Every day our customers ask us what they can do to help maintain their plumbing systems. Of course, we can't answer every question but below are the questions we’re asked most frequently.
Plumbing FAQs
Why is my toilet backing up?
What causes stoppages?
Why is my hot water brown?
What is a clean out?
Why do I have to replace my faucet instead of just having it repaired?
Can you fix my water heater instead of replacing it?
Why are city inspections mandatory?
What is a slab leak?
What do I do if I smell gas?
What do I need to do if the gas company has come out and turned off my gas?
Why is my water bill so high?
Air Conditioning & Heating FAQs
Why are the coils of the air conditioner frosting up?
Why is my air conditioner humming and doesn’t blow any air anywhere?
Why is water leaking from the air conditioner inside my house? Do allergy filters really work?
Do allergy filters really work?
Does leaving a filter in too long cause problems?
What can I do to keep my AC unit working properly?
Why should I replace my existing heating or air conditioning system?
How expensive are air conditioning and heat pump systems?
How do I select the right heating/cooling system?
What is involved in replacing an old system?
What is involved in installing a new system?
How long can I expect a new system to last?
Why is my toilet backing up?
Although there are several possibilities as to why this happens, the most common cause is a bad flushing mechanism that doesn’t release enough water to push waste from the bowl. Other reasons include toilet misuse –flushing the wrong types of products, or a worn-outbowl (where water usually just spins), or stoppage in the sewer line.
What causes stoppages?
Misuse of toilets by flushing wrong types of products. Drains are most often clogged with a buildup of grease and/or soap. Some foods to avoid putting down the kitchen garbage disposals are grease, rice, pasta (any starchy foods), onion peels, egg shells, and stems from flowers. Also, separation of pipes due to ground movement or age of system can cause stoppages.
Why is my hot water brown?
Traditional water heaters store large amounts of heated water that, over time, can begin to rust and collect sediment at the bottom. As a result, the heater needs to be drained to remove the rust and sediment or replaced if the damage is too great to ensure peak efficiency for the unit.
What is a clean out?
A clean out is an access fitting allowing a service plumber to cable a specific sanitary drain pipe to clear stoppages.
Why do I have to replace my faucet instead of just having it repaired?
As with all mechanical devices, it is subject to wear. In many cases, rebuilding an old faucet is just a temporary repair. If the seats cannot be replaced then replacement of stems and washers will not repair the problem.
Can you fix my water heater instead of replacing it?
If the water heater is leaking from the tank, it must be replaced. Ask your service professional about a new energy-efficient tankless that qualifies for up to a $1,500.00 tax credit.
Why are city inspections mandatory?
The Texas State Legislature enacted the Plumbing License Law to have a plumbing permit issued prior to installation. In addition, the law provides that such installations be done according to current codes by a licensed master plumber and inspected by a licensed plumbing inspector. This is for you, the customer’s protection to assure that the work performed is of quality.
What is a slab leak?
A domestic water leak that happens underneath the concrete of your house where the plumbing was initially installed during construction. It can be caused by several different reasons: foundation shifting, improper installation, breakage, joint weakness, separation and, of course, deterioration and age.
What do I do if I smell gas?
Evacuate your home if necessary and call the gas company to have them come out and shut off the gas immediately. The gas company will then inform you that you will need to call a licensed plumber to have them test, locate and repair the leak(s).
What do I need to do if the gas company has come out and turned off my gas?
Call your service plumber. They will test, locate and repair the leak(s). A city inspection is required prior to restoring service.
Why is my water bill so high?
Dripping faucets and running toilets are the usual cause. However, you may have more extensive problems.
Why are the coils of the air conditioner frosting up?
Usually it's low on refrigerant because of a leak in the system. Very dirty filters can also cause this problem.
Why is my air conditioner humming and doesn’t blow any air anywhere?
The blower motor is trying to start. The air conditioner requires service to have the motor and capacitor checked out. Also, to check for airflow restriction, dirty coil or filter.
Why is water leaking from the air conditioner inside my house?
The primary drain is stopped up or is restricted. Also, if the water is missing in the secondary line or the secondary line is stopped up or restricted, it can cause this problem. It could also be that the air conditioner was not installed properly. Have cooling coil and drain checked out.
Do allergy filters really work?
Most allergy filters restrict too much airflow, causing motors to overwork and leading to reduced efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Does leaving a filter in too long cause problems?
Leaving the filter in too long can stop up evaporator coils and reduce airflow, the amount of cold air, and cause motors to overheat and burn up.
What can I do to keep my AC unit working properly?
Proper Preventative Maintenance – that’s the best way to ensure that your heating and cooling system runs efficiently. This means performing a system check in spring and fall, having your condenser coils cleaned monthly during the summer, treating drain lines to keep them clear, and making sure that air filters are cleaned or changed when needed.
Why should I replace my existing heating or air conditioning system?
You may wish to consider replacing your air conditioning or heating system to improve performance and efficiency. You may have the wrong tonnage for your home. It may need a unit that will deliver more air into the house — each house has different needs.
How expensive are air conditioning and heat pump systems?
Price depends on the type of quality of install and the efficiency of the system you want. It also depends on the quality of the equipment.
How do I select the right heating/cooling system?
Select a dealer you trust to educate you and help determine your needs. They can make sure the tonnage of the unit you select will be the proper size for your home.
What is involved in replacing an old system?
Have your dealer/contractor inspect your home and advise you of your needs.
What is involved in installing a new system?
Prepping the area to keep the new system from getting damaged.
How long can I expect a new system to last?
With proper maintenance and service, your new system can remain efficient for 8-10 years or more.
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