladly answer any question you may have or offer an inspection just to ensure your home’s plumbing remains mess free. Call us anytime – 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Less mess means less stress for you.
