Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing
Houston
Sometimes it's better to do
business with someone you know and trust.
Question:
How often should I have my septic system inspected?
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of
once every three to four years. You may not be experiencing any
problem now, but a full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to
flow into the drain field, which is the part of the system that
consists of a distribution box with a series of connected pipes.
Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stone that drains into
the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field, it
becomes blocked and ineffective.
Question:
How can I conserve energy, yet also be sure that there is
enough hot water?
Most people are comfortable with a setting of 120 degrees
Fahrenheit, which is the standard factory presetting. On a gas
model, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric
models, the thermostats are concealed behind the two panels on the
side of the tank. Note: Turn off the electricity
before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the
panels containing high voltage.
Question:
What can I do about a buildup of a white substance around the area
where the water comes out of the faucet?
This buildup is mineral deposits. To remove these deposits from the
showerhead, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it.
Place the bag over the showerhead and secure overnight. In the
morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to scrub the
deposits off. You might be able to remove the aerators from the
faucets and soak them in the vinegar overnight.
Question:
In our household, we are constantly running out of hot water in
the shower.
There are two possibilities. First, the dip tube has broken off.
This is a tube that forces incoming water to the bottom of the tank
so that hot water will be drawn off of the top. When the dip tube
breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water and
cools it down. Second, if your water heater is electric, the lower
element that heats the water may not be operating properly; thus,
only the upper half of the tank will heat up. The cause of this
problem could be a bad element or a
thermostat malfunction.
• Don't use excessive amounts
of detergents, bleach or chemicals that may kill the natural
bacteria in your septic system.
• Use biodegradable soaps and
detergents.
• To prevent excessive
watering of your lawn in the summertime, purchase an inexpensive
spring-loaded timer which attaches directly to your outside faucet.
This will prevent over-watering in case you forget to shut off the
sprinkler.
| • Water pressure
in your home above 60 pounds per square inch is harmful to your
plumbing system and will cause excessive water usage. Contact your
local water authority to find out what the water pressure is on
your street. | If it exceeds 60
pounds, consider installing a pressure reducing valve that will
limit the water pressure within your home. |
• Conserve energy by checking
the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be
above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or medium setting on older
models.
• When replacing plumbing
fixtures, consider the long term savings by purchasing a high
efficiency water heater, or a low water consumption fixture.
• Toilets consume more than
40% of your total water usage. Installation of a new toilet flapper
and fill valve will keep your toilet running efficiently.
• Replacing an old shower
head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without
sacrificing full spray action at low or high water
pressures.
• Don't put up with any
slowly dripping faucets. A slow drip can waste as much as 150
gallons of water each day, or 4,500 gallons per month, and will add
to the water bill.
For
complete plumbing services from a contractor you can
trust.
Call A &
A Plumbing Service today!
(281) 469-3481
