​1. ​Question: How can I prevent clogged drains?

Answer: To prevent clogged drains, you can follow these tips:
 

1. Avoid Pouring Grease: Don’t pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink. Let them cool and dispose of them in the trash.

2. Use Strainers: Install strainers in your sink, shower, and tub drains to catch hair, food particles, and soap scum. Clean them regularly.

3. Run Hot Water: Flush your drains with hot water regularly to help dissolve any build-up and keep things flowing smoothly.

4. Be Cautious with What You Put Down the Sink: Avoid putting fibrous foods (like celery or potato peels), coffee grounds, and large quantities of food scraps down the disposal.

5. Maintain Your Disposal: Run your garbage disposal with cold water while it’s in use, and occasionally grind up ice cubes or citrus peels to help clean the blades and remove odors.

6. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: Periodically pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help break down build-up and eliminate odors.

7. Inspect and Clean Pipes: Regularly check for signs of slow drainage or leaks, and clean pipes as needed.

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​​2. Question: My water heater has a horrible smell almost like rotten eggs. What is causing it and what do I do?
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Answer: A rotten egg smell from your water heater is often caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which can result from bacterial growth in the tank.

Here’s what you can do to address the issue:

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1. Check for Bacteria: The smell is usually due to sulfur-reducing bacteria. These bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water and produce hydrogen sulfide gas. You might need to flush and disinfect the tank.

2. Flush the Tank: Turn off the water heater, let it cool, and then drain it completely to remove sediment and bacteria. Refill the tank with fresh water and turn the heater back on.

3. Disinfect the Tank: After draining, you can disinfect the tank with a bleach solution. For most water heaters, you’ll add a small amount of bleach to the tank, let it sit for a few hours, then drain and flush it thoroughly with water.

4. Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod inside the tank helps prevent corrosion but can sometimes react with bacteria to produce smells. If it’s heavily corroded, consider replacing it with a different type that’s less likely to cause odor issues.

5. Consider a Water Softener: If you have hard water, it can contribute to the problem. Installing a water softener can help reduce the buildup of minerals that contribute to bacterial growth.

6. Consult a Professional: If the smell persists or if you’re unsure about performing these steps yourself, it’s a good idea to consult a plumber or a water heater specialist.

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3. Question: Why doesn't my old water heater work as well as it used to?
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Answer: Old water heaters can experience a decline in performance due to several factors:
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1. Sediment Build-Up: Over time, sediment from your water supply can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing heating efficiency and capacity.

2. Corrosion: The internal components of the heater, like the anode rod, can corrode, leading to decreased efficiency and potential leaks.

3. Thermostat Issues: The thermostat might be malfunctioning, causing inconsistent water temperatures.

4. Scaling: Hard water can lead to scaling on the heating elements, which reduces their ability to heat the water effectively.

5. Age: As water heaters age, their components naturally wear out, and the overall efficiency of the system decreases.

Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank and checking the anode rod, can help prolong the life of your water heater. If it’s significantly old, it might be time to consider a replacement.​

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4. Question: If I have a major water leak in my home what should I do?
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Answer: If you have a major water leak in your home, here are the steps you should take:
 

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off to stop the flow of water.

2. Turn Off Electricity: If the leak is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity to prevent electrical hazards.

3. Drain the Pipes: Open faucets at the lowest point of your home to drain any remaining water in the pipes.

4. Contain the Leak: Use buckets, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to contain and remove any standing water to minimize damage.

5. Assess the Damage: Identify the source of the leak and check for any visible damage to your walls, floors, and belongings.

6. Call a Professional: Contact a licensed plumber to repair the leak and assess any potential damage to your plumbing system.

7. Document the Damage: Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes.

8. File an Insurance Claim: If the damage is significant, contact your homeowner’s insurance to file a claim.

9. Ventilate and Dry: Ensure the affected area is well-ventilated and use dehumidifiers or fans to help dry out the area to prevent mold growth.

Taking these steps quickly can help minimize damage and reduce repair costs.

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5. Question: Besides a leaking faucet or pipe what else can contribute to a high water bill?
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Answer: Several factors can contribute to a high water bill beyond leaking faucets or pipes:

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1. Running Toilets: A toilet that continually runs can waste a significant amount of water.

2. Inefficient Fixtures: Old or inefficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets can use more water than modern, water-efficient models.

3. Overwatering Plants: Excessive irrigation of lawns and gardens can lead to high water usage.

4. Faulty Sprinkler Systems: Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads can waste water by allowing it to spray onto driveways or sidewalks instead of the garden.

5. Dishwasher or Washing Machine Issues: If these appliances are not functioning properly, they can use more water than necessary.

6. Leaks in Irrigation Systems: Leaks in your irrigation system or hoses can also cause increased water usage.

7. Excessive Use: Increased water use for activities like filling a pool, frequent car washes, or long showers can raise your bill.

8. Hidden Leaks: Leaks in underground pipes or within walls may not be immediately visible but can contribute to higher water consumption.

Regular maintenance and checking for leaks can help manage and reduce your water bill.

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6. Question: What's the best way to check for toilet leaks?

​Answer: To check for toilet leaks, you can use these methods:

1. Food Coloring Test:

• Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank.

• Wait about 15-30 minutes without flushing.

• Check the bowl to see if any color appears. If the water in the bowl changes color, it indicates a leak from the tank into the bowl.

2. Dye Tablets:
 

• You can also use commercial dye tablets designed for toilet leak detection. Follow the instructions on the package to test for leaks.

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3. Check the Flapper:
 

• The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Lift it and inspect for wear or damage. It should form a tight seal when closed.

4. Inspect the Fill Valve:
 

• Look for any signs of leaks around the fill valve, which is the mechanism that refills the tank after a flush.

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5. Listen for Sounds:​
 

• Pay attention to any sounds of running water after the tank has refilled. This can indicate a leak.

6. Check the Overflow Tube:
 

• Ensure the water level in the tank is below the top of the overflow tube. If it's too high, water may continuously flow into the tube, wasting water.

• Addressing any leaks promptly can help save water and avoid potential damage.