Your Questions Answered: Plumbing FAQs

Have you ever been faced with a plumbing situation that you weren’t sure how to handle? For example, have you have ever had a major leak? Do your pipes make noise more often than you think they should? Whether your question be related to something big or small, we at Barker and Sons Plumbing & Heating want to make sure you have the right answer available to you so that you know what steps, if any, must be taken next. That’s why we’ve put together the following list of answers to your plumbing FAQs:

Plumbing FAQs
FAQ’s

Q: What should I do if I find a serious leak?
A: 
Regardless of where the leak is coming from, the first thing you must always do is shut off the water supply. This can be done by locating your main shutoff valve, but if you don’t have one or are uncertain of where it is or what to look for, you can turn to your meter as a last resort and shut it off through there. As soon as this is done, pick up the phone and give us a call!

Q: What should I do if I think my home has a leak but I can’t find it?
A: If you have trouble locating the source but suspect that water is leaking somewhere in your home, read your water meter to find out the level that your water is currently at. Then, leave water based appliances and fixtures alone for a few hours (such as your toilet and sink) so that water isn’t being used. After some time has passed, read your water meter for a second time – if the level is different, you have a leak!

Q: What should I do if I find that the sewer line is blocked?
A: 
Though this can definitely be a scary finding, the good news is that a sewer line job isn’t as big a deal as it sounds (especially when you use Barker and Sons)! If your sewer line is giving you trouble, you’ll just need to have it repaired or replaced.

Q: Are there certain items I SHOULDN’T put down the garbage disposal?
A: 
Yes, yes and yes! First and foremost, fibrous foods are a huge no-no when it comes to your garbage disposal. Since they can get tangled in your blades, it’s pretty obvious that they will cause your disposal to stop working properly. Other foods that you should keep out of your disposal include bone fragments, potato skins and banana peels. Additionally, you never ever pour grease down the drain either.

Still have questions about your plumbing? We’ve got you covered! Check out our comprehensive list of FAQs here or visit us on our Facebook page to ask. We look forward to being able to assist you with all of your plumbing needs!