Your Ultimate Guide to Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
When it comes to homeownership, it’s not uncommon for plumbing questions to arise. Unexpected issues can spring up at any time, presenting a challenge for even the most prepared individuals. As an expert in Real Estate Chicago, I’ve come across plenty of common and not so common plumbing queries.
Today, let’s delve into some important topics surrounding these pesky plumbing questions that often add an extra layer of complexity to home maintenance and management roles.
- Choosing a Licensed Plumber: It’s crucial to ensure the professional handling your plumbing is licensed and skilled.
- The Hydrojetting Procedure: An effective method for unclogging pipes and drains in your home.
- Preventing Frozen Pipes: Mitigation steps to prevent the damaging effects of frozen pipes can save you from costly repairs.
- The Need for Garbage Disposal: Incorporating a garbage disposal unit can be beneficial in reducing food waste and avoiding clogged drains.
- Dealing with a Running Toilet: Address this issue swiftly to prevent water wastage and high utility bills.
- Addressing Low Water Pressure: Understand this common issue to avoid disruptions to your daily water usage.
I hope these key points provide some insight into prevalent plumbing questions. Feel free to explore more comprehensive explanations on these topics over at Fergusons Plumbing.
A Few Additional Plumbing Tips
Remember that regular check-ups and routine maintenance can help you avoid major plumbing issues.
And remember, weather conditions in Chicago can vary wildly, so take appropriate preparations to safeguard your pipes against freezing during the colder months.
When in doubt, always consult with a licensed plumber to avoid further complications or potential property damage.
And finally, ensure you’re well versed in your homeowner’s insurance policy and what type of water damage is or isn’t covered.
Contents
Choosing a Licensed Plumber
Deciding on the right licensed plumber ensures your home’s well-being and brings peace of mind. Knowing what to look for can make this decision less daunting.
A first vital factor to consider is Licensing and Certification. A licensed plumber meets all the state’s requirements and has undergone extensive training. Validate their certification before hiring to guarantee they are qualified to practice within your locality.
- Experience: Plumbers with a wealth of experience can expertly handle various plumbing issues. Ask about their years of service and request references from past clients.
- Insurance Coverage: Plumbing work may sometimes result in accidents or unforeseen property damage. Adequate insurance coverage protects you from potential liability.
- Quality of Work: Prioritize high-quality work; research online reviews and ask about materials and warranties offered.
- Range of Services: Make sure the plumber’s services align with your specific needs. Some plumbers concentrate on certain specialties like water heater installation or sewer line repairs.
An invaluable attribute is the Availability of Emergency Services. Plumbing emergencies can occur at any hour; choose a plumber who provides services 24/7 for urgent cases.
The final aspect to consider is Communication. A responsive, communicative plumber who provides explicit project details, timelines, and expectations ensures efficient service delivery.
The Hydrojetting Procedure
Hydrojetting, also known as waterjetting or sewer jetting, is a modern, efficient method to clear clogged drains and sewer pipelines. This technique utilizes high-pressure water spray, making it a preferred option among many professional plumbers and drain cleaners due to its power and speed.
Dynamics of Hydrojetting
Contrary to conventional pressure washing and snaking, hydrojetting involves propelling water backwards at an angle ranging from 20 to 45 degrees. This approach not only facilitates thorough cleaning of the pipe walls but also forwards the debris towards the operator while advancing the nozzle.
The propulsion ensures easy movement of the hose through pipes and bends. Nozzles, available in various shapes and sizes, feature unique water jet patterns to perform different operations – from simple flushing tasks to complex degreasing and de-icing.
Jetter Positioning and Debris Removal
Performing jetting from the downstream end of a clogged drain or sewer proves advantageously effective. This technique leverages gravitational pull and downward flow for debris elimination. However, if operating from the upstream end, temporary cessation of the jet flow is requisite for proper flush-out of debris.
Regardless of the chosen method, it’s crucial for operators to displace debris back down the pipe for visual confirmation of blockage removal and understanding the nature of the obstruction.
Maintaining Jetters
To maintain high performance and longevity of jetters, routine maintenance is pivotal. This incorporates cleaning post-operation, keeping units dry when idle, regular oil changes, damaged hose checks, and nozzle replacement as needed. For sub-zero temperatures, antifreeze preservation in the hose and pump is advised.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Insulating your pipes is a pivotal step in preventing them from freezing. It’s particularly essential to focus on areas exposed to cold such as external pipes, lofts, basements.
Pipe lagging is a straightforward and cost-effective technique. When used correctly, it not only saves on heating bills but also circumvents potential home damage from burst pipes by maintaining warmer water inside your pipes.
Your house’s overall insulation shouldn’t be overlooked. Every aspect, from the overflow and boiler condensate pipes to water tanks in the loft or garage, requires attention.
Proper draught proofing of doors, insulating windows, using draft excluders, and insulating unused chimneys help keep a stable internal temperature. Such practices aid in preventing frozen pipes significantly.
