Frequently Asked Questions
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What can I do when 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 manufacturer feels may be the standard setting for most households. Some of the older models permit you to set the temperature by changing 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 modifying 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 right temperature for your household.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To prevent shock from any exposed wire connections and before doing any work on the electric water heater, always turn off electricity on the water heater.
What is the rumbling noise coming from the hot water heater?
Should you hear rumbling sounds this is often caused because sediment from calcium deposits has built up on the bottom of the tank inside the hot water heater. What happens is that water gets held in pockets within the sediment after which it gets real hot and starts to boil. When this happens heat transfer within the water heater is not happening correctly.
Occasionally emptying the water heater of water by opening the valve at the base for about five minutes may clear much of the sediment. If you own an older model you might like to change it with a newer efficient model. Many of the new designs include features which prevent sediment build up.
You may give us a call for any general upkeep of your water heater.
WARNING: Hot water is hazardous. Don't allow the hot water to go onto your flowers or lawn as it could kill them. Instead let it drain right into a floor drain or a laundry tub or bath tub. Remember to turn the electricity off on your electric heater to keep 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 will block completely with toilet paper, grease or debris.
Roots that are in the pipe will continue to grow until 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 such as 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 fewer leaks.
Call Plumbing EXPERTS and they will come out with their advanced drain cameras and perform a recording of your drain problems within your pipes.
Exactly what is the white material that appears to grow on the shower head and faucets?
The buildup you see growing on the shower head and faucets is caused by mineral deposits commonly known as as hard water. You can get rid of these deposits by putting some vinegar in 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 overnight and then in the morning remove the bag and clean the shower head or faucet with a small brush or old toothbrush to eliminate the leftover deposits. Plumbing EXPERTS can show you how water softening might help this condition.
How can I eliminate foul odors that are caused by my garbage disposal?
Nobody likes these smells. They come from food buildup within the disposal. The best way to get rid of the odors is to put some ice together with lemon or orange peels into the disposal and switch it on for about half a minute. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent or a little bit of bleach into the disposal and let it run about twenty seconds. After all that let cold water run inside the disposal while it is running for about half a minute to clear out the rest of the debris.
I must replace a toilet inside my home. What would you recommend?
First of all purchase only a toilet bowl fixture from a major known manufacturer. Don't purchase the cheapest one mainly because it could cost you more in the long run. If you don't seat and seal the bowl it will leak and not be doing its job. The new government standards for toilet bowls are that they can use no more than 1.6 gallons of water.
Just lately my water bill went up higher than normal. What could be the reasons?
First check and find out if the toilet is leaky or running constantly. Sometimes this is caused because the water is not shutting off and will continue to flow into your overflow pipe. You might want to adjust a small screw on the float so your tank fills to only about an inch beneath the top of the overflow pipe or with the level for the water as marked within the tank. An inspection by a plumbing specialist can save you a great deal on your water bills.
The plumbing inside my home makes humming as well as other noises. How can I fix this?
When you lose the air cushion in your plumbing this can happen. Turn off your water on the main valve. Then go around your home 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 rid of the strange noises.
What can I do about my gradually draining kitchen sink?
Always begin with the plunger first. Then if that doesn't work use a liquid drain opener. Make sure to look at directions first and wear gloves to protect your hands. This needs to be used with caution as it might be caustic. Next you can remove the drain trap and clean it out from underneath the sink. If you've used liquid drain cleaner prior to this you want to be careful you don't splash it in to the eyes since there might be some left inside the trap. Lastly, if the drain is clogged past the trap, you might want to use a drain auger that expands from about 15 to 50 feet. Available too for older homes are enzyme-based openers that can dissolve buildup inside the drainpipes.
