Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why Is My Water Heater Leaking Gas?

If your water heater is leaking gas, you might not know about it if the leak is small. That's one of the main reasons a water heater gas leak can be dangerous. By the time you smell the distinctive “rotten eggs” odor, that's a clear indication of a gas leak, and you need to take action right away. Some of the most common reasons your water heater may be leaking gas include: Losing out the drain valve Cracks in the storage tank Too much pressure Improper draining Loose fixtures Old age

Q: How To Clear a Clogged Drain Without Chemicals?

Here are a few natural drain cleaners that are better for your plumbing system and safer for you and your family. Plunger: A drain plunger should be your first plan of attack when water starts to back up. Drain snake: If you have a drain snake on hand, and a plunger won't do the trick, this should be your plan b. Coat hanger: Sometimes a coat hanger may be all you need to unclog the drain. Baking soda and vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour, then wash it all down with a pot of hot water.

Q: What Causes a Gas Meter to Make a Noise?

If your gas meter is making a strange noise, usually a chirping noise or high-pitched squeaking, it's likely caused by friction between moving parts in your system that may be rubbing together. Like any machine, parts succumb to wear and get out of adjustment. You should contact the utility company right away to assess the situation and determine the best way forward. If you hear a whistling or hissing, that's the sound of gas escaping the pipes or meter. That's why your gas company adds a smelly chemical to the gas so you can identify gas leaks easily.

Q: When To Consider Replacing My Sewer Line Instead of Repairing It?

Sewer problems often require nothing more than repairs, but watch out for the following red flags that it may be time for sewer line replacement. Old age: Your sewer pipes will likely fail more prematurely in old age. Long-term problems: If you've been dealing with recurring plumbing issues for many months or years, your sewer line may be damaged enough to require a replacement. Big trees: If you have a big tree near or adjacent to your property, huge root systems may have encroached on your sewer lines and caused permanent damage. Persistent clogs: If clogs keep happening even when you're careful about what goes down your drains, this might point to bigger problems in your sewer lines.

Q: What Size of Sewer Line Is Best for My House?

When it comes to sewer pipes, proper sizing ensures a swift flow of sewer waste away from your house. Bigger does not always mean better. As a rule of thumb, the standard size for residential lines is 4 inches. Your local code specifies the required pipe material and size. As such, it's crucial to look at the local plumbing code to determine if it varies from the standards. A common misconception is that using larger pipes decreases the likelihood of clogs. On the contrary, the water pressure in a properly sized pipe helps solid wastes move through the pipe while larger pipes spread the pressure, probably slowing the flow of drain water.

Question 1

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking Gas?

Answer

If your water heater is leaking gas, you might not know about it if the leak is small. That’s one of the main reasons a water heater gas leak can be dangerous. By the time you smell the distinctive “rotten eggs” odor, that’s a clear indication of a gas leak, and you need to take action right away. Some of the most common reasons your water heater may be leaking gas include:

Losing out the drain valve
Cracks in the storage tank
Too much pressure
Improper draining
Loose fixtures
Old age

Answer

Here are a few natural drain cleaners that are better for your plumbing system and safer for you and your family.

Plunger: A drain plunger should be your first plan of attack when water starts to back up.
Drain snake: If you have a drain snake on hand, and a plunger won’t do the trick, this should be your plan b.
Coat hanger: Sometimes a coat hanger may be all you need to unclog the drain.
Baking soda and vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour, then wash it all down with a pot of hot water.

Answer

If your gas meter is making a strange noise, usually a chirping noise or high-pitched squeaking, it’s likely caused by friction between moving parts in your system that may be rubbing together. Like any machine, parts succumb to wear and get out of adjustment. You should contact the utility company right away to assess the situation and determine the best way forward. If you hear a whistling or hissing, that’s the sound of gas escaping the pipes or meter. That’s why your gas company adds a smelly chemical to the gas so you can identify gas leaks easily.

Answer

Sewer problems often require nothing more than repairs, but watch out for the following red flags that it may be time for sewer line replacement.

Old age: Your sewer pipes will likely fail more prematurely in old age.
Long-term problems: If you’ve been dealing with recurring plumbing issues for many months or years, your sewer line may be damaged enough to require a replacement.
Big trees: If you have a big tree near or adjacent to your property, huge root systems may have encroached on your sewer lines and caused permanent damage. Persistent clogs: If clogs keep happening even when you’re careful about what goes down your drains, this might point to bigger problems in your sewer lines.

Answer

When it comes to sewer pipes, proper sizing ensures a swift flow of sewer waste away from your house. Bigger does not always mean better. As a rule of thumb, the standard size for residential lines is 4 inches. Your local code specifies the required pipe material and size. As such, it’s crucial to look at the local plumbing code to determine if it varies from the standards. A common misconception is that using larger pipes decreases the likelihood of clogs. On the contrary, the water pressure in a properly sized pipe helps solid wastes move through the pipe while larger pipes spread the pressure, probably slowing the flow of drain water.