Plumbing questions, straight answers
36 answers. Need a plumber now? Call (833) 835-1569.
Plumbing emergencies
What counts as a plumbing emergency?Water you can't stop, a burst pipe, sewage backing up, no water at all, a leaking water heater, or a gas…›How do I turn off the main water valve?Find where the water line enters the house, usually a basement front wall, garage, utility closet, near the…›What should I do if a pipe bursts?Shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet rooms if it's safe, open a faucet to drain the lines…›What should I do if I smell gas?Leave right away, don't use switches or flames, and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. A plumber who…›Why is sewage coming up through my floor drain?Usually a clog in the main sewer line, often from roots, grease or wipes. Stop using water in the house and…›Why do I suddenly have no water in the house?Check whether neighbors have water (a utility outage), whether the main valve is closed, and for frozen pipes…›What should I do if my pipes are frozen?Open the faucet, thaw slowly with warm air from a hair dryer or space heater kept at a safe distance, and…›
Drains and clogs
Why does my drain keep clogging?Repeat clogs usually mean buildup further down the line, like grease, hair or soap scum, or a problem in the…›Why are several drains clogged at once?When more than one fixture backs up, especially basement drains or a toilet and tub together, the main sewer…›Why are my drains gurgling?Gurgling usually means air is being pulled through a partial clog or a blocked vent. It often comes before a…›Are chemical drain cleaners safe for pipes?They can damage older pipes and rarely clear the whole clog. They also make the job risky for the plumber if…›Why is my kitchen sink clogged?Grease, food scraps and coffee grounds build up in the line. A disposal helps, but it doesn't stop grease…›Can tree roots get into sewer lines?Yes. Roots find small cracks and joints in older sewer lines and grow inside, causing slow drains and…›
Water heaters
Why do I have no hot water?For gas heaters, the pilot or burner may be out; for electric, a tripped breaker or failed element. A heater…›What should I do if my water heater is leaking?Close the cold water valve on top, turn off power or gas, and call. Leaks from fittings can be repaired; a…›Why is my water heater making popping noises?Sediment at the bottom of the tank traps water that boils and pops. Flushing the tank can help; heavy buildup…›How long do water heaters last?Tank water heaters commonly last about 8 to 12 years; tankless units often last longer with maintenance…›Should I get a tank or tankless water heater?Tankless heaters give endless hot water and take less space; tank heaters are simpler to swap in. A plumber…›Why does my hot water run out so fast?Sediment taking up tank space, a failed dip tube or heating element, or a heater too small for your…›
Leaks and pipes
How do I find a water leak in my house?Turn off all water and watch the meter; if it moves, there's a leak. Look for stains, warped floors, damp…›What are the signs of a slab leak?Warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when everything is off, a jump in the water bill, cracks…›Why is my water pressure weak?Clogged aerators, a partly closed valve, a failing pressure regulator, a hidden leak, or old pipes narrowed…›Why do my pipes bang when I turn off the water?That's water hammer: water stopping suddenly. It can loosen fittings over time. A plumber can add arrestors…›How do I know if my water line is leaking in the yard?A soggy spot or extra-green patch between the meter and the house, weak pressure, or a meter that moves when…›When does a house need repiping?Frequent leaks, rusty or discolored water, very weak pressure, or older pipe materials that are failing are…›
Toilets, faucets and fixtures
Why does my toilet keep running?Usually a worn flapper, a fill valve set too high, or a chain caught under the flapper. A running toilet can…›Why is my toilet leaking at the base?A failed wax ring or loose bolts at the floor. Fix it soon; leaks at the base can rot the…›Why won't my toilet flush properly?a clog in the trap or line, not enough water in the tank, a broken handle or chain, or blocked rim…›Why does my faucet keep dripping?Worn washers, O-rings or cartridges. Replacing the part usually stops it; older faucets may be worth…›Why is my garbage disposal humming but not working?Something is jamming the blades or the motor is failing. Turn it off at the switch and breaker before…›Why is my shower draining slowly?Hair and soap buildup in the drain or trap. If cleaning the cover area doesn't help, the clog is further…›
Getting a plumber
Who do I call for a plumbing problem?A plumbing company. Call us and we'll connect you with an independent plumber that serves your…›How fast can a plumber come out?Often the same day, sometimes within hours for emergencies. It depends on your area and how busy local…›What should I ask a plumber before hiring?Ask what they think the problem is, how they'll fix it, how long it should take, what's included in the…›Should I call a plumber or a handyman?Anything involving water lines, drains, water heaters or gas lines is plumber work. Many areas require a…›Do I need a plumber or a water damage company?A plumber stops and repairs the leak. If water soaked floors or walls, a water damage company dries the…›
