Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I adjust my water temperature if it is a lot higher than I feel it should be?
New water heaters are set at the factory to 120°F. This is what the maker feels may be the standard setting for the majority of households. Some of the older models permit you to set the temperature by changing the dial on the front of the water heater. Sometimes the electric water heaters may have one or two panes along the side of the tank for adjusting the temperature. This should only be done after shutting off the electricity to the water heater to avoid shock. Plumbing EXPERTS can help you determine the best temperature for your household.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To prevent shock from any exposed wire connections and before doing any work with the electric water heater, always turn off electricity on the water heater.
What's the rumbling sound coming from the hot water heater?
Should you hear rumbling sounds this is often caused because sediment from mineral deposits has built up on the bottom of the tank inside of the hot water heater. Ultimately that water gets held in pockets inside the sediment and then it gets real hot and begins to boil. When this occurs heat transfer inside the water heater is not happening correctly.
Occasionally emptying the water heater of water by opening up the valve at the bottom for about 5 minutes may clear much of the sediment. If you own an older model you may want to replace it with a newer efficient model. Many of the new designs include features which protect against sediment accumulation.
You can give us a call for the general upkeep of your water heater.
WARNING: Hot water is hazardous. Don't permit the hot water to go onto your plants or lawn as it may kill them. Instead allow it drain right into a floor drain or a laundry tub or bath tub. Remember to turn the electricity off on your electric heater to prevent it from burning up.
If roots find their way to drain lines, what could happen?
Roots from plants, shrubs and trees can grow into a leaky pipe and may eventually fill the pipe with hairy roots and can cause the drain pipe to get clogged. As time passes, no toilet tissue, grease or waste will not pass through the sewer. Eventually you will have a drain that empties slow and in the end become totally blocked.
Roots which are in the pipe may continue to grow so that the pipe is forced to crack, collapse, or break. Your only option right here is to go ahead and replace the pipe.
Specific pipe types including PVC, clay, and concrete all have the tendency towards root problems. However, PVC is the least likely to have a root problem because it has fewer joints and far fewer leaks.
Call Plumbing EXPERTS and they will come out with their modern drain cameras and do a recording of your drain problems from inside the pipes.
What's the white material that seems to grow on my shower head and faucets?
The buildup you might be asking about is in fact hard water mineral deposits. These can be taken off by putting vinegar in a plastic bag and putting it on the shower head and tying it so that it does not fall off. You want to let it sit on overnight and then in the morning take it off. Most of the scaly deposit may have dissolved. Any leftover deposits are easy to remove with a small brush or an old toothbrush. Plumbing EXPERTS has many suggestions for fixing your hard water problem. A water softener will help you to correct this issue.
How do I eliminate of the terrible odors coming from my garbage disposal?
These foul smells are caused by food and debris buildup in your disposal. The easiest way to get rid of them is to put some ice cubes with a bit of lemon or orange peels into the disposal. Then turn it on for 25-30 seconds. Then squirt some dish soap or a little chlorine bleach into the disposal. Then turn it on for around 20 seconds. Then let some cold water run through it while it is running for about 25-30 seconds. This will clear out the left over debris as well as leaving your disposal smelling fresher.
I wish to replace a toilet inside my home. What would you recommend?
First of all buy only a toilet bowl fixture from a leading known manufacturer. Don't purchase the cheapest one because it may cost you more in the long run. If you don't seat and seal the bowl it is going to leak and not be doing its job. The new government standards for toilet bowls are that they use no more than 1.6 gallons of water.
Just lately my water bill went up extremely high. What could be the reasons?
Sometimes at fault in a high water bill may be the toilet. Check and be sure it is not running continuously. Many times the water is going over the top of the overflow tube and also the valve does not turn off. There may also be a small screw on top of the valve that can be fine-tuned to shut the water off sooner. Plumbing EXPERTS can come out and inspect a leaky toilet and provide you with an estimate to fix it before your next water bill.
The plumbing inside my home makes humming as well as other noises. How am I able to fix this?
You may have lost the air cushion inside your plumbing. To regain it shut off the water main to your house. Then turn on all the faucets in your home. Then go back and switch on the water main valve again and then go around and turn off each faucet one at a time. This should get all the air out of your lines and get rid of the noises.
Exactly what can I do about my gradually draining kitchen sink?
Always start with the plunger first. Then in the event that doesn't work try a liquid drain opener. Make sure to read the directions first and wear gloves to protect your hands. This needs to be used with caution as it may be caustic. You can also remove the drain trap and wash it out from under the sink. If you've used liquid drain cleaner just before this you need to take care you don't splash it into your eyes because there might be some left in the trap. Lastly, if the drain is clogged past the trap, you may have to use a drain auger that extends from about 15 to 50 feet. Also available for older homes are enzyme-based openers that can dissolve buildup in the drainpipes.
