Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing and Home Maintenance

Yes. Begin by checking the emergency shutoff valve under your sink to confirm it is fully open. Worn or deteriorated rubber washers and seals can also lead to low water pressure, so inspect these parts and replace them if needed. Mineral buildup from calcium or lime inside the faucet or aerator is a common reason for low flow—cleaning or replacing the aerator often restores proper pressure.

What should I do to take care of my faucets and sinks? Even a minor drip wastes up to 150 gallons of water per day. It’s important to check under sinks regularly for leaks or moisture, and to repair any dripping faucets promptly to prevent long-term damage or higher water bills. Annual cleaning of faucet aerators helps maintain optimal flow, and keeping overflow openings clear on tubs and vanities prevents water damage.

In most cases, yes. Most faucet and sink openings are standardized across the plumbing industry, but always check the sink’s opening dimensions before purchasing a new fixture to ensure compatibility. How can I prevent clogged drains? Avoid rinsing fats or cooking oils down kitchen drains, as these can harden and cause blockages. Use strainers in tubs and showers to catch hair and soap residue, and clean strainers often to keep your drains flowing freely.

What causes my kitchen sink and washing machine drains to clog? Kitchen and laundry drains are often connected, so lint from laundry can mix with grease and soap from the kitchen, forming dense blockages. Strainers and filters help, but periodic professional drain cleaning is recommended to keep drains clear. Should I close and open the main water supply shutoff valve periodically? Yes—testing your valves avoids them seizing open, which is important in emergencies. Check and operate shutoff valves under sinks, toilets, and tubs regularly.

Loose washers in faucets or valves often cause rattling noises, especially if the sound occurs when turning faucets on or off rapidly. Pipes that are not anchored securely may also vibrate. To resolve these issues, secure the loose pipes or install air chambers at critical locations; these modifications often require the skills of a plumbing professional.

What can I do about a sewer line blockage? Tree roots are a leading cause for sewer line clogs. A plumbing professional can snake the line to clear blockages and may apply copper sulfide to kill remaining roots. In some cases, a complete sewer line replacement may be necessary for a lasting solution.

While they can be effective for minor clogs, they should never be used in blocked drains where chemicals could become trapped and damage pipes. Never use caustic cleaners in drains connected to a garbage disposal. For severe clogs, always contact a plumbing professional for safe removal.

Why doesn’t my old water heater perform as well as it once did? Accumulation of sediment inside the water heater tank reduces efficiency. To maintain performance, drain a gallon of water from the heater every three months to remove debris. Burner flames should be blue with yellow tips—a mostly yellow flame or soot buildup signals a clogged flue and requires professional service. The best practice is to have water heaters inspected every two years.

Always run plenty of cold water while using the disposal and avoid grinding very hard materials and bones. Do not use caustic drain cleaners and never reach inside the disposal—use tongs to remove objects. What should I do if my disposal stops working? Use the reset button found on the bottom of most units before requesting service.

What’s the best way to check for toilet leaks? Annually, add a few drops of red food coloring to the toilet tank; if the bowl water turns red, there is a leak. In most cases, replacing the tank ball or flapper corrects the problem. High water bills can also be a sign of hidden leaks, often from worn toilet parts or misaligned flushing mechanisms.

Scalding can happen at 120°F in five minutes, 125°F in two minutes, and 130°F in about thirty seconds. Why is my hot water milky or sulfur-smelling? Iron-reducing bacteria can cause these issues; shock chlorination provides an effective solution, but systems with heavy contamination may need repeated treatments to avoid recontamination.

What is the purpose of an air gap for sinks, disposals, or drains? Air gaps prevent wastewater from siphoning back into the potable supply, protecting your drinking water. Plumbing codes mandate a physical gap—usually an inch or more—between faucets and the sink or tub rim. Can scratches inside a toilet bowl be removed? Yes, a toilet can be refinished or patched using specialty kits. Ensure the bowl is dry and the water is off before attempting any repairs.

A pressure-balancing valve safeguards against sudden temperature changes caused by hot or cold water supply fluctuations. This device utilizes a piston mechanism to automatically adjust water flow for stable temperature, boosting user safety and comfort.

Why does my toilet keep running? Common causes include worn flappers or faulty fill valves, both of which allow water to continually flow into the bowl and waste water. How do I stop water from overflowing in the tank? Turn off the shutoff valve below the toilet, or if not possible, close the main water supply until the malfunction can be repaired.