Plumbing FAQ
Get answers to Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
I need basic plumbing repairs in my home to fix a leaky faucet or clear a clogged drain. Is this what a plumber does?
What do I need to know to prevent a plumbing disaster?
I want a new sink or faucet in my home but I don’t want to do it myself. What options do I have?
How can I get water instantly at all faucets in my home?
How do I un-jam my garbage disposal?
How can I prevent my kitchen sink drain from getting clogged?
Why do my bathroom drains keep clogging?
How can I prevent my kitchen sink from stinking?
What can I do to ensure trouble free operation of my garbage disposal?
What do I do if I dropped something valuable down the drain?
How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my house?
What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?
What should I do if my pipes do freeze?
What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
If I have stopped up sewer, do I have to call one of those national sewer and drain cleaning chains?
What causes low water pressure and what can I do about it?
Is it time to replace my water heater?
If I need a new water heater, what are my options?
Can I get someone to come to my house today? I need a plumber now!
How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my home?
I have a fully furnished basement with lots of valuables. What can I do to protect my basement?
Is it time to replace my water heater?
My garbage disposal has quit working? What should I do?
What can I do for my aging parents to help make the bathroom safer?
What causes Sewer pipe back ups?
What do I need to know to prevent a plumbing disaster?
What should I do if my pipes freeze?
What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?
Why does it take so long to get hot water at my faucet? How can I get hot water instantly at my faucet?
Why does my sump pump runs continuously?
I need basic plumbing repairs in my home to fix a leaky faucet or clear a clogged drain. Is this what a plumber does?
Yes! A plumber is a highly skilled worker who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing related fixtures, diagnoses clogged rain problems and solves all problems related to water systems in your home. What sets the Maeser plumber apart from the others is our dedication to continued training and education in the latest plumbing techniques and tools to do better work for our customers. Our plumbers not only receive technical training but we are the undisputed leaders in customer service training. This means you are guaranteed a courteous, professional and friendly plumber at your door, every time!
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What do I need to know to prevent a plumbing disaster?
Make sure that everyone in your home knows the location of your shutoff valves. Call Maeser annually to have your system inspected to make sure it is in top shape.
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I want a new sink or faucet in my home but I don’t want to do it myself. What options do I have?
Many homeowners are very capable of handling these kinds of jobs by themselves. Some of the bigger home centers even show you how. However, our experience has shown that some projects are better left to the professionals. Yes, we’ve gotten more than a few calls from customers ‘stuck’ in the middle of a project. Maeser plumbing technicians have years of experience in the installation of all types of plumbing fixtures, including faucets, sinks, toilets, laundry tubs, laundry hook ups, bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, showers, garbage disposals and more.
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How can I get water instantly at all faucets in my home?
A hot water recirculation system will ensure that you have hot water instantly throughout your home. A hot water recirculation system eliminates waste and provides the convenience of instant hot water. There is no need to run water down the drain waiting for hot water to arrive. Hot water recirculation systems save water, energy and money; the average family of four wastes up to 12,000 gallons of water per year just waiting for hot water to arrive. They work in existing homes, too!
With today’s technology existing homes can enjoy instant hot water without adding a recirculation loop therefore eliminating damage and repair of drywall. These new hot water recirculation systems turn your existing plumbing system into a hot water loop. Therefore installation is a breeze!
Because of our experience installing these systems we can recommend the right system for your home.
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How do I un-jam my garbage disposal?
You may be able to insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposer and “crank” it to help free up a jam. If this doesn’t work, DON’T USE IT! You could cause serious damage to the disposal motor or even your home electrical system. Maeser can usually fix a jammed up garbage disposal. If we can’t, then the unit will probably need to be replaced. Our expert technicians can give you the best advice and make quick work of it to get you grinding again!
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How can I prevent my kitchen sink drain from getting clogged?
Usually drains clog because people are not careful of what they put in them, especially in the kitchen. Often liquid materials like grease and oil are poured into the drain, solidify and cause clogging. To avoid this problem, let grease and oils cool and solidify, then recycle them properly. If grease is put down the drain accidently, run hot water for 5 minutes to wash the grease through the plumbing system. When disposing of items using a disposal you should always run water while the disposal is in operation.
