Frequently Asked Questions.

Why is the handle in my shower leaking?

The valve or cartridge needs to be repaired or replaced.

Can I add a water softener and can you test my water quality.

If you have available space near your water meter, an outlet, and a drain nearby then yes we can add a water softener. We are always available to test your water quality.

What is the cost difference between a standard water heater and a tankless (on-demand) water heater?

It happens to cost roughly twice as much but you can expect to get twice the life span out of a tankless water heater. 

I have a sewer smell in my home. Where is it coming from?

Most likely it is a P-trap that all the water has evaporated from. It is usually coming from a bathroom that never gets used or a floor drain that doesn’t have an appliance draining into it. You can fix this by adding water to the fixtures p-trap. 

Why does my water heater make popping and crackling sounds?

Those sounds are from the scale that has built up on the lining of the tank and with electric water heaters scale built up on the elements as well. This happens when water heaters do not receive the annual flushing recommended by the manufacturer. When gas and electric water heaters start to heat the scale crackles and pops as it comes away from the tank or element.

Why do I have water coming up through my floor drain and shower in my basement?

This is usually an indication that either your sewage ejection pump has quit working or that you have a blockage in your main sewer line.

I have no water. What is the problem?

This could mean many different things. Someone may have closed a valve, your cistern or well pump stopped working, you could have a blockage in your line, your water softener may have failed and let media into your system, or the city may have been working on the water main in your area and some debris got stuck in your fixtures. 

My toilet won’t stop running. How do I fix it?

Most likely the part of your flush valve that creates a seal (most commonly known as the flapper) is letting water into the bowl from the tank. This can usually be fixed by replacing the flapper or the flush valve.

Why won’t my faucet stop dripping?

Most likely the components of the valve or cartridge such as seats, o-rings, or gaskets have worn down over time and need replaced.

Why does my toilet keep backing up? Why can’t I clear it with a toilet plunger?

Most of the time this is due to a blockage in the toilet trap. Depending on the obstruction it may either take some time for large quantities of toilet paper to break down or something more aggressive may be needed. A closet auger is usually the cure for this problem but you need to use it correctly so you do not damage your toilet. On some occasions the blockage is further down the toilet drain line and a drain cleaning machine (snake) will be needed.

Why is my outside hose bib or faucet flooding my home?

This is usually caused during the winter because we forget to remove our garden hoses during the freezing months. The reason we don’t notice until spring is because the frost free hose bibs have a long stem on them which closes the valve far back in the wall which normally allows water in the wall or home to drain back to the outside unless we leave a garden hose on. If water is left in the pipe during freezing weather it will freeze and split the pipe downstream of where the water is stopped. So when we open our hose bib in the spring water sprays from the crack in the pipe giving us a wet surprise. 

What plumbing maintenance is needed to keep from having plumbing emergencies?

The big one is that all water heater manufacturers recommend annual maintenance on their heaters which requires flushing and checking the sacrificial anode rod for any premature breakdown. Operating all of the valves in your home yearly can help keep them from freezing up or the packing breaking down.

At the same time you can make sure your valves work and that they actually stop the water. Check all of your fixtures for leaks each year and look inside cabinets for any leaking drain or water lines.

You can consider installing water bugs that will sense moisture or even smart valves which can tell if you have a major leak and shut the water off to your home.