FAQs

What can I do to make my plumbing fixtures and water heater last longer?

My suggestion is to catch a problem like a leaky faucet before it develops further and becomes a costly repair. You can also keep check on your water pressure every quarter to determine if you have excess water pressure (above 80 lbs. during the day) and have a pressure reducing valve installed to lessen the wear and tear of your faucets inner parts.

Why does my drain keep getting clogged?

Drains usually get clogged when you aren’t careful about what goes in them or because of the oil residue from soaps, shampoos and your hair.  Treating your drains quarterly with some form of drain cleaner will help keep your drains clog free.

Why does my faucet drip?

Faucets drip when the seals or internal parts start to wear.  Sometimes you can just replace the seals or the internal parts and the leaking will cease or you may have to replace the faucet.  To help make your faucets last longer, you can be more gentle when turning them on and off.

How can I prevent leaking pipes?

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. If this is happening, call My Friend The Plumber to address the problem. By performing an occasional inspection you could stop a small problem before it turns into a large one. Leaking pipes can cause damage to your floors and belongings and will most likely become much more costly than if the problem was detected early.

What happens if my water heater is leaking?

You should call My Friend The Plumber right away. Leaking water heaters usually indicate the bottom of the tank has rusted. If that is the case, then the best option is to get a new one installed since there is really no good repairs for this problem.

Is it a big deal if my toilet is running?

Yes, it is a big deal. Leaky toilets may not seem like no big deal, but they can cost you hundreds per year on your water bills. A toilet that continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed usually indicates that some part of the flushing kit isn’t working properly.

What can I put in my garbage disposal?

Most all-biodegradable food waste can be fed into disposers. However, they should not be used to grind materials with high fiber content such as clams, oyster shells or corn husks. Never ever put plastics, glass or metal non-food materials in the disposer. This includes bottle caps, tin covers, coins or aluminum foil, which are some of the items we commonly find in clogged or broken disposers.

Why does water back up in my garbage when I use the dishwasher?

This generally happens when food is left in the disposal. These food particles clogs up your drainage system when left in the disposal or either not running enough cold water in the disposal after you run them through the disposal. Since the dishwasher and the garbage disposal share the same drainage pipes, you will have plumbing problems in the kitchen if you do not make sure that food particles from the disposal are cleared before using the dishwasher.

How long should a water heater last?

That really depends on several factors. How well it is maintained, the amount of use it receives and the hardness or your water are the most important. Reviewing the information that comes with your water heater will let you what to expect with it and when to have it professionally maintained. A properly installed and well maintained water heater should last longer than the warranty. We think it is a good practice to buy a better water heater considering the fact that the water heater works 24hrs everyday for the whole year and the average family has a forty-gallon water tank and uses quite a bit of hot water.

Does a tankless heater really save me money?

Yes, tankless water heaters operates on gas and never runs out of hot water. It heats water sufficiently as the water runs through a specially designed heat exchanger. Because it only fires when you turn your faucet on, it saves you money.

Can you locate my water leak under my concrete foundation?

Sure, not only can we find it electronically, but also we can often fix it on the initial trip out. We have had lots of experience on these repairs and can provide your insurance company with documentation that can help you.

What do I do if I smell gas?

It depends on the strength of the odor. If it is strong then you should leave immediately and turn the valve off at your meter and contact your gas company. For slight odors, just leave a window open in the area of the leak and call us or another plumber of your choice. We will respond promptly to locate and repair the leaks and inspect for any existing safety hazards. We can also assist with getting the gas company to reset the meter once the leak has been fixed.