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Why do my bathroom drains keep clogging?
Bathroom drains get clogged because of hair and the oil residue from soaps and shampoos. To stop hair from clogging drains, purchase a strainer to place over the drain. Do not use harsh chemical drain cleaners on clogged drains. These products can damage your plumbing system. Consider using an organic drain cleaner that uses natural bacteria and enzymes that DIGESTS organic waste found in your plumbing system: grease, hair, soap scum, food particles, paper, cotton … etc. If you need help unstopping your drain a Maeser technician can get your drain running in no time.
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How can I prevent my kitchen sink from stinking?
Drains, especially kitchen drains, can become coated with grease, oil, and food residues. In order to ease build ups, you can run very hot water through your drains to reduce and remove build up. You can also try these other ways to keep your drains odor free:
- Remove any debris in the sink drain. Run the garbage disposal if you have one. If not, remove the debris manually, if you can reach it.
- Once a week pour a handful of baking soda and hot water down the drain
- Pour one cup of vinegar, let stand 30 minutes and run some hot water
- Use cold water at all times when the disposal is operating
- Grind ice cubes to clean or citrus fruit peels to freshen
What can I do to ensure trouble free operation of my garbage disposal?
The following are tips on how to operate a garbage disposal properly.
- Run disposer along with a moderate flow of cold water.
- Continue to run cold water for a few seconds after grinding is complete to ensure that the ground food has washed through the drain.
- Avoid using hot water when grinding food waste. It is OK to drain hot water into the disposer between grinding periods.
- Never pour grease or fat into your disposer or drain.
- Consult your disposals operations manual to determine what types of debris your disposal can handle.
There are many choices when it comes to selecting a disposal. Maeser can explain the different disposal options you can choose from.
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What do I do if I dropped something valuable down the drain?
Thousands of items have been accidentally washed down a kitchen or bathroom sink. Luckily drain traps are installed under sinks. You may be able to retrieve the item simply by unscrewing the trap. Once you have retrieved your item, replace the trap and connectors, and give a sigh of relief. For a shower or bath drain, or if accessing the trap is too difficult, turn off the water, take a breath, and call Maeser right away!
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How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my house?
A broken water line out in the yard may include an excessively high water bill, puddles in your yard or the sound of running water when no faucets or appliances are being used. The Maeser plumbing technicians can help identify and fix the problem right away and save you money.
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What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?
Water Damage can cost homeowners a big chunk of change. You can take the following steps to reduce the risk of frozen pipes:
- Make sure all garden hoses outside your home are disconnected, even the ones attached to anti-freeze hydrants.
- Pipes that have frozen in the past are obvious candidates for special attention. Cover these pipes and other pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures or drafts with insulation.
- If pipes are in an unheated area or exposed to the elements an additional heat source may be needed along with the insulation. In the case of bathroom pipes enclosed in vanities or cabinets, leave the doors open during frigid weather so that heat from the room can penetrate the enclosures.
- Also remember that running water does not freeze very readily. During severe cold weather you may want to keep a stream of water trickling out of faucets or spouts attached to vulnerable pipes. This wastes water, but may be preferable to a burst pipe.
- If you leave town, you should set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and turn off the water supply at the main shutoff valve. Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your house.
What should I do if my pipes do freeze?
- Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve to prevent water damage when the pipes thaw.
- Leave the faucets on to relieve pressure as the ice melts.
- Use a blow dryer or heat gun to thaw frozen pipes. Do not use an open flame.
- When you have thawed the pipe, leave a little water running so the pipe doesn’t freeze again.
If you need help taking care of frozen or burst pipes call Maeser at 502-266-6545
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What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
The leading cause for sump pump to failure is usually a switching problem. Sometimes the pump can move inside the basin. This movement causes the float that operates the switch to lodge against its side. Debris can also be a factor by interfering with the action of the pump switch. It is important to make sure that your pump switch and float arm assembly move freely. The main thing to remember about sump pumps is that they don’t last forever…even if you never use them. Internal parts wear out and make them virtually useless when you need them most! Maeser can test, maintain or replace any brand of sump pump.
