Plumbing FAQ

Top 10 Common Plumbing Questions Answered

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The world of plumbing isn’t as simple as dialing the trusted plumbing company http://www.plumbers-edmonton.ca/ you know of. Most plumbing companies will take care of your plumbing needs for you whenever you need it, but knowing some of the basic things about plumbing woes may also help you figure out what you may have done wrong and what you can do to prevent any plumbing disaster in the future. And because we care about you, we have answered some of the most common plumbing problems any household could possibly encounter. Read on and find out.

Why is the Water Pressure so Low?

Wouldn’t it be annoying to come home from a long, stressful, and hot summer day only to find out that your vision of ending your day with a good scrub down vanishes into thin air simply because there isn’t enough water pressure to get yourself a nice shower? Truth is not only is low water pressure an annoying scenario but it is also an indication that you have some plumbing issues that need to be addressed.

Sometimes the solution to low water pressure problems can be as simple as turning the shut off valve all the way on. There are instances when the water shut off valve get accidentally closed so you only need it turned on. It may also be caused by mineral or sediment buildup that restricts the airflow that results to a low pressure. The low flow in the boilers can also affect the water pressure so you will need to turn up the levels. After making sure that the low water pressure is not caused by a water shut off valve that is closed and you’re pretty much stuck there, you can seek help from the plumbing professionals so they can diagnose and resolve the issue.

Why is my Toilet Constantly Running?

If your toilet is running constantly, you either have someone in your home who uses the toilet constantly or you just have a plumbing issue. Not only is it creepy to have a toilet that keeps refilling with water even when no one is using it, but it is also a waste of water and definitely a waste of money.

This scenario may not necessarily mean you have a problem with the plumbing pipes, but you might have an issue with the actual toilet. Most of the time the flapper is worn out which allows water to seep through and drains the water from the tank. This usually signals the automatic refill when the water gets below a certain level. If the problem is not caused by a worn out flapper, the issue might have something to do with a cracked toilet or maybe even a poor installation of the toilet itself which is something that can be best assessed by a plumbing professional.

What Causes the Sink to Drain Slow?

Having a kitchen sink that doesn’t properly drain or even drain at all can cause you to lose some of your kitchen’s functionality and at the same time leave an annoying stench.

Most sinks with built in garbage disposal will have slow-drain or even no-drain problems. Some homeowners seem to think that a garbage disposal can pretty much take any waste regardless of its kind. Unfortunately, a disposal isn’t similar to a wood chipper and so it has the tendency to prevent the sink from draining when it gets stuck with something it cannot accommodate. This can be resolved by taking the disposal apart and removing whatever is blocking the passage of water. If the clog is due to hardened grease or oil, you can make use of hot water to get the sink draining again. Should the problem still continue even after trying the basic steps, it is best to contact a local plumbing company to help save the day.

What Causes Lack of Hot Water?

The best way to end a cold winter day is to come home to a relaxing hot shower. Unfortunately, you might end up with yet another cold surprise due to some plumbing problems.

Lack of hot water is usually due to some problems with the water heater itself. Although you can attempt to re-light the pilot light to help the heater kick in, that might not be something that you want to add to your daily routine. This problem usually requires the expertise of a water heater professional as this is one that is tricky and at the same time dangerous.

How Can I Prevent Corrosion of Pipes?

Over time, pipes can get corroded from the water and minerals that run through it. But how can you prevent premature corrosion of pipes?

Just as home insulation is important, getting the plumbing pipes properly coated with insulation materials is also very important to prevent corrosion. You also have to understand that the water that runs through the pipes could be the main culprit to the pipe corrosion. The water’s PH and alkalinity levels including the type of water can cause the pipes to rust. To prevent this, you can have your plumbing company test your water to make sure that it’s not causing damages to your pipes.

What Happens in a Plumbing Test?

When the plumbing situation calls for the presence of a plumbing expert, there are several things that are done during the test. A professional can run a camera through the pipes to check for any blockages, buildup, leaks, or corrosion. There are also pressure tests performed especially for newly created homes to ensure that all pipes are functioning correctly and that there is sufficient supply of water throughout the home.

What are the Unusual Banging Sounds from the Plumbing?

The knocking, banging, or pinging sound you hear when you flush the toilet or use the washing machine isn’t coming from nowhere. These sounds are known as water hammer and are usually an indication of an internal plumbing problem that needs to be taken care of.

Water hammer is caused by a solenoid valve that closes quickly and shuts off the flow of water that has been running at a constant pressure. The pressure that is stopped abruptly causes the pipes to make the noise. These pipes will become loose over time and will have the tendency to rattle and make more noises. To address this, you can seek help from a professional so the issue can be investigated. There are some tricks they can do to alleviate the noise such as using a spiral pipe, getting a shock absorber installed, or securing the loose pipes.

What are the Best Ways to Hide Exposed Plumbing?

Hiding plumbing isn’t just about making your home look good. More important than the aesthetic reason, keeping your plumbing from exposure actually helps prevent potential damage done to your pipes.

There are instances when the room’s logistics simply won’t allow the plumbing to be hidden; however homeowners can still make ways to make the set up a little more discreet. A drop ceiling is a nice option for basement piping while the bathroom pipes can be covered by a vanity right below a free standing sink. You can also use drapes or cover or paint to make the pipes look a little more appealing and at the same time make it secure. If unsure of how to get this phase done, call a plumbing professional so you can be guided accordingly.

How Difficult is it to Install a Second Bathroom?

Installing a second bathroom in the home is not only appealing to buyers when your home is up for market but it is more of an increase in the quality of life which is priceless in the eyes of some people.

An additional bathroom needs a new plumbing which also means a homeowner needs to secure a permit in compliance to the local building codes. There are some other major tasks such as getting the walls insulated, the electrical outlets GFIC-protected, the bathroom lights water and vapor-proofed, switches placed, and all other things that need to be done even before the plumbing part is even touched. Obviously, installing a second bathroom also requires a space where it will all be set up. Unfinished basements are typically the best spots for an additional bathroom although the task requires removing drywall, and accessing and rerouting pipelines.

What are Some Plumbing Safety Tips?

Ensuring plumbing safety is not just for physical health but also to ensure that you avoid any unnecessary and expensive repair costs down the line. The very first rule is to never do any plumbing project unless you are capable of doing so and doing it correctly. You can always contact a professional to do the job if you aren’t comfortable doing it. Another rule is to always take proper care of your plumbing system by not overworking it. Avoid getting all the chores that involve water done at the same time. Also, remember that your garbage disposal cannot accommodate any and all types of waste. Learn to take care of your garbage disposal. And finally, plumbing safety also involves taking care of your plumbinga pipes by properly insulating them even before the heating season begins.

All these amazing tips should help you resolve the most common plumbing problems and assist you in making sure that your entire plumbing system is working at an optimum level. However, you can also rely on your trusted plumbing company to get your plumbing in top shape.