When water freezes in pipes, it expands leading to high pressure inside the frozen pipe. It results in the pipe splitting once it starts to thaw, often causing flooding.
Cold snaps can increase instances of frozen pipes drastically. Hence preparing for such adverse conditions in advance is a wiser choice to prevent unnecessary expenses and damages.
With energy costs on the rise, many people are hesitant to use central heating. However, keeping a consistent indoor temperature with effective insulation methods can mitigate risks associated with frozen pipes.
Pipes along exterior walls and those located outdoors are more prone to freezing. Inspecting these areas frequently and ensuring proper insulation can decrease the risk of frozen pipes significantly.
Using specific products like pipe sleeves or heat tapes and cables on exposed or vulnerable pipes contribute to preserving their functionality during harsh weather conditions substantially.
The Need for Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals present a swift, sanitary solution to food waste problems, keeping odors at bay. More so, they can markedly decrease the volume of food squander in your trash, saving money on bags and benefitting the environment.
Environmental Impact
Disposing of food waste yourself reduces trash delivery to landfills, thus cutting down on methane production. This helps mitigate environmental hazards considerably.
Protecting your Plumbing
A garbage disposal’s key utility lies in improving drainage and maintaining your pipelines’ health. This could spare you from footing pricey plumber fees for fixing clogs or leaks.
Simplifying Clean-up
By grinding food scraps into tiny particles that flow through pipes with no issue, garbage disposals simplify meal clean-up drastically. You’re no longer required to separate food waste or scrape off plates.
Installing a garbage disposal might seem daunting but following these instructions could ease the process substantially.
Necessity of Mindful Use
Routinely using your garbage disposal places it under immense strain. An effective method to prolong its lifespan involves cleaning plates into the trash prior to using the unit.
DIY Appliance Installation
Considering installing your dishwasher on your own? Handling appliance installations independently doesn’t need to be an intimidating task. Starting with DIY dishwasher installation, here are some steps to guide you.
Removing the Old Dishwasher
Kick off the process by unhooking the water supply line, disconnecting the drain hose, and removing all electrical connections associated with the old dishwasher.
Preparing Your New Dishwasher
After you remove your old dishwasher, start preparing your new one. Remove shipping materials gently and take out interior styrofoam if present. Next, tilt the dishwasher on its back carefully (you might need assistance) and remove the front access panel.
Detach drip tray sensors if present. Route the power cord through the terminal box and connect wires as outlined in the appliance manual.
Securing Water Supply
Add a 90-degree elbow fitting to the water supply line and connect the fill hose to the valve located at the dishwasher’s bottom.This guide can assist in guiding your efforts.
Please note that DIY implementation can save you between $150-$300. The installation process may take between 1-4 hours depending on complication levels. A typical dishwasher installation cost includes labor expenses and ranges from $1000-$1500.
Remember, always consider specifics provided by your model’s instructions.
Dealing with a Running Toilet
The aggravation of a running toilet can cost you significantly. A chief culprit could be the tank’s water beginning to leak into the bowl.
This issue usually arises due to various factors, such as a defective fill valve, an incorrectly sized overflow pipe or a leaky flapper.
- Understanding the Problem: Start by examining the flapper, which is a rubber part preventing water leakages.
- Testing the Flapper: To verify if it’s at fault, press down on it when you notice water running and see if it stops.
If this screening method confirms that your flapper isn’t sealing right, replacing it becomes necessary.
A perpetually running toilet also signals a faulty fill valve. This valve’s central role is refilling the tank after every flush.
- Finding Leaks: If the fill valve leaks, it can cause the toilet to run continuously. To identify any leakage, flush and look around the valve.
- Evaluating Fill Valve: Filling up the tank and raising the float arm should stop the water. If not; replacement is needed.
Overflow pipe problems may also lead to persistent running. This pipe prevents overflows by halting the fill valve when topping up water in the tank.
- Checking Overflow Pipe: An unusually high overflow pipe provokes running toilets as it keeps open the fill valve. To solve this, reposition or readjust your float arm so that it stops filling at about half an inch to an inch below overflow pipe top.
To mend a running toilet, you might need to change either the flapper or the fill valve, or even both on some occasions.
Let’s look at how we do it:
- Controlling Water Supply: Turn off your water supply by twisting the shut-off valve clockwise. Then, empty tank and bowl by flushing.
- Accessing Tank: Remove your lid to reach internal parts of the tank.
- Inspecting Flapper: Check for any damage signs on your flapper. Replace it if you find it faulty.
- Changing Flapper: Replace old flapper by attaching new one to flush level. Remember to allow a minor slack in chain when flapper is at rest.
- Evaluating Fill Valve Again: Again flush and look for any leaks near the fill valve. Replace if required.
