FAQs

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What Is the Difference Between Urgent and Important Plumbing Services?

Urgent plumbing issues can’t wait for routine maintenance. Most urgent plumbing issues center around something going wrong with the drains, toilets, sewer pipes, showers, sinks, or grease traps. So, if you need immediate attention concerning:

• Service to a sewer line
• A leak
• Service to a water heater, etc.

It’s crucial to get quick and efficient service to address the issue right away. Important plumbing issues, on the other hand, can wait to be addressed through routine maintenance. You wouldn’t want to ignore an important plumbing issue entirely, as even a minor problem can escalate quickly. Plumbing issues you might be looking at in this case include:

• Water not coming out of faucets with as much pressure or force as anticipated
• Water starting to drain more slowly down the drains

What Are the Not-So-Obvious Signs of a Water Leak?

Chances are you’re probably familiar with the most common signs of water leaks in the home like dripping faucets, pipes, and toilets, faulty roofs, or seeing stagnant water or water marks on the wall. Other sources of water leaks may not be so obvious, and they can cause serious damage if left unattended. Some of the sneaky signs of a water leak include:

• The sound of water running when nothing is turned on
• A warm spot on the floor, which could point to a hot water pipe leak
• An unusually high water bill
• Mold or mildew growth
• Cracks in the home’s foundation
• Foul odors coming from sewers, drains, floors, and walls

When Is a Sump Pump Necessary?

Getting a sump pump is critical for properties where basement flooding is frequent. In reality, however, any property with an underground level such as a cellar, crawlspace, or basement needs one. A sump pump is like an insurance policy. The best-case scenario is to hope you’ll never need one, but basement flooding is more common than you think. If you’re ever faced with an emergency, you’ll be better off having one than having to deal with the aftermath of a flooded basement.

What Options Do I Have When Selecting a New Faucet? What Options Work Best for What I Need?

A new faucet can work wonders to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom. Faucets come in so many styles, finishes, prices, and materials. You want to choose faucets that compliment your cleaning and cooking style. Some of the options to consider include:

• Two-handle faucets are sophisticated and traditional
• One handle faucets create a classic aesthetic appeal
• Pull-down faucets make washing easier

What Are Common Types of Toilet Clogs and Failures?

A clogged toilet can be frustrating. Understanding some of the common types of clogs or failures will help you prevent future problems. Keep an eye out for these common reasons your toilet might be clogged.

• Someone flushed the wrong stuff
• You have an older-model, low-flow toilet
• Sewer line problems
• You have a blocked plumbing vent
• The toilet trap is blocked

When Is Toilet Replacement the Better Option?

Occasional repair may be all you need to keep your toilet working efficiently, but in some cases, you’re better off replacing the toilet altogether. Scenarios when toilet replacement is your best option include:

• It needs frequent repairs
• Frequent clogging
• Visual scratches
• Water wasting or inefficiency
• Toilet leaks
• High repair costs

Septic Tanks, Cesspools, and Sewers: What Are the Pros/Cons of Each?

Septic tanks

Pros

• Cost-efficient
• Environmentally friendly
• Durable

Cons

• Potential of ruptured pipes
• Backed up drains
• Requires periodic maintenance

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Cesspool

Pros

• Easy to build

Cons

• They don’t treat wastewater
• Require plenty of maintenance

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Sewers

Pros

• Little to no maintenance
• They can accommodate large amounts of wastewater

Cons

• You have limited control
• Require large amounts of energy and potentially hazardous chemicals

What Are the Benefits of Having a Water Filtration System? What Are the Dangers of Not Having One?

Clean water is vital to your health for drinking, cooking, and showering. Here are some of the benefits of filtering your water.

• Have safe drinking water
• Help preserve the environment
• Prevent skin irritation
• Save money
• Reduce plumbing repair bills
• Save on soap and enjoy cleaner clothes
• Improve the taste of drinking water

When Is a Clog More Than Just a Clog? What Services Can Address These Issues?

If you have a stubborn clog or another drainage issue, you could be having a bigger problem that requires the attention of a local professional plumber. Call our plumbers at Allens Plumbing if you experience:

• Multiple clogs
• A sewage backup
• A Persistent, foul odor

Can I Replace Drain/Sewer Lines Without Excavating My Property?

Thanks to advancements in plumbing technology, trenchless pipe repair allows plumbers to repair your drain or sewer lines without tearing up your yard. Using no-dig technology, this much more desirable alternative to traditional sewer repair is much faster. It also eliminates some of the guesswork involved in pipe repair. The two main types of trenchless pipe repair are pipe relining and pipe bursting.

What Environmental Factors Commonly Impact Sewer/Drain Lines?

Your sewer/drain line is affected by several environmental factors such as:

• Ground movement
• Soil type/PH/corrosivity
• Soil moisture
• Bedding material
• Backfill type
• Traffic characteristics
• Root interference
• Road type
• Groundwater level
• Soil sulfate level

When Is It a Good Idea to Upgrade to Solar Water Heater?

There are plenty of reasons to go solar. Cutting energy costs and improving the environment are the most common. Here are some reasons solar is more popular today than ever before and why you should go solar sooner rather than later.

• Solar is a solid investment
• The efficiency of solar panels has been trending upward
• Solar Tax Credits Available: 35% State Tax Credit, 26% Federal Tax Credit
• Rebates & Credits Available till 6/30/2021 (up to $1,050 total)
• Normally 2 -4 Year Payback on complete system installations (based on current cost/kWH)
• Most efficient way to heat hot water in Hawaii

Is a Gas-Powered Water Heater an Option for Me?

Choosing the right water heater for your home will ensure you have a steady supply of hot water and that it is produced with the least amount of energy, protecting the environment and saving you money. A gas water heater may be a bit more expensive than an electric model. However, depending on the cost of gas in your area, a gas fuel option may be cheaper to operate than an electric model.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Tankless Gas System?

Tankless water heaters, like most things, have their benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons.

Pros

• Virtually unlimited hot water
• Saves space
• Better efficiency than storage systems
• More flexible placement options

Cons

• Flow rate challenges
• High up-front costs
• Frequent maintenance requirements increase cost of operation