FAQs
How do I determine if I have a water leak?
Make sure all fixtures inside and outside your home are turned off. Then you can go out to your water meter open the lid and check to see if any dial is moving. You may need to observe this for several minutes. When no water is being used nothing should be moving. Even a small leak over a 24 hour period will amount to several gallons and a larger water and sewer bill.
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What are the best ways to check for toilet leaks?
Toilet leaks can be wasteful and expensive. At least once a year, check your toilet for leaks by adding a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later. If the toilet bowl water is colored red, water is seeping through from the tank. If it is leaking, you should replace the tank ball.
What to do if your toilet is overflowing?
The first thing you absolutely need to do is stop the source, meaning turn off your water valve. Turning off the electricity is important too because of the combination of the flooded areas and electrical wiring. Soaking up the water with towels and mops can help too before your professional help arrives. We will have the equipment and knowledge to take it from there. Call us right away and we will walk you through this process!
How do I prevent clogged toilets?
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your toilet and pipes helps prevent clogging. Also make sure not to flush materials like baby wipes or paper towels.
How can I prevent clogged drains?
Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and create clogs. To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly.
How often should my heating system be serviced?
Always follow your manufacturer’s instruction, especially to maintain manufacturer warranty.
Our recommendation is yearly, prior to the start of the heating season. But know the filter may need to be changed more often depending on the size and quality of the filter, the size of home, and the rate at which your furnace is used, and if there are pets in the home. If you do not regularly change your filter you will diminish the life expectancy and put undo wear and tear of the heating system and lead to part & equipment failure in the long term.
What are some common foods that clog drains?
Some foods you would not expect to clog drains include egg shells, rice, pasta, coffee grounds, asparagus, flour, celery and banana peels. Remember to use your strainer when dealing with these pesky foods.
What is the difference between boilers and water heaters?
While both are used to generate heat, they generate different types of heat.
Heaters are used to keep your water for your sinks and shower warm. Boilers are used to keep your home by heating water up, which turns into steam. Furnaces are also used to keep your warm home and are more common. The good news is we know how to maintain and repair water heaters, furnaces and boilers!
Why doesn't my old water heater work as well as it used to?
If the water heater has a standing pilot, you should periodically inspect your water heater burner. The flame under the heater should appear blue with yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow, or if it’s sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous situation. Contact a professional to check it out. At least once every two years, have your water heater inspected by a service technician. He or she will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.
When should I get a new water heater?
Replacing your water heater depends on how long you’ve had it and the type of water heater. Gas water heaters, electric water heaters and tankless water heaters all have different lifespans. Having said that, water heaters typically last between 6 and 15 years, but you enter the danger zone after 10 years.
What are signs your water heater needs to be replaced?
Your water is coming out rusty from anywhere in your home.
Your water isn’t able to reach the same hot temperatures as it used to.
The heater is making strange noises.
The heater is starting to leak or moisture is starting to accumulate at the base.
What should I do if my water heater starts flooding?
The first step you need to take is turn off the water at the main valve. Then you need to turn the electricity off to protect both yourself and the heater. Be very careful with this step! If you’re uncertain on how to do this, call for help. Finally, taking photographs is important for insurance claims purposes.
Reach Us
We'd love to hear more about your plumbing or heating project.
(406) 728-0216
thomasplumber@yahoo.com
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