Plumbing Questions

What does it mean when my toilet bubles?

Normally if you are running water down one of your sinks and your toilet bubles that means that the main sewer line has a blockage. The water is running to the lowest point in the house which is usually the toilet.

What if I flush my toilet and my tub or shower fills with nasty water.

As with the toilet bubling symptom that usually means the main line is clogged. The water is forced by gravity to go to the lowest point in the house since it can not go down the clogged drain. It is best if you have a clean out on your house so the line can be cleared.

What if I do not have a main line clean out?

If you do not have a clean out the main line can be snaked from the roof through a vent or sometimes through the toilet flange. Both are much more costly than being snaked through an outside clean out and they are much less effective because you can not get a large cutting head down either access point.

Why do sewer lines clog?

Usually a sewer line cloggs when the line is cracked. Water leaks out of the cracks and it draws the roots into the pipe. The sewer pipe usually cracks because the earth shifts and the pipe is brittle. Another potenial reason is if the pipe itself is collapsing and that is caused by the earth shifting as well.

How long do most water heaters last?

Most water heaters fail in the eight to ten year range. There are some that fail sooner and some that fail longer. We recommend you do a visual inspection of your own water heater once every three months. If there is any rusty water or corrosion growing on the outside of the pipes you should consider replacing the water heater.

What is normal water pressure?

Normal water pressure is 50 to 70 PSI. If you have over 80 PSI you are required to have a pressure regulator. The most common pressure regulators are made by Watts or Wilkins. If you have pressure over 80 PSI you run an extreme risk of damaging your faucets in your house. If you want to protect your faucets then you will need to have the pressure regulator replaced.

925-872-0805
4049 Fisrt St. Suite # 136
Livermore, CA 94551
Lic #910529