FAQ

A pressure-reducing valve, or PRV, regulates the water pressure that’s entering your home from the municipal supply line to keep it within a safe range. Signs of a failing PRV include sudden changes in water pressure, banging pipes, or pressure that seems unusually high or low throughout the house. Most PRVs last ten to fifteen years before they need to be replaced.  

A dripping faucet is almost always caused by a worn washer, O-ring, or valve seat that no longer creates a proper seal when the handle is turned off. The type of faucet determines which component is most likely to be blamed, whether it's a ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, or compression style. Even a slow drip wastes a surprising amount of water over the course of a year.  

Inconsistent hot water in specific areas of the home can point to a failing mixing valve, a cross-connection in the plumbing, or a circulation issue if the home has a recirculating hot water system. It can also be a sign that the water heater isn't sized appropriately for the demand being placed on it. A plumber can trace the hot water supply to that area and find out where the distribution is breaking down.  

A traditional water heater stores a set volume of hot water in a tank and keeps it heated continuously. A tankless water heater heats water as it flows through the unit, which eliminates standby heat loss and generally reduces energy consumption. Each type has its own set of tradeoffs in terms of upfront cost, capacity, and long-term efficiency.  

Tree roots always seek out moisture, and even a hairline crack in an underground pipe can attract them. Once roots get inside a pipe, they expand and can cause severe blockages, cracks, and even complete pipe collapse if left unchecked. This is one of the more common causes of sewer line damage in older neighborhoods where mature trees are growing close to utility lines.  

A P-trap is the curved section of pipe located beneath sinks, tubs, and other fixtures that holds a small amount of water at all times. That water creates a seal that prevents sewer gas from traveling back up through your drains and into your living space. If a drain goes unused for a long period, the water in the trap can evaporate, which is a common reason for sewer odors inside a home.  

Discolored water, a persistent metallic taste, frequent leaks in multiple locations, and a noticeable drop in water pressure throughout the house are all signs that the pipes in your home may be deteriorating. Homes built before the 1980s with original galvanized steel pipes are particularly prone to corrosion and buildup. A plumber can also check the condition of your pipes and help you determine whether targeted repairs or a full repipe makes more sense.  

A backflow preventer is a device that stops contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean water supply. Most municipalities require them on irrigation systems, fire suppression lines, and certain commercial plumbing configurations. Whether you need one depends on your local code requirements and how your plumbing system is set up.  

The first thing to do is shut off the main water supply to stop the flow of water. After that, turn off the water heater to prevent damage to the unit, and open faucets to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines. Document the damage for your insurance company and call a licensed plumber as quickly as possible to make repairs.  

A constantly running toilet is normally caused by a faulty flapper valve, a float that's set too high, or a fill valve that's worn out. These are relatively inexpensive parts, but a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day if neglected. Identifying which component is failing is the first step toward getting it fixed properly.  

Multiple slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds coming from toilets or floor drains, sewage odors inside or outside the home, and unusually lush or soggy patches in your yard are all signs of a potential sewer line problem. A camera inspection is the most reliable way to confirm damage and determine exactly where and how severe it is. Ignoring these signs could lead to a full sewer backup, which is a much more disruptive and expensive situation.  

Drain cleaning refers to clearing blockages in the individual drain lines inside your home. Sewer cleaning involves the main sewer line that carries all of your home's wastewater out to the municipal system or septic tank. A sewer line clog affects every drain in the house simultaneously, while an individual drain clog is usually isolated to one fixture.  

Hard water contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium that gradually build up inside pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Eventually, this scale reduces water flow, decreases the efficiency of your water heater, and shortens the lifespan of faucets and valves. A water softener is the most effective long-term solution for homes dealing with hard water issues.  

Banging, rattling, or knocking sounds in your pipes are usually caused by water hammer, which happens when fast-moving water is suddenly stopped or redirected. Whistling or squealing can point to a partially closed valve or worn washer somewhere in the line. Gurgling sounds might indicate a venting issue or a partial blockage in the drain system.  

Hydrojetting uses a high-pressure stream of water to blast through stubborn blockages and clean the interior walls of drain pipes. It's more thorough than snaking because it removes buildup from the pipe walls. It's commonly used for grease-heavy kitchen drain lines, recurring clogs, and sewer line maintenance on residential and commercial properties.  

Rusty or discolored water, a rumbling or popping sound during heating cycles, an inconsistent hot water supply, and visible corrosion around the tank are all signs your water heater may be nearing the end of its life. Most tank water heaters last between 8 and 12 years with regular maintenance. If yours is approaching that age and showing any of these symptoms, replacement is usually the more practical option.  

The lifespan of your pipes depends largely on the material they're made from. Copper pipes can last fifty years or more under normal conditions, while galvanized steel pipes have a lifespan of twenty to fifty years before corrosion becomes a problem. PVC and PEX pipes are newer materials that tend to hold up well, though they're still subject to damage from external factors.

Whole-house low water pressure usually points to an issue with the main supply line, a failing pressure regulator, or mineral buildup inside older pipes. It can also be a sign of a leak somewhere in the system that's bleeding off pressure before it reaches your fixtures. Pinpointing the cause requires a systematic check of the supply side of your plumbing.

Normal residential water pressure typically falls between forty and eighty PSI. Anything consistently below forty PSI can affect how your fixtures and appliances perform, while pressure above eighty PSI puts unnecessary stress on your pipes, valves, and water heater. A pressure regulator can help keep things in a safe range if your supply pressure runs high.

A recurring clog in the same drain usually points to a deeper issue than surface buildup. It could be a partial blockage further down the line, a damaged section of pipe, or a venting problem that's changing how water flows through your system. Standard drain cleaning might clear it, but a camera inspection is usually the best way to find out what's causing it to keep coming back.

A slab leak happens when a water line running beneath the concrete foundation of your home develops a crack or break. If it’s ignored, slab leaks erode the soil beneath your foundation, cause structural damage, and lead to mold growth inside your walls. They require professional detection equipment to locate accurately and should be taken care of as soon as they're suspected.

Unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls, the sound of running water when nothing is on, and low water pressure throughout the house are all common indicators of a hidden leak. Some leaks stay hidden for months before any visible damage appears, which is why catching them early matters. A professional leak detection service uses specialized equipment to locate them without tearing into your walls unnecessarily.

Most drain clogs stem from a buildup of grease, hair, soap residue, and food. In older homes, tree root intrusion and deteriorating pipe walls can contribute to chronic blockages. The type of clog and its location in your system usually determine the best method for clearing it.