Modern-day plumbing helps keep our homes operating smoothly. But like everything else when it comes to your home, plumbing issues are bound to happen at some point. Whether it’s a general replacement or a more severe piping issue, some of the more frequently asked plumbing questions can help you understand some basics about the plumbing in your home.
Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running?
A question we often hear, which also happens to be one of the more common plumbing issues to occur, has to do with toilets. Why does your toilet keep running and cycling water?
Most of the time your toilet is continuing to run because the flapper doesn’t close properly, or the seal around the flush valve is worn. Shaking the toilet handle can jiggle the flapper and help it close fully. This can resolve the issue most of the time, although it is only a temporary fix, and you’ll probably want to look into replacing the flapper soon.
Why Does My Drain Get Clogged?
Another common plumbing question has to do with the network of drains and pipes that run throughout your home. Drains help keep your water where you want it and need it to go. When drains are no longer working as intended, it could be due to a clog.
Drains get clogged when there is a build-up of items such as toilet paper or hair that is preventing the water from draining as it should. Acting as a sort of wall within your pipes and keeping them from working properly. Items such as drain snakes and chemicals such as drain cleaners can oftentimes clear or remove these clogs and get your drains flowing smoothly once more. For more severe clogs or drain cleaning issues, a plumbing professional near you may be needed.
Chemical Drain Cleaner Plumbing Questions
Some plumbing FAQs include materials and tools that can help you maintain a working plumbing system. Items such as plumbing drain snakes and drain chemicals can be extremely useful tools when it comes to a DIY plumbing fix. When it comes to servicing your drains, it’s recommended that you use mechanical items such as drain snakes before resorting to chemical drain cleaners. Often the drain snake can remove any buildup or blockage within the drain on its own.
If your drain is still clogged, it may be time to bring out the chemical drain cleaners. These drain cleaners use harsh chemicals to dissolve and clear the pipes, but can also cause damage to your pipes. To answer the plumbing question about drain cleaners, yes, you can use drain cleaners. However, it is recommended as a last resort after other attempts to unclog your pipes or drain have failed.
Why Do I Run Out of Hot Water So Quickly?
Not many people enjoy waking up in the morning to a cold shower. If your home is running out of hot water quicker than it should, your water heater is most likely the culprit. Over time as your water heater ages, sediment can form from loose minerals that can be found in natural water. This can lead to build-ups and deposits at the bottom of your water heater, causing blockages and a lack of hot water.
Maintaining your water heater with annual system flushes can help reduce this build-up and restore a reliable flow of hot water for you to enjoy. In a worst-case scenario, your aged and well-loved water heater may need to be upgraded and replaced with a new unit. Be sure to discuss your options with your local plumber so that you can find the right water heater that meets the needs of your home.
What Should I Do if a Pipe Bursts?
As far as plumbing questions go, one of the most important ones to understand is what you should do if a pipe bursts or leaks within your home. Pipes that burst can cause severe damage to your property.
If you find yourself facing off against a burst pipe, there are some things you can do to stop the flow of water and limit the amount of water damage to your property, such as:
- Turn off the water main
- Clean any standing water ASAP
- Drain faucets
- Let in warm air to help dry any standing water
Of course, you should call a professional plumber as soon as possible to perform a burst pipe repair, but the first priority is to get the flow of water stopped and under control. That way, the plumber can come out and professionally repair the pipe and any damage to your plumbing system.
Plumbing Questions for Your Plumber
When you select a plumber, there are some common plumbing FAQs that you should have as far as their experience, services, and ability to get the job done right. A few things to keep in mind when speaking with a plumber include:
- Ask if they are licensed
- Do they have insurance?
- Do they offer warranties for their work?
- Ask for a breakdown of all fees
These plumbing questions are just a few things you should keep in mind when selecting the right plumber for you and your home. While the list above covers some of the more common plumbing questions, there are many other common plumbing issues around the home. When you encounter any of these issues, reach out to a plumber you can trust to provide reliable solutions.
Call Craftsman Plumbing for Trusted Plumbing Services in Seattle, WA
Craftsman Plumbing has been serving the local Seattle, WA community for years, and we would love to provide our professional services to your home. As one of the best plumbing companies in the Seattle, WA. area, we provide a variety of commercial and residential plumbing services including plumbing repair, plumbing installation, drain cleaning and repair, water heater installation and repair services, pipe repair, and much more.
Contact us online or give us a call at (206) 855-6110 for more information on our plumbing services, or to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled plumbers.