WHY DOES MY DRAIN GET CLOGGED?
Typically, drains are clogged because people are not careful of what they put in them, especially in the kitchen. It is recommended that you are conscious of what you put down your drains. Other drains, like in the bathroom, get clogged because of the oil residue from soaps, shampoos and hair. If the water is draining slowly in just one sink, then more than likely you have a partial blockage in the immediate drain line. These can usually be removed by using a drain snake to clear the line, but first you should check the drain to make sure there aren’t any obstructions, like hair, in the line. However, if it is further down the line you might not be able to reach it with a regular drain snake, call us to schedule an appointment with a plumber.
SHOULD I WORRY IF MY TOILET IS RUNNING?
This is not only an annoyance but also a waste of water and money. Leaky toilets can dramatically increase the cost of your water bill. If the toilet continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the mechanism is out of order and needs to be replaced. Stop jiggling the handle and call R. Carrozza to make an appointment.
DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY WATER HEATER?
How long a water heater lasts depends on how well it is maintained, the water quality in your area, proper installation, and amount of use. If your new water heater is properly installed and maintained, you can expect great results. There may be several causes for the lack of hot water, many of which would not require replacement of the whole water heater unit. On an electric water heater, one cause may be, one of the heating elements may not be opperating properly or the thermostat has malfunctioned and would need to be replaced. On a gas water heater, the gas control valve may have malfunctioned. Another reason could be that the dip tube has broken off inside the tank and is now allowing the incoming cold water to mix with the hot water insterad of being forced to the bottom of the tank, this is true for both gas and electric water heaters. Whether you need a repair or replacement, we are ready to restore your hot water, call our office to schedule an appointment.
WHAT IS A VIDEO CAMERA INSPECTION?
A video camera inspection is recommended if you experience repeated drain line backups, slow drains or clogs. Our waterproof cameras allow for a visual inspection of underground sewer pipes. The flexible rod allows the camera to travel through the pipe to see the pipe in its entirety. Real-time video image transmission allows the plumber to determine the condition of the inside of the pipe, locate the depth, and exact physical location of any existing or potential problems. R. Carrozza can accurately diagnose and solve any drain line concerns, call our office to schedule to your appointment.
HOW DO I GET MY FAUCET TO STOP LEAKING?
All fixtures, kitchen and bath faucets, tub and shower faucets, and washer faucets, can leak at one time or another, and age and hardness of water are probably the cause. The parts to these fixtures may have worn out and need replacing, faucet handles, cartridges, washer stems, seats, etc. Many of these fixtures may be rebuilt. Sometimes, replacement parts are too hard to find, and it may be less expensive to replace the whole fixture. If this is happening don’t hesitate, call today!
WHY DO I HEAR A BANGING NOISE IN MY WALL?
Improperly secured pipes may be the cause since water supply pipes are made of metal, they transmit sound waves. If the pipes are accessible, you can secure them with clamps so they can’t bang against the structure. If your piping is metal and runs through the joists or studs, then the problem may be expansion and contraction. As soon as either hot or cold water runs through pipes, they expand or contract, causing vibration and noise. Our licensed plumbers are ready to quiet this noise for you, call today to make your appointment.
HOW DO I TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY?
Should your plumbing freeze in winter season or if you have a leak in your home, you will have to stop the water supply. You would also need to shut off the water if you are changing a faucet. Note that the method for turning off the water supply can vary but for most jobs throughout the home switching off the supply indoors will be sufficient. In the majority of homes, the main shut off is located near to the point where the water pipe makes its way into the property – often in the kitchen or utility room.
WHY DO I SMELL A SEWER GAS SMELL?
If you have a basement with a floor drain, the water in the p-trap at the bottom of that drain can evaporate, leaving an open line for sewer gas to escape into the house. Run some water into the drain to fill the trap back up. If you have an ejector pit, check the lid to ensure it is sealed properly. Cracks in either plumbing drain lines or vents pipes are the other source of sewer gas leaks. Our plumbers can quickly locate the source by performing an artificial smoke test. It is a simple visual test and does not create a lasting odor that does not stain any surfaces in a house. Call for your appointment today!
HOW CAN I IMPROVE THE PRESSURE IN MY SHOWER?
If you are experiencing low water pressure where you once had good water pressure there could be several possibilities. The first thing you should check is the supply line, make sure it is turned all the way on. Another common reason is the cartridges are clogged. Low pressure can also be caused by old galvanized pipe, which often build up deposits causing the water to be restricted. Another cause of low pressure can be incorrect pipe size. Some houses have pressure reducing valves on the supply line, which are used to control the water pressure inside the house. If you would like to explore some possible remedies with us call today for your appointment.
HOW DO I PREVENT MY PIPES FROM LEAKING?
Take the time every once and a while to inspect your pipes. If rust or lime is depositing on them, this may indicate a leak is starting. By performing an occasional inspection you could stop a small problem before it turns into a large one. Insulate your piping – if the cold water pipes touch the exterior portion of the building, when the water isn’t being used and the temperature is very cold, most likely the pipes will freeze. Install a frost-proof hosebibb (or spigot) that prevent pipe freezing and splitting. If this is currently happening, contact R. Carrozza Plumbing today!