If you’re like most people, there are some things about plumbing that confuse you. And when something confuses you, it’s only natural to have questions. Here are the 10 most common plumbing questions we get, along with answers from an experienced plumber. Hopefully, this will clear up some of the confusion and help you maintain your plumbing system properly. Happy reading!
#1: How Do You Know When to Replace a Toilet?
You will know that it’s time to replace your toilet when: it doesn’t flush properly, it uses excessive amounts of water, the bowl is stained, and/or the finish has worn away. The good news is that you can buy new toilets that fit seamlessly into almost any bathroom decor and demonstrate excellent performance on every flush. They also come in many shapes and designs to suit different tastes and needs.
#2: Is There Anything I Can Do to Slow the Aging of My Pipes?
Yes. The key is to keep your water flowing. Your pipes are designed to carry water, not air, so it’s best to limit air contact with them as much as possible. This means that you should always strive to use a plunger when clearing stopped-up drains and forgo plunging if you have any doubts about your skills or if the blockage is beyond easy reach. You may also want to periodically clean out overflow openings both inside and outside of your home, making sure these openings are never completely blocked off from the rest of the system.
#3: What Should I Know About Pipe Freezing?
To minimize damage due to freezing, you should always insulate your pipes. Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature-between 55- and 65-degrees Fahrenheit is best-and make sure that both cold water shut-off valves are open. Try to avoid opening the faucet to let out warm water when it’s cold outdoors, as this will only serve to release the pressure inside your system and cause your pipes to freeze or burst much more quickly.
#4: What Causes Old Pipes to Leak?
Pipes usually don’t just leak because they’re old; there has to be another reason behind it. Usually, damage caused by corrosion leads pipes to start leaking around joints where dissimilar metals are joined together. When metal corrodes under stress or pressure, it weakens and expands. This causes the metal to separate at joints or seams. Over time, this can lead to significant damage that is very costly to repair.
#5: What Should I Do if I Smell Gas?
First of all, you should always leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1 from outside. If you are unable to leave, open some windows for ventilation, turn off any potential ignition sources (like gas stoves or electrical appliances), and do your best not to cause an explosion by creating sparks (for example, try using a battery-operated appliance rather than turning on an electric light switch).
#6: Will Chemicals Damage My Pipes?
Chemicals will only damage pipes if the chemical in question reaches a temperature of at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Even then, most chemicals aren’t strong enough to eat away at the metal and dissolve it completely. However, if you live in an area with sulfur-containing water (for example, some hot springs), there is a risk that this sulfur will react with the iron inside your pipes and create hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide is extremely corrosive and can damage or corrode your piping system very quickly.
#7: How Do I Fix Leaky Faucets?
There are four main reasons why faucets leak: low water pressure; worn washers; leaks due to damaged components; and/or incorrect installation. For starters, clean out any debris or mineral deposits that may be clogging the aerator. If you’ve tried all of the other things and none of them seem to stop your faucet from leaking, you need to replace some components before reassembling the faucet.
#8: What Are Some Things That Can’t Be Flushed Down a Drain?
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners and caustic substances like bleach or lye when unclogging drains because these products can corrode metal piping systems quickly and thoroughly, leading to expensive repairs later on.
#9: Will Air Bags Cause Damage if I Put Them in My Sink or Toilet Tank?
No. You should use airbags sparingly, however, as they will wear down your toilet’s flapper valve and can cause it to stick.
#10: How Do I Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running or Refilling?
There are several possible causes for this issue, including a faulty float ball inside the tank, a stuck ball cock inside of the tank, a lined overflow tube, or a plugged air gap between the tank and drain line. You should try fixing these problems one at a time to see if any of them is actually what’s causing your toilet to run all the time.
Conclusion
Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating can take care of almost any plumbing issue that you might be struggling with within your home. We service all major brands and offer a wide range in pricing to suit all budgets. Call us at 516-613-2847 for more information.
