Bathrooms

First, check to see if all faucets in the house have low pressure. If water pressure is low only on one faucet (hot or cold), the water heater may need professional service. The problem could be a temporary issue with municipal water supply. We will also inspect for a broken or leaking water main.

A more common culprit is buildup of limescale around the spout or aerator. A simple way to clear the aerator is to unscrew it from the faucet and let it soak in vinegar overnight. A service call for water softener check is recommended to identify and repair if needed.

If you have a conventional electric tank-style heater and the power goes off, you’ll have hot water for 2-3 hours from the water stored in the insulated tank. Generally, gas water heaters do not rely on electricity to heat the water. The exception are gas heaters with electric pilot lights. To safely relight a gas heater for any reason, a professional plumber is recommended.

Electric on-demand water heaters will not provide hot water in a power outage. Even gas on-demand heaters are not exempt during a power outage – its control panel is powered by electricity.

When a toilet has slowed or stops, discovering the reason for the problem is important because the repair costs can greatly differ. If flushing leads to a backup, turn off the water supply near the base of toilet immediately. A child or pet may have dropped something in the toilet. Before using a plunger, which can push the object further into the piping system, first see if the object can be removed. If there are no visible objects, try using a plunger, and adding water to the bowl if necessary. Don’t flush the toilet until you’re sure the drain pipe is clear to avoid a toilet overflow.

If this procedure doesn’t solve the problem, a service call is suggested for the toilet and drain line to be professionally repaired.

If the tub or shower drain and piping has collected hair or other debris, the drain will slow and even stop if completely clogged. If it won’t clear with a plunger, or continues to run slow, professional help is needed for power cleaner repair service.

Dripping faucets can waste water and cause higher water bills. If a faucet drips at the rate of one drop per second, it amounts to one gallon down the drain every 4.5 hours. For most homeowners, repairing faucets can be messy and time-consuming. It’s best to call a professional technician -- we repair and install all brands.

Bathrooms can certainly have bad odors, but if you detect the awful smell of sewage… that’s a problem. The cause may originate because the sewer line is backed up or leaks are occurring from rotting or broken pipes.

The vent pipe may have an obstruction, a drain trap may be dry, or it could even be an old wax ring at the base of the toilet that’s losing its seal. Have you noticed the toilet rocking a bit? A professional inspection is needed to identify the source of the problem(s) and correct whatever the cause.

Was your home built before the 1960s? The cause could be what’s known as a “water hammer.” High water pressure causes water in the line to crash unimpeded into the valve when the faucet is suddenly shut off – causing a loud clunk. Professional repair can correct the problem. Homes built since the 1960s have air chambers or installed with PEX piping -- a less expensive cross-linked polyethylene that eliminates “hammering.”

If noise problems occur when using hot water, a different problem could be caused by your piping system being improperly installed. Copper and CPVC water pipes will expand slightly when hot water flows through. If the pipe has been routed through a hole or area too small to allow expansion, you’ll hear a rubbing, clicking or knocking noise when the clothes washer or dishwasher shuts off during its cycle. Call for service to correct problems with pipes that knock.