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If you ask anyone who works for a professional plumbing service in Plano, TX, about the questions they get asked most often, the five questions listed here will be at the top of their list. But, just because these problems seem to happen a lot doesn’t mean they all have simple answers.
Why Do I Have Cloudy Water?
If you turn on your tap and the water that comes out looks like skim milk, there are a few reasons this could be happening.
Air bubbles can make the water look cloudy. Your tap water can end up looking bubbly because of changes in water and temperature, particularly when the weather has a sudden shift to cold. The good news is that air bubbles in the water are harmless and should go away on their own.
If the water looks more dirty than milky white, believe it or not, this is also usually harmless. It’s not unusual for tiny particles of sand and dirt to get into the water supply. If this type of cloudiness isn’t due to a temporary issue, like the municipality doing work on your water system, you can clear up your home’s water with a sediment filter.
While most causes of water discoloration in Plano, TX, aren’t serious causes for concern, if you have a well or other private source of water, the EPA recommends that you get your water quality tested by a plumbing service every year for bacteria, nitrates, dissolved solids and pH levels. Public water companies usually provide their customers with water-quality reports each July.
Why Is My Water Bill So High?
If you notice a spike in your water bill that you can’t explain by seasonal changes like filling your backyard pool or having a houseful of kids home for the summer, there are a few places to look for an explanation.
Leaks are often to blame for spikes in water utility costs. Properly functioning toilets account for nearly 25% of the typical family’s water bill. When a toilet leaks, it could waste hundreds of gallons of water a day and run up your costs significantly.
While drips from leaky faucets might seem small, they can also waste a surprisingly large amount of water and increase your bill. You should also check sprinkler systems. If none of those sources show signs of leaks, your main water line could be cracked or loose. If you suspect that may be the case in your home, you should call a plumbing service to perform an inspection.
If your water bill just seems higher than it should be on a consistent basis, old, inefficient fixtures and appliances could be the culprits. Replacing them with new, water-saving versions will pay for itself relatively quickly.
Why Are the Pipes So Noisy?
Are you concerned about water pipes that make knocking or banging sounds? Sometimes, new appliances work so fast that the pipes shake when there’s a shift in water pressure, particularly if the pipes that aren’t fastened securely enough. It can also be caused by air that’s trapped.
If the banging and ratting keep happening, the pipes can sustain damage. Never mind that this noise can also be disturbing and annoying to listen to. Since the cause of noisy pipes can vary, you may need a professional to evaluate the problem. A plumbing service can resolve noisy pipes by installing solutions like strategically placed pipe straps or water-hammer arrestors.
Pipes that make a gurgling sound usually have an obstruction somewhere and need a professional draining cleaning to remove things like lodged objects or built-up mineral deposits.
Why Do I Smell Sewage in My Home?
You shouldn’t smell sewer gas in your home unless there’s a problem. A simple cause for a sewer smell is a dry drain trap; most home drains have a J-shaped pipe that’s made to hold water in the crook of the J. The water creates a seal that stops sewer gas from getting through. You can prevent that from happening by running water down drains that aren’t used often. Sewer gas could also enter the home through a broken wax seal under a toilet or a vent line in the property that’s malfunctioning.
A sulfur smell coming from the water could be an indication of a water quality issue, and you should get your water tested if you notice that type of smell.
If the cause of a sewer smell in your home doesn’t seem to be a simple dry drain, there could be a major issue with improperly installed plumbing systems in the house. If you have a mysterious sewer gas smell in your Plano, TX, property, you should contact a professional plumbing service to investigate the cause and fix any problems.
Why Does the Toilet Keep Running?
Does your toilet take way too long to settle down after a flush? Especially if your toilet is at least 3 to 5 years old, the culprit could be a broken flapper. You can find this part, also known as a flush-valve seal, in the tank of the toilet. The flapper tends to degrade after several years and should be replaced when it starts to look rough. A toilet can have problems with this and other parts leaking for a long time before you hear or see it, wasting water and running up your water bill in the process. If replacing the flapper doesn’t stop the running-toilet issue, there could be a problem with the flush-valve seat, and replacing that can be a fairly big job.
Some plumbing issues, like cloudy water, aren’t usually a cause of worry. However, other issues can cause problems for your finances and, potentially, your health. You can keep your home and family safe with professional plumbing services in Plano, TX.
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