Plumbing FAQs
Q: Recently my water bills appear to be rather high. None of the faucets appear to leak. What else could contribute to a high water bill?
Ninety percent of all leaks in residential plumbing systems are found in the toilet tank.
Toilet tank leaks typically result from worn parts or improper alignment of some part of the flushing mechanism. Most repairs can be done by an experienced “do-it-yourself” person. If you are unsure how to handle the job, call us at 504-362-1564. It is very important to stop the leak.
Q: Why doesn’t my old water heater work as well as it used to?
This is usually due to a sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters grow older, they accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater’s performance level. The result is an increase in the amount of fuel required to deliver hot water.
Q: How often should I have my septic system inspected?
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four years. You may not be experiencing any problem now, but a full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field, which is the part of the system that consists of a distribution box, with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stones, which drain into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field it becomes blocked and ineffective. A blocked drain field is costly to repair or replace.
Putting up a couple of shelves is one thing, but trying to do-it-yourself on your plumbing system can not only be dangerous and expensive, but could also drop you in hot water with the law! Many people are happy to do minor jobs like changing a leaky faucet but for anything else you are best to leave it in the hands of the professionals. If you do not know 100% what you are doing, do-it-yourself interference with plumbing systems can result in serious damage, expensive repair bills and potential health hazards.
The do-it-yourself householder is subject to the same regulations and controls as the professional plumber and everything connected to water supply has to comply with statutory requirements. Minimum standards for sanitary plumbing and drainage installations are laid down by law in the interest of public health and safety. Noncompliance can lead to prosecution and the possible imposition of substantial fines.
Don’t take the risk of endangering your property, your own or your family’s health or risk breaking the law. For your plumbing problems always call the expert services of your local licensed plumber.