Plumbing Repair FAQs

When you own a home or other form of property, a multitude of plumbing problems may arise. Unfortunately, most of these issues won’t go away on their own, and you will have to call in the services of a professional plumbing company. However, it’s still important to be informed about common plumbing issues. Don’t be left with more questions than answers. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Winston-Salem can help.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

One of the most common questions professional plumbers receive is, “Why won’t my toilet stop running?” In most instances, the toilet flapper fails to close, or the seal surrounding the flush valve is either broken or worn, preventing it from working properly. If you notice the flapper refusing to close, try jiggling the handle. However, if the seal is broken or worn, it must be replaced.

Additionally, if the flapper doesn’t work properly, the seal will not work. This means water will leak into your toilet, and the tank will not fill enough for the float to move upwards and lock the water supply.

You can simply drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank to check for a leak. If there is color in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. You will want to address it quickly before further damage to your home’s structure or pocketbook.

Thankfully, a professional plumber has the experience and knowledge to address this issue and mitigate further damage.

Can I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners to Unclog My Household Drains?

In the event of a clogged drain, you might be tempted to reach for the jug of chemical drain cleaner sitting under your sink. However, it’s important not to do so. These cleaners often contain extremely harmful and toxic chemicals that can harm your home’s plumbing system more than good. Using chemical drain cleaners can cause your pipes to deteriorate more quickly and cause wear from the inside out.

Additionally, using chemical drain cleaners to clear common clogs can put your drain lines in need of total replacement sooner than originally necessary. If the clog is small and localized to one drain, you can try creating a simple solution of vinegar and baking soda before pouring it down your drains to clear a clog.

However, if the clog is significantly stubborn or has a deeper issue, a professional plumber can use a drain snake or hydrojet to clear your home’s pipes and prevent further clogs. They can also dive deep into your home’s system to address any deeper root cause of the clogging.

Doesn’t Everything Go Down My Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals are a great modern convenience. However, they are not the same as a garbage can and should be used carefully. It is essential only to allow soft food waste to pass through a kitchen garbage disposal, as other debris might wear out the blades, damage the entire system, or lead to unnecessary clogs.

When determining what should and should not pass through the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, it is wise to avoid coffee grounds, starchy food waste such as rice or pasta, tough meats, fibrous vegetables, nuts, seeds, bones, and eggshells, along with oil, grease, potato peels, and the pits of certain fruits.

Whenever you run food through your kitchen’s garbage disposal, it is also wise to run water through it afterward to help break down the waste and flush it thoroughly down the drain. However, if you run into issues with your kitchen’s garbage disposal, a professional plumber can help. Remember not to pour chemical cleaners down your garbage disposal.

What Can I Do If My Faucet Starts Leaking?

One of the most common household plumbing problems is a leaky faucet. Not only is a leaky faucet annoying and inconvenient, but it can also damage the structural integrity of your home and your pocketbook—especially if left ignored. If you discover that one of the faucets in your home is leaking, you should immediately turn off the water supply to that faucet. Second, close the drain to prevent anything from falling into it.

Next, you will want to identify the type of faucet experiencing the leak. For example, it could be a compression faucet, a cartridge faucet, a ceramic disc faucet, or a ball faucet. Depending on your faucet, you may need to replace the washer, cartridge, O-ring, or valve seat to address the cause of the leak. If you are unsure of the type of faucet you have or the steps you should take to fix the issue, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We can quickly asses and repair the problem you are dealing with.

How Many Times Per Year Should I Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance?

Regular plumbing maintenance is essential for the lifespan of your home’s plumbing system. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we advise our clients to schedule a regular maintenance inspection at least once yearly. We can inspect your home’s system and identify any areas that might cause issues in the future, addressing them before harm to your home or wallet occurs.

Additionally, we can inspect your pipes, check your water pressure, inspect the health of certain appliances, and check for leaks. The trained experts at Mr. Rooter know what to look for and how to address the situation should the need for repairs arise.

Have Other Questions? Contact Mr. Rooter Today

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Winston Salem, we have the answers to all your plumbing questions. We understand that issues regarding your home’s plumbing system can be frustrating. We want to do whatever we can to mitigate your stress and financial strain. Contact us today or schedule service online.