The plumbers that make up Michael’s Plumbing get many questions. These questions come not only from clients while on a call but at the neighborhood cookout, while shopping at the local home improvement store, and sometimes even while sitting in the dentist’s chair. We get it. After all, we are Orlando and Central Florida’s plumbing experts.
So, what are some of the most frequent questions asked regarding home plumbing? Answering questions here will be easier than trying to carry a conversation with a dentist’s hands in your mouth.
How can I stop my faucets from dripping?
Tiny drops of water from your faucet can be more than annoying. They can become costly, too. Fixing a leaky faucet is most times a simple fix. Start by turning the water off under the sink, then removing the faucet handle. You may see that the faucet cartridge (or faucet stem, which regulates hot and cold water) needs replacing. Install the appropriately sized replacement cartridge and reattach the handle. If a leak remains once you turn the water back on, it’s time to call the experts.
Where is my water shut-off valve located?
Make sure everyone in your family is aware of the location of the shut-off valve in case of a plumbing emergency. The water shut-off valve helps you avoid a potential disaster in your home. Busted pipes can release around 23 gallons of water per minute at an average water pressure setting. You want to prevent this disaster. You’ll typically be able to locate water shut-off valves within three to five feet of where the water main enters the home. If you cannot find the shut-off yourself, we recommend asking your Michael’s Plumbing expert for assistance.
What do I do when a pipe bursts in my home?
Here is where knowledge of your water shut-off valve comes in handy. Immediately turn off your home’s water at the shut-off point to stop any further water damage. Then, turn off electricity to the affected areas of your home to avoid any potential shocks. (If you’re unsure of the exact location of the affected areas, just turn off all the power.) If you can soak up the water with some towels, do so to prevent further damage. Take photos to assess the damage for insurance purposes and then call a licensed plumber to tackle the cause of the damage.
How do I unclog my toilet?
First of all, avoid continually flushing your toilet if you see it might be clogged. You can cause your toilet to overflow onto the floor. Next, grab your plunger—it’s the easiest, less invasive tool. The key is to make sure there is enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the entire head of the plunger. If there isn’t, add water from the bathtub or sink using a bucket or bowl. If the plunger does not work, you can try a plumber’s snake, but we suggest covering the floor in towels first. If the snake doesn’t work, that’s when it’s time to call Michael’s Plumbing for professional drain cleaning.
Can I fix a leak myself?
If you have good general knowledge of plumbing and the leak isn’t a big issue, you can fix the leak yourself using kits and tools such as tape, epoxy, or a pipe or hose clamp. We recommend taking the time to assess the leak and situation and be honest with yourself: is this job too large for you to do on your own? Are you 100 percent certain you know where the leak is and what is causing it? If you have any hesitation on your part, call Michael’s Plumbing. Fixing a small job is less expensive than fixing a small job that grew larger after a failed DIY attempt.
If you have any questions, never hesitate to call Central Florida’s leading plumbing experts at Michael’s Plumbing by calling (407) 219-9772.