Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my faucet keep dripping?

A constant drip usually traces back to one of a few common causes:

• Damaged parts — A sink has many moving parts — inlet seals, outlet seals, O-rings — and any one of them can wear out and cause a drip.
• Worn cartridge — The faucet cartridge is the valve that turns water on and off. Over time it can stop sealing properly, causing a steady drip.
• Water pressure too high — Excessive pressure can force water to leak out at any available weak point.
• Broken plumbing — A problem with a pipe or fitting upstream can show up as leaking or dripping at the fixture.

Why does my toilet keep running?

A running toilet wastes water and money. When the toilet keeps running after a flush, water is continuing to leak from the tank into the bowl — most often due to a worn flapper or flapper seat. Draining the tank and cleaning or replacing the flapper usually solves it. If it persists, give us a call.

How can I prevent plumbing problems?

Inspect your pipes at least twice a year — catching a small issue early prevents it from becoming a big, expensive one. Watch for rust or lime buildup, which signals deterioration that leads to leaks, and insulate exposed pipes so they don't freeze and weaken over the winter.

Why is my water heater leaking?

A leak can originate from several places, including the temperature-and-pressure relief valve or the drain valve — check those first. Very commonly, though, the bottom of the tank leaks due to internal rust. When that happens, the water heater typically needs to be replaced. We can diagnose the source and recommend the right fix.

Why does my drain keep clogging?

Recurring clogs are caused by food, grease, cracked or collapsed pipes, and more. Often the drain piping needs to be professionally cleaned and flushed of roots or other buildup that causes repeated stoppages. If your drains keep backing up, set up an appointment and we'll clear the root cause.

What can I put down my garbage disposal?

Stick to liquids and soft foods — a good rule of thumb is, if a baby could handle it, so can your disposal. Avoid these:

• Fibrous foods — Stringy vegetables can wrap around the grinding teeth and make the unit run inefficiently.
• Grease, fats, and oils — These damage the shredders, clog the drain, and cause unpleasant odors.
• Pasta, potatoes, rice, and beans — They expand in water and turn paste-like, clogging the drain.
• Anything that isn't food or liquid — Despite the name, a garbage disposal is not for actual garbage — only food waste that breaks down.

Why do I have low water pressure?

Low water pressure can stem from a clog, mineral deposits gathering in the pipes, a malfunctioning shut-off valve, a crimped water line, and several other issues. Because the causes vary so widely, the reliable path is to have a professional diagnose it — call the experts at BR McGinty and we'll pinpoint it.

What's the difference between hard and soft water?

Hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, chalk, and lime. Soft water is treated and contains primarily sodium. People soften their water because hard water can damage fixtures and pipes, has an undesirable taste, and can aggravate skin. Installing a water softening system lets you taste and feel the difference.

What's the difference between a tankless and a conventional water heater?

Tankless water heaters have no storage tank — they use a gas burner or electric element to heat water only on demand, so they use no energy when no hot water is being used. A conventional water heater keeps a full insulated tank heated constantly, consuming energy even when hot water isn't needed. Each has benefits; a trained professional can recommend the best fit for your home.

Why isn't my dishwasher working?

This could be a clogged drain line, a clogged filter, a faulty motor, or an electrical issue — and it doesn't always mean the dishwasher needs replacing. Dishwashers are tricky to work on, so call a professional to diagnose the problem and get your appliance back in working condition.

How do I get rid of odor from my garbage disposal?

A foul odor is usually food debris left inside. Before reaching for chemicals that can harm the disposal, drop in ice cubes with orange or lemon peels and run it for 20–30 seconds. Then add a squirt of dish soap and finish with hot water for another 30 seconds.

Why is water coming up through my sink?

The garbage disposal and dishwasher share the same drain piping, so leftover food in the disposal can cause a backup. Run the disposal with plenty of hot water to clear the debris. If water keeps coming up through the sink, contact us — there may be a deeper clog in the drain line.