It can be a serious problem when something goes wrong with your home’s plumbing. It’s natural to have lots of questions about your plumbing system, especially if you notice something that may indicate a plumbing issue. Here we’ve collected a list of frequently asked questions that, hopefully, will help you with your plumbing needs.
Why is there a foul odor coming from my kitchen disposal unit?
Food solids building up inside the unit most often cause foul odors emanating from a garbage disposal. This is an easy enough problem to fix on your own. All you need to do is toss a few ice cubes and small orange peels into your disposal, then run it for 30 seconds. While still running after 30 seconds, squeeze some liquid dish soap into the unit. Finally, flush the unit, while running, with cold water. This should clear out the built-up solids and eliminate the odor.
How do I keep my pipes from freezing in cold weather?
Frozen pipes can be a major catastrophe. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing and subsequently bursting. First and foremost, you’ll want to disconnect all outside hoses and wrap any outdoor faucets in a towel or faucet cover. This will protect your exposed piping. For your indoor plumbing, you can let faucets located on exterior walls drip overnight, as well as open cabinets so the pipes are open to your heating. In the most extreme cases, you can turn off the water supply to your home overnight when the temperature hits its lowest point. But never forget to protect your outdoor faucets, as they are the most vulnerable, even with the water turned off.
What are the dangers of roots entering my plumbing?
Trees have extensive, massive root systems. Roots can extend into the ground as much as three times the height of the tree. And, unfortunately, there’s often no way to tell if roots have infiltrated your pipes until it’s too late. When plumbing suddenly loses pressure or becomes completely clogged, it’s possible roots have completely filled the pipes. If this happens, the only thing you can do is call a licensed plumber. They will have the proper tools to cut away the roots blocking your water flow. If you’re really concerned about trees near your house extending roots into your plumbing, you can find root destroying liquid treatments. Simply pour the treatments down your pipes at regular intervals and they will destroy any roots that are present.
When should I have my septic tank inspected?
You should get your septic tank pumped and inspected every three years, at least. A septic that has been allowed to fill completely can cause serious problems. The most common issue caused by a full septic tank is a blocked drain field. A drain field is a distribution box with several pipes connected to it that drain waste water through a bed of stone directly into the ground, while the solid waste is collected in the tank. A full septic tank can push solid waste into the drain field, clogging it and reducing the flow of water. As water builds up, it can cause serious and costly damage to septic system.
What is the white substance building up around my faucet aerator and showerhead?
This white build-up results from minerals in your water. Over the years, minerals dissolved in water can collect in faucets and showerheads through regular use. Cleaning them is easy enough, though. All you need is vinegar and a container or plastic bag. Fill the container or bag with the vinegar, and then soak the showerhead or faucet aerator overnight. In the morning, you should be able to scrub away the built up minerals with a toothbrush.
The drains in my house are draining very slowly. Do I need to get my drains professionally cleaned?
Not necessarily. Drains can simply collect debris and sludge over time. If your sink, toilet, or tub is draining slowly, the easiest thing to do is just pour in some liquid drain cleaner. Most will dissolve any build up present in a drain, and save you a few bucks in the process. If the drain cleaner doesn’t make much of a difference, then it might be time to call a plumber to professionally clean your pipes.
My water heater is rumbling whenever it heats water. Do I need a new water heater?
More than likely, all you need to do is drain your water heater. Rumbling noises are most often caused by sediment building up in the bottom of your water heater. This is easy enough to fix on your own, so long as you’re careful. All you have to do is drain a few gallons of water from the bottom of your water heater. Simply attach a drainage hose to the valve at the bottom of tank. But be extremely careful if you’re going to try this option! Hot water can be very dangerous, and even can kill grass if drained into your lawn. You should only drain the water into a floor drain or tub. Never drain water from a water heater into a toilet, as the high temperature can easily crack a toilet bowl.
If you have any plumbing questions not covered here, or simply want more information, don’t hesitate to call a licensed Memphis plumber.