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Plumbing Faq

• Can you clarify the contribution of the vent to the plumbing system?
Every roof has vents on it. These vent pipes provide a way out for sewer gases, and so play an important role in the proper functioning of your home plumbing system. Air must follow liquid for it to go down the pipe. Without vent pipes, the drain liquid would draw the air from the traps on plumbing fixtures, and this would result in unpleasant odors being emitted into the home.

• How do you stop roots from growing inside the main sewer line?
Preventive maintenance is highly recommended and involves clearing out your drain about three times a year. Chemicals can be put in the drain system to prevent root growth; ask your plumbers which substances would be suitable for your specific needs.

• What causes brown and rusty looking hot water?
There are various potential causes for the change in the color of water:

1. One reason may be that rust enters the water lines due to various chemicals. As the water pressure fluctuates, rust is filtered through the pipes to various fixtures and exits the pipes at points all over the building.
2. A break in your pipes may cause dirt to enter the water supply, turning your water into a dark shade.
3. The sediment from the water heater is transferred to the fixtures.
4. A damaged glass lining in the water heater may cause the metal jacket to rust.
5. If you are close to a well, iron bacteria may start growing in the water.

• How is CPVC plastic different from PVC for pipes?
PVC is used for cold water pipes, whereas CPVC can be used for both hot and cold water supply lines. A common use for PVC is drainpipes.

• Why is plastic a good choice for pipe lines?
Plastic supply lines will not corrode or bend, are non-toxic, more flexible, and less expensive than other types of supply lines.

• How can I unclog a (partially) clogged kitchen drain?
Use a plunger as a first step. Your next step, after carefully reading the instructions, is to use a liquid form of drain opener. You can also remove the trap and see whether that's where the clog is located. If it is not, drain augers, which can be extended to varying lengths, will allow you to get to the clogged area.

• The function of an aerator on a faucet, is to do what?
By diffusing the water output, an aerator prevents splashing.

• Why do we install traps below our sinks?
Traps keep sewer gases from leaking into the kitchen and bathrooms.

• A fixture shutoff valve serves what purpose?
Fixture shutoff valves cut off the flow of water to your fixtures; they are located next to or below a sink or toilet. Close the shutoff valve of the toilet or sink that is leaking or flooding.

• What is a plumber's snake?
A plumber's snake is a device fed through pipes to break up and move obstructions.

• How can bad smells in garbage disposals be eliminated and prevented altogether?
Garbage disposal odors can be taken care of by following various steps:

1. The first thing to do, is to fill the sink with hot water. Add a cup or two of laundry bleach and a few drops of liquid dish soap to the running water. Start the disposal and remove the plug to drain the sink when it is nearly full. Bleach, soap, and hot water combined should clean the device.

2. Empty half a box of baking soda into the drain. Pour vinegar in slowly, and continue to do so until the foam recedes. When the mixture stops bubbling, turn on the disposal and the hot water. Let the disposal run for a minute, and continue to run the hot water for 5-10 minutes.

3. To prevent odors, occasionally drop some pieces of lemon or orange in the disposal and let the hot water run for a while.

4. On a monthly basis, utilize a garbage disposal cleaner.

5. Make certain that you do not leave food remains in the disposal.

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