1.) Why choosing a licensed, bonded and fully insured plumbing contractor is important to you and your home?
Hiring a well-established, licensed, bonded and “fully insured” contractor will financially protect possible your largest investment (your home) against accidental injury or damage claims. You also greatly improve your chances in receiving a high level of responsible and professional service.
2.) 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, diagnose clogged drain problems and solves all problems related to water systems in your home.
What sets Beaverton Plumbing 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. Beaverton Plumbing is a leader in excellent customer service, this means you are guaranteed a courteous, professional and friendly plumber at your door, every time!
3.) 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 these dosen’t work, DON’T USE IT! You could cause serious damage to the disposal motor or even your home electrical system. Beaverton Plumbing 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.
4.) 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 you neighbors have strong water pressure, the problem is most likely between the water meter and your home. A qualified Beaverton Plumbing technician will be able to identify the problem and explain your options.
5.) The temperature of my hot water seems to be higher then what I think it needs to be?
The new standard temperature that manufacturers use when pre-setting your hot water heater at the factory is typically 120 degrees. This is a sufficient temperature for most households. If you have an older model, you can set the thermostat at medium. Gas models usually have a dial on the front of the gas valve. Electric models have thermostats (there may be two) that are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank. You can adjust the temperature to meet your needs. Keep in mind that hot water also helps in minimizing the growth of bacteria.
NOTE: Turn off the electricity to the water heater before performing any personal maintenance. There can be exposed wires behind the panels that may result in extreme shock.
6.) What does it mean when I hear a rumbling sound coming from the water heater?
Rumbling sounds can be an indication that sediment has built up on the bottom of the water heater. Water can become trapped in this sediment and begin to boil. This means the water heater is not operating efficiently and the sediment isn’t allowing the heat to transfer to the water in the tank. You may try draining a few gallons of water off the bottom of the water heater tank. This is done by attaching a drain hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank. Allow it to drain for about five minutes. Many newer models of water heaters have a new feature that prohibits the buildup of sediment in the tank. If you heater is an older model, it may be cost effective to replace the water heater if the buildup is severe.
NOTE: Hot water is dangerous. Discharge the water into a floor drain, laundry tub or bathtub. Hot water will kill your grass if allowed to run on your lawn and will also crack a toilet bowl if discharged into the toilet. Turn off power to water heater prior to draining.
7.) What if I have roots in my drain lines?
If left undisturbed, roots from shrubs and trees will completely fill a pipe with multiple hair-like root masses at each point of entry. These root masses quickly become clogged with toilet tissue, grease and other debris flowing from your home to the main sewer, resulting in reduced flow, slow running drains and in most cases a complete blockage.
Once roots have entered the pipe, they continue to grow and expand, exerting considerable pressure at the crack or joint. This increased pressure often breaks the pipe and may result in total collapse, which requires repair or replacement.
Some pipe materials are more susceptible to root intrusion than others. Clay tile pie is easily penetrated and damaged by tree roots. Concrete pipe and PVC pipe may also allow root intrusion, but to a lesser extend than clay pipe. PVC pipe usually has fewer joints and the tightly fitted joints are less likely to leak as a result of settlement around the pipe.
8.) How do I eliminate the foul odor coming from my garbage disposal?
Foul odors occur from buildup of food debris within the disposal. To eliminate odors, place ice cubes and lemon peels or orange peels in the disposal, and run for 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish soap into the disposer while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.
9.) What could be the cause of a high water bill?
Check to see if a toilet is leaking. Check the water level in the tank to see if water is overflowing into the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank which has a small tube connected to it. In the event water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Periodic maintenance by a plumbing professional will ensure proper operation.
10.) My plumbing in my house is making groaning and honking noises.
It could be that you have lost your “air cushion.” To get it back, turn the water supply off at the main valve. Turn on all the faucets around your home. Then turn on the main valve again and shut off each faucet. This should take care of the problem.