How do I unclog a toilet?
While this is typically a common problem in most households, there is a possibility that there could be an underlying cause of the clog.
The first thing you will want to do is top the toilet from overflowing and getting onto your floor. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- You turn the water off from the small valve behind the toilet.
- Closing the flapper valve so no water enters the tank.
Then you can use the traditional method of using a plunger to remove the clog.
In an instance where you see this water backflowing into your sinks or showers when you flush, that is the time to call in a professional. Our knowledgeable staff provides both normal services as well as emergency services to handle all your plumbing needs!
Why does it smell every time I flush the toilet?
Often, when you smell a foul odor whenever you flush the toilet, it means you have a problem with the wax ring. This ring creates a seal between the toilet and floor that keeps water and other contaminants from leaking out of the base of the toilet. The best way to fix this would be to have a professional plumbing service reseal the toilet to the floor.
Why is sewage rapidly coming up from my toilet?
This is likely a temporary toilet clog. If traditional methods are not working, you may need drain cleaning. It is best to get professional help here to clean out the line as you may need to pull up the toilet to properly snake the line.
Why is my faucet making a loud noise when I turn it off?
There are two specific noises you could hear when turning off your faucet. The first is a banging that is called a “water hammer.” Think of how fast the water flows out of your faucet and then think of how fast you can turn off that same faucet. When that sudden stoppage in water occurs, it causes pipes to vibrate and if they are not properly secured, they can cause a banging noise. This can also be caused if the water pressure is too high, for the very same reasons.
The second sound that is often heard is a whistling noise. A lot of times this is a simple fix as it usually means that there is a washer that is either the wrong size or an ill fit. Replacing this is a relatively simple fix, but if you are unsure, it is always good to consult a plumbing services professional.
Why is black stuff coming out of my faucet?
There can be several reasons why your water is discolored, but the usual culprit is minerals in the water. Mineral-rich water can contain iron and magnesium that can discolor your water, as well as the pipe degrading over time. This does not mean that your water is not usable, but the color can be off-putting. It would be best to call a water softening company to do an analysis. Depending on the issue, you may need something as simple as a water filter, or as complex as new pipes. Either way, hiring a plumbing services expert will be key in the replacement of pipes or the installation of a home water filter.
Why is the water pressure low from my faucet?
If this problem is localized to one faucet, there are two common problems here, both of which can be done relatively easily. The first is a blocked aerator, which is located at the end of the faucet. Its purpose is to infuse air into the water while also limiting the water flow. It can often be filled with deposits limiting water flow.
The second possible problem is the faucet cartridge. Much like the aerator, this is usually caused by debris building up inside of the cartridge. This may require a little more DIY savvy, as it will require you to disassemble the faucet and its handles.
If the problem is not at just one faucet, then the problem could be due to clogged pipes. In any of these situations if you are unsure it is always best to call professional plumbing services.
Why is there rusty water in my sink?
There are a couple of common reasons here. The best-case scenario would be that there is some work being done to a local water main or fire hydrant causing the issue. If this is the case, it is best to not run any hot water until the work is complete as to not draw any rusty water into your hot water tank.
If there is no local work being done and this is an ongoing issue in your home, it could be due to old pipes within the home. If this is the case, you will need to have these pipes changed out to correct the issue.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Sometimes “hard” or Sulphur rich water can be the cause. If you only notice this issue with the dishwasher itself, it could very well be the dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning. Deposits in the dishwasher screen, sprayer arm ports, and door seals can add up over time and be the source of the unpleasant odor.
What can I do if a pipe bursts in my home?
Hopefully, you have called an emergency plumber and they are on their way. While awaiting their arrival the first thing you would do Is turn off the water main. The shut-off valve can be located close to your water heater, a crawl space, or in your basement. If it is not inside, it can be in front of your home close to the street with a metal lid covering it.
Once the water is turned off, turn on your cold faucets to drain the remaining water from the pipes. You will then want to turn off your water boiler, then release the hot water from your taps. If the pipes burst due to cold weather, it may be good to turn up the heat in your home and try to focus some of that warm air on the pipe in question.
As you are awaiting help, it is okay to start cleaning up some of the water to keep from damaging your home. It will also be good to start taking pictures and documenting the damage.
Can I vacuum up floodwater?
Vacuuming flood water can help greatly help with the cleanup process of an unexpected flood. However, it is important to note that a standard house vacuum may not be suited for the task. If you have a vacuum that is specifically made for both wet and dry, then you are all set. A good indicator that your vacuum is equipped for this is a branding that calls it out as a wet/dry vacuum. Otherwise, a typically bag-equipped vacuum, will not do the intended job.
Once you are sure you have the correct type of vacuum, be sure that your water is off to your home and you have an emergency plumbing professional on their way. Next, be sure that power is turned off to the affected areas. You may want an extension cord handy to plugin to a GFCI outlet for an extra layer of safety. Remove furniture and electrical appliances from the area and be sure to take pictures to document potential losses.
How come I do not have a lot of hot water?
If there is no hot water the simplest reason could be that the circuit breaker feeding your water heater has been tripped. This could mean other problems are on the horizon, but breakers can also trip for other electrical reasons not necessarily related to the water heater. If it is the water heater tripping the breaker, it could be due to a faulty heating element or a faulty thermostat. To be sure, it is always good to call a professional in hot water heater repair, but be sure to let them know whatever troubleshooting methods you have already accomplished.
What can I do to make my water heater hotter?
The first step here would be to determine if there has been a degradation of the heat water heat over time. If this is the case the heating element could be going bad. If the water has always been a consistently lower temperature, it could be as simple as going to your water heater and increasing the temperature dial.
However, it is important to be cautious as both gas and electric water heaters come with their own set of safety precautions. With a gas heater, you will want to make sure you put out any open flames before adjusting the temperature. Once adjusted you will also have to wait a few hours before the effects take place.
Electric water heaters can be as simple as turning off the breaker and making the adjustments. But with either adjustment, if you are unsure, it is always safest to call in a hot water heater repair professional.
How hot is an energy-efficient water heater?
These energy-efficient models are just as hot as a “normal” water heater. The efficiency of any water heater relies on several different factors. In the easiest of terms, what makes them energy efficient is their ability to insulate hot water within the unit for longer periods of time.
Should I get a tankless water heater?
If you are in the market for a new water heater, tankless could be a great solution. However, you will certainly want to weight the pros and cons of installing one in your home. Some pros are as simple as on-demand somewhat limitless hot water, but the cons can be the initial installation cost and hiring a professional to change everything out of your existing service. Consulting a plumbing services professional to go over the pros and cons in your setup, will be the best starting point.
