Greater Western Plumbing

The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues, low water pressure, and a running toilet. While most of these can be solved in a DIY fashion, some more serious issues will require a licensed professional to come out and assess issues with your current plumbing system.

Toilets typically use the most water in the home, beating out showers, dishwashers, and sinks. This is because of the frequency toilets are often used. You can adjust the water level that the basin fills up to with a couple of quick adjustments. Also, there is the option to install a low-flush toilet, which uses less water.

The best way to prevent your pipes from freezing is by insulating your pipes. If you are not able to insulate your pipes you can leave the water on a slow drip on very cold nights. The water constantly running will prevent your pipes from freezing.

The biggest benefit of a tankless water heater is that they never run out of hot water. A storage tank hot water has a limited capacity (whatever the size of the tank), while a tankless can heat unlimited amounts as it passes through the system. Tankless water heaters can also save you money by only heating the water you use, not the amount of water that is sitting in the storage tank.

The most common cause of faucet leaks is a corroded gasket, o-ring, or valve. This is often an easy fix. Most of the time, those parts can simply be replaced without replacing the whole faucet.

The most common reason for this is a clogged drain basket. Start by running your garbage disposal. From there clean your sink's air gap and remove standing water. A shop vacuum is recommended for this. Clean up any detergent that could have accumulated on sensors. Check the drain basket/ filter in the bottom of your dishwasher and clean it out thoroughly. At this point check the drain hose for kinks, as well as any possible clogs/ obstructions. If necessary replace the drain hose and if problems persist then contact a licensed professional.

In short, no. Chemical drain cleaners can cause damage to pipes. The chemicals can cause degradation when used in old pipes repeatedly. When used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners create heat which can damage the plastic pipes. In addition to possible damage to your home's plumbing system, chemical drain cleaners are bad for the environment and septic systems.

Your garbage disposal can handle fruit scraps, fruit pits, vegetable scraps, corn cobs, cooked meat, small bones, leftovers, and ice. Avoid grease, oil, none food items, fibrous vegetables and peels, eggshells, shellfish, and coffee grounds.

This is often the result of the handle getting stuck. This causes the flapper to remain open which will allow water to continue to flow into the bowl. Fixes could include tightening, lubricating, or replacing the handle.

The most common signs to tell if your plumbing system requires service include odd sounds coming from the faucets, low water pressure, unpleasant smells coming from the drains, sinks or tubs draining slowly, and stained or damaged walls.