Plumbing Repair & Installation

Archibald Heating / Cooling & Plumbing provides installations and repair to new and old equipment. Here are some of our most Frequently Asked Questions concerning plumbing.

Can I increase the water pressure in my bathroom faucet?

Yes, You can! But first, check the emergency shutoff under your sink to make sure it’s fully open. If you find that the rubber washers and/or seals have begun to deteriorate you will most likely experience lower water pressure, so have those replaced. Keep in mind calcium and lime buildup will also cause low water pressure, so you may want to flush your system with.

What should I do to take care of my faucets and sinks?

Did you know that even small drips can waste thousands of gallons of water, which can be up to 150 gallons a day! Believe it, make sure to check under your sinks for moisture and/or small leaks, and always repair leaky faucets right away to avoid paying for wasted water, and damages to your fixtures and pipes. To ensure an even flow of water, remove and clean your faucet aerators annually. As well, make sure your overflow holes on your tubs and vanities are always clear and open, this can cause serious damage to your floors and ceilings.

Can I replace my two-handled faucet with a single-handle faucet?

We find that in the plumbing industry, faucet dimensions and sink openings are usually standard size, but there are always exceptions, so remember to check the size of the sink opening before you purchase new fixtures.

Is there a way to prevent clogged drains?

Yes, to help prevent clogs, fit all of your tubs and sinks with an appropriate strainer to catch hair and soap chips, food, etc. Clean the strainer regularly. Another important tip is to never rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and create clogs. A great suggestion for getting rid of the fats and cooking oils is storing them in an old coffee can, until they can be properly disposed of. It works great for us!

What causes my kitchen sink and washing machine drains to clog?

Kitchens and laundry drains are connected in most homes, when that is the case, lint from the laundry drains are met with the grease build up from soap and food products, and the end result is a nearly solid substance. Using filters and strainers will help but you will also need to have your drains snaked periodically.

Should I close and open the main water supply shutoff valve periodically?

Yes. You don’t want to wait until you have a water emergency to find that they are stuck in the open position, you should do the same periodic check for the shutoff valves in your sinks, tubs, and toilets as well.

Why do I hear a vibrating noise in my pipes?

In plumbing supply lines, noises are fairly common. If you hear it rattling or knocking, most likely it is simply a loose washer in your sink or faucet. If the sound occurs when you rapidly open and close the faucets, it generally mean that pipes are loose, you can easily correct this by anchoring the pipes more securely. If you find the noise really bothers you, you can add air chambers at the end of long pipe runs. It is recommended that a plumbing professional install them.

What can I do about a sewer line blockage?

The main culprit is tree roots, and once they have blocked the line, there is very little you can do. A plumbing professional can snake the line in an attempt to get the line as clear as possible, and then use Root X products to kill the remaining vegetation. But odds are, the sewer line will most likely need to be replaced.

Are liquid drain openers, such as Draino or Liquid Plumber, harmful to pipes?

They are fine when used for minor clogs, but never use them on a drain that is completely clogged. The ingredients are trapped in your pipes, and yes, it will severely damage them. If you are unable to snake the drain yourself, contact a plumbing professional. Never use any drain openers in a drain that has a garbage disposal.

Why doesn’t my old water heater work as well as it used to?

Well, it’s old…no really; it 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. You should drain the water from the tank at least every three months. Draining a gallon or so, on a regular basis helps remove the sediment.

You should also inspect your water heater burner periodically. The flame under the heater should appear blue with yellow tips. If it is mostly yellow, or if it is sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a very dangerous situation. Contact a professional immediately to check it out. It is recommended that you should have your water heater cleaned and serviced by a professional every year, to ensure proper and continued performance.

What is the best way to extend the life of my garbage disposal?

When using the disposal be sure to use plenty of cold water, and avoid overloading it. Never dispose of very hard items such as bones or corn husks. Remember again, to never use liquid drain openers. You can extend the life of your hands as well, by never using them to retrieve items dropped inside…use tongs instead!

What should I do if my garbage disposal stops working?

Before calling a professional, be sure to try the reset switch located on the bottom of most disposals.

What is the best way to check for toilet leaks?

Toilet leaks can be wasteful and expensive, a great way to check for leaks is to add a couple drops of red food coloring to the tank, then check the toilet bowl later. If the toilet bowl water is colored red, then water is seeping from the tank.