Quick Fix

Here are some basic questions that we get asked and a few Quick Fixes.  

Sometimes having even a basic understanding of how your home's plumbing and heating works can help you fix simple problems yourself. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from customers along with a simple answer to those questions that we hope helps you "quick fix" your problem.  If trouble still exists after you have tried these simple fix techniques, please Contact Us and we will be happy to book you an appointment.  

Question:  How long will my hot water heater last?
​Most hot water heaters last 10-14 years, depending on usage.  If your hot water heater is within the 10-14 year range and needs any major repair, we recommend purchasing a new heater.  

Question:   What should I do if my hot water heater is leaking water?
​The best way to deal with a leaking water heater is to replace it, if indeed it is leaking from the vessel itself.  There are a few valves that can definitely be replaced, so you need to be sure that the leak is coming from the tank itself and not a valve on the side of the tank or from piping above.  Leaks from the tank itself are typically an indication that rusting has occurred through the wall of the water storage tank and there is no repair for this issue. ​Unfortunately the tank will have to be replaced.  

Question:   What should I do if my water pressure is low in a faucet?
When someone complains about having low water pressure, it is usually at a sink faucet or a shower head.  Although many faucets and shower heads have flow restrictors to conserve water, if pressure is substantially lower or nonexistent, then it may be a simple cleaning of the aerator, which is the screen at the outlet of the faucet spout.  Calcium deposit slowly builds up in the faucet aerator or shower head and can reduce the water pressure.  Check to see if the low pressure is affecting both the hot and cold water.  If both the hot and cold water have low pressure, the most likely cause is the aerator or shower head.  This is an easy fix.  Unscrew (righty-tighty - lefty-loosey) the aerator or shower head, clean out the debris, soak in vinegar (or CLR) overnight to dissolve the hard water deposits.  Reinstall and presto! you are done.  

Question:  What should I do if my sink is draining slow?
A sink that is draining slow is a very common problem.  Often the pop-up (see picture at right) that is used to stop the water from draining down the sink can collect a lot of hair and debris over time.  To get the drain flowing smoothly again, the debris needs to be cleaned out. The most effective way to do this is to use a "zip-it", which is a handy plumbing tool used to clean out a drain.  If you don't have a zip-it, you will need to remove the pop-up and clean it, and any visible debris in the drain. How do I do this you ask?  Well, most pop-ups are held in place with a nut attached to the drain just under the sink and can be unscrewed by hand or with a pair of pliers.  Once the nut is removed, you can remove the pop-up stopper, clean the pop-up and then refasten.  

Question:  What should I do if my tub is draining slow?
Much like your sink, a tub that is draining slow is another very common problem.  And again, the culprit is often a collection of hair and debris over time.  So, get that handy "zip-it", or a pair of needle nose pliers.  Reach in and clear out the debris.  If there is a tub stopper (see picture at right) in the drain, you may have to remove the stopper before getting to the clog.  This is sometimes not an easy task as there are many variations of stoppers.  Some are removed through the overflow (the top plate on the tub) and some just unscrew from the drain.  You will have to determine which type you have.  

Question:  What should I do if my garburator motor is humming or makes no noise at all?
A jammed garburator is high on the list of common plumbing problems.  Many people lose the handy little key that comes with the device to help unjam it.  Fortunately, an allen wrench can be used to unjam it.  At the very bottom of the unit, there is an opening to insert the key or allen wrench.  Using the key or a 1/4" allen wrench (see picture 1 right), turn vigorously in both directions.  This should free the foreign matter that is jamming the cutting blades in the garburator (usually a bone or piece of metal or bottle cap etc.).  If there is no sound, it is possibly the reset button (see picture 2 right) has been tripped. This button is located at the bottom of the garburator near where the key or the allen wrench would be inserted.  By pressing the reset button, the motor should now engage and unit should work as normal.