Plumbing FAQ – Your Top Questions Answered

1. What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

✅ Shut off the main water valve immediately to prevent flooding.
✅ Drain remaining water by opening faucets.
✅ Call an emergency plumber for repairs.

2. Why is my water pressure low?

Possible causes:

  • Clogged aerator (clean the faucet screen)

  • Partially closed shutoff valve

  • Leaking or corroded pipes

  • Municipal water supply issues

3. How often should I replace my water heater?

Most last 8-12 years. Signs you need a new one:

  • Rusty water

  • Leaking tank

  • Inconsistent heating

  • Strange noises

4. What’s the best way to prevent clogged drains?

✔ Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris
✔ Avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down sinks
✔ Flush drains monthly with hot water & baking soda/vinegar
✔ Schedule professional drain cleaning annually

5. Why does my toilet keep running?

Common fixes:

  • Adjust or replace the flapper valve

  • Check the fill valve for proper water level

  • Inspect the float ball for damage

6. Is chemical drain cleaner safe to use?

⚠ Not recommended! Harsh chemicals can:

  • Damage pipes (especially PVC)

  • Harm the environment

  • Provide only temporary fixes
    Instead, use a plunger, drain snake, or call a professional.

7. How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?

Signs include:

  • Unexplained high water bills

  • Musty odors or mold growth

  • Sounds of running water when all taps are off

  • Wet spots on walls/floors

8. What’s the difference between PVC, copper, and PEX piping?

  • PVC – Affordable, used for drains (not hot water)

  • Copper – Durable, resistant to corrosion, good for supply lines

  • PEX – Flexible, easy to install, resistant to freezing

9. Do I need a backflow preventer?

Yes, if you have:

  • Irrigation systems

  • Boilers or fire sprinklers

  • Commercial/industrial plumbing
    Local codes often require them to protect drinking water.

10. When should I call a plumber vs. DIY?

Call a pro for:

  • Major leaks or pipe bursts

  • Sewer line backups

  • Gas line issues

  • Water heater problems
    DIY-friendly tasks:

  • Unclogging simple drain blockages

  • Replacing faucet washers

  • Fixing a running toilet (if simple)

11. How can I prevent frozen pipes in winter?

❄ Insulate exposed pipes
❄ Let faucets drip during extreme cold
❄ Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air circulation
❄ Shut off & drain outdoor spigots

12. Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Likely hydrogen sulfide gas from:

  • Bacteria in water heaters (flush the tank)

  • Well water issues (install a filtration system)

13. How much does a plumbing repair cost?

Costs vary based on:

  • Type of repair (leak vs. full repipe)

  • Parts needed

  • Labor time
    We offer free estimates for transparency!

14. Are tankless water heaters worth it?

✔ Pros: Endless hot water, energy-efficient, space-saving
✖ Cons: Higher upfront cost, may need electrical upgrades

15. Do you offer emergency services?

Yes! We’re available 24/7 for:

  • Burst pipes

  • Sewage backups

  • No hot water

  • Gas leaks

📞 Still have questions? Contact us—we’re happy to help!

Drain Cleaning & Repair FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

1. What causes drains to clog?

Common culprits:

  • Kitchen sinks: Grease, food scraps, coffee grounds

  • Bathroom drains: Hair, soap scum, toothpaste buildup

  • Toilets: Excessive toilet paper, sanitary products, toys

  • Main sewer lines: Tree roots, collapsed pipes, accumulated waste

2. How can I tell if my drain is clogged?

Warning signs:
🚩 Slow drainage
🚩 Gurgling sounds from pipes
🚩 Water backing up in sinks/tubs
🚩 Bad odors coming from drains
🚩 Multiple fixtures clogging at once (indicates main line issue)

3. What's the best way to unclog a drain?

Try these steps before calling a plumber:

  1. Use a plunger (cup plunger for sinks, flange plunger for toilets)

  2. Try a drain snake for hair/deep clogs

  3. For mild clogs: Pour boiling water + baking soda/vinegar
    ❌ Avoid chemical drain cleaners – they damage pipes!

4. Why do my drains keep clogging repeatedly?

Frequent clogs may mean:

  • A partial blockage deeper in pipes

  • Pipe damage (bellied pipes, cracks)

  • Tree root intrusion in sewer lines

  • Improper pipe slope causing poor drainage

5. What's the difference between snaking and hydro jetting?

Drain Snaking - Uses a rotating cable to break up clogs. Good for single, solid obstructions. Less expensive.

Hydro Jetting - Blasts clogs with high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI). Removes grease, sludge, and mineral buildup. More thorough, longer-lasting results

6. How often should drains be professionally cleaned?

  • Homes: Every 1-2 years (more if you have old pipes or trees near sewer lines)

  • Restaurants/businesses: Every 6-12 months (due to heavy use)

7. Can tree roots really damage my sewer line?

Yes! Roots seek water and can:

  • Crack pipes

  • Grow into joints

  • Create complete blockages
    Signs: Sewage backups, soggy lawn patches, slow drains throughout house

8. Why does my drain smell bad?

Common causes:

  • Bacteria buildup in pipes

  • Dry P-trap (common in unused drains)

  • Sewer gas leak (dangerous – call a plumber immediately!)

