Scenic City Plumbing

FAQ

FAQ

  • How often should I have my septic tank pumped?

    Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to five years. You may not be experiencing any problem now, but a septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field, which is a part of the system that consists of a distribution box, with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stone that drains into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field it becomes blocked and ineffective. A blocked drain field is costly to repair or replace, so regular maintenance is key.

  • How do I flush my water heater?

    Most people never give their water heater a second thought-until it stops working. One thing you can do to extend the life of your water heater is to drain/flush the tank annually to remove any sediment that may have built up with the tank. 

    • If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power at the breaker box. If yours is gas heater, turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting. Connect a hose to the drain valve located close to the thermostat, but don’t open the valve yet. Turn off the cold water supply that feeds the water heater. 
    • Inside your house, open up one of the hot water faucets in one of your sinks or tubs. This will prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines. Go back to the water heater and open the drain valve to drain the hot water out of the tank. Make sure the far end of the hose is draining somewhere that won’t be harmed by hot water. An outside driveway is ideal. 
    • Once the water stops flowing out of the far end of the hose, turn the water supply back on. This will flush out any remaining sediment left behind in the heater. Once the water runs clear from the end of the hose, close the drain valve. Don’t forget to turn the hot water faucet inside your home back off. 
    • Always make sure you have the tank completely refilled before restoring power to the water heater. This will prevent a “dry fire” of the water heater elements.
  • Why do I hear thumping and noises in my pipes when I turn a faucet on?

    Often, water enters water-using appliances at fluctuating pressures, especially in remote locations and industrial settings. This pressure often needs to be kept within a range to avoid damage to appliances, or accidents involving burst pipes/conduits. A single-stage pressure reducing regulator is used to control and maintain your homes incoming water pressure.

  • How do I winterize my home?

    A faucet that won't allow water to flow is certainly a warning sign of frozen pipes. If severe weather arrives, you may prevent freezing and bursting of pipes by following these easy suggestions:


    • Be sure to keep a running drip or small stream of water running from interior faucets. 
    • Insulate your pipes. You may use insulating materials such as tape and foam. 
    • Keep bedroom and all interior doors open as well as kitchen and lavatory cabinet doors open. 
    • Heat your exposed sections of pipe with a small heat source. 
    • Disconnect all garden hoses connected to the faucet to allow any water in the pipe to drain out.
  • How can I determine if I have an undetected leak in my home?

    There are several possible sources of high water bills, etc.


    • Check toilets for leaks. First, check the water level to ensure that water is not overflowing the tank by way of the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank. It has small tubing connected to it. If water is running into the overflow, 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. 
    • Second, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the bowl changes color within 15 minutes, this is an indication that water is leaking into the toilet bowl and that the ball or flapper needs to be replaced. 
    • Your water meter contains a small triangle which can be checked for movement thus indicating a possible leak. After ruling out the obvious drippy faucets and running toilets, you may “walk” your property. Check at the water meter area and at the foundation where your main water line comes into your home. These areas are common “hot spots” and you may have a leak at the adapter areas of the line. Obviously if your home has a crawlspace and your plumbing is located under your home, you can check the piping from there.
  • What’s the difference between a conventional water and a tankless water heater?

    Conventional water heaters work by heating the water stored in their tank. Typically, this is between 30 and 50 gallons. When that water is used, there is no longer any hot water. The tank must accumulate more water and heat it before a new supply of hot water is available.


    A conventional water heater, while cheaper to initially install, actually increases utility costs. The water heater is working to continuously keep the water in its tank warm. Because it is heating a set amount of water, your energy costs will be higher. 


    A tankless water heater uses the power of the house – either gas or electricity – to warm the water as needed. These heaters are also smaller than conventional water heaters and take up less room. They can be installed in several locations in your home, and can also be installed outside. Tankless heaters provide endless hot water as they heat the water as it comes through the system. Though more expensive to initially install, tankless water heaters can save you money in the long run as they reduce energy costs and do not have to be replaced as often as their conventional counterparts.

  • How can I prevent leaking pipes?

    The first thing you can to do prevent leaking pipes is to measure the water pressure in your home. If the pressure exceeds 60 psi for a long period of time, damage can occur. The pipes can shift and move and cause leaks to form. If you need help regulating pressure back to a standard level, between 30 and 50 psi, call Scenic City plumbing and let one of our master plumbers come and make the necessary adjustments to your regulator.


    A second way to prevent leaking pipes is to add a water softener in your home. Soft water does not create mineral buildup in your plumbing system. And, a water softener can help remove the buildup that currently exists. A water softener can greatly reduce the likelihood of damage to your pipes.


    In the winter, be sure to cover exposed pipes, and disconnect and drain your hose so that outdoor spigots do not freeze. Taking the proper precautions protects your pipes and saves you money.

  • Why do I need to pay a plumber to have a leak fixed?

    While it may be tempting to try to save some money and handle a leaking pipe yourself, this can actually end up being a more expensive solution. If you do not completely repair the leak and it continues over time, you may end up with rot, mold, or worse. Having a professional plumber address the problem initially can save you time and money. Our team knows all of the things to look for to completely repair your leaking pipes and we can prevent future damage. However, it is important to call as soon as you discover the leak so that our team can help mitigate any damage.

  • Where is my sewer cleanout?

    If you are on sewer you are responsible for maintaining the lines on your property. If you have noticed a problem with your sewer system, such as a backup, knowing where your cleanout is can help you resolve the issue. The easiest way to locate the cleanout is to consult your house and plot plans. The cleanout should be noted there. 


    If you do not have access to those plans, you should search in the most likely places. Check for a pipe sticking out of the ground that has a square knob on it. The cleanout will likely be in the front yard between the house and the street, or on the side of the house near the bathroom. There is a chance it may be located in the basement or behind a wall. In that case, you’ll need to remove a section of the wall to get to the cleanout.


    If you still are unable to find it, or unable to access it, call Scenic City Plumbing. Our team can come and help you locate it or gain access. While we are there we can help diagnose and resolve the problem.

  • How should I prepare plumbing for the fall?

    As the seasons get ready to change, it is important to take preventive action to protect your home. As summer ends, go ahead and disconnect and drain your hoses. Inspect the spigots and faucets outside your home to ensure that they are not currently leaking. Take a few moments to cover your spigots with insulation kits available at hardware stores and seal spaces around doors and windows to prevent cold air from getting in your home or crawl space. Finally, be sure to check your sump pump to make sure that it works and is ready for the winter ahead.


    If you have any questions or need assistance preparing your home, call Scenic City Plumbing. Our team will be more than happy to help you get ready for the colder weather on the horizon.

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