For flood prone areas and homes that get water seeping in on a regular basis you may want to consider a sump pump backup system. There are even non-electric systems that work in the case of a power failure. With Maeser’s years of experience installing backup sump pump systems we can recommend systems that have been proven to work the best.
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If I have stopped up sewer, do I have to call one of those national sewer and drain cleaning chains?
No. We would recommend that you call a qualified, trained and certified plumber. Why? The water pipes inside and outside your home can be very delicate. In an older home, pipes wear thin from the inside out making them appear sound but in fact are very brittle. An unqualified and unskilled rooter company could cause extensive damage to your pipes and your home. The highly trained and certified technicians at Maeser will take the time to properly diagnose the problem and utilize the right tools and techniques to solve the problem. Should there be an issue of a broken pipe or other unforeseen problems after we begin the job, our expert plumbers can immediately take action.
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What causes low water pressure and what can I do about it?
There are several things that could cause low water pressure, including a partially closed or malfunctioning shut off valve, a crimped water line, or deposits that gather in older galvanized pipes. If your neighbors have strong water pressure, the problem is most likely between the water meter and your home. A qualified Maeser plumbing technician will be able to identify the problem and explain your options.
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Is it time to replace my water heater?
If you notice a reduction in hot water, sediment in your water or water around your water heater you may need to replace it. The average life expectancy of a water heater is 13 years. If your water heater is over 10 years it is very likely that it needs to be replaced.
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If I need a new water heater, what are my options?
Like most appliances, water heaters have improved greatly in recent years. That’s why you probably couldn’t replace your existing water heater with the same exact model – and you probably wouldn’t want to. Today, with new technology and concerns about energy conservation, there are numerous choices when it comes to choosing a water heater. With these new technologies there is a lot to consider when choosing a new water heater. Not only must you consider how much hot water you need, but you also must weigh cost, energy savings and more. The plumbing technicians at Maeser will be glad to help determine which water heater meets your needs.
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Can I get someone to come to my house today? I need a plumber now!
Maeser has technicians available 24 hours a day to diagnose and solve your plumbing problem right away. Just call 502-266-6545 and Maeser will answer, guaranteed!
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How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my home?
Signs of broken water line out in the yard may include:
- Excessively high water bills
- Puddles in your yard
- The sound of running water when there aren’t any faucets or appliances being used
Long, hot, dry summers can create havoc on underground piping systems. Drought like conditions causes the ground to contract. This ground movement creates additional stress on your water service especially at the foundation.
Water service connections should be kept to a minimum. In most cases a leak can be found at the water main vault (origin point of water service) or at the point where the water service enters the home through the foundation.
A meter test can be performed to determine whether there is a water leak.
- Main water shut off valve at the house must be shut off
- The vault housing the water meter needs to be opened up
- If the red meter indicator is moving, a water leak exists somewhere between the vault and the main shut off valve
Our licensed technicians are equipped with the knowledge and tools to repair or replace your service.
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I have a fully furnished basement with lots of valuables. What can I do to protect my basement?
Sump pumps rely on electricity to operate. If electricity goes out during a storm for any period of time your house is unprotected from ground water.
A secondary back up pump represents a cost effective protection for your furnished basement. We recommend installing a Water Commander water powered back up sump pump
Advantages are:
- It is non-electric. It uses your home’s water pressure to operate (no battery or electricity is needed).
- It will pump as needed during power outages or primary sump pump failures.
- It will also work in tandem with your electric if necessary in an extreme downpour.
- Unlike battery back ups, a WC will operate as needed for an UNLIMITED amount of time.
- No maintenance is required.
- No future battery replacement.
How it works?
- Your house water pressure is the source of energy needed to pump excess water out of the sump well.
- Once the sump pump water level reaches a preset height, the hydraulic float switch will automatically activate the water commander.
