You never really give your plumbing a thought until something goes wrong. And something always seems to go wrong!

We know it’s never fun to deal with plumbing issues and we know you probably have a lot of questions about all sorts of plumbing topics. Here are some answers to the questions we get asked most often:

Q: My toilet keeps running. What can I do?

A: A running toilet is an issue that seems benign, but should be remedied right away, or else your water bill could go up by $50 or more a month. Common reasons for a running toilet are chain lengths being too long or too short on the flapper, a worn or cracked flapper, or a stuck toilet handle (yes, giving it a jiggle can sometimes clear up the issue!).

Q: Can I unclog my drain without using harsh chemicals?

A: That really depends on the clog. For smaller clogs, try pouring ½ cup of baking soda down your drain followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Let it sit for at least an hour and pour boiling water down. This works great for smaller clogs. For big clogs, you may need to have your lines professionally snaked.

Q: Help! I think I have roots in my sewer pipes!

A: Tree roots love the moisture your sewer lines provide and will invade in a heartbeat. If your drains aren’t fully backing up, you can purchase a root-growth product from a hardware store and treat your lines 2-3 times a year. If the roots have gotten bad, you may need to call a plumber out to either run cutting blades through your pipes or replace a section of your pipe.

Have a question we haven’t answered?

Give us a call. We always make time to answer any questions you might have. And if you’re in the middle of a plumbing emergency, you can contact us 24/7 and we’ll be right out!