FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
1) Q: How long will my water heater last?
A: The Gas Company recommends changing your water heater every ten years for your safety. I've seen water heaters last up to thirty years, but I wouldn't chance my own water heater more than the recommended ten years.
2) Q: Can I put food down my disposal?
A: No. This is for debris from your plate not food or eggshells or potato peels or rice or noodles or any solid food parts.
3) Q: How do I clean out my tub drain without calling a plumber?
A: Most tub drains if the plunger is in the down position you can twist it out. Sometimes pliers are required. Tubs that have a trip lever: take out the 2 screws and pull out the long plunger.
4) Q: Why does my frost proof outside faucet always drip everywhere when I turn it off?
A: This faucet actually turns off back in the wall. The water is draining out of the pipe. But do not leave a hose connected to the pipe in the winter.
5) Q: Do outside cones really work in the winter for my outside faucets?
A: Faucets on the house , yes. Faucets on older houses that come out of the ground you need to wrap the pipe and place a 5 gallon bucket on top. Cones and buckets don't give off heat. What they do is trap some of the heat from the ground or coming through the wall from the house.
6) Q: Why does my new toilet always stop up?
A: A few years ago the state passed a law that manufacturers of toilets had to use 1.6 gallons of water per flush as opposed to the old 3 gallon flushes. There are some good flushing toilets on the market that are economy flush though.
7) Q: What is a good toilet?
A: My OPINION- Toto toilets are excellent. Kholer makes some very good ones. And if you can afford it there are some power assist toilets that flush very well.
8) Q: What causes more flood damage?
A: My experience: water heaters, stoppages in sewer pipes, stops , and supply lines.
9) Q: What can I do to help prevent a flood?
A: Keep up with how old your water heater is. If you have had a stoppage before ask the drain cleaner or plumber what caused it. And have it repaired. Put leak detectors under the sinks and behind the washing machine, by the water heater, under the dishwasher, and behind ice makers.
10) What is a leak detector?
A: A small box that is battery powered will detect the presence of water. They can be picked up at any hardware store or plumbing supply. Average price is $13.
11) Q: How do I know if I have PVC or cast iron drain pipes?
A: Most houses built prior to 1980 have cast iron pipes, but it can vary based on city codes at the time.
12) Q: How long will cast iron pipes last?
A: In the soil under a slab house the average is 25-30 years.
13) Q: How long will PVC pipes last?
A: Statistics show up to 400 years, but I won't be around that long to warranty it!
14) Q: Is tunneling a house better than going through the foundation to make a repair?
A: Yes. Removing large quantities of the foundation only weakens the foundation.
15) Q: Why do most plumbers now have up front prices rather than hourly prices?
A: If you have a good seasoned plumber that can do the job in one hour because of his years of experience, at hourly rates he is losing money. Compared to a hourly plumber who takes four hours to do the same job. The up front price would always be better and cheaper than the four hours of labor.
16) Q: Why are plumbers so expensive?
A: Well forget the 4 years it takes to qualify to be a journeyman plumber, gas prices, business expenses, advertising expenses, and all the other costs just to run a company these days. The short answer is we just think we are doctors!
17) Q: Is having my drain snaked once a year when they stop up normal?
A: No. A drain stoppage is not normal on most houses. Find out what is causing it. Roots in the pipe is a break in the system and needs repair. Slow draining pipes need repair. A busted line needs repair.
18) Q: Does my tree have to be cut down if you replace my old yard line?
A: No. The new PVC pipe does not get penetrated by roots.
19) Q: Can male or feminine products be flushed down the toilet?
A: No these products could cause a stoppage in your system, plus they cost money in the treatment plants to be removed. They are NOT biodegradable.
20) Q: Do I need an inspection by the city to change my water heater?
A: Yes. And it has to be brought up to today's standard codes.
21) If I have a gas leak what do I do?
A: Call the gas company or 911 if it is an emergency. But to get the gas leak back on a licensed master plumber has to pull a city permit for the repairs made. You must get a city inspection and then the city calls the gas company to turn back on your gas.