Plumbing FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Homeowners call with a diverse variety of plumbing problems, clogged drains, leaky faucets, main sewer lines, washing machine drains, air conditioning drains, water flow, tree roots in their lines, septic system issues, and more. When they call and ask, “please come to my home and help!” we are happy to answer!

We get called to clear a blockage and get rid of a clog, either by an auger or hydrojet. Clearing clogs is only part of maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Ultimately we all want there to be cold water and hot water when we want it, and we want it to drain effortlessly when needed. The plumbing questions around how best to keep this system running efficiently are important and worth finding some answers to.

We are asked many plumbing questions, and here are some of the plumbing FAQs that could be helpful to our Kansas City metro homeowners.

Why does my sink drain so slowly?

This is one of the most common plumbing problems. Over time, soap, food debris, sediment, and grease can slow drainage, eventually leading to a blockage and a clogged drain. Low places in the line cause sediment buildup or bad joints in the drain pipes where buildup gathers around the cross connections and causes the sink to have reduced water flow and drain slowly. Drain cleaners are often a DIY fix for this. However, harsh chemicals can be toxic, so we suggest using smart tips and routine maintenance if needed. You can also try a plunger for your kitchen sink clogs as a way of doing drain cleaning without harsh chemicals. If your kitchen sink, bathroom sink or shower drain/floor drains are draining slowly, a Kansas City plumber at A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. can help you fix your drains!

Can you repair broken or leaky pipes without destroying my yard?

Yes. When feasible, we offer trenchless pipe repairs that utilize minimal digging in localized areas leaving your yard in the best possible condition.

What are the signs of a broken or leaky water line?

Some signs of leaky or broken water lines include the sound of running water when no faucets are on, puddles in your yard that seem to have no origin, excessively high water bills, mold growing on walls, bulges in flooring or walls, and dripping sounds. If you have a burst pipe, you may also see discoloration on the wall or floor.

What causes low water pressure?

There are a number of causes for low water pressure, including a malfunctioning shut-off valve, a crimped water line, and even residue buildup inside water lines. If you are experiencing low pressure, then you should call the professional plumbers at A-1 Sewer & Septic Service.

How do I turn off my water if my faucet breaks?

If your faucet has broken, don’t panic! To shut off your water, look beneath the sink for two valves—one for cold and one for hot. Turn the handles of both valves clockwise (from right to left) until the water stops. It may be stuck from lack of use if it doesn’t move. Get a pair of pliers and wiggle the valve back and forth until it begins to loosen. After you’ve successfully turned off the water, call our Kansas City plumbers for expert assistance in fixing the faucet.

Why did my water turn yellow?

Old pipes often become rusty and corroded and build up rust/iron oxide, causing corrosion, discoloration, odors, and mineral deposits. This can result in the water supply from your faucets becoming yellow and tasting slightly metallic, as well as the ice cubes and water from refrigerators with those automatic ice makers and water dispensers. To fix this, you may need to replace your pipes, which can go well beyond the scope of a normal DIY plumbing project and may require the help of a plumber to get your plumbing system back to 100% functioning.

Do I have to have an Energy Star-rated hot water heater?

While it is not required, whenever a homeowner or business owner can opt to use high-efficiency hot water heaters to get their hot water, whether gas water heaters, electric water heaters, tankless water heaters or others; when high-efficiency units are installed, they provide lower energy bills, excellent performance and have a lower impact on the environment and natural resources. Our residential plumbing experts can provide professional installation of a new gas or electric water heater for your home or business.

Should I fix or replace my garbage disposal?

Most garbage disposals have an approximate lifespan of 10 years. If it has been more than 10 years since your last kitchen remodeling project or have your garbage disposal inspected, then it is recommended by most manufacturers to replace the unit. The do-it-yourself methods of vinegar and baking soda, or ice and dish soap help clear up issues if there is a small amount of debris in the garbage disposal. Excessive use and not running cold water while using the disposal, or waste that can be difficult such as coffee grounds, egg shells, orange peels or others, can reduce the working lifespan of any garbage disposal. We offer plumbing services, including plumbing inspections, garbage disposal replacements, and more.

How do I know if my sewer line is the reason for frequent backups?

If you are dealing with frequent backups in your sewer line, contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. and we will send one of our Kansas City plumbers to inspect the line. There may be tree roots, a break in the line, or a bad joint or connection in your main sewer line. After a mainline inspection, we can discuss options for remedying your main line whether a typical drain cleaning will deal with the blockage or if hyrdrojetting may be required. Don’t deal with this inconvenience any longer, we can provide you with the solution you need for your plumbing and septic system for both residential plumbing and commercial plumbing!

How do I test my sump pump?

One of the best ways to test if your sump pump is working is to fill the sump pit with enough water to cause the float switch to rise, and activate the sump pump. If it doesn’t come on when it should, call A-1 so you don’t have an even larger plumbing emergency happen later!! (such as a flooded basement and massive water damage!

Is there a way to save money on energy bills?

There are a few steps homeowners can take when it comes to conserving energy and lowering utility bills. Adjusting the thermostat on your water heater so that it is not quite as hot quill use less (or setting the thermostat lower when you go on vacation helps as well!) When running washers and dryers, use the energy-efficient setting if it has one, or adjust the water level. Watch the water meter and your usage to help reduce energy bills.

Contact Us For Answers to Your Questions

We have been serving our community since 1968 and we genuinely care about our customers. We have built a company that is advanced in residential and commercial plumbing and can attack the plumbing issues and plumbing repairs and replacements in the Kansas City area. With the use of innovative and modern technology, our Kansas City plumbers can provide a higher quality service than many other plumbing companies.

We can perform nearly any project from replacing a shower head, toilet bowl flapper or new faucet, to new tankless water heater installation, septic system problems, and all kinds of residential plumbing services.

We also offer a no-obligation quote so that you know the cost before you make a decision. Contact our office today to talk to our friendly staff and get answers about your specific problem.

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