Why do faucets leak?

Leaks occur when seals inside the faucet become dirty or worn. Though you may choose to replace worn parts, replacing your old faucet with a new one can upgrade the look of your kitchen, bathroom or tub/shower decor and avoid further repair problems.

Can I replace my two-handle faucet with a single-handle faucet?

The answer in most cases is yes. Generally, faucet dimensions and sink openings are standard throughout the plumbing industry. There are few exceptions however, so it is a good idea to check sizes first.

Why doesn't my old water heater work as well as it used to?

This is usually due to a sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters grow older, they accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater's performance level. This results in an increase in the amount of fuel required to deliver hot water.

Why do some faucets cost so much more than others?

Some faucets are simply made better than others with higher quality materials such as solid brass or chrome-plated solid brass to achieve superior levels of appearance, performance, and durability. Although you may pay more for a quality faucet, you will receive a higher value for your money as a result of a longer-lasting and more reliable product.

How should I clean polished brass faucets?

To remove dry water spots, use warm water and a soft, damp cloth. Never use cleansers that contain abrasives, harsh chemicals, alcohol or other solvents. To maintain the luster of your decorator faucet, occasionally apply a high quality automotive wax - making sure that it does not contain abrasives.

What is meant by a "pressure balancing" shower faucet?

A pressure balancing shower faucet senses fluctuations in hot or cold water pressure, caused by actions such as flushing toilets or starting dishwashers. A pressure balancing valve compensates for these fluctuations, keeping the water temperature constant and comfortable.

I used to have plenty of hot water, but now I find myself running out after just one shower, do I need a new water heater?

Chances are you simply need new elements or a new dip tube in your hot water heater. These are simple repairs and will save you the expense of purchasing a new unit.

I have a whirlpool tub in my bathroom, how do I clean the jets?

 Plumbing supply stores sell a cleaner that can be added to your bath water and circulated through your jets to increase the longevity of this fixture. This maintenance is normally suggested every 1 to 3 months depending on the cleansers instructions.

I have a white pipe sticking up in my yard, is it ok to cut it off or bury it?

The white pipe is probably the clean-out entrance for your sewer and should not be cut off or buried. If your main sewer becomes clogged we will need this access to unstop the line.  If you would like the line cut down closer to the ground this could be taken care of for you in a short service call, we do not recommend you attempt this yourself because if the line is damaged underneath it could cause sewer problems that would be much more costly.  Make sure you keep a cap on this line at all times to keep debris from falling into your line and stopping it up.

The temperature outside is below freezing, what are some suggestions you can give me to help protect my home?

If your home is built on a crawl space make sure all foundation vents are closed and any holes covered. Open your cabinet doors to allow the warm air in your house to reach your plumbing pipes, especially if you have a bathroom or kitchen on the north wall of your home. Make sure hoses are removed from all outside faucets, even if your faucet is Freeze-Proof, the excess water in the hose can freeze and back into the faucet and burst the line.  We also recommend purchasing a freeze proof cap from a local home supply store. These are easily inserted over your outside faucet for added protection. Leave your thermostat set at 45 degree of higher.  I know we are all looking for ways to save a dime, but the repair cost for a frozen and busted line will far exceed any savings on your heating bill. If the house is vacant and you do not plan to use the water you might consider having us come out an winterize the house for added protection.

What are the signs that I may have a water leak?

There are warning signs you may have hidden leaks, and if you notice any of them, it’s time to arrange for leak detection. These signs include high water bills, a water heater turning on and off at odd times, a rise in mold, a rise in mildew, a rise in humidity in the building, patches of discoloration on the wall or ceiling, or warped floorboards.

How precise is the leak detection process?

It is more precise than low-tech methods some plumbers may use. We can narrow down the location of almost all leaks to the point where little excavation is necessary to reach any leaking pipe. The locating equipment also tells us the best way to go about handling any repairs.

How do you do leak detection?

There’s no one single way to do the job. So instead, we use a variety of techniques and tools, starting with visual checks. Depending on the situation, we will then use acoustic listening devices, listening devices with gas, thermal scanners, compressed air on lines, and other non-invasive tools that won’t disrupt the building.

Will my insurance cover leak detection?

Coverage depends on the type of homeowners &/or warranty policy you may have. It is always good to check with your insurance to see if leak location services are covered and other expenses associated with the repair once the leak is determined.