Plumbing Questions Answered
Do you have a pressing plumbing problem? Have you always wondered about common plumbing issues or problems that seem to re-occur in your home? The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have gathered the most commonly asked questions for all of your most curious plumbing ponderings.
Why Does A Toilet Just Start To Run/Leak?
The most common cause of a leaking or constantly running toilet is that the flapper no longer forms a tight seal against the valve seat. This lets water leak from the tank into the bowl. Chemical build-up in the flapper contributes to wear and tear over time, resulting in what is known as a ‘silent leak’ – quite difficult to detect if you aren’t extremely vigilant about staring into your toilet bowl. Other contributors to leaking toilets include:
- Faulty fill valves
- Faulty floats
- A stuck flapper (noticeable when the flush button doesn’t pop back up again)
- Faulty connections
- Broken or cracked tanks
- Leaking supply lines
Is There Really Such Thing as Hard Water?
Yes, and it’s not good for your plumbing, or for your body. Sediment, chemical build up and presence of heavy metals and additives not only lead to pipe and fixture erosion, but taste disgusting and can be detrimental to your health. If your area is renowned for ‘hard water’, contact Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas to install a water filtration system at the mains.
Why Is The Toilet Making That Noise When I Flush?
Depending on the issue, a toilet can make some very strange noses compared to the usual whoosh and gurgle. A loud whining sound will usually indicate restricted water flow to the refill valve. A definite foghorn sound is usually a result of dirty valves or the need to replace the ballcock and fill valves. Prolonged gurgling after the flush will be a problem further down the pipes, such as a blockage in the drain.
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
Ever been in the shower only to have the water pressure nose-dive into a dribble because someone has turned on the kitchen tap or started the washing machine? Using water elsewhere in the house is usually the explanation for a sharp decrease in water pressure, however faulty valves, leaks in the pipes and blockages can also restrict water flow.
Why Does The Hot Water Run Out So Fast?
Dependant on the age of your hot water unit and whether it is instantaneous or not, your hot water may flow for a minimal amount of time compared to more modern, electric hot water units. Hot water units that run on a storage tank alone will only provide hot water until the tank runs out whereas instantaneous hot water systems heat the water as it runs through a heated coil, so the chances of the water running cold is a lot less.
How Do I Find The Best Plumber?
You already have! Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have provided the South West with reliable, friendly and highly skilled service for almost 40 years, assisting with all types of plumbing, gas and hot water problems, maintenance and repair. To experience the best in plumbing in the South West, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough).