FAQs

Pipe corrosion is typically the result of water quality issues. The most common culprits include chemicals in the water, the water's pH level, high oxygen content, water temperature, or a combination of high water pressure and velocity moving through the lines.

There is a simple test you can perform using your water meter. First, record the current reading on your meter. Ensure no water is used in the house for several hours (doing this overnight is usually best). Check the meter again in the morning; if the reading has changed, you likely have a leak. Call Roto-Rooter immediately to investigate and resolve the issue.

Absolutely. Leaks tend to expand as they age, increasing the risk of significant property damage. Detecting and repairing leaks early offers several benefits, including eliminating water waste, preventing structural damage, avoiding emergency repair costs, and reducing the need for water repressurization.

Yes. As water escapes, it corrodes the surrounding pipe or fixture material. Even a tiny "pinhole" leak can grow over time, eventually causing serious damage to your home.

A soft, damp cloth is usually sufficient for most faucets. If you need something stronger for stubborn spots, check the manufacturer's recommendations. Always avoid abrasive pads or harsh cleaners, as they can scratch the finish.

It wastes more than you think. While a single drop seems insignificant, it adds up quickly (approx. 15,140 drops equal a gallon). A faucet dripping 10 times a minute wastes nearly 350 gallons a year. If you have multiple leaky faucets, you could be losing over 1,000 gallons annually. Contact Roto-Rooter today to stop the waste and save money.

If the finish is still good and parts are available, repair is a great option. However, if the faucet is old, parts are hard to find, or corrosion is severe, replacement might be the easier and more cost-effective choice.

Leaks are usually caused by corroded internal parts like O-rings, gaskets, or valve seats. These components hold the water back, so when they degrade, water slips through. You can sometimes fix this by tightening internal nuts or replacing cartridges/washers. If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, contact Roto-Rooter for a professional repair.

You should only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing items like baby wipes (even "flushable" ones), paper towels, sanitary products, diapers, cotton swabs, hair, food scraps, or kitty litter, as these can cause severe clogs or septic damage.

You might have a "silent" toilet leak. To test this, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 30 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the tank is leaking into the bowl. Contact Roto-Rooter for a repair.

This typically indicates a clogged garbage disposal. The dishwasher drains into the disposal, so if the disposal is blocked with food, the water backs up. Always run the disposal with cold water to clear it before starting the dishwasher. If the problem persists, Roto-Rooter can help clear the line.

Avoid fibrous foods like celery, asparagus, and corn husks, as they can tangle the blades. Also, avoid potato skins, bones, eggshells, banana peels, grease/fats, popcorn kernels, onion skins, and fruit pits.

Not necessarily. First, turn it off and unplug it. Check for jams (like a spoon dropped inside). If it's clear, plug it back in and press the small "Reset" button on the bottom of the unit. You can also check your circuit breaker. If these steps don't work, call Roto-Rooter.

The necessary horsepower depends on the drainage area, groundwater depth, and basement depth. A 1/3 HP pump is standard for most homes, but unique situations may require more power.

The most common cause is a power outage during a storm—exactly when you need the pump most. Installing a battery backup system ensures your pump keeps running even when the power goes out.

If your basement floods frequently or your property grade directs water toward your foundation, a sump pump is essential. It protects your basement and stored items from water damage and high water tables.

The biggest advantage is an endless supply of hot water, which is great for large families. They also eliminate the risk of tank leaks/flooding and reduce energy bills since they only heat water on demand rather than storing hot water 24/7.

Sizing depends on your peak usage (e.g., simultaneous showers and dishwasher cycles). Estimate your household's gallons-per-minute needs and contact Roto-Rooter to find the right unit for your family.

No. While early models decades ago had issues, modern technology has made them extremely durable. They often last 20 years or more—longer than traditional tank heaters.

Yes, but hard water affects them just like it does standard heaters. If you have hard water, we highly recommend using a water softener alongside your tankless unit to prevent scale buildup.

This is usually caused by high pressure or thermal expansion inside the tank. It is a safety feature, but a leak means something needs adjustment. Contact Roto-Rooter to replace the valve or address the pressure issue.

The water entering your home from outside is much colder in winter. Your heater has to work harder to warm it up, and mixing this colder water cools down the tank faster. Sediment buildup can also reduce efficiency.

Gas heaters typically last 8-12 years, while electric ones last 10-15 years. You should consider replacement if you see rust-colored water, moisture around the base, or if you consistently run out of hot water.

This smell is caused by a reaction between sulfur/bacteria in the water and the magnesium anode rod in your tank. It’s not harmful but is unpleasant. Replacing the anode rod or treating the water can fix the odor.