FAQ

Common Plumbing Issues & Solutions

How can I prevent clogged drains?

Avoid pouring fats, oils, or large food particles down the drain. Use strainers to catch hair and soap scum.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

A rotten egg smell in your water is typically caused by the combination of hydrogen, sulfur, and bacteria. The magnesium anode rod in your water heater, which protects the tank, can produce small amounts of hydrogen. When this hydrogen interacts with sulfur in the water or bacteria in the tank, it creates an unpleasant odor. Replacing the magnesium rod with an aluminum one can help minimize the smell. The most effective way to eliminate this odor is to control the bacteria. In city water systems, chlorination is used to kill bacteria, but well systems may require additional treatments like chlorine injectors or ultraviolet light.

Is it necessary to periodically close and open the main water supply shutoff valve?

Yes, it’s important to periodically check the main water supply shutoff valve to ensure its functioning properly. Make sure it is not stuck in the open position in case of an emergency. It is also recommended to perform this check on the shutoff valves for sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Why do I hear a vibrating noise in my pipes?

Vibrating or rattling noises in pipes are common and usually occur when a washer in a faucet or valve is loose. If you hear the noise when turning faucets on and off rapidly, it may mean that the pipes are loose. This can be fixed by securing the pipes more tightly. If the noise continues to be bothersome, adding air chambers to the end of long pipe runs can help.

I live in Placer County. Do you provide plumbing services in my area?

Yes, Save 2 Day Plumbing proudly serves Placer County and Sacramento County, including the cities of Antelope, Auburn, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, North Highlands, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sacramento.

How can I check if my toilets are leaking?

To check for a toilet leak, add a few drops of red food coloring to the tank. After a few hours, check the toilet bowl. If the water in the bowl is colored, there is a leak between the tank and the bowl. This can often be fixed by replacing the flush valve or flapper. If needed, Save 2 Day Plumbing is happy to assist.

I hear a rumbling sound coming from the water heater. What causes this?

A rumbling sound from your water heater is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This trapped sediment causes water to boil, leading to noise and reduced efficiency. You can try draining a few gallons of water from the tank using the drain valve at the bottom. Be cautious when handling hot water - discharge it into a floor drain, laundry tub, or bathtub, as it can damage grass or crack a toilet bowl. If you need assistance, Save 2 Day Plumbing is here to help with tankless water heater solutions.

How does a hot water recirculation pump work?

A hot water recirculation system is a continuous loop of warm water that slowly circulates through the pipes from the hot water heater to the farthest fixture. This ensures that hot water is always available in the pipes, eliminating the wait time and water waste. As the water in the pipes begins to cool, the recirculation pump moves the hot water from the heater back through the pipes, maintaining a constant flow of hot water that’s instantly available for use.

What can I put in my garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal is designed to shred food waste into small pieces, but it’s important to be selective about what you put down it. Never dispose of glass, plastic, metal, or non-food items in the disposal. To keep it functioning well, always run cold water while using the disposal. Avoid using hot water, as it can melt fats and grease, which may clog the pipes. Additionally, do not place chicken bones, eggshells, stringy vegetables, pasta, fruit pits, shrimp shells, or banana and potato peels into the disposal.

Do drain snakes work?

Yes, drain snakes are an effective tool for clearing tough clogs in pipes that can’t be resolved with a plunger. These tools come in different sizes and types to tackle specific blockages. A toilet auger is specifically designed for toilet clogs, while smaller snakes are used for bathtub, shower, and kitchen sink blockages. Using a drain snake involves carefully inserting it into the drain, maneuvering it through the clog, and breaking it up so water can flow freely again. Depending on the severity of the blockage, using a snake can sometimes be tricky but is often successful in clearing tough obstructions.

What is the white substance around my showerheads and faucets?

The white residue is calcium buildup, which accumulates in hard water areas. Installing a water softener from Save 2 Day Plumbing can eliminate this issue and help extend the life of your fixtures by preventing further buildup.

Why am I losing water pressure in my shower?

Low water pressure in your shower could be caused by deposits of rust or dirt clogging the showerhead. To resolve this, remove the showerhead and clean it with a toothbrush to remove any buildup. If cleaning doesn’t improve the pressure, call Save 2 Day Plumbing for further assistance.

My garbage disposal is broken. What should I do?

Before replacing a broken garbage disposal, check for blockages. Disconnect the power and look for any objects that might be stuck in the blades. If nothing is obstructing the disposal, try pressing the reset button located under the unit or check your breaker switch. You can also use an Allen wrench to manually turn the blades from the bottom. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, contact Save 2 Day Plumbing for help.

My hot water is hotter than I need. What can I do?

Most people prefer their hot water set to around 120°F. If your water is too hot, adjust the thermostat. For gas water heaters, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. For electric models, there are two thermostats hidden behind panels on the sides of the tank. Be sure to turn off the electricity before accessing the thermostats, as the wires are live and carry high voltage.

We hope this page has answered many of the questions you may have. If we can assist in any way, please contact Save 2 Day Plumbing at 916-829-9193.