7 Common Questions Homeowners Ask Plumbers in Fort Lauderdale
Plumbing can be an elusive and intimidating subject for many homeowners. By learning a few basic tricks, you can begin to feel less in-the-dark about your home plumbing system, increasing the likelihood of catching issues before they get out of hand, knowing when to call a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale, incorporating water conservation practices, and saving money in the long run.
Here are the most common questions asked of plumbers in Fort Lauderdale:
#1 – Advice from a plumber in Fort Lauderdale: “How do I know if my toilet is leaking?”
If you suspect a leaky toilet, you’ll want to test it sooner rather than later. You definitely have a leak if your toilet makes a running noise when it’s not in use. However, if jiggling the handle stops the running, the flapper valve or chain connecting the valve to the flush handle may just need an adjustment.
One of the simplest methods of testing is adding a few drops of food dye to your tank and waiting 15-20 minutes. If color seeps from the tank into your toilet bowl, there is a leak.
An experienced residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale would tell you that if water is above the overflow pipe, there may be an issue with your fill valve. If the inside of your toilet bowl has water trickling down the sides, you probably have a leak.
If these methods render questionable results, shut the water off to your toilet before going to bed. Come morning, if only an inch of water remains in the tank, at least one of your tank parts is behind the leak.
#2 – What would a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale say causes a bad smell to come from the shower?
To determine the cause of a smelly shower, the first step is to identify what kind of smell is coming from your drain.
If the smell resembles rotten eggs or sewage, you are likely dealing with either a layer of “biofilm” from a drain that’s dirty (or clogged) or gases escaping from cracked sewer drainage pipes. A musty smell is often caused by mold growing in the drain itself or a leaking shower pan. Sewer flies or cockroaches are an indication of cracked piping.
#3 – “Why does my drain get clogged?” A skillful plumber from Fort Lauderdale would point out the obvious culprit.
Whether they are bathroom or kitchen drains, the reason any drain gets clogged correlates to what we put down them. Hair, shampoos and oil residue from soaps are the main culprits for bathroom drains clogging. With kitchen drains, people tend to be less careful about what goes down them. It’s best to stick with putting only soft, porous, biodegradable foods down the disposal. Also, can and throw away cooked grease.
Have your kitchen drain cleaned every two years.
#4 – What would an expert plumber in Fort Lauderdale tell you if you want to know how to fix a leaky faucet?
Many new faucets come with a single cartridge. Brands like Moen have extensive warranties, save yourself time and trouble and treat yourself to a new faucet or valve.
#5 – What would a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale would tell you to do if your sink is stopped up?
Use a plumber. If that doesn’t work call a plumber. Do not put caustic and potentially hazardous cleaners in toilets or sinks.
#6 – How a plumber in Fort Lauderdale would identify if your pipes are leaking:
There are several signs indicating you have leaky pipes:
1) Your water bill is outrageously high.
2) Taking a read from your water meter (check here for more info).
3) You see mold or mildew on non-shower walls.
4) Walls, flooring and/or ceilings show signs of sagging, stain, or damage.
5) You notice a musty smell.
# 7 – Have you ever asked a residential plumber in Fort Lauderdale why you run out of hot water so quickly?
If you have an electric water heater, either your top or bottom heating element may have stopped working. If there is no hot water, the top element may have gone out. If only a portion of water is heated, the bottom element has likely gone out. Otherwise, the reset button may have been tripped, indicating there is a problem.
These basic tips are a great starting place for homeowners in Fort Lauderdale, but keep in mind that finding a plumber in Fort Lauderdale may be your best course of action if you are experiencing plumbing issues.