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Frequently Asked
Questions About Plumbing Problems
What is the main cause of
a sewer line stoppage?
A: ROOTS!
While there are some products to treat or
retard root & vegetation growth, it is not
a permanent solution. The sewer line will
most likely need to be repaired or
replaced.
What is the main cause of
a kitchen sink & washing machine drain
stoppages?
A:
Grease, lint and improperly installed
drains are the primary culprits for this
problem. In most homes, the kitchen and
laundry drains are connected. When the
lint from the laundry drains meets the
coagulated grease buildup (from dish
soaps, food products and other natural
compositions such as pipe material and
bacteria), a paper-mache like substance is
formed, causing blockage. Rootering and/or
hydrojetting of the drain is recommended
with follow-up treatment with a product
such as BIO-CLEAN and SUPER CITRUS to help
maintain free-flowing drains.
What causes my tub &
shower to backup?
A: Often
times hair is caught on the grease buildup
on the lining of the pipe. Grease buildup
comes from shampoos, body oils, soap,
toothpaste, shaving creams, etc. Rootering
followed by product maintenance (as in the
answer just above) are recommended.
Why does my toilet sound
as though it flushed itself?
A:
Typically the toilet douglas valve seal
has become warped and is letting water
leak out of the tank. The fill valve has
sensed that the toilet has been flushed
and is trying to refill the tank to its
proper water level. No worries, it’s not a
ghost, but it can waste thousands of
gallons of water each year and is the
number one source of water consumption in
a home. Call us for service and we will
dye test your toilets for free.
What makes my water
heater rumble?
A:
Calcium buildup is the common factor for
this noisy problem. When super-cold water
collides with super-hot water from the
bottom of the water heater, an audible
noise is produced, similar to that of
water droplets into a hot greasy pan.
Imagine your water heater as a teakettle
with sediment buildup at the bottom. The
water at the bottom of the teakettle is
much hotter and as we learned in science
class, heat rises. This is not dangerous,
but is a concern and can lead to premature
failure of your water heater and consumes
much more energy, resulting in a higher
gas/energy bill. You will also notice a
decrease in available hot water.
Why does my water look
rust-colored?
A: Often,
this is due to lack of movement or water
flow in your potable water system. Once
the water hits the air, it oxidizes and
turns orange/red in color. This is not
harmful, but is a telltale sign of old,
galvanized piping.
Why do I get scalded in
the shower when someone flushes the
toilet?
A:
Typically, this is caused by one of two
things: old pipes or pipe design. When
there is more demand to the cold water
system, you lose regulation of the
temperature and pressure. Today’s codes
require a pressure differential type valve
for the shower.
Why is there gravel or
sand particles in my water?
A: Commonly, it is the lining of the old galvanized
pipe that is breaking loose or rotting from the inside out. Chunks of
rust, iron & other minerals found in the pipe material and water
then flow out of your faucet. This is a serious problem that can lead
to pinhole leaks. The only remedy is a repipe of your potable water
system
Why do we have such low
water pressure?
A: There can be a few reasons for this. The amount of water the utility is pumping out is one factor. Another reason is the age of your pipes and the amount of rust in them. This is the most common reason for the complaint of low water pressure. However, this is actually a water flow problem, and not a water pressure problem. There is commonly a restriction somewhere and troubleshooting is necessary to determine the cause. Elevation change, partially closed valve, failed pressure regulator (or lack thereof), plugged filter, water softeners and many other considerations, can all affect your water pressure. Again, troubleshooting is necessary to determine the cause of YOUR problem.
How long should my potable water system
last?
A: Typically, a galvanized piping system can last 30-50 years before you will begin to notice poor water quality. The quality of the material the pipe is made of, as well as where you live (due to the water quality and soil composition) can also greatly affect the lifespan. We have seen galvanized systems deteriorate in as little as three years and seen pipes that are 75 years old look almost new. One common misconception is that copper piping will last forever. Although copper will typically last longer than galvanized, the lifespan will also be affected by the issues mentioned above, (ie. material, water and soil quality).
If you can't find the
answer to your question, or looking for a
plumber in the San Gabriel Valley, please call us
today at 626-359-1864 or complete our
online service request form.
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