Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
When using a garbage disposal, it is recommended that no matter what you’re putting in it, you are doing so a small amount at a time. Try to stay away from stringy vegetables that may not get ground up by the blades. Also remember, whatever you grind up will be going down your drain and have to make it out to the septic tank or sewer main…so be sure to use lots of water.
Not necessarily. When shopping for a new water heater you have to ask yourself the following questions. Do we ever run out of hot water during our daily routine? Do we have to fill large tubs for baths? Do we have more/less people living in the house as we used to? Is now the time to upgrade to tankless water heater to save space/energy? Just because your house had a 40-gallon tank installed when you moved in, that doesn’t mean your family wouldn’t benefit from something different today.
Over the years, we’ve seen every type of tub faucet imaginable. The technology has changed drastically, however, we do still get asked to repair an old drippy faucet. In this instance, we always take this opportunity to inform our customers of the new single-lever tub faucets and how they can make life so much better. Not only is a single-lever tub faucet easier to set to the correct temperature, but you’ll never have to worry about getting scalded in the shower if someone flushes the toilet. At All Star Plumbing, we are able to replace your 3 handle valve with a single-lever valve that is temperature/pressure balanced without cutting large portions of your walls out.
Yes, unfortunately we get calls every spring to replace outside faucets that have sprung a leak in a customer’s basement. In most cases, they are frost-proof outside faucets that have frozen for one of a few reasons. One, a hose was left on the faucet in the winter, not allowing it to completely drain when shut off. Two, and the most common cause, installation error. Frost-proof faucets must be installed properly to eliminate the possibility of freezing. We warranty all installations, so making sure they are installed properly is a must.
Many of us in the capital region have water at or above 14 grains per gallon of hardness. The level of hardness of the water results in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Adding a whole house water softener can eliminate that hardness, save your fixtures, appliances, and hot water heater. If you are worried that soft water tastes salty, rest assured, it does not. We would be more than happy to test your water to see if you’d benefit from a softener.
The most common reason why bubbling occurs in a toilet is a partial or full drain clog somewhere down the line. When fixture is used and water rushes down your drain system, the air that is in the drainpipes gets pushed through. In the event of a clog, that air has to find a new way out. The toilet is usually that way out causing water to bubble and even splash out of the bowl. In the event of bubbling, call All Star Plumbing immediately to schedule a drain cleaning.
To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed pipes, keep the heat on, and let faucets drip during extremely cold temperatures. If you're unsure, consult with a plumber to assess your home's vulnerability to freezing pipes.
In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or severe leak, locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. Then, contact a professional plumber to assess and resolve the issue promptly.
It's recommended to schedule annual plumbing maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Signs of water heater issues include strange noises, inconsistent water temperature, and visible leaks. If you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to consult a plumber for an inspection and potential water heater repair or replacement.
To prevent drain clogs, avoid putting grease, hair, or large food particles down the drains. Use drain screens to catch debris, and periodically flush drains with hot water. If you experience persistent clogs, consider professional drain cleaning services.
All Star Plumbing provides a comprehensive range of plumbing services, including but not limited to leak repairs, pipe replacements, water heater installations, sewer line inspections, and general plumbing maintenance. We are equipped to handle both residential and commercial plumbing needs.
