Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
As a local Jacksonville, Florida plumbing company, we get a lot of common plumbing-related questions from our customers. If you have a plumbing or septic question, you have come to the right place! If you do not find your question below, feel free to give us a call, and one of our associates will be able to help you!
How often should I have my septic tank pumped and inspected?
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association recommends pumping your septic tank every 3-5 years. A proactive and preventative maintenance approach is best. Waiting until the septic system backs up before pumping out can cause irreparable damage and be very expensive. An inspection with each pump out can head off costly problems. Metro Rooter will inspect your system with each pump out and recommend any needed service.
What is fiber-optic pipeline video inspection?
A fiber-optic pipeline video inspection is a diagnostic process whereby a high-resolution fiber-optic video camera is inserted in a pipeline to view the pipe from the inside. It takes the guesswork out of diagnosing a pipeline problem and can pinpoint exactly where a problem is and exactly how to fix it most cost-effectively. Metro Rooter has several of these cameras and qualified technicians to run them.
What is high-pressure pipe jetting?
A high-pressure pipe jetting is the most effective method of thoroughly and effectively cleaning the inside of a pipeline. Water is pumped through a nozzle at up to 4000 psi to scour the inside of a pipe, thereby removing roots, scale, grease, dirt, and other obstructions.
I am getting a foul odor from a bathroom in my home that we rarely even use. Why?
Your infrequent use of the bathroom is probably the cause of the problem. Certain plumbing fixtures have a built-in trap in their drains to keep sewer gas from seeping into the home. Over time they can dry up. Dump a bucket of water into each of the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom. It should solve the problem.
I have an unusually high water bill, but I have no apparent leaks. What could cause this?
If you’ve checked all faucets and tub/shower spouts for leaks and have found none, the next step is to see if your toilet is leaking. Check the water level in the tank to ensure no water is leaking through the overflow pipe. The fill valve only fills the tank to within 1″ of the top of the overflow pipe or to the “fill lever” stamped on the inside of the tank. You may have to adjust the fill valve if the water level is too high. Next, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water bowl changes color within 15 minutes, the toilet is leaking and probably needs a new flapper or ball.
How can I tell if I have a slab leak?
If you’ve checked the above items and found no leaks, you should check your water meter. The meter will usually be found in the front yard and appear as a concrete or metal rectangular lid at a grade level. Open the lid and locate the meter inside. This action may require removing some dirt to access the face. With no water running in the house (laundry, toilet, refilling, etc.), check the dial face for any movement. Many meters have a “leak detector,” which appears as a small black triangle or a small white wheel. If the dial is spinning or there is any movement, this indicates a leak in your water pipe system.
What is a re-pipe?
A re-pipe is a complete replacement of the incoming freshwater system in a home or business – from the water meter or well, to all plumbing fixtures. As severe as it sounds, it is a very common procedure. It is performed in situations where the plumbing pipes have begun to leak due to deterioration or when low pressure due to calcification is present in the pipes.
At what temperature should I set my water heater?
Manufacturers recommend setting water heaters at 120 degrees (F). This will prevent accidental scaldings.
My drain is running slowly. Should I put a caustic drain cleaner in it before calling a plumber?
We do not recommend EVER putting caustic drain cleaners in drains. If a drain is running slowly, you may use a biological product to help clear it. We recommend BIOOne. Use according to directions. If the drain is completely stopped-up, we recommend you call a professional to unclog your line. Pouring caustic solutions into drains can ruin pipes and cause severe burns to anyone working in the drain after application.
