Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions and Answers

A water heater repair or replacement will depend on where the leak is coming from. To find out, check the temperature or relief valve (located on the upper side of the unit) and the drain valve (located near the bottom of the unit). If your water is leaking from one of those valves, they need to be replaced. If water is leaking from the tank itself, then you will need a new water heater.

Still, a repair or replacement will also depend on your water heater’s age and condition. If you have a much older unit, it might not be ideal to have it repaired. Instead, our experts may recommend investing in a new one.

There are many causes of a running toilet, including a clog, a faulty or leaking flapper, or a damaged overflow tube. Aside from being troublesome, a running toilet can also lead to higher water utility bills if left unattended. To prevent this, it’s best to call a plumber to do the necessary repair and replacement for your plumbing fixtures.

Your outside hose bib could put more water in your basement than on your lawn. So, you should properly winterize your outdoor faucets every fall to prevent your water line from freezing and bursting. If you are unfamiliar with the process, it’s best to hire an experience plumber from HJ Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection to do the job for you.

When cleaning your faucets, do not use abrasive cleaners, cloths or paper towels. You should also stay away from cleaning agents containing acids, polish abrasives, harsh cleaners, or soap, as chemicals such as ammonia could adversely affect the finish. Instead, clean your faucets with a sponge and buff dry using only non-abrasive gentle liquids or fully dissolved powder cleaners mixed to the manufacturer’s directions.

Your toilet tank can leak for many reasons, including using a high concentration of chlorine and chlorine-related products. These can damage the fittings in your toilet tank and cause leakage, potentially resulting in property damage. So, avoid using in-tank bowl cleaners! Instead, opt for a mild liquid bowl cleaner. If the problem persists, reach out to a trusted commercial plumbing company.

The most common reason your sump pump stopped working is probably due to electrical issues. For instance, there can be a power outage or a blown circuit breaker due to the other electrical items plugged in. Besides that, a faulty sump pump may also be caused by a switch problem, improper installation, and a wrong-sized sump pump.

If you’re looking to conserve energy while ensuring there’s enough hot water for the household, then it’s best to optimize your unit’s settings. Set your water heater at 120°F, which is the recommended temperature.