FAQ
Common Plumbing Related Questions
Q1. Recently my water bills appear to be rather high. None of the faucets appear to leak. What else could contribute to a high water bill?
A1. You may want to check to see if a toilet is leaking. First, check the water level to ensure that water is not overflowing the tank by way of the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank. It has a small tubing connected to it. If water is running into the overflow, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately 1inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Second, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the bowl changes color within 15 minutes, this is an indication that water is leaking into the toilet bowl and that the ball or flapper needs to be replaced.
Q2. The temperature of my hot water seems to be higher than what I think I need. How can I conserve energy, yet also be sure that there is an adequate amount of hot water?
A2. Most people are comfortable with their hot water set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the new standard that manufacturers use when pre-setting it at the factory. If you have an older model, set the thermostat at medium. On a gas model, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric models, the thermostats (there may be two) are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank. NOTE: Turn off the electricity before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the panels containing HIGH VOLTAGE.
Q3. I have a foul odor coming from my garbage disposer. What can I do to eliminate this odor?
A3. Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposer. To eliminate this odor, place ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in the disposer and run for 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposer while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.
Q4. There are four people in our house, two adults and two teens. We are constantly running out of hot water. After a five-minute shower, the water starts to turn cold. This change occurred quite recently. Help!
A4. If your water heater is electric, the lower element that heats the water may not be operating properly, thus only the upper half of the tank will heat up. The cause of this problem could be a bad element or a thermostat malfunction. This type of problem should be evaluated by a qualified technician. This is only one possible reason for this problem. Your water heater should be evaluated by qualified personnel.
Q5. We need to replace a toilet in our home. We have heard coworkers and friends complain that the new toilets do not flush properly, and that they require multiple flushes. What is the recommendation for toilet replacement?
A5. When the federal government mandated that new toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, manufacturers had a challenge; to develop a toilet that would achieve this but that would also flush properly (clear the bowl) and carry the waste to the city sewer or septic system. There are toilets that can still do the job. Let us recommend the right one for you.
Q6. Do we need to protect our pipes from freezing in central Texas?
A6. Turn off the water to the hose bibs, disconnect the garden hose and open the spigot to drain off the water pressure. This will allow the piping to withstand the cold weather. If the temps are dipping into the mid to lower 20’s or lower, open cabinet under the sink where pipes are on the outside wall to share the warmth of the house with your pipes. Leave a drip on your inside faucets to avoid pressure build up.
Q7. How often should I have my septic system inspected?
A7. Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four years. You may not be experiencing any problem now, but a full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field, which is the part of the system that consists of a distribution box, with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stone, that drains into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field it becomes blocked and ineffective. A blocked drain field is costly to repair or replace.
Q8. My shower head and faucet aerators have a buildup of a white substance around the area where the water comes out. Is there anything I can do other than replacement?
A8. The unsightly buildup is mineral deposits. To remove these deposits from the shower head, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it. Place the bag over the shower head and use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the deposits off. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and allow them to soak in the vinegar overnight.
Q9. Our kitchen drain has taken longer than usual to drain during the past year. Should we have it cleaned?
A9. We recommend a product called Bio-Clean for drains that are only slowing. We do not recommend chemical drain cleaners for maintenance as they are hard on the piping. Bio-Clean cleans pipes without harming them. Call us to get more information. If your kitchen sink is completely stopped up however, you will need to have it cleared first.
Q10. How do you know where to turn off the water to the whole house?
A10. If you are on a municipal water system the cut off valve is usually inside or near the water meter box out at the street. If you are on a well the cut off valve is usually near the pressure tank at the well.