Why do I run out of hot water so quickly?

There are several reasons this can happen. First, you may have a water heater that is simply too small of your requirements. If you have an electric water heater, you need to make sure the elements are not corroded and are operating properly. If you heat your water with gas, make sure the burners are clean and operating efficiently. In some cases the dip (mixing) tube may be clogged or broken, this will cause a short loop in the water heater that results in stratification or layers of hot and cold water. Sometime, a leak in a hot water line may be leaking water faster that the water heater can keep up. Finally, the simplest solution may be that your thermostat is set too low for the demand.

My water bills are getting outrageous, what could cause this?

Just like everything else these days, the price of water is on the rise. You can determine if the increased bill is a result of increased rates or something else by comparing your usage over a couple of years in gallons consumed. If the usage is consistent, then the increased cost may well just be an increase in the rates. If the usage has increased significantly, consider if you have changes anything like installed a larger tub, added members to your household, sprinkler use, etc. Obviously, leaking pipes, faulty toilet flappers and faucets can cause increased water usage as well. If you eliminate to first two as possible reasons, it may be time to contact a qualified plumber to evaluate your systems and find the problem.

It is getting to a point my toilets don’t flush efficiently and my sinks and tubs drain slowly?

Most often, if the problem is isolated to one fixture, there is a localized clog that can be easily removed. If the problem exists in more than a couple of fixtures, there could be obstructions in larger trunks or even your main line. For small clogs, there are chemical drain cleaners and even do-it-yourself pipe snakes available. Be very careful though as some chemicals are very harsh and can damage pipes or only offer temporary fixes. If improperly used, pipe snakes and augers can crack pipes. It is always best advised to at least consult a plumbing professional before undertaking any repair.

My pipes are getting old and I may need to replace them. How difficult is this?

Re-piping a house is a significant task and should be performed by a professional. The good news is that advances in materials and techniques have made this job much less of an ordeal as in the past. In most cases, a re-pipe can be performed with little structural modifications and the work can be completed in a matter of a couple of days as opposed to weeks in the past. Before committing to a whole house re-pipe, it may well be worth it to have a professional plumber perform an inspection on your systems and determine whether you need this extensive retrofit or a few upgrades and repairs are all that is needed.

My toilet runs intermittently (or constantly). Do I have to replace it?

Not necessarily. In most cases, either the flush valve or flapper can be replaced for very little money compared to replacing the whole toilet. However, like anything mechanical, toilets and faucets do wear out over time and should be replaced. If your fixtures are over 8-10 years old and you have had them repaired in the past, you may want to consider replacements.

Ok, for years I was told to never pour oil or grease down my sink drain. Recently I was told its ok. What’s the answer?

Never pour grease down a drain. You may get away with once or twice but eventually, the grease will coat the pipes and cause other material to clump and adhere to the walls of the pipes causing clogs that are very difficult to remove.

Where should I set my water heater thermostats?

In most cases, it is recommended that water heater thermostats be set no higher than 120°F. You can save energy by setting the temperature lower but this could lead to issues with dishwashers operating less effectively or running out of hot water. If you have small children in the house, set the temperature below 120° to avoid accidental scalding.

Is there any maintenance that needs to be performed on my plumbing system?

Yes, it is absolutely necessary to perform regular maintenance on your plumbing system to keep them working reliably and efficiently. At least once a year, you should have the water heater tank stirred and flushed to prevent sediment build up, have the elements or burners inspected and serviced if needed. Toilet flappers and faucet strainers should be replaced periodically and it’s never a bad idea to have drain lines inspected. Some things you can do on your own are run a few cups of ice through your garbage disposal to keep the blades sharp and reduce odors, pour a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your drains every couple of months to keep them clear. Open and close the emergency shut off valves on your sinks and toilets to make sure they have not corroded or seized up. Generally, you can have a professional plumbing tune-up performed for less that $100 a year.

I have heard about tankless water heaters. What are they, do they work and what are the advantages?

Tankless water heaters are growing in popularity. The difference between these and traditional units is that the tankless heaters only heat the amount of water you need, when you need it. Conventional water heaters store gallons of water that must be heated and periodically reheated to keep it ready when needed. Tankless water heaters, when properly sized, provide unlimited hot water. They are very energy efficient. It has been reported that consumers have saved upwards of 50% on their energy costs. Tankless water heaters are available in gas and electric models and can generally be retrofitted in a day or less. Whole house electric models tend to have increased power requirements so an electrical service change will most likely be required. Overall, those who have tankless water heaters installed are delighted with the performance and savings.

What is the best piping to use to replace older pipe?

If you ask 5 different plumbers, you may get 5 different answers. Over time, galvanized steel, copper and PVC have been used. Currently, galvanized pipe is not used for standard household plumbing. Copper has lost popularity due to its cost. PVC is still used for drains but seldom for higher pressure supply lines. The most popular product in use today is a called “Pex”. It is a very reliable polymer product which is relatively inexpensive, has fewer joints to leak, and does not corrode as it is resistant to hard water and electrolysis.

My water pressure is really bad, what causes this?

There could be several reasons for a loss or pressure. Poor system design, leaks or burst pipes, scale and deposit build-ups in the lines or even problems on the utility’s side. There is very little you can do to troubleshoot water pressure problems without a professional inspection and evaluation the system.

Why is it that I sometimes smell sewage in my house?

The most common reason for this could be a ruptured sewer line under or near your house. The reason you may not smell it all the time is that the wind may take it away or there are may be intermittently ventilated. Sometimes, if bathrooms or sinks are not used for some times, the traps will dry up and allow gases to migrate back into the house. Drain traps are the “P” shaped pipes that are generally found under the sink. These traps hold a small amount of water in them that can evaporate over time. If you notice an odor coming from one drain, try running a little water through it and see if the smell goes away. If the smell is throughout the whole house, chances are you have a sewage leak.

How can I pay for my plumbing projects?

Reputable contractors will offer options for payment on completion of their work. It is not advised to pay in advance for home improvements unless special circumstances exist. We are eager to earn your business and want to make your purchase convenient, affordable and worry free. We accept cash, check, money order and most major credit cards. We also offer payment plans with fast approvals and competitive rates and low as 0% interest for qualified buyers.