Residential Plumbing Questions & Answers
Q: I believe my plumbing system is frozen or there is ice in the lines, what do I do?
A: If you turn your water on and nothing comes out, your water lines could be frozen. If and when this happens leave your faucet slightly on so when the temperature rises above freezing the ice has a way to flush out. If you do not leave a faucet on then there is a good possibility the water line will build up pressure which may cause the line to split therefore causing a leak. Once this happens contact a licensed Plumber at Berkeys.
Q: I hear water running and think I leak, how do I turn off the water main? Where is it and do I need special tools?
A: When you hear water running, you should first locate the main shut-off valve in front of the house. The valve should be located in the front yard inside a round or square meter box; the box usually has a green cover. If you are having difficulty finding the box, it is quite possible that landscaping is covering it. If that is the case, your other alternative is to use a meter key to open the water meter box on the street and shut off the city’s supply of water. You will need a special tool called a meter shut-off key. Use the key to turn the valve clockwise. Once the water is shut off, contact a licensed plumber at Berkeys to diagnose and repair the problem.
Q: I smell sewer gas throughout the house. What could be wrong?
A: Sewer gas can be caused by many different issues. Tests can be performed by a licensed plumber to pinpoint the problem. Contact Berkeys to assist you.
Q: Sewage is flooding my home; what do I do?
A: If you have sewage coming into your home that is a result of a blockage in the main sewer line. First, go outside and locate your sewer cleanouts. The cleanouts are usually located in the front of the house in the landscaping area (they can also be in the backyard). Take the cap off of one of the cleanouts. By taking the cleanout cap off, will allow the sewage to leak into the yard rather than into your home. Once you have done that contact Berkeys to unstop the sewer line.
Q: The drain in the bathtub is clogged, should I use an over-the-counter chemical product to eliminate the clog?
A: You should never use an over-the-counter drain cleaner to eliminate any clogs. Chemicals will cause plumbing pipes to deteriorate. Most tub drains are clogged by hair at the stopper. The only way to clear the drain is for the hair to be removed at the stopper and the line to be augured. These services can be provided by a licensed plumber from Berkeys. Contact us today to help!
Q: The pipes seem to be making a sound when I turn on the water, what’s wrong?
A: The plumbing terminology for this is Water Hammer. This happens most often when you shut a valve off quickly. An example would be shutting off a lavatory faucet and hearing a banging noise in the wall. A combination of things may be wrong. Contact Berkeys to evaluate the situation.
Q: What causes hot water to be rusty and brown?
A: Rusty and brown water are the first signs that a water heater is beginning to fail. The coloring of the water is caused by rust. The interior of the tank is wearing out due to age and water not being regularly flushed from the unit. This aging process commonly happens with gas heaters as a result of direct heat from the burner assembly. Turn off the water and gas to the heater. Once you have shut off the water and gas contact Berkeys.
Q: What type of water heater is most efficient?
A: The most efficient heater on the market today is the Condensing Tankless Heater which is 95% to 98% efficient.
Q: Why does it take so long for hot water to reach the taps in the kitchen and bathrooms?
A: This is a common complaint from homeowners. If it takes a long time for hot water to reach your kitchen, it’s most likely due to the travel distance from the water heater. In most cases, the kitchen is the last fixture on the hot water system. This means water travels the furthest from the heating source. Please contact Berkeys for solutions to this problem.
Q: Why would water pressure to a faucet drop?
A: If water pressure drops at a particular faucet then most of the time an aerator is stopped up. An aerator is the screen at the end of the faucet spout. Unscrew the aerator and clean the screen and it should take care of the problem. If this doesn’t work, there could be other issues. Contact Berkeys for further assistance.