Plumbing Questions? Ask Away.
No question is too big or too small.
Plumbing can be confusing, but getting answers shouldn’t be. Whether you’re trying to understand how something works, why there’s a problem, or what your options are, we want you to have the information you need to make informed decisions about your home.
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often—and a few you may not have thought to ask.
What does it mean if my toilet gurgles?
- Usually a toilet or fixture gurgling is the first sign of a blockage or partial blockage within the drainage system or the fixture. - A possible cause of gurgling can be related to venting issues such as a blocked vent, improperly installed vent, or lack of venting for a fixture entirely. - If you live outside of city limits, you likely have a septic system for your waste water, a full septic tank can cause water to back up into the drainage system and cause gurgling from the drains inside of the home. This is especially common after heavy rains with older systems.
What is a drain vent and why do I need one?
- A vent protects p-traps from being syphoned which prevents sewer gas from entering your home or building. It also allows for the drain to flow at an appropriate speed and keeps your system operating properly. - When water drains it needs to both push air in front of the water and pull air behind it. Like being able to put your thumb over a straw and lift some of the drink from a glass, when you lift your finger from the end, air is introduced and the drink will drain from the straw. Without a vent, p-traps are subject to being syphoned, and the drain system may not work properly.
Is gas cheaper than electric?
Gas appliances are almost always more cost effective over electric when compared side by side on an energy bill to perform the same tasks.
What should I do if I smell gas in my house?
The safest bet will always be to evacuate the building and contact the fire department and the gas provider. Smelling gas means that there is a leak or gas has been released into the structure from an appliance that was not lit. Gas that hasn’t been combusted may be a life threatening situation and every precaution should be taken. If you have a homeowner shut off valve on your gas system on the exterior, you can turn this off while you wait, but DO NOT re-enter the structure until it has been deemed safe by the authorities, even flipping a light switch or static electricity can ignite the unburned fuel.
What is a static water test? Can I do that myself?
A static water test is a very straightforward procedure if you have a homeowner shut off valve you can easily turn off. As a homeowner you need a test gauge meant to go on a hose bib and a little time. You place the gauge on a hose bib on the exterior of your home, open the faucet to pressurize the gauge, and turn off your homeowner shut off valve near the meter or just outside of the home. Leave the water off at your home for approximately 1 hour. If the gauge has dropped any pressure in this amount of time, it likely means there is a water leak somewhere within the water system. False readings can occur, so having a plumber perform the test may save some headache, time, and worry. A plumber can typically identify if there is a leak within 20 minutes of starting the test as they are able to isolate the system.
Why is my faucet making a strange noise?
A faucet making noise can mean a stem or ceramic cartridge has failed. It can also mean there is a restriction within the faucet causing a whining noise.
How to tell if my water is frozen?
Usually a reduced flow at one or multiple fixtures on both the hot or cold side of the fixture is the first indication. If the piping has begun to freeze, you can attempt to warm the piping if you know where the pipe is being affected and can safely reach it. If there is still flow on the affected side of the fixture you can run water until pressure is restored.
Why is my drain slow?
-A slow drain can indicate either a blockage within the fixture, drain, or vent. The best approach would be to diagnose the fixture first, then the drain, then the vent. This order of diagnosis addresses the potential causes from most likely to least likely. - If you are on a septic system, this can also cause sluggish drains within the home, oftentimes beginning with just one fixture.
Is gas dangerous?
When installed correctly and properly maintained gas appliances are very safe. It can be dangerous when a system is improperly installed or neglected. Frequent check ups from a licensed professional are always a good idea. Have a plumber test your gas system periodically and check your water heater for signs of poor combustion. An HVAC professional is recommended to verify the condition of a furnace.
What should I do if I smell gas outside?
You should leave the area where you smell gas and contact the fire department and gas company. Gas in an open area can be a very dangerous situation, especially considering the gas supply infrastructure is generally transporting the gas at much higher pressures than what you receive in your home or building.
How to know if you have a water leak?
Normally the first indication is an increase in the utility bill, but small leaks may go unnoticed and can still cause damage. Some common indicators can be discoloration of drywall, warping or bulging of flooring or baseboards, a particularly green area in the lawn or constant hissing or dripping noises that sound like they are coming from the floor or walls. A less common indicator can be moisture or discoloration on the exterior of the foundation. If any of these things are present, a simple static water test can be performed to determine if any pressurized leaks are present.
Why is my toilet making a noise?
A noisy toilet can mean a couple of different things. Usually when you hear your toilet making noise its related to a bad flapper and/or fill valve. There are other causes of a noisy toilet, but don’t worry too much, normally it’s a simple fix.
How to keep pipes from freezing?
- Insulating piping in unconditioned areas within the home and exposed piping on the exterior. - Installing heat-trace to automatically warm pipes that go below a set temperature. - Dripping water: This is an effective solution, but with water restrictions in areas it can come at its own price. To effectively drip faucets the hot and cold water should both be ran at a small steady stream equivalent to the size of the lead in a mechanical pencil.
What should I do if a pipe is completely frozen and there is no water pressure?
If you are able to locate and safely reach the portion of the piping that is frozen, you can apply heat by using a heat gun on low heat, a hair dryer, or a heating lamp that is safe to use in the conditions. Do not attempt to use any of these products in already saturated conditions and do not attempt to use any of these products on a circuit not equipped with GFCI. If you are unsure what conditions are considered safe, do not attempt to do this yourself! - If the piping is unable to be warmed in a timely manner, the best recommendation would be to turn off the water at a homeowner shut off outside of your home to prevent excessive damage to your property.