FREQUENTLY ASKED PLUMBING QUESTIONS

OnTime Service offers various plumbing services including repairs, installations and inspections. Because of this, we often get asked a variety of plumbing-related questions. In this blog, we provide answers to some of your most frequently asked questions, so you know what to do when you come across a common plumbing problem.

Why Is My Toilet Running?

Here are some common reasons why your toilet is running and what you can do to fix it:

Deteriorated Flapper

The flapper or rubber seal is in your toilet’s tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper (that is connected to the flush lever) lifts and releases water into the bowl from the tank. If water keeps dripping into the toilet even after you flush, chances are the flapper or seal has deteriorated. This is easily fixable as you can find a replacement at any home improvement store!

Defective Float

When you look inside your toilet tank, there is a floating ball connected to an arm-like component; this object is called a ball float. The ball float and its arm maintain the water level in the tank. If the arm is at a height that is too high, water is probably being unnecessarily drained into the toilet bowl. You can fix this problem by lowering the arm of the float.

Problematic Fill Valve

The ball float is connected to the fill valve, which fills up the toilet tank with water after you flush it. If the fill valve is unable to fill up the tank, you might have to replace it. You can either do it on your own or have a professional replace it.

How Can I Unclog My Toilet?

Unclogging a toilet is a messy business—but it is necessary. Usually, you can use a plunger and that will work. However, make sure your plunger has a flange as that is more effective for unclogging toilets as it’s fold-out rubber ring makes a seal over the toilet.

Here are some other items you can use to unclog your toilet:

Enzyme Waste Removal Product

Enzyme waste removal solutions are effective in breaking down stubborn blockages in your toilet. Read the directions on the packaging to use it properly.

Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is a coil of wire, designed to go through the curves of the drain. To use it, push it in the drain until you hit the blockage. Begin to twist the snake and push through the blockage, in order to break it apart.

Wire Coat Hanger

Unravel a wire coat hanger and attach a rag at one end using duct-tape. Then push the wire in—the goal is to push the obstruction past the curve of the drain it is stuck in.

What Can I Put in My Garbage Disposal?

The garbage disposal is an important appliance in your home. It’s important to keep it well-maintained so it does not cause you any inconvenience. One way to keep it well maintained is knowing what items go and DON’T go in your disposal. Usually small bones, meat craps and citrus rinds are okay. However, items such as larger bones, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, fruit pits, pasta and celery are not okay.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is what you get when your water contains excessive calcium ions or excess mineral in general. Too many minerals in your water can cause calcifications in pipes, on fixtures and appliances. Here are some signs you might be facing a hard water problem:

Foul tasting water
Water stains on shower and tile
Water won’t heat properly
Soap that won’t lather
Water pressure problems
Why is My Faucet Leaking?

Leaks in your home can be problematic as they can waste a lot of water overtime. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste 3000 gallons per year.

There could be several reasons why your faucet is leaking. Most likely the reason is a worn-out cartridge—the cartridge is located inside the faucet and the constant water pressure can wear it out. Your faucet could also be leaking because of a worn-out gasket or washer.

Contact OnTime Service for More Questions!

If you can’t find an answer on this list of frequently asked plumbing questions, that’s no problem. Get in touch with the team at OnTime Service—our experienced and knowledgeable technicians will answer your questions and help you out with any plumbing problems you have! Call us today at 205-942-1405 or schedule an appointment online!

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