Experiencing issues with your plumbing? Let the experts at Champion Plumbing help you by scheduling an appointment today.
Your home’s plumbing system keeps things running safely and efficiently, but it can often experience inconvenient issues. When you have questions about your plumbing, an expert can help you identify the problem or provide a suitable explanation.
Our team of experts at Champion Plumbing can provide the answers to the most common plumbing questions and remain available for any other necessary repairs, installations, and plumbing services in Edmond, OK.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
You may experience frequent issues with your toilet constantly running or cycling too often. This can occur as a result of the flapper of your toilet not having a proper seal on the flush valve. When these pieces don’t seal properly, the water can’t fill the toilet’s tank enough to push the float up and signal the water supply to stop.
To remedy this issue, you can jiggle the handle to close the flapper, and if that doesn’t work, you may have the flapper checked and replaced. In many cases, the flapper wears out and prevents the parts from sealing completely.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Clogged drains typically occur from the buildup of residue in the pipes. In the bathroom, drains, soap residue, hair, and dirt can cause blockages. Other clogs may come from large amounts of food or solid waste placed in the sink drain or garbage disposal.
You can prevent major clogs by carefully considering what you put down the drain. Other drain treatments and cleaning can also reduce buildup and clear blocked pipes, but you should avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they often include toxic formulas that pose a threat to children, pets, and your pipes. Keeping your pipes clear can improve your water pressure and drainage.
Where Is the Main Water Shutoff?
In an emergency, such as a burst pipe or a major water leak, you may need to completely shut off your water supply. You can locate the main water shutoff for your home by looking around the perimeter of the inside.
Typically, the switch sits about three feet above ground level, and if it is in your basement, it may be at eye level or below. If you struggle to find it, you can check any inspection reports you have or try to trace the location by looking near the outdoor water meter.
What Can I Put in My Garbage Disposal?
Your garbage disposal can handle soft foods, but putting any solid foods or chunks down the drain may cause issues. The harder waste can damage the blades or cause the disposal to jam and break.
You can use your garbage disposal to get rid of items such as eggs, mashed foods, liquids, and soft-cooked foods. However, bones, shells, and coffee grounds can cause issues and should instead go in the trash. Make sure to run water when using the disposal to break up chunks and help the food through the pipes.
Why Is My Water Bill Higher Than Normal?
If you notice a significant increase in your water bill, your plumbing may have issues that affect efficiency and energy usage. Look for the following issues to identify the cause of your high water bill, and ask a professional about any plumbing questions you may regarding these issues:
- Leaking toilets
- Leaking faucets
- Outdated appliances
- Increased usage
- Leaking sprinklers
Why Does My Hot Water Run Out Quickly?
If you find that your hot water supply runs low, the issue most likely stems from the water heater. In electric heaters, an issue with the lower element of the water heater can cause a problem with keeping your water heated for an extended period. For gas-powered water heaters, the dip tube most likely affects the heater’s efficiency as it may stop sending cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating.
Having the elements of your water heater checked by a professional ensures you can enjoy hot water for longer and without causing further damage and issues. The plumber can check and repair your heating elements or dip tube for better function and safety.
Why Do My Pipes Make a Banging Noise?
When your pipes and appliances work quickly or generate high amounts of power, it can cause the pipes to move or vibrate and bang into each other. The loud sound can also signal loose or damaged. Allowing the pipes to remain this way or hit together can further damage and cause excess wear on your plumbing.
You can fix this issue and get rid of the noise by adding pipe straps to secure the pipes away from each other and prevent them from moving while your appliances run. Another solution includes installing water hammer arrestors to reduce the water pressure in the pipes to stop them from jerking during use. Our plumbers have earned their Oklahoma Plumbing License and can work to install either of these solutions for you with proper protection and service.
What Causes Odors from My Pipes?
Unusual smells in your home can indicate a plumbing issue. Typically, these smells occur as a result of faulty sewer traps, dried-up sewer traps, or larger-scale city sewer problems. Replacing, tightening, or wetting the sewer trap found in the sewer access pit of your plumbing system can get rid of the smell by reinstituting the trap’s ability to filter out sewage before it enters your home. For larger city problems, contact your city’s sewage department for any instructions or information.
Expert Help from Champion Plumbing
Plumbing questions can take careful consideration, and the answers vary depending on your exact equipment and situation. When you experience common plumbing problems, our team of experts at Champion Plumbing has the tools and knowledge to help you understand the systems in your home. You can also ask about possible plumbing upgrades to reduce the need for repairs and increase efficiency throughout your home.
Learn everything you need for your plumbing by calling our Champion Plumbing team at 405-889-1318 for quality service in Edmond, OK, and the surrounding areas.