- Substituting Fill Valve: Disconnect water supply line, unscrew fill valve locknut, and carefully remove old fill valve. Put the new fill valve inside tank and secure it by tightening locknut just half a turn more than hand tight.
You can now rectify a continuously running toilet and save on water bills. Always ensure that water supply is switched off before starting repairs to avoid additional issues.
Addressing Low Water Pressure
The initial approach to mitigate low water pressure within city limits involves various steps and vital considerations.
Initiating a pressure test by attaching a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet helps assess the input water pressure.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Psi Range | An ideal reading ranges from 45 to 55 psi. |
| Contact Local Water Department | If pressure tests under 40 psi, reach out to your local water department for potential solutions. |
| Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) | You can increase or decrease your home’s water pressure manually by adjusting the PRV found on your water main. |
| Water Pressure Booster Pump | If the PRV adjustment doesn’t solve the issue, installing a booster pump may help increase the pressure. |
| Table: Methods of Addressing Low Water Pressure | |
Beyond these steps, it’s crucial to maintain your plumbing system well for optimum performance.
Impediments like leaks, blockages, and trapped air in pipes could cause a substantial reduction in water pressure in your home.
Regular inspections of your plumbing fixtures for any potential degradation or dirt build-up that might also contribute to decreased pressures are essential.
In multi-story residences, issues such as trapped air can be common. Flushing out the system methodically floor by floor can help alleviate such problems.
If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting these issues yourself, considering professional intervention might be the wisest option.
Choosing the Right Plumber
What qualifications should a competent plumber have?
Please engage only licensed and insured plumbers. Such professionals have undergone the requisite training and received proper certification, meeting industry regulations.
Why does experience matter when hiring a plumber?
An experienced plumber will provide reliable services. Make sure to verify their proficiency in dealing with similar issues for better results and exceptional workmanship.
How can you gauge a plumber’s reputation?
Online reviews and feedback from former clients can provide insight into a plumber’s reliability. Favor those with positive reviews and satisfied customers.
Is it important for a plumber to offer guarantees or warranties?
Credentials should include guarantees or warranties that cover their work for a specific duration. This gives you assurance on your investment.
What are some tips for choosing the right plumber?
Talk to people in your circle about their past plumbing experiences, know what task you need completed, and create a list of potential questions for each plumber before contacting them. This preparation will steer you towards the right professional.
How crucial is state licensing when choosing a plumber?
You can use your state’s licensing website to check your potential plumber’s licensing status and any past complaints. This verification step safeguards against hiring unqualified individuals.
What should I know before calling a plumber?
Prioritize understanding your plumbing issue and what solution you expect. This clarity will save time by guiding the plumbing contractor towards your preferred result.
Dealing with Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue during the harsh Chicago winters. They occur due to extreme cold, insufficient insulation, improper thermostat settings, or structural gaps.
Pipes that are more susceptible to freezing are those located outdoors, in basements and crawl spaces, or lacking in insulation.
To retain heat, residents should ensure their homes maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees when unoccupied.
Indicators of frozen pipes include no water flow from faucets, unusual noises from pipes, visible frost or noticeable leaks and water damage.
One should pay close attention to any gurgling sounds or condensation on the pipes which can signify freezing
If a pipe seems to be frozen, immediately shut off the water to prevent further damage. Opening all faucets will help in reducing pressure and promoting thawing.
If a burst pipe is near electrical fixtures, turn off the electricity in that zone for safety reasons.
Begin thawing frozen pipes near the faucet and work your way down to the blockage. It helps control steam buildup.
Use heat judiciously. Gradually apply towels soaked in hot water or use an electric heating pad. Avoid exposing the pipe directly to open-flame devices or boiling water.
Only close the faucets once you’re sure the pipes have thawed completely and full water pressure has been restored.
To guard against freezing temperatures, insulate exposed pipes and use commercial-grade heating units in colder areas.
You can also use other materials like polyethylene or fiberglass tubes as additional insulation for your pipes.
Seal any cracks and openings with spray foam insulation and caulking; also remember to open cabinets that contain pipes along exterior walls.
To prevent freezing during extremely cold spells, allow a steady drip from your faucets that are located against outside walls.
If the frozen pipe is inaccessible or hard to locate, it’s advisable to call a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
Consider installing temperature monitoring systems as an early warning system for severe temperature drops.
Remember, frozen pipes can cause massive damages especially in multifamily houses leading to extended vacancies and loss of income.
When dealing with resulting water-damaged asbestos drywall and floor tiles, special abatement is necessary for safe removal.
One interesting element is copper pipes, vulnerable to freezing and bursting, while PVC and other plastics might freeze but generally don’t burst.
Final Takeaway
In essence, understanding the basics of plumbing helps save time, money, and unnecessary stress. This guide answered frequently asked questions to equip you with essential knowledge, whether it’s identifying common problems, maintaining your plumbing system, or knowing when to call a professional. Remember, being proactive can prevent small issues from becoming major headaches.
