Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions

A blocked drainage system, broken pipes, and leaking gas are some of the most common residential emergencies that individuals call their plumber for.

A plumber can come out at midnight, assess the issue, and provide a fix. Sometimes, the plumber may only provide a temporary repair so that the problem can really be addressed in the morning.

• Faulty Faucets – The sound of a dripping tap is commonly associated with insanity.
• Leaking Pipes – Pipes make up the bulk of plumbing problems, especially in old houses.
• Toilet Issues – Leaks in toilets often go unnoticed.
• Worn Out Hose Bibb.
• Clogs and Partial Clogs.
• Faulty Sump Pump.
• No Hot Water.
• Sewer Problems.

Blocked pipes and clogged drains will start as a minor issue, but a clogged drain and emergency plumbing can happen quickly if the clog isn’t addressed and repaired early.

It typically ranges from $50 to $150, with $85 being the average rate. On the other hand, holiday, weekend or middle-of-the-night calls will significantly increase the costs. You may even expect the normal hourly rate to be doubled for emergency services outside of regular working hours.

As a rough guide, plumbers tend to charge around $80-$100 an hour. But that can vary a bit depending on a range of factors, including: the experience of the plumber, your location, the time at which you have called them out, the type of job you need them to do, and  how busy they are.

While it’s probably okay to dump boiling water in the sink when your pipes are clear, a clog will trap the water in the pipe.  This can melt PVC piping and pipe seals, causing serious damage.

When left unchecked, leaks in the plumbing system can lead to major disasters and expensive repairs. Most professional plumbers agree that a home’s plumbing system should be checked at least once every 2 years.

Look under your sink and find the U-bend, it’s the first bend in the pipe immediately below the plughole. Put your bucket/dish under the U-bend and carefully unscrew the section of pipe. The U-bend has two sets of threads, one at either end. As you loosen them any backed up water will drain out.

A clogged toilet will typically unclog itself over time. Most things that clog a toilet are water-soluble which means they will eventually dissolve in the toilet water. When the clog is given enough time to break down, the pressure of a flush should be enough to clear the pipes.

Toilet installation ranges from $125 to $260, not including materials. The toilet is typically supplied by the homeowner.

Most of the time. it isn’t necessary to tip an electrician or plumber.

A call-out fee might range from $60 to $100, with hourly rates anywhere from $100 – $150 depending on where you live. Expect to pay an emergency call out fee if you need a plumber over a weekend or after hours.

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe

 The black slime in your sink is a mixture of dead skin cells, spit, toothpaste residue, hair, shaving cream, soap scum, bacteria, mildew, and essences of pretty much any and everything you have ever poured down the drain.

Most chemical-based cleaners generate heat inside the pipe; PVC may not withstand the heat and it will melt, or harm the integrity of the pipe joints.  If you want to try a home-based chemical remedy, try vinegar and baking soda. They pose no danger whatsoever to your pipes.

Plumbers are expensive because it is a highly specialized trade requiring thousands of hours to master. Additionally, they make house calls meaning they spend time and money investing in vehicles, tools, equipment and gas to bring to you. They also carry insurance and have other overhead expenses.

Faucets have a big impact on the look and feel of our kitchens and bathrooms, and swapping one out by yourself is easier than you might think.

If your home runs on well water, copper pipes could have problems if the water is acidic. In addition, copper pipes in new homes may have a problem with copper working its way into the water that you drink. When water stands idle in the pipes, the copper can leach into the water.

1. Low Water Pressure.
2. Slow Drainage.
3. Brown Spots on the Ceiling.
4. Rattling Pipes.
5. Foul Smells from the Drain.
6. Higher Water Bills.
7. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper in the Bathroom.
8. A Gurgling Toilet.

1. Regularly clean your toilet.
2. Invest in a good plunger and learn how to use it.
3. Never use chemical drain cleaner.
4. Use cold water with your garbage disposal.
5. Prep your pipes for winter.
6. Keep an eye on your washing machine supply hose.

Some of the maintenance duties a licensed plumber can perform include:

• Drain treatment to maximize flow rate.
• Cleaning of garbage disposals and water heaters.
• Pressure tests to detect hairline leaks.
• Water pressure assessment and adjustment.

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain. Plug drain, and let sit for one hour. Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
2. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Let it settle for a few minutes.
3. Follow up with a cup of white vinegar and a little more hot water.
4. Leave for 5-10 minutes.
5. Flush with boiling water.

Simply mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. This mixture will start to fizz immediately and should be promptly poured down the drain. The fizzing action is what helps remove the hair and grime so effectively. Let it sit for about an hour, then flush it out with hot water.

Buildings and extensions should not be constructed over a manhole or inspection point on a sewer. Access points on a sewer may need to be relocated as part of the works and included in the design.

Pour 2 to 3 cups of bleach into the toilet. Wait 10 minutes; this will give the bleach time to work on the clog. Turn on the water valve and flush the toilet.

You will need to pour two to three cups of household bleach to the bowl. Wait until it dissolves the poop, and then flush the toilet a few times.

In an effort to dislodge whatever is clogging the toilet, many homeowners get overzealous and thrust too hard downward into the toilet with their plunger. A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak.

Many people do not imagine that people in this career make any significant income. As a matter of fact, a professional plumber can earn up to $120,000 per year.

The demand for plumbers is strong – and this isn’t likely to change any time soon. Like many trades within the building and construction industry, there’ll always be a need for plumbers with the right qualifications and experience.  Moreover, plumbing can be a truly satisfying job.

Most people find elongated toilet bowls to be more comfortable, but in a small bathroom, a round bowl can save space. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31″ from the wall, while round fixtures max out at 28″. Because round bowls are less expensive than elongated bowls, they save a few dollars, too.

Plumbers take about five minutes to snake a drain for clogs located near the tub, toilet, or sink. Main line sewer clogs can take hours to snake, depending on the length and number of pipes affected.

1. Strong Sewage Smells.
2. Gurgling Toilets And/Or Drains.
3. Sluggish Drains.

If the auger still doesn’t work, call a plumber.

Here are a few signs that it’s your main line that’s clogged.

1. Multiple slow-running drains.
2. Water backing up into other drains.
3. Gurgling sounds.
4. Sewage odors coming from the drains.