9. What should I never put down my drains?

🚫 Grease/oil (solidifies in pipes)
🚫 Coffee grounds (accumulate like sand)
🚫 Eggshells (stick to pipe walls)
🚫 "Flushable" wipes (they're not – they clog!)
🚫 Paint or chemicals (toxic and damaging)

10. How do I know if I have a sewer line problem?

🔴 Multiple drains backing up at once
🔴 Water pooling around floor drains
🔴 Gurgling sounds when using appliances
🔴 Sewage odor in yard or basement

11. Can a clogged drain fix itself?

Rarely. While some minor clogs may improve temporarily, most:

  • Get worse over time

  • Cause pipe damage

  • Lead to sewage backups
    Don't wait – address clogs early!

12. Why is hydro jetting better than snaking?

  • Cleans entire pipe circumference (not just the clog)

  • Removes grease and mineral deposits

  • Provides longer-lasting results

  • Environmentally friendly (no chemicals)

13. How can I prevent future drain clogs?

✔ Install hair catchers in showers
✔ Pour hot water down drains weekly
✔ Have annual professional inspections
✔ Avoid putting food waste down kitchen sinks

14. Do you offer video drain inspections?

Yes! We use:
📹 Waterproof inspection cameras
📹 Real-time video feed to diagnose problems
📹 Detailed reports with recommended solutions

15. When should I call a professional vs. DIY?

Call us immediately for:

  • Sewage backups

  • Multiple clogged fixtures

  • Water rising when using other drains

  • Suspected tree root intrusion

📞 Need drain help? Contact our experts 24/7 for fast service!

Backflow Preventer FAQ – Protecting Your Water Supply

1. What is a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a safety device installed in your plumbing system to stop contaminated water from flowing backward into your clean water supply.

2. Why is backflow prevention important?

Backflow can introduce dangerous contaminants (pesticides, sewage, chemicals) into your drinking water, posing serious health risks and violating plumbing codes.

3. How does backflow happen?

Two main causes:

  • Backpressure (when downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure, often from pumps or boilers)

  • Back-siphonage (when a water main break or heavy usage creates a vacuum, pulling water backward)

4. What types of backflow preventers are there?

Type Best For Protection Level RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone)High-risk areas (industrial, medical) - Highest.

Double Check Valve, Moderate risk (irrigation, fire sprinklers) - High.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) Lawn sprinkler systems - Medium.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) Hose bibs, simple applications - Basic

5. Is a backflow preventer required by law?

✅ Yes, in most jurisdictions for:

  • Irrigation systems

  • Fire sprinkler systems

  • Commercial/industrial buildings

  • Multi-family residences
    Check your local plumbing codes.

6. Where should a backflow preventer be installed?

  • Before any cross-connection between potable and non-potable water

  • Accessible for testing and maintenance

  • Above ground (for some types like PVBs)

  • Protected from freezing

7. How often does a backflow preventer need testing?

🔧 Annual testing is required by law in most areas
🔧 More frequent checks may be needed if:

  • Water quality changes

  • Device shows signs of wear

  • After any plumbing modifications

8. What happens during a backflow test?

A certified technician will:

  1. Check for proper water flow direction

  2. Test pressure differentials

  3. Inspect valves and seals

  4. Submit certification to local authorities

9. How long do backflow preventers last?

🕒 5-15 years depending on:

  • Water quality

  • Frequency of use

  • Maintenance

  • Climate conditions

10. What are signs my backflow preventer needs service?

⚠ Leaking or dripping
⚠ Reduced water pressure
⚠ Visible corrosion
⚠ Failed annual test
⚠ Discolored or odd-tasting water

11. Can I install a backflow preventer myself?

❌ No – most jurisdictions require:

  • Licensed plumber installation

  • Proper permits

  • Certified testing after installation

12. What happens if I don't maintain my backflow preventer?

  • Fines from water authorities

  • Water service disconnection

  • Health hazards from contamination

  • Voided insurance in case of incidents

13. How much does backflow preventer service cost?

  • Testing: $50-$150 annually

  • Repairs: $100-$500 depending on parts

  • Replacement: $300-$1,500+ (varies by type)

14. Does my home need a backflow preventer?

Yes if you have:

  • Lawn irrigation system

  • Pool or hot tub auto-fill

  • Boiler heating system

  • Secondary water source (well, rainwater collection)

15. Who can test and repair backflow preventers?

Only state-certified backflow testers (like our licensed technicians) can perform legally compliant services.

📞 Need backflow testing or installation? Contact our certified experts today!