FAQ About Plumbing Jobs
There are some common questions regarding plumbing that a homeowner should know the answers to before ever picking up the phone to call the plumber. This list of frequently asked questions includes subjects such as mineral deposits, septic tanks, garbage disposers, high water bills and leaky toilets.
Q. How do I eliminate foul odor coming from my garbage disposal?
A. The buildup of food causes the foul smell coming from within the garbage disposer. Place ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in the disposer and run it for about thirty seconds. While the disposer is still running, squirt a little dish detergent into the disposer. Run cold water and run the disposer for an additional thirty seconds to rinse away all the debris.
Q. How do I eliminate the bad smell coming from a bathroom we hardly ever use?
A. The plumbing system of a house contains traps attached to fixtures to prevent foul odors from entering. The traps are sealed with water. If the water evaporates, the bad smell can enter the house. To solve this problem, simply pour a bucket of water in each trap, sink, shower and floor drain to ensure a good seal.
Q. How often should I have my septic system inspected?
A. Septic systems should be inspected and pumped every three to four years. Even if you are not currently experiencing any problems, a full septic tank can allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field. If the drain field becomes clogged, you can count on a costly bill from the plumber.
Q. How do I get rid of white residue on my faucets and showerheads without replacing them?
A. The white residue is mineral deposits. To get rid of mineral deposits, take a plastic bag filled with vinegar. Place the bag over the faucet or showerhead and use a twist tie or rubber band to hold the bag in place overnight. The deposits should then easily come off with some gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush.
Q. My water bill is high but none of the faucets leak. Why is my water bill so high?
A. First check to see if the toilets are leaking by ensuring the water is not overflowing into the overflow pipe (pipe in the middle of the tank). If this is the case, simply adjust the fill valve so the water fills to about one inch below the top of the overflow pipe. Some toilets have a mark stamped on the side of the tank for the ideal water level. Put some food coloring into the tank to and wait about fifteen minutes and see if the water in the bowl has changed colors. If this is the case, water is leaking into the toilet bowl and the ball and/or flapper needs to be replaced.
Q. Why am I constantly running out of hot water?
A. There are two possibilities. First, the dip tube has broken off. This is a tube that forces incoming water to the bottom of the tank so that hot water is drawn off of the top. When the dip tube breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water and cools it down. This can occur in both gas and electric models.  |
Second, 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. Q. My water is too hot. How do I adjust the temperature?
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