FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often should I have my plumbing inspected?  
Every five years or when you purchased a previously owned home, Local Plumbing And Sewer technicians are available to inspect your new home purchase or give your existing home a check up.

Should I have my gas lines inspected?
Gas lines are inspected upon installation and tested with approximately 15 pounds of air per most city requirements. Gas lines should not need additional inspections unless there is some damage due to an earthquake or accident.  Our qualified Local Plumbing And Sewer technicians are available 24/7 to solve your plumbing emergencies. 

Sometimes I hear a high pitch sound coming from my pipes, should I be concerned?
Yes, have a qualified plumber inspect your pipes. Local Plumbing And Sewer has qualified technicians available 24/7 to quickly identify your plumbing problems and discuss your options.

Why does my plumbing rattle?
The rattling is most likely caused by your water lines coming into contact with the wood of your floor joists. This can be easily fixed by properly securing your water lines and isolating them from the joists. Local Plumbing And Sewer has expert technicians available 24/7 to repair your plumbing. 

What causes the water temperature to change when a toilet is flushed or another water appliance in the house is running?
Your current pipes may not have enough volume and pressure to run multiple fixtures at the same time.  The experts at Local Plumbing And Sewer are available 24/7 to answer your plumbing questions, quickly identify and fix your plumbing problems.

My water bill is high; could I have a plumbing problem?
Leaky faucets or pipes can be the problem but toilet tanks account for approximately 90% of residential plumbing leaks. Typical toilet leaks result from worn parts or improper part alignment. Identifying the problem and stopping the leak can save you money and save our precious water resources. The experts at Local Plumbing And Sewer are available to inspect your home, identify potential problems and discuss your options.

Are small leaks in my home costly?
An average of 15% of residential consumer’s monthly water bills is due to preventable water leaks. A plumber can fix these small leaks at a minimum expense. The savings on your water bill should quickly outweigh the expense, making it a smart and worthwhile investment. Call Local Plumbing And Sewer today to schedule a preventative maintenance inspection.

How do I know if I have a broken or leaking water line outside?
High water bills, puddles on your property, excessive soft soil areas or the sound of running water when the water is not in use are all signs of a potential problem. Put your mind at ease by calling Local Plumbing And Sewer expert to identify potential problems before they become an issue.

Why is my water pressure low?
There are many things than can result in low water pressure including deposits in pipes, an obstructed or malfunctioning valve, crimped water line, leaks, etc. The experts at Local Plumbing And Sewer can quickly identify and resolve your plumbing problems.

When I experience a small clog I use drain cleaners.  Are drain cleaners safe for my pipes?
Frequent use of drain cleaners can cause some damage to pipes and if you are using them frequently there may be an underlying problem that should be inspected by a plumber to avoid a larger problem in the future. Most importantly, please read the directions on the bottles as the chemicals can be very dangerous or even fatal.  Never mix different drain cleaners as chemical reactions can take place causing dangerous or deadly fumes. Local Plumbing And Sewer has qualified technicians available 24/7 to help you unclog your drains and identify any potential plumbing issues. 

How should I prepare my plumbing for the coming winter weather?
Exposed piping should be properly insulated to avoid cold weather related plumbing problems. The experts at Local Plumbing And Sewer are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you with preventative maintenance.

How should I prepare my plumbing when I go on vacation?
As a precaution it is recommended that water and gas supplies are shut off while home owners are on vacation. Local Plumbing And Sewer is available to answer your questions and help you properly maintain your plumbing while at home or away.  

What should I do when my toilet is about to overflow?
Most toilets have an emergency shut off valve below the left side of the tank as you face your toilet.  At the first sign of overflow, turn off the valve to avoid the overflow. Local Plumbing And Sewer has qualified technicians available 24/7 to help you with clogged or leaky toilets. 

My toilet is getting clogged more frequently.  What can I do?
An inspection is necessary to determine the cause of the problem. The problem may be a result of an issue with your sewage line that should be resolved immediately to avoid a costly emergency situation in the future. Or your toilet may simple be old or not functioning properly and we can help you choose a toilet model that is right for your lifestyle and budget.  The experts at Local Plumbing And Sewer are available 24/7 to help identify the cause of your plumbing problems and discuss options with you. 

How do I know if I need sump pump?
If the fixture outlet in your home is below the sewer line a sump pump should be considered. Local Plumbing And Sewer has experts available 24/7 to inspect your property and discuss options with you to avoid future emergencies.

What are the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal usage?

DO’S:
use cold water and make sure plenty of water is running, allow water to run for at least 30 seconds after food has cleared give your disposal a brief rest between loads use baking soda to freshen your disposal use ice to clean the disposal.

DON’TS:

Putting fibrous materials down your disposal (celery stocks, potato skins, corn husks, shrimp shells

OTHER DON’TS:

Egg shells, coffee grounds, grease, whole fruits or vegetables, etc and never over stuff the disposal. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean the disposal as it will damage the internal integrity of your garbage disposal.

What is instant hot water?

Instant hot water is a hot water recirculation system that continually circulates hot water throughout your home, eliminating the need to waste water while you wait for hot water to arrive. Hot water recirculation systems can be installed in new and existing homes, saving water, energy and money by eliminating water waste. Local Plumbing And Sewer is committed to preserving the environment and our experts can help you choose solutions that are right for your home and lifestyle.

What size water heater do I need for my home?
The size of the water heater depends on how many hot water outlets there are in your home. For example:  a 40-50 gallon heater is plenty for a two bath home. The experts at Local Plumbing And Sewer can help you choose solutions that fit your home and lifestyle.

What temperature should I set my water heater?
To help prevent serious tap water burns, 120° F is recommended. If you have small children, disabled or elderly persons in your household, you may need to set your water heater thermostat lower to avoid potential problems.

What is the standard life expectance on a water heater tank ?

Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about 7 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank, and / or works erratically or not at all, it's probably time for replacement.