- Sump water is quickly drawn down out of the well with a strong suction and is discharged to the exterior.
Is it time to replace my water heater?
- Knowing when to replace a water heater is somewhat a difficult task.
- There is usually little to no sign that a water heater is at the end of it’s days.
- While there are guidelines as to the life of a water heater, it is always variable and dependant on use and care.
- If you water heater is in the range of 8 to 12 years old, or if the heater has multiple failures, you may save money by replacing the unit.
- One of the major factors in the life of a water heater is corrosion. Water heaters work almost constantly with high pressure and high temps. When corrosion begins, leaks and malfunctions can occur.
- If you notice a reduction in hot water, sediment in your water, or water around the heater, you may need to replace it.
- Water heater efficiencies have improved greatly in recent years. There are numerous options when it comes to choosing a water heater.
- Our Maeser tech will be glad to give options on which water heater style meets your needs.
My garbage disposal has quit working? What should I do?
If my disposal will not turn on and it is not making a humming sound, then there is an electrical issue.
- First make sure the disposal is plugged in or electrical connection is made.
- If it is plugged in then press the reset button found on the bottom of the unit. If it has reset, the button will be popped out.
- If that does not work, check to see if the circuit breaker has tripped and turned off in the electric panel.
- If the breaker is not tripped and the reset button is not popped out then it is either a faulty switch or faulty unit, contact us and we will make the necessary repair or replacement.
If my disposal hums when it is turned on then…
- This means the flywheel is stuck. It will not hum for long. The reset button on the unit itself or circuit breaker in your electric panel will trip.
- Turn it off quickly, something is lodged between the flywheel, impellors or shredder ring.
STEPS
- Turn power off to garbage disposal of the electric service panel.
- DON’T EVER PUT YOUR HAND INTO THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL HOPPER!!!!
- Take offset wrench that came with your disposal unit and insert wrench into the flywheel turning hole in the bottom of the unit.
- Turn wrench clockwise to dislodge the stuck impeller on fly wheel. (when it dislodges, you’ll feel the fly wheel turn freely)
- Once freed, turn power back on at the panel and press the reset button.
Maeser plumbing technicians have years of experiencing working on garbage disposals.
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What can I do for my aging parents to help make the bathroom safer?
Millions of Americans are living longer and have more active lifestyles, therefore, modification of existing homes is important because persons 50 or older want to remain in their current homes as along as possible.
We are a CAP certified company. We are trained and certified to help with these design decisions and can design, construct and or remodel a bathroom that is safe and accessible for our aging in place elderly community.
We can convert existing bathrooms by:
- Adding grab bars.
- Replacing standard toilets with comfort height (ADA) style toilets.
- Changing out turn knob style faucets with easy to use lever handle/paddle style faucets.
- Converting traditional tubs and showers into walk-in tubs or roll-in showers.
Our Certified Aging in Place comfort consultants are willing to meet with you and your parents to help design a bathroom that is safe, convenient, and attractive.
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What causes Sewer pipe back ups?
Foreign objects
- Sewer main lines rarely back up unless there is something structurally wrong with the line.
- A foreign object could get lodged against an offset at a connection in the line.
Tree roots – they typically enter a pipe through a bad connection
- Tree roots even in small amounts are a major cause of further pipe damage and should never be present in a properly functioning sewer line.
- Tree roots will continue to grow back quicker in sewer line once cut back.
- Roots are searching for a source of water and nutrients and will continue to reestablish roots in the pipe.
Pipe misalignment
- Waste and paper products can dam up in front of a misalignment to cause continual backups.
- Misalignment can worsen as soil bedding under the pipe erodes due to seepage from the pipe.
Trapped Pipe (Pipe belly)
- A dip in your main line is often referred to as a belly or line trapped. Waste and water will pool in this dip which can create a dam resulting in continual stoppages.
- Trapped lines (bellies) tend to worsen over time.
Partially Collapsed or Collapsed Lines
- Sewer line collapses are the results of tree roots, misaligned pipes, pipe deterioration, trapped lines…etc which have been neglected over time.
