YOUR PLUMBING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Got plumbing questions?
Got plumbing questions?
Wondering if you can tackle a small plumbing repair or installation on your own? Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions. We provide some advice and tips and tricks to working on some of the smaller plumbing issues you might experience in your own home. Have a question of your own? Don't see what you're looking for?
***The information provided in this section is strictly the opinion of Baltzell Plumbing, LLC and we cannot be held responsible for any damage or issues experienced by trying to repair or install your own plumbing. If you unsure of how to remedy a problem, our first recommendation is always to call a plumber of your choosing.***
Are there simple plumbing repairs that I can tackle on my own without the need for a plumber?
Sure, there are simple repairs and maintenance items that you can easily take care of as a home or property owner. You can easily handle tasks like changing the flapper on a toilet, replacing a garbage disposal, and we recommend flushing deposits from a water heater once a year.
What is instant hot water?
“Instant” at hot water can only be attained through the use of a recirculation water system (which can be installed residentially) providing instant hot water at the tap or faucet. Instant hot water should not be confused with endless hot water. Tankless water heaters provide endless quantities of hot water but not necessarily instant hot water.
What can I put in my garbage disposal?
Technically nothing, garbage disposals are designed to handle debris left in rinse water in the sink, i.e. minimal residue from dinner plates or other dishes. Garbage disposals are not intended to be used for grinding scraps of food, potato skins, and certainly not vegetables, especially celery.
How do I un-jam my garbage disposal?
You can un-jam a garbage disposal by using the hex wrench that came with the installation kit. Insert the wrench on the bottom side of the garbage disposal and give it a crank. DO NOT attempt to test the garbage disposal while the wrench is inserted.
How do I know if I have a broken water line?
There are several ways to determine if you have a broken water line:
- An unusually high water bill
- Mold along walls or around plumbing fixtures
- Wet spots in your yard
- The leak indicator on the meter is spinning when no water is running
What is the most common cause for sump pump failure?
The most common cause for sump pump failure is age. There are instances when debris in the sump pump pit or a power failure will cause the sump pump to quit. Some homeowners choose to install a second back-up battery pump in case of power outage or pump failure.
What causes low water pressure and how do I fix it?
Low water pressure could be a result of several issues; if you notice low water pressure we recommend calling Baltzell Plumbing, or a plumbing professional of your choice, to discuss the issues you are having, in order to best determine the cause of the problem.
How do I fix a dripping faucet?
Our recommendation is to call a plumber, depending on the faucet manufacturer; the repair could require a new bib washer, a new cartridge or an entirely new faucet.
How can I prolong the life of my plumbing fixtures and water heater?
Annually flushing water deposits from your water heater is a good maintenance tool, this will also increase the longevity of your water heater. To ensure a long, quality life for your plumbing fixtures, we recommend purchasing quality brass-bodied fixtures, Baltzell Plumbing recommends Moen, Delta and American Standard brands. Brass-bodied fixtures are easier to rebuild for repairs; less expensive brands are plastic bodied and are unable to be rebuilt and require replacement when broken.
What is the most effective method for removing a clog from a drain?
The easiest way to remedy a clog is to first, not create one. The only thing that should be flushed down a toilet is toilet paper (no beauty products, flushable wipes, feminine products, etc). The severity of clogs varies and it can be difficult to determine how severe a clog is without consulting a plumber. We recommend contacting a professional who has the tools specially designed to remove clogs.
What is the best way to prepare my plumbing for cold weather?
This will vary depending on the type of home you have. You should make sure all crawl space vents are closed. We recommend applying heat tape to water service for mobile homes. For plumbing on an exterior wall, we also recommend leaving cabinets open and faucets dripping, no matter the age of your home. Finally, remove hoses from all exterior water spigots to prevent freezing.
How long should a water heater last?
On average, a properly maintained water heater will last 8-10 years.
My water bill is unusually high, what could be causing this?
A high water bill could be caused by several things, a dripping faucet, a toilet in need of repair (a flapper replacement or new float mechanism may be required) or outside hydrants could be leaking underground.
Will replacing my old dishwasher, hot water heater, or washer with an HE model really save me that much money?
Depending on the age of the old fixture (8-10 years or older) we recommend upgrading to a new HE model. This will help to conserve energy through high efficiency
Why does my faucet clunk when I turn it on?
A clunky faucet could be caused by a loose bib washer in the shut off or a bad diverter in the faucet.
My toilet has limescale buildup, how do I remove this?
We recommend applying Lime-A-Way to remove any limescale buildup in toilets, through the overflow tube.
Why does water backup into my sink when I run the dishwasher?
Water backup in a sink is generally a sign of a clogged drain.