Plumbing FAQ

Buy a new water heater before your goes out
The newer ones are more efficient than an old standard water heater, therefore you will save money and energy during the life of the new appliance. Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it’s best to start shopping for a new one if yours is more than 9 years old. Replacing you water heater before it fails will allow you to research which unit is right for you and prevent expensive emergency service calls.

Take more showers than baths
Bathing uses the more hot water than a shower. The average person uses 15-25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 10 gallons during a 5-minute shower.

Is it was okay to pour hot grease down the sink as long as I let hot water run after it?
No. never put grease down your sink as it cools it will clog your pipes. Put the grease in a sealed container and dispose of it in the trash.

How can I keep my shower and bathroom drains clear of hair and soapy residue?
Purchase a tub or shower strainer to catch hair and other small objects. For soapy residue, let the water run when rinsing these products out. This includes shaving cream and toothpaste!

What is the optimal temperature setting for my water heater?
For most homes, a setting of 120 degrees will provide plenty of hot water and still save you in energy costs.

Check every faucet in your home for leaks
Just a slow drip can waste several gallons a day. To ensure that your valves will work when you need them to, open and close them once a year. Otherwise they may seize up over time.

Check toilet flappers regularly for wear and replace
A worn toilet flapper can leak silently and waste water and money. Remove tank lid, add food coloring to the water in the tank. Check the bowl in ten or fifteen minutes. If you see color, the flapper valve may be leaking. This should be done every few years. Most such leaks are silent.

Main water cutoff location ?
Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is in case of an emergency.

Check your meter periodically
If no water is running in the house, all dials on the meter should be stable. A movement in one of the dials may indicate a water leak, probably in a toilet. This could cost you dearly over time.

Water heaters maintenance
Their life can be extended by periodically draining a gallon or two of water once or twice a year from the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. This will allow sediment to clear.

Stopped drains ?
Use drain-cleaners as a last resort, because they often don’t work, and if they don’t you will have to deal with a sink full of caustic liquid. Always use a plunger first, and if you have to call a plumber after using drain cleaner, be sure to let him know.

Water Efficiency
A low flow toilet uses 20% less water – per flush than a regular toilet.
Install non-aerating low-flow faucets and showerheads and you will start using approx 20% less water, and the utility bill savings are obvious.

Drain Gurgling
This is a blockage of air in the drain, typically caused by a clog. Removing the clog should fix the problem.

Emergency Shutoff Valves
Prevent plumbing headaches and even property loss. Learn about emergency shutoff valves.

Whistling Noise
It could be a broken faucet washer or extremely high water pressure.