Plumbing FAQ

Can you avoid cases of roots interrupting the main sewer line?

There are a few steps that we strongly recommend that you take to help maintain your drain and prevent such situations. Clearing out your drain is vital and should be done at least three times a year. Also, consult your plumber about certain chemical that might be used in order to stop the roots from growing into the drain system.

What exactly is a vent and what part does it constitute in a plumbing system?

Vents overhang from pretty much any rooftop. Essentially, what they do is discharge unpleasant sewer gases from your home. Their contribution to your plumbing system is therefore imperative. The only way the drain liquid can go down the pipe is if it's followed by air.

That is why vents are so utterly important, without them, a repulsive mixture of smells would take over your house.

At times, hot water comes out of the faucet when id brown and rusty. Why is that?

There are several possible reasons for this:

1. Different chemicals can lead to rust penetrating water lines. As a result of changes in water pressure, the rust is reaches and comes out through the plumbing fixtures.
2. The color of the water might in fact be dirt. If there is a crack or break in the pipe dirt can and often ill enter the water supply.
3. Residue from the water heater reaches the fixtures.
4. If the glass lining in the water heater is damaged in some way it will cause the metal jacket to become rusty.
5. If you live in proximity to a well it might be a case of iron bacteria growing in the water.

What is the difference between PVC and CPVC plastic pipe?

You can use CPVC in hot and cold lines alike, while PVC is intended for cold water alone. PVC is often used as a drainpipe.

What are some of the benefits in using plastic supply lines?

Plastic supply lines are less costly, they don't rust or decay, there is no fear of them bending and perhaps more important than anything, they are non-toxic.

What should be done if the kitchen drains clogs?

For starters, you should use a plunger. The next step is to use a liquid drain opener. This should be done only after closely reading the instructions. Another tactic is to take the trap out and try to find what's causing the clog. If the source of the clog is too far for you to reach, there are special drain augers to help you.

What exactly does the aerator on the faucet do?

The aerator disperses the water and in so doing averts splashing.

Why is a need for traps to be placed under sinks?

Traps are imperative in you're looking to avoid objectionable odors from sewer gases from spreading in your kitchen and bathrooms.

What is a shutoff valve?

These valves are situated below or next toilets and sinks and as their name might imply, they shut off water supply to those fixtures. In any case of a leak or a flood the shutoff valve adjacent to the fixture causing the problem should immediately be turned off.

What exactly is a plumber's snake?

A plumber's snake is an appliance used to open clogs by pushing it down jammed pipes.

How do you get rid of unpleasant smells coming from garbage disposal and what can be done to make sure they do not return?

There are several measures one can take to eliminate garbage disposal odors:

1. Cork the sink and fill it up with hot water almost completely. Add a cup or two of laundry peroxide and few drops of dish soap while the water is still running. Only when the sink is nearly full should you pull the plug out and let the water drain. Next, turn the disposal. The blend of hot water, bleach and soap is supposed to work like a charm.
2. Another way to go is to pour about a half a box of baking soda into the drain. Then gradually add vinegar, until you see that the foam has settled. The next step is to turn on the disposal as well as the hot water. Let the disposal work for about a minute, and keep the hot water running for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
3. From time to time it is recommended to put pieces of certain citrus fruit in the disposal while the hot water is running.
4. Buy a garbage disposal cleaner to be used about once a month.
5. And of course, check if there is no food left in the disposal.