Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do you charge for your service calls?
A: For a service call to investigate a problem, or if we have to come out to give you an estimate that we cannot provide over the phone, the charge is $85. Please call for additional details.

Q: Why do my frost free outdoor hose bibbs freeze and break in the winter?
A: The most common reason is when homeowners leave the hose attached to the spigot and the hose bibb cannot drain properly, the water remaining in the hose and hose bibb will freeze and burst the hose bibb. Disconnecting the hose from the spigot before the first frost can help elminate this problem and possibly save you hundreds of dollars.

Q: Why do I only get a minute or two of hot water and then it gets cold?
A: This usually happens when the dip tube inside the water heater has broken off. When the cold water comes into your water heater the dip tube brings it to the bottom of the water heater which forces the already heated water up to the top and out to your fixtures. If the dip tube is broken off the cold water enters the water heater at the top and just recirculates back out to your fixtures.

Q: I have an electric water heater and my hot water starts cooling down sooner than it used to, what causes this?
A: This can often occur when your lower thermostat or heating element is no longer operating properly. Testing and replacing the faulty part will often eleviate the problem. Another cause could be too high of a demand for the water heater to handle.

Q: Everything drains very slow and sometimes backs up, is there any way to find out what is causing this?
A: Yes. First the line must be cleared and flowing properly, which can usually be accomplished by snaking the line. To find out what is causing the problem we can provide camera inspection and diagnosis letting you know what will need to be done in order to eliminate the problem.

Q: When we use the water in the house, there is a humming or buzzing sound, is this a common problem or a ghost?
A: Actually, this is a rather common problem resulting from a faulty pressure reducing valve. Replacement of the valve will quiet your home down.

Q: My last water bill was huge but our water usage has not changed, why did this happen?
A: Other than the price of water being raised by your local utility company, you should first check that all of your toilets are working properly and not running constantly. If you have determined that there are no leaking pipes in the house, your next step should be to ensure that all outside hose bibbs turn off completely. If there is still a problem you should call your local water authority to check your main water service line for leaks.

Q: Why is there a foul odor coming from our guest bathroom?
A: This can often happen when a bathroom is used infrequently. Try slowly pouring a mixture of a half cup of bleach and one gallon of hot water in the sink and shower or tub drains and then rinse with hot water after about 15 to 20 minutes.