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Troubleshooting Tips

Before calling a plumber, try these simple troubleshooting tips to resolve minor plumbing issues and keep your system running smoothly.

Low Water Pressure
Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure is low, check faucet aerators and showerheads for mineral buildup. Soaking them in vinegar can help clear blockages. Also, inspect under sinks for leaks or partially closed shut-off valves. If pressure remains low throughout the house, there may be a bigger issue requiring professional help.

Slow Draining Sink
Slow Draining Sink

A slow drain is often caused by soap, grease, or debris buildup. Avoid using chemicals as it may cause more harm than good because you don’t know the cause of the blockage. Garbage disposal blockage is due to food, chemicals don’t work on this. Hair, soap scum or objects lodged in a drain will cause slow to no draining. We don’t recommend chemicals for multiple reasons: the blockage is too far down the pipe, if it is an object, chemicals would not work, chemicals are bad for pipes especially old pipes which could cause pipes to leak causing more damage. In addition, chemicals are bad for the environment.

Running Toilet
Running Toilet

A running toilet can waste a lot of water, which is the leading cause of high water bills. Open the tank and check if the flapper is sealing properly. If it’s worn or misaligned, replace it. Also, inspect the fill valve for leaks or improper water levels. If these quick fixes don’t work, a faulty internal part may need professional repair.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Heat any part of the house that water pipes pass-through
  • Open the cabinet doors on any walls with pipes to allow the room heat to have access
  • Turn on a lamp or ceiling fixture; the heat from the bulb will raise the room temperature, and it may be enough to prevent the pipes from freezing
  • Install foam sleeve pads on all water pipes
  • Install heat tape around the pipes where the insulation may not be enough: under kitchen sinks in older or mobile homes, cabins, barns, etc.

No Hot Water?

  • Check the breaker, make sure it hasn’t flipped (electric water heaters)
  • Check the pilot light (gas water heaters)

A flipped breaker or extinguished pilot light may indicate a bigger issue.

Perform Regular Maintenance of Water heaters

Drain the sediment from the bottom of the water heater once a year

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  • 1
    Hook a hose up to the low point on the water heater
  • 2
    Weight the other end down next to a floor drain
  • 3
    Open the tap on the water heater and allow the water to flow for 10-15 seconds
  • 4
    Close the tap; undo the hose

Keep drains clear with a natural enzyme or bioproduct used monthly.

  • These products are not fast-acting
  • Use them only if you are prepared to wait the time stated on the product label, for example, if you go away for a weekend, etc.

Using Your Garbage Disposal

  • Never put grease or fats down your garbage disposal
  • Allow the water to continue to run for 10-15 seconds after you turn off the garbage disposal