As professional plumbers, we are often asked the same questions from different customers. Below are some of our most asked plumbing questions, along with our responses.
1. Does it really matter if my toilet continues to run?
Sometimes, people get so accustomed to a running toilet that it becomes “background noise”. However, the truth is that it really shouldn’t be ignored.
Not only is a running toilet a sign that your hard-earned cash is trickling down the drain, but it also means that there’s something wrong. If you don’t get it taken care of, that small issue could turn big… and expensive.
2. Why does my garbage disposal keep getting gunked up?
Many people assume that garbage disposals are like magic: Throw junk it, and it gets gobbled up, never to be seen again. That’s really only partially true.
While there are some items that are perfect for garbage disposals to attack (think non-stringy veggies, pastas, leftover soups), there are other items that should never be thrown down the disposal. These include meats, fats and high fibrous foods. Oh, and never put paper, plastic or anything in the garbage disposal that should go into the garbage can!
3. How long will my hot water heater last?
Most hot water heaters have a lifespan of anywhere from 8-12 years. However, they have to be maintained properly to reach the high end of their life expectancies. If you haven’t been too kind to yours, it’s likely to break down sooner rather than later.
4. Why do my drains keep backing up even though I use a special liquid to attack the debris?
If you’ve been in a constant cycle of having to unclog the same drain, there could be many problems that aren’t going to go away on their own. That’s why it’s important to have a plumber inspect the issue. Many times, the problem is located within the walls; you can’t see it, but a trained plumber can find it!
5. Is a noisy or rattling pipe something to worry about?
If you hear loud bangs and rattles every time you run the water, you may be (understandably) concerned. Ironically, some systems (especially older ones) are not well-insulated. Thus, the banging may not be a huge issue, but rather part of the way the pipes were put together when the house was built.
Loud pops and bangs can also result from air running through the pipes. Again, though the sounds may be disturbing, they aren’t necessarily anything to worry about.
That being said, you might still want to have a plumber inspect your pipes to make sure everything is A-Okay. If the sound really bothers you, there are solutions to resolve the noisiness.
