FAQs
What type of hot water heaters are there?
There are both storage tank and tankless hot water heaters. Storage tank water heaters have insulated tanks where water is heated and stored until it is needed. Tankless water heaters do not store water, but rather heat water as it passes through the system when needed.
What can cause a toilet to clog frequently?
If your toilet clogs fairly frequently, you need to investigate all the fixtures in your bathroom. Slow drainage in your sink could indicate that you have an obstruction in your main sewer line such as tree roots or sludgy build-up, and that’s going to require a bit more than a cheap plunger. But if the sink has no problem, the source of the clog is probably in your toilet trap. This could be caused by any number of things. If you have kids, don’t be surprised if toys, crayons, socks, toothbrushes or anything else is blocking the line. Or it may be that someone decided to flush facial tissue, paper towels or some product other than toilet paper down the commode. Those papers aren’t designed to disintegrate like TP. Or the problem could be that you simply have a poorly designed toilet and it just doesn’t work very well. In these instances a plunger can probably create a temporary solution. But if the clogs are frequent, you should probably have a plumber take a look. He can run an auger through the line to clear things up, or if necessary, replace your toilet altogether.
What are plumbing fittings?
Fittings are simply the connection components of pipes. Angled fittings allow pipes to go around corners. Other fittings allow pipes of different sizes to work together.
How do I remove the white build-up from my faucet and what is it?
The white buildup around your faucet heads are mineral deposits. The easiest way to remove the deposits is to fill a plastic bag with vinegar. Secure the bag around the faucet head. Leave the bag on the faucet overnight and use an old toothbrush to remove any additional deposits. That should take care of it.
What is the effect of my plumbing vents not working correctly?
Not having proper venting can cause the water in your traps to get sucked out with the other water disposal (commonly called a ‘dry trap’), which opens the door for sewer gases to back up out of the fixtures and into your living space.
How can I tell if my toilet is running?
If you cannot see or hear your toilet running, there are a couple other ways to determine if you have a slow leak. Check to ensure that water is not overflowing into the tank via the overflow pipe. Second, put a couple of drops of food coloring into the tank. If within 15 minutes the water in the bowl changes colors, you will know that water is leaking and that either the ball or flapper needs to be replaced.
Do all leaky fittings need to be replaced?
Yes, ultimately, any loose or leaky fitting will need to be replaced.
Are there things I should do to maintain my garbage disposal?
There are several things that will keep your garbage disposal working well. First, be sure you following the garbage disposal manual’s advice on what items to put in the disposal. Second, ice is an effective way of cleaning and sharpening the blades. Third, citrus peels (such as lemons) will act as a deodorizer. You only need to use small pieces. Drop them in the disposal and then grind them. Finally, be sure that you run your garbage disposal anytime you put food into it. We recommend running the water at the same time until the food has passed through the disposal. Allow the water to run an additional 15-30 seconds so the disposed product flushes completely through the drain line.
Why does my drain get clogged?
Drains are typically clogged due to large portions of food or cloth being caught. It’s important to be conscious of what you toss down the drain since it’s not meant to handle larger particles. Other drains, like in the bathroom, get clogged because of hair and the oil residue from soaps and shampoos. It’s recommended that you treat your bathroom drains with a drain cleaner from time to time.
What is a plumbing vent?
Plumbing vents are pipes leading from fixtures to the outside of your house, usually via the roof.
What size hot water heater should I buy?
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type of hot water heater. For this type, the following are guidelines on sizing.
Tank Water Heater Size Chart Minimum Recommendations:
No. of Baths: Gallons
1 to 1 1/2: 40-50
2: 50-75
3: 75+
4 or more: 100+
Why do we run out of how water so quickly?
Depending on the age of your water heater and the type of energy it uses, there could be many reasons. If you have a gas-powered water heater, the pilot light may occasionally dim or extinguish altogether indicating a problem with your valves. Similarly, some electric water heaters’ components may need servicing or replacement. Whatever the reason, it’s best to call us right away so we can diagnose the problem and offer affordable and effective solutions.
Is there a difference between hard and soft water?
Yes. Hard water has many more mineral deposits in it, which can be damaging to your home and your body. Hard water can also damage your clothing during a laundry cycle and cause excessive pipe scaling, faucet and fixture deterioration, and skin problems. Hard water typically has an undesirable taste or odor as well. We can install an effective water softener in your home that can alleviate these problems. Contact us today for more information.
What causes our water heater to make loud noises?
Common causes for such noises are steam and sediment in the tank. An easy fix for excess steam is to lower the thermostat on your tank. Opening your drain valve can flush out any sediment at the bottom of your tank. If you’re still hearing strange noises emanating from your water heater after trying these solutions, the problem may be more serious. Contact us today to schedule a water heater diagnostic.
How should I choose the right plumber?
It’s important to call a reputable plumbing service when you have an urgent plumbing need. So, do your research online, read any reviews about the company, and be sure they list their plumbing license on their website. Asking friends and neighbors can also reveal a plumbing company that’s trusted. If you’re looking for expert plumbing and climate control service in West Jordan, UT, call All Star Service & Repair. We have years of experience, and we’re fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. We’ve built a reputation in the area for quality work, fair prices, and unmatched customer service. Contact us today for more information.