Will my basement flood if my sump pump fails?

Without a working sump pump, a flooded basement is a significant risk, especially during large storms or an early spring melt. Sump pumps can fail for several reasons, from internal damage to the motor, clogs due to sediment in the pit, or overheating due to a blocked pump inlet. Routine testing helps prevent catastrophic failure when you need your sump pump most.

What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?

If a pipe bursts, find the main water supply valve and shut it off. You should also shut off the power to the affected area to prevent electric shock. Collect your belongings and call an emergency plumber for help.

What should I do if I have a gas leak?

If you notice the rotten-egg smell of a gas leak, gather your family and leave your home as quickly as possible. Call your utility provider from a safe location to shut off the gas supply, then call an emergency plumber for repairs.

Should you use store-bought drain cleaners?

You should avoid store-bought drain cleaners because the harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing system. Instead, schedule professional drain cleaning services.

How can you keep pipes from freezing in winter?

The most efficient way to prevent your pipes from freezing is by leaving your water running. Just a little trickle of water is enough to reduce the chance of frozen pipes.

What causes low water pressure?

Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes, corroded pipes, or damaged pressure regulators. A knowledgeable plumber can pinpoint the source of your low water pressure and make any necessary repairs.

What should you do when your toilet overflows?

The first thing you need to do is shut off your water to prevent more from going into the tank. Once you’ve done this, contact a professional to request plumbing services.

What shouldn’t you put in a garbage disposal?

There’s a long list of things that shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal. Some things to avoid include coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, animal bones, or fruit and vegetable peels.

What are the benefits of tankless water heaters?

Tankless water heaters offer a lot of unique benefits, including an endless supply of hot water, minimized risk of water damage, improved energy efficiency, reduced utility bills, and less space required for installation.

 Is water heater maintenance necessary?

Yes, your water heater should receive regular maintenance at least once a year. Ensure your tank is clear of sediment buildup by draining it completely and refilling it. Benefits of keeping up with water heater maintenance include improved performance, reduced energy consumption, minimized risk of breakdown, and extended service life.

How long do water heaters last?

Storage water heaters can last as long as 15 years, though they’ll start to show their age after 10 years. Tankless water heaters can last for 15 to 20 years. Both unit types will see longer service lives with routine maintenance and quick repairs when needed. You risk premature replacement if you skip maintenance or let water heater problems linger.

When should I replace my water heater?

Besides old age, homeowners should look for signs that a replacement is necessary including loss of hot water volume, rising utility bills, corrosion, and frequent need for repairs.

What should I do if my frozen pipes burst?

Immediately turn off your water supply and electricity and call a professional plumber to address the burst pipe. It’s important to also document the damage, dry the affected area, and check the ceilings for any overhead burst pipes.

Why do frozen pipes burst?

Contrary to what you might expect, pipes don’t just burst because of expanding ice. Instead, what happens more often is that the expanding ice puts pressure on unfrozen water closer to the faucet, forcing it out of the faucet or a joint in a way that damages your plumbing.

If my pipes are frozen and haven’t burst, are they safe?

Not necessarily. Damage can occur during thawing as water suddenly rushes past a blockage, and some damage can only be revealed when water begins to flow freely again. Even if you’ve avoided damage in the past, the circumstances inside your pipes might be different this time. It’s best to seek professional service rather than risk significant water damage to your home.

How can I prevent clogged drains?

Over time, it’s almost inevitable that your drains will end up needing professional attention to return them to their full function so they can flow like new. But there are certainly a number of behaviors that contribute to you needing drain cleaning far earlier and more frequently than necessary, which you can avoid with some care.

You should only put things down your drains that can flow through freely, break up easily without any risk of catching and enduring, and that won’t grow or swell while passing through your pipes. Avoid putting these common causes of clogs down your drains: grease/fats, rice, hair, “flushable” wet wipes.

Can drain cleaning damage my pipes?

Professional drain cleaning in and of itself is extremely unlikely to damage your pipes. The drain cleaning process might reveal a hole already worn in your sewer line or a poor or leaky connection in your drains if that problem already exists in your pipe. However, the pressure of even the harshest hydro jet is unlikely to damage the integrity of your pipes.

Alternatively, caustic liquid plumbing solutions can very well damage your pipes permanently and push you several steps closer to needing repair or replacement.

Should I have my drains cleaned as preventative maintenance?

It’s almost inevitable that certain sticky, troublemaking substances will end up down your drains: hard water, hair conditioner, or hair can be as bad as anything you might put improperly down a garbage disposal, but you can hardly avoid them going down your drains in most cases.

It’s certainly worth considering preventative drain cleaning if you’ve had your pipes for a while, especially if you’ve noticed or suspect any slowing of drainage. The longer you go without drain cleaning, the slower your drains will be because new incoming substances will have more time to adhere to the rougher surface in the narrower pipe.