5 FAQ’s for Plumbers

You’ve asked, and we are answering! Here are the top 5 frequently asked questions that plumbers receive.

1. What do I do when my toilet overflows?

Don’t panic; there’s still time. Prevent the toilet from continuing to leak water by shutting off the water supply. There’s a valve located behind the toilet that will cut off access. Next, call your plumber and clean up the water.

2. Why was there a sudden spike in my water bill?

Did you have company over the weekend? Did you give the dogs a bath? Was there some other reason your water bill would have increased? If the answer is no, you may have a leak somewhere in your home.

3. What do you mean by “emergency plumbing”?

Any sort of plumbing issue that needs immediate attention is a plumbing emergency. Leaks and clogged drains aren’t normally considered emergencies, but a burst pipe is definitely one!

4. Are drain cleaning chemicals safe to use?

In short – no. They’re damaging to you, your pipes, and the environment. Check out our other blog post about when you shouldn’t use store-bought drain cleaners.

5. How long should I wait to call a plumber if there’s a problem?

As soon as possible. Waiting to call a plumber can only worsen the problem.

And because you read all the way through, here’s a bonus question!

6. Who should I call for plumbing needs in Eastern NC?

Eastern Plumbing of course! All of our employees are trained, certified, and act with professionalism. Our goal is to ensure your plumbing services are done promptly, and we pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time. If you’re having plumbing issues, call Eastern Plumbing at  252-758-7579 or visit our website, easternplumbingonline.com.

Prepping Your Plumbing for Fall

Fall is in the air, and as the weather gets cooler, it’s time to do seasonal home maintenance to ensure your plumbing is ready for winter! Here are seven things Eastern Plumbing recommends you do to keep your home in pristine condition during winter.

1. Seal any gaps.

As time goes on, gaps will develop between the walls and the pipes in your home. These gaps are perfect for allowing cold air to enter your home, leaving you with a higher utility bill and the potential for your pipes to freeze. Fall is the ideal time to check for gaps and seal any that you find.

2. Insulate your pipes.

If you have pipes in an area of your home that isn’t heated (like a crawl space or a garage), these pipes must be insulated. Insulation will prevent your pipes from freezing over in the winter.

3. Disconnect your Water Hose.

If you leave your water hose connected and the temperature drops, the water left inside your hose can freeze. This causes your hose to expand and can lead to your faucets and connecting pipes freezing and breaking. To prevent this, disconnect your hose, drain the remaining water, and store the hose in a safe and dry area.

4. Check Outdoor Faucets.

Once your hose is removed, check the faucet for leaking or dripping. If your faucet leaks, you can end up with water damage and plumbing issues if it’s frozen over. Once your faucets are fixed, cover and insulate them.

5. Flush your Water Heater.

When the weather is colder, your water heater works harder to provide you with hot water. You’re removing sediment and mineral build-up by flushing out your water tank. This build-up is what prevents your water from heating quickly and properly.

6. Shut Off your Interior Valve.

If you have a valve inside your home connected to the outside faucets and plumbing system, shut it off to prevent any water left in your pipes that could freeze over.

For more tips on prepping your plumbing for winter or any other plumbing needs, call Eastern Plumbing at 252-758-7579 or visit our website at easternplumbingonline.com.