FAQ

The sound of a toilet that runs constantly isn’t just annoying; it’s the sound of money going down the drain. The most common reason toilets run constantly is a faulty or worn-out flapper valve. When the valve fails to seal correctly, water continues to flow into the bowl. Fortunately, replacing the flapper valve is easy and only takes a few minutes and some simple tools. However, you may need a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem if it’s something other than the flapper.

• Your toilet is an older low-flow model that doesn’t have enough flushing power.
• You use too much toilet paper, which gets stuck in the trap.
• You flush non-flushable items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels.
• The toilet vent is blocked.
• There’s a clog in your main sewer line.

Have you heard your water heater groaning, rumbling, or popping? If so, you may worry that something tragic is about to happen. Despite what you may have heard, water heater explosions are rare, and most of the noises are caused by the heating process, a mechanical failure, or a buildup in the tank.

Popping sounds typically happen when sediment or minerals build up in the tank, which is normal, especially if you have hard water. Steam bubbles form under the sediment layer and burst as water heats.

Banging noises, also called a water hammer, happen when water stops suddenly or changes direction, causing increased pressure. A water hammer can cause pipes to burst, so it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

Whistling is a noise caused by high-pressure water moving through a small opening, like a valve, not all the way open.

Humming sounds typically happen when a heating element becomes loose, which vibrates the water around it, creating the sound.

As mentioned, these noises are normal and typically don’t mean danger is imminent. However, you shouldn’t ignore them, either. If you’re handy, you can fix most of these issues yourself or call a professional plumber to be on the safe side.

Most people use over-the-counter drain cleaners to remove clogs and clear drains; however, many wonder whether they’re safe.

One major concern is their danger to health. Drain cleaners use potent chemicals that can cause severe burns when touching your skin. Moreover, the fumes can damage your lungs and irritate your eyes. You also have to worry about kids getting into these products.

Another thing to consider is that some products are highly corrosive and can damage pipes if you rely on them too much. If you have frequent clogs, it’s safer to call a plumber instead of continuing to pour chemicals down the drain and dealing with a more expensive burst pipe repair down the road.

The bottom line is that drain cleaners can work sometimes, but hiring a professional plumber is always safer for you and your plumbing.

Plumbing problems never happen when it’s convenient, and they can disrupt your daily routine. The most common plumbing problem is drain clogs, and here are a few things you can try before calling a plumber.

Boil Water: You can flush minor clogs away by pouring boiling water down the drain. If you have standing water in the sink or toilet, remove it before pouring the hot water in.

Use a Plunger: Plungers aren’t just for toilets; they work on all drains. Fill the sink or toilet with water to about ¼ full, then use the plunger for a few minutes to dislodge the clog.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar: This is a popular home remedy that’s been around for years. Remove the water from the sink or toilet, and put baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. Wait about 15 minutes, and the clog should be gone. 

Remember, when you need a plumbing professional you can count on, no matter what the problem is, call the experts at QSP Plumbing.