Q: Why is there noise coming from my pipes?

A: Your house waste system is most likely made of ABS plastic piping. On occasion this pipe can make a ticking noise caused by the changes in temperature of water running through it. This is not a defect in the waste system, just the physics of expansion and contraction of the pipes. Another source of noise may be from the water heater vent pipe. The vent is double walled pipe and may expand and contract at different rates. This can sometimes cause noise as hot air moves through the vent piping to the outside. Again there is nothing wrong with the system and little can be done to eliminate this noise.

Q: Why is the water pressure on my shower heads so low?

A: The same regulations that restrict the amount of water in your toilet, also restricts the flow of faucets and showerheads. Devices are installed which restricts the maximum flow to 2.5 gallons per minute. This is a federal regulation and the devices should not be altered.

Q: Why don’t my new toilets flush as well as the ones in my old house?

A: Your new home is equipped with low flow toilets which only use 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Federal regulations mandate the use of these toilets for water conservation and apply to all toilets sold in the United States today.

Q: Why does it take so long for hot water to reach ____________?

A: The water lines in your home are installed to provide hot water as efficiently as possible. Factors such as distance and flow control can affect how quickly hot water reaches a particular area in your house. Hot water may be delayed for over a minute on fixtures farthest from the water heater, especially if they have flow control devices on them.

Q: Where is the main water cut-off for my home?

A: The main water shutoff valve is usually located in the garage or near the water heater. It may also be located in a downstairs closet or in the laundry room. The main shutoff valve will turn water off to the entire house.

Q: What should I use to clean my plumbing fixtures?

A: Hard water and chemicals can damage the finish of your plumbing fixtures. Avoid abrasive or acid based cleaners. Instead use liquid or foam cleaners made for cleaning fixtures. Always dry the fixtures off after cleaning and use. This will keep hard water from breaking down the protective finish which causes tarnishing and corrosion.

Q: What should I do if there is no hot water?

A: If you are just moving into your house and notice there is no hot water there are some things you should check before calling for assistance. If the water heater is electric, check to make sure the circuit breaker for the heater is turned on. If it is a gas heater, make sure the pilot light is burning. Check to see if a valve for the gas is turned off and relight the pilot once turned on. Instructions for lighting the pilot can be found on the side of the heater.

Q: What can I put in my garbage disposal and what should I do if it gets jammed?

A: Before putting food down the garbage disposal you should run cold water while the disposal is on. Then put small portions of soft, non-fibrous food into the disposal. Examples of food you should not put down the disposal are banana peels, corn husks, artichoke leaves, bones and egg shells. You should never pour grease down the disposal. If the disposal should get jammed, unplug the disposal and remove the stuck item. You may then have to push the red reset button or flip the fuse box breaker. When in doubt about what can go in the disposal, just put it in the garbage instead. Putting ice in the running disposal on a regular basis helps remove buildup and makes it last longer.