How do I know if I need copper
repiping?
Do you experence shower shock, when you are in the shower
and the washing
machine is turned on or a toilet is flushed does the water temp go very hot
really fast,
or really cold ? This is a result of your galvinized water pipes clogged with
rust build-up that is constricting the
flow of water, when you fill a bathtub is the water rusty colored, this is caused from the inside of the galvinized hot and
cold water pipes that are wearing out !
Can I increase the water pressure in my bathroom faucet?
First, check the emergency shutoff under your sink to make sure it’s fully open. If rubber washers or seals
have begun to deteriorate, you’ll also lose water pressure, so check those. Calcium and lime buildup will also cause
low water pressure, if this does not work
it might be time to call CRAIG'S PLUMBING for a free in home estimate !
What should I do to take care of my faucets and sinks?
Even small drips can waste thousands
of gallons of water, as much as 150 gallons a day! Be sure to check under sinks for moisture or small leaks. And always repair
leaky faucets right away to avoid paying for wasted water, and also to avoid water damage to your fixtures and pipes. Remove
and clean your faucet aerators annually to ensure an even flow of water. Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanities are
clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.
Can I replace my two-handled faucet with
a single-handle faucet?
Usually, faucet dimensions and sink openings are standard throughout the plumbing industry,
so the answer is usually yes. There are a few exceptions, so check the size of the sink opening before you buy new fixtures.
How can I prevent clogged drains?
Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink.
Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and create clogs.
To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with
a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly.
What causes my kitchen sink
and washing machine drains to clog?
In most homes, the kitchen and laundry drains are connected. When the lint
from the laundry drains meets the grease buildup from soap and food products, a nearly solid substance is formed, causing
blockage.
Using filters and strainers will help, but you’ll also need to get the drains snaked periodically as
well.
Should I close and open the main water supply shutoff valve periodically?
Yes. You
want to make sure they’re not stuck in the open position just when you have a water emergency! Do the same periodic
check for the shutoff valves on your sinks, tubs, and toilets, too.
Why do I hear a vibrating noise
in my pipes?
Noises can be fairly common in plumbing supply lines. If a washer in a faucet or valve is loose,
you’ll hear it rattling or knocking. If the sound occurs when you open and close faucets rapidly, it generally
means pipes are loose, and can be corrected by anchoring pipes more securely. If it really bothers you, you can add air chambers
at the end of long pipe runs. Their installation will probably require a plumbing professional.
What
can I do about a sewer line blockage?
The main culprits are tree roots, and once they’ve blocked the line,
there is very little you can do. A plumbing professional can snake the line to get it as clear as possible, and then
use copper sulfide products to kill the remaining vegetation. But odds are the sewer line will most likely need to be
replaced.
Are caustic liquid drain openers (like Drano or Liquid Plumber) harmful to pipes?
For minor clogs, they’re fine, but never use them on a drain that is completely clogged. The caustic ingredients are
trapped in your pipes, and it can severely damage them. If you can’t snake the drain yourself, contact a professional
to do so. Never use caustic drain openers in a drain that has a garbage disposal.
Why doesn't
my old water heater work as well as it used to?
This is usually due to a sediment buildup in your tank. As
water heaters grow older, they accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the
sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater's performance level.
At least once every three months, drain water from the tank. Draining a gallon or so on a regular basis helps remove the sediment.
You should also periodically inspect your water heater burner. The flame under the heater should appear blue with
yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow, or if it’s sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous
situation. Contact a professional to check it out. At least once every two years, have your water heater inspected
by a service technician. He or she will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion
What’s the best way to extend the life of my garbage disposal?
Always use plenty of
cold water when running your disposal, and avoid overloading it. Never dispose of very hard items like bones or corn
husks. And never use a caustic drain opener. You can extend the life of your hands by never using them to remove items
dropped inside – use tongs instead!
What should I do if my garbage disposal stops working?
Before
calling a professional, be sure to try the reset switch located on the bottom of most disposals.
What’s
the best way to check for toilet leaks?
Toilet leaks can be wasteful and expensive. At least once a year,
check your toilet for leaks by adding a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later.
If the toilet bowl water is colored red, water is seeping through from the tank. If it is leaking, you should replace the
tank ball.
Why
use CRAIG'S PLUMBING ?
At
CRAIG'S PLUMBING you will deal directly with Craig and we will do what we say, when we say it, we will always be on time
and will call if a problem arises, so we are dedicated to making sure your project goes as planed !