Call us and we will send out one of our highly trained technicians who can unstop your line, visually inspect with a camera, and advise you of your options for repair or replacement.
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What do I need to know to prevent a plumbing disaster?
- Make sure everyone in your home knows the location of your shut off valves.
- Every home should be equipped with a main shut off valve for their water service.
- This shut off valve is typically located inside a foundation wall.
- It MUST be accessible from within a occupied space.
- Inspect your main shut off valve regularly.
- Old style gate valves can be susceptible to problems of leaking from the packing nut.
- They can also be very difficult to turn for shutting off.
- We recommend replacing old style gate valves with an easy to operate quarter turn ball valve.
- Each fixture except a bathtub or shower should be equipped with a valve.
- If you are having problems with a leaky faucet, running toilet, or leaking water heater, the home owner can isolate the problem by turning off of the individual emergency shut off valve without having to shut off the water to the entire house.
- Inspect your shut offs regularly and verify they operate as designed.
If you need assistance, a highly trained Maeser technician can assist you.
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What should I do if my pipes freeze?
- Turn off the water at the main shut off valve to prevent water damage when the pipes thaw.
- Leave the faucets on to relieve pressure as the ice melts.
- Use a blow dryer or heat gun to thaw frozen pipes (DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME). When you have thawed the pipe, leave a little water running so that the pipe doesn’t freeze again.
What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?
- Make sure all garden hoses outside your home are disconnected.
- Cover the pipes that are exposed to freezing temps or drafts with insulation.
- If pipes are in an unheated area or exposed to the elements, an additional heat source may be needed along with insulation. In this case of bathroom pipes enclosed in vanities or cabinets, leave the doors open during frigid weather so that heat can penetrate the enclosure.
- Running water does not freeze readily. During severe weather, you may want to keep a stream of water trickling out of faucets.
- If you leave town, you should set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and turn off the water at the main shut off valve.
Why does it take so long to get hot water at my faucet? How can I get hot water instantly at my faucet?
- Unused hot water in the line cools and must be evacuated before hot water from your hot water heater can reach the desired faucet. The further the faucet is from your water heater the longer you have to wait.
- As a result, gallons of water are wasted and so is your time. The average family of 4 will wastes up to 12,000 gallons of water a year.
- A hot water circulation system will ensure that you have hot water instantly throughout your home.
- It eliminates waste and provides convenience of instant hot water.
- With today’s technology existing home owner can enjoy instant hot water without adding a costly recirculation loop.
- The recirculation system includes a small, circulating pump attached to your water heater, a valve at the furthest faucet in your home and your existing water lines.
- The direction of flow moves from the hot water heater through the recirculation pump, through the hot water supply line, and then back to the water heater through the cold water return line.
Call us today and schedule your installation.
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Why does my sump pump runs continuously?
- Sump pumps that run continuously will wear out quickly and cost more in electricity.
- Generally, sump pumps will run in intervals ( turning on only as needed)
- Sump pumps turn on and off based on the operation of a “float switch”. When water rises in the sump pump pit, the switch floats upwards, turning on the sump pump when it reaches a certain level.
Causes:
Float switches sometimes get stuck on in the “on setting”. This happens most commonly when:
- Switch becomes clogged or jammed.
- In some cases, the vibrations of the pump as it runs can cause the pump to shift or lean…disabling the switch.
Sump pump check valve is missing or inoperative.
- Your pump is installed beneath the basement floor.
- Because of this the discharge pipe for your sump pump must rise up several feet before being pitched downhill outside your house.
- As it rises up out of the house, it should pass through a check valve. A check valve is designed to make sure any water that passes that point does not return into the sump pit.
If check valve is missing or not operating, water that is not pumped past the point where it runs downhill again will flow back down and reenter the pit (generally 1/3 to 2/3 of the water pumped). The pump will try to pump it again. This process will repeat itself over and over. By neglecting it can mean a worn out pump that no longer can keep the basement dry.
If you are having these problems, our highly trained technicians can help you resolve your problem.
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