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Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Houston

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Question: How often should I have my septic system inspected?
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four years. You may not be experiencing any problem now, but a full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field, which is the part of the system that consists of a distribution box with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stone that drains into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field, it becomes blocked and ineffective.

Question: How can I conserve energy, yet also be sure that there is enough hot water?
Most people are comfortable with a setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the standard factory presetting. On a gas model, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric models, the thermostats are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank. Note: Turn off the electricity before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the panels containing high voltage.

Question: What can I do about a buildup of a white substance around the area where the water comes out of the faucet?
This buildup is mineral deposits. To remove these deposits from the showerhead, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it. Place the bag over the showerhead and secure overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to scrub the deposits off. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and soak them in the vinegar overnight.

Question: In our household, we are constantly running out of hot water in the shower.
There are two possibilities. First, the dip tube has broken off. This is a tube that forces incoming water to the bottom of the tank so that hot water will be drawn off of the top. When the dip tube breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water and cools it down. Second, if your water heater is electric, the lower element that heats the water may not be operating properly; thus, only the upper half of the tank will heat up. The cause of this problem could be a bad element or a thermostat malfunction.

• Don't use excessive amounts of detergents, bleach or chemicals that may kill the natural bacteria in your septic system.

• Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.

• To prevent excessive watering of your lawn in the summertime, purchase an inexpensive spring-loaded timer which attaches directly to your outside faucet. This will prevent over-watering in case you forget to shut off the sprinkler.

• Water pressure in your home above 60 pounds per square inch is harmful to your plumbing system and will cause excessive water usage. Contact your local water authority to find out what the water pressure is on your street.

If it exceeds 60 pounds, consider installing a pressure reducing valve that will limit the water pressure within your home.

• Conserve energy by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or medium setting on older models.

• When replacing plumbing fixtures, consider the long term savings by purchasing a high efficiency water heater, or a low water consumption fixture.

• Toilets consume more than 40% of your total water usage. Installation of a new toilet flapper and fill valve will keep your toilet running efficiently.

• Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high water pressures.

• Don't put up with any slowly dripping faucets. A slow drip can waste as much as 150 gallons of water each day, or 4,500 gallons per month, and will add to the water bill.

For complete plumbing services from a contractor you can trust.

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