Common Questions / FAQ

Sinks and Faucets

Can I increase the water pressure in my bathroom faucet?

Yes. First, check the emergency shutoff under the sink and make sure it's fully open. Replace any rubber washers or seals that show signs of deterioration. Removing calcium and lime buildup can also increase water pressure.

What should I do to take care of my faucets and sinks?

Repair leaky faucets immediately — even small drips can waste as much as 150 gallons of water every day, causing inflated water bills and damage to fixtures and pipes. (Remember to check under sinks too) Remove and clean faucet aerators annually to ensure even water flow, and 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?

In most cases, yes. Faucet dimensions and sink openings are standard throughout the plumbing industry, with only a few exceptions. To be sure, check the size of the sink opening before buying new fixtures.

Clogs

What causes my kitchen sink and washing machine drains to clog?

In most homes, the kitchen and laundry drains are connected. The lint from the laundry drain and the grease buildup from the kitchen drain meet in the pipes, forming a nearly solid substance that creates a blockage. Using filters and strainers will help, but getting drains snaked periodically is also a good idea.

How can I prevent clogged drains?

Install strainers in sinks and bathtubs to catch hair and soap (clean the strainer regularly); pour boiling water down sinks and tubs monthly to dislodge trapped hair, food and grease; clean sink and bath stoppers regularly; do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the sink; run lots of cold water when running the garbage disposal.

Are caustic liquid drain openers (like Drano or Liquid Plumber) harmful to pipes?

Only if the drain is completely clogged — caustic cleaners get trapped and can damage the pipes. It is fine to use them for minor clogs, but try to snake or plunge the drain first (do it yourself, or call a plumbing professional). Never use caustic drain openers in a drain that has a garbage disposal.

What can I do about a sewer line blockage?

Unfortunately, you'll probably need to have the sewer line professionally replaced, as the most common culprit for sewer blockage is tree roots. A professional plumber can snake the line and use copper sulfide to try to clear the remaining vegetation but a replacement is usually more effective (and often necessary).

Garbage Disposal

What types of items should NOT be put down the garbage disposal?

Grease, animal bones, pasta, rice, corn husks, lettuce, asparagus, celery and potato peels are often the sources of clogs in the kitchen sink.

What's the best way to extend the life of my garbage disposal?

Avoid overloading it; avoid food items and oils known to cause clogs (see above); always run plenty of cold water while using the disposal; and never use a caustic drain opener in the disposal.

What should I do if my garbage disposal stops working?

There is a "reset" switch located on the bottom of most disposals — try that first. If that doesn't correct the problem, call a plumbing professional.

What can I do about a sewer line blockage?

Unfortunately, you'll probably need to have the sewer line professionally replaced, as the most common culprit for sewer blockage is tree roots. A professional plumber can snake the line and use copper sulfide to try to clear the remaining vegetation but a replacement is usually more effective (and often necessary).

Performance and Maintenance

Why doesn't my old water heater work as well as it used to?

There is probably sediment buildup and/or lime deposits in the tank, creating a barrier between the burner and the water.

To prevent further buildup, drain water from the tank at least once every three months to remove sediment, and inspect your water heater burner periodically — the flame under the heater should appear blue with yellow tips. If it's mostly yellow, or if it's sooty underneath, the flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous situation. Contact a professional to check it out. Have the water heater, drain valve and anode rods inspected by a service technician at least once every two years.

What's the best way to check for toilet leaks?

Add a small amount of red food coloring to the tank and check it later to see if has seeped into the bowl. If the water in the bowl is red, there is a leak and you should replace the tank ball and check it again. Do this once a year, and fix any leaks immediately to avoid high water bills and water waste.

Should I close and open the main water supply shutoff valve periodically?

Yes. Sometimes valves (main, sinks, tubs and toilets) get stuck in the open position — you'll want to know and correct this before a water emergency occurs! Turning them on and off periodically ensures they'll work when it really counts.

Why do I hear a vibrating noise in my pipes?

Vibrating, rattling and knocking noises are fairly common in plumbing supply lines and are generally caused by loose washers in faucets and valves. Noises that occur when faucets are opened or closed rapidly generally indicate loose pipes, and can be corrected by anchoring pipes more securely, or by having a plumbing professional install air chambers at the end of long pipe runs.