Toilets are designed to flush with a specific amount of water, entering the bowl at a designed speed. Anything that changes these two factors will affect the flush of the toilet.
1) Check to see if the water in the tank is at the right level. The fill valve in the tank can be adjusted to change the water level.
2) If an object has accidentally been flushed down the toilet, (small toys, ballpoint pens, makeup bottles, golf balls, just some of the things I’ve seen.) it may not go all the way through, but stay in the internal trap of the toilet. It may flush fine at first, but as paper begins to build up on the object it slows down until it stops flushing. A plunge with a plunger may solve the problem, or it may remove the paper and leave the object behind. It flushes fine for a while, the object begins to gather paper, and around and around we go!
I have seen a good wet vac. shoved in the hole in the bottom of the bowl, with the water still in it, suck the water and the object back up. If that doesn’t work, the toilet can be taken off the floor and the object removed.
3) Age can also cause problems. As hard water deposits build up in the water passageways in the toilet, the water is slowed down. Remember that design speed? The water will slow down to the point that it just swirls in the bottom of the bowl and just gets your hopes up! Since the internal water passageways are almost impossible to clean, it’s time for a new toilet.
4) Talk to us about a water softener that will keep those hard water minerals out of your toilet, off your fixtures, off your body and out of your hair!
2. Is it normal for my bathtub faucet to drip water while the shower is on?
1) The water is sent from the tub spout to the shower head with a diverter. Some diverters are located on the tub spout. These sometimes are not a positive seal and a small amount of water will continue to come out of the spout while in the shower mode. Other diverters are part of the valve itself, another handle to turn or lever, or button to push. These are usually more of a positive switch over. With either one, as long as you are getting enough water out of the shower head to get good and wet, a little water coming out of the spout is not a problem.
3. What is the recommended way to maintain a water heater?1) Keep the water heater and the area around it clean and free of debris. Don’t stack boxes or other items around the water heater. Especially flammable items, or items that give off flammable fumes. Some of the newer water heaters will not operate without enough air space around them.
2) Most manufactures recommend draining and flushing your water heater every 6 months to a year depending on the hardness and content of your water. Turn off the water heater. For gas water heaters turn the dial on the gas valve to pilot, for electric water heaters turn off the breaker in the electric panel. It is important that the water heater does not come on during this process. Hook a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and run it outside. Open the drain valve and let the water run for about 30sec., then turn off the valve for the incoming water at the top of the water heater and let it drain. You may need to open a hot water faucet and, or the lever on the T&P valve on the top or top side of the water heater to allow air in for the heater to drain. Once the water heater is drained open the valve on the incoming water and let it run for about a minute. Turn off the water and let water heater drain. Repeat this two or three times or until water is clear coming from the hose. Turn off drain valve, and T&P lever. Open hot side of a bath tub faucet, open valve for incoming water to heater, let heater fill until a steady stream is coming from tub valve. Turn off tub valve and turn gas valve or breaker back on.
4. How do I adjust my water heater in regards to winter and summer months?1) Water heaters for domestic hot water are factory set at 120 degrees and should not be set higher. Hotter water can scald much faster. Temperature can be set lower if you wish on the water heater.
2) If you go on vacation, you can set your gas heater on the pilot or vacation mode, or turn off the breaker to your electric heater to save cost and energy.
3) If your heater is used for heating your home, give us a call to discuss options.
5. At what temperature should I consider insulating outdoor faucets and pipes?1) Water freezes at 32 degrees. That being said, plumbing pipes usually will not freeze or break unless it stays that cold for a long time. The colder it gets the greater the chances of damage. The rubberized pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install, so I say better safe than sorry. The pipe insulation should be covered with thick paint or tape (metal tape is best) to keep the sun off the insulation.
6. Why is there a sewage smell coming out of my sink?1) A sewage smell can be coming from the vent in the wall, or an air inlet device under the sink if one is present. Both should be checked.
2) A sewage smell could be coming from a buildup of gunk, hair, etc. in the trap and popup assembly of the bathroom sink. They may need to be cleaned. A little bleach left in the trap for a while will also help.
3) Most bathroom sinks have a small overflow hole toward the top of the bowl, usually in the front that can hold stagnant water. A little bleach down the hole will take care of that.
1) Most normal service work is billed at an hourly rate, plus material, a small truck & fuel charge and tax.
2) For more extensive service work, remodeling, and construction we will be happy to look at the work to be done and give you a free estimate.
2. How does Cal's Plumbing schedule service calls? Appointment based or between slotted hours?1) With a phone call you can schedule a morning or afternoon appointment usually with a two hour window.
3. What does licensed, bonded and insured mean? Is Cal's Plumbing licensed, bonded and insured?1) Cal’s Plumbing Inc. is licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. We also have a performance bond posted with the Registrar of Contractors. In addition we carry an insurance policy to protect us and our customers. (See our contractor license listed above in the "Useful Facts" section).
4. What types of payment does Cal's Plumbing accept?1) We accept credit cards, cash and check. If you have any questions about payment, please feel free to contact us for further help.