ABC Blog

How to Unclog a Clogged Sink Drain

a kitchen sink

Homeowners don’t realize how much they depend on their sink until it’s clogged. When this plumbing fixture isn’t working, you can’t wash your hands, fruit, vegetables and dishes. Unfortunately, all households will deal with a clogged sink at some point. It happens when food particles, hair, soap scum, grease and other debris get stuck in the drain.

Getting out of this sticky situation doesn’t have to be complicated. Some DIY methods can help free up your sink and let the water drain again. If none of them work, it’s time to contact a professional plumber to come to your rescue. A licensed plumber has the tools and expertise to address any plumbing concern.

DIY Methods to Deal With a Clogged Sink Drain

The first step is to identify what type of clog you are dealing with. A kitchen sink clog is different from a bathroom sink clog. Kitchen sinks usually have a garbage … Read Full Post »

Why Is My Water Heater Making Noises?

a technician working on a water heater

Do you hear strange noises coming from your water heater? Whether it’s a rumbling sound, a hiss, popping or high-pitched whistling, these noises will have homeowners scratching their heads.

Each type of noise a water heater makes could indicate an underlying problem in your plumbing system. Once you identify the type of noise coming from your water heater, contact a professional plumber to make the necessary repairs.

Why Is My Water Heater Making Noises?

Water heaters often make strange noises when they have maintenance issues or need repair. There are several noises that a water heater could make, so it’s important for homeowners to understand them and what each noise means so that they can take the proper action.

Staying on top of water heater maintenance is the best way to ensure that your water heater has a long lifespan and your home doesn’t experience a lack of hot water. Keep reading to learn … Read Full Post »

My Toilet Is Leaking Into the Bowl: What’s Wrong?

a bathroom

Many homeowners take their toilets for granted, but just like any plumbing fixture, they need proper maintenance. Toilets can cause major indoor leaks, wasting as much as five gallons a minute. You can save a lot of water when you pay attention and catch problems early.

If you suspect your toilet is leaking into the bowl, here’s how to confirm your suspicions and troubleshoot the issue. But as with most plumbing issues, contacting the pros is the best solution. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to determine the cause and provide an effective solution.

How To Know If Your Toilet Leaks Into the Bowl

If you think your toilet leaks into the bowl, the first telltale sign is a massive spike in your water bill. Here are other ways to determine if you have a leaking toilet.

Use Food Coloring

Pour a bit of food coloring into the toilet tank and mark the water … Read Full Post »

How To Find a Water Leak in Your House

water dripping off a pipe

Your home may seem like a serene haven, but there might be sneaky leaks ready to wreak havoc. Leaks can cause massive spikes in your water bill and damage your beloved house. The key to preserving the peace in your home is early detection.

The sooner you sniff out a water leak, the less trouble it can cause. To help you, here are the common signs of a water leak you should look out for. Contact the professional plumbers immediately if you notice anything suspicious. They have the tools and expertise to perform the necessary repairs.

How To Find Water Leaks in the House

All homeowners will face a leak at some point. It’s a common problem even in new homes. Unfortunately, leaks aren’t always obvious, so you have to be extra attentive to find a water leak. Here are the most common signs of a leak.

Changing Water Meter

If you think there’s a … Read Full Post »

My Water Heater Is Making a Knocking Noise

a water heater

There is no better way to end a long day than hopping in the shower and letting the hot water relax you. But that peace will quickly go away if your water heater is making a knocking noise. That is a sign of a problem that you should not ignore. If you’re experiencing this issue, here are some possible explanations and what you should do about it.

What Does It Mean When Your Water Heater Is Making a Knocking Noise?

The most common culprit behind a water heater that makes a knocking noise is residue buildup. Minerals and particles like calcium can find their way inside your water heater and accumulate over time. Aluminum anode rods inside the water heater, plus high pH levels, can also produce gel-like sediment.

The residue buildup traps water at the bottom of the tank near the heating element. As the water heats up, it will bubble up … Read Full Post »

When To Replace Your Water Heater

a water heater

When water heaters run correctly and efficiently, they operate in the background of your home and make your life easier without you having to think about it. However, when water heaters start having problems, they can become a major headache.

The top question that homeowners ask about their water heater is how they will know when it’s time to replace it with a new model. Luckily, there are several signs to look for, such as an uptick in your energy bill, leaks, weird noises, inconsistent water temperature and more.

Some homeowners also experience a rotten egg smell coming from their faucets or water heater, which is a sign of damage inside their water tank.

Lastly, leaking from the side panel of your water heater is usually due to your temperature pressure relief valve releasing, which is a crucial safety mechanism.

If you experience any of these issues with your water heater, it’s important to … Read Full Post »

Garbage Disposal Is Jammed: What Should I Do?

a kitchen sink

A jammed garbage disposal can interfere with a lot of your activities in the kitchen. If there is a humming sound, but the blades are not turning, that is a sign of a clogged motor. Sometimes, all it takes is pressing the reset button to get it running again. But other times, it requires more effort.

Here’s an in-depth guide to help you troubleshoot a jammed garbage disposal and understand why it happens in the first place. If you are having trouble fixing the issue, contact a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done.

How To Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal

Safety should always be your top priority. While a garbage disposal’s blades are dull, they can cause harm if you don’t practice basic safety measures. Never put your hands inside the garbage disposal, even if you think something is lodged inside.

Additionally, never work while the garbage … Read Full Post »

Bathtub Faucet Leaking After Water Is Turned Off

a bathroom

A hot bath is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day. But it can lead to frustration if the bathtub faucet keeps dripping when you turn it off. Not only is it an irritating sound, but it also wastes a lot of water and can raise your water bill.

There are many possible reasons for this issue. It is best to troubleshoot it as quickly as you can. If nothing works, contact the professionals. A licensed plumber will pinpoint the cause and fix your bathtub.

Reasons Why Your Bathtub Faucet Is Leaking After the Water Is Turned Off

There are three common culprits behind a leaking bathtub faucet. Here’s a closer look at each of the possible causes and how you can troubleshoot them.

Worn-Out O-Ring or Washer

Faucets have various small parts inside them that work together to manage the flow and temperature of water. But they can corrode and … Read Full Post »

How To Test Water Quality

a shower head

Water is part of our everyday lives, so we often don’t pay much attention to it. But, it is important to find out if the water in your home is clean and safe. It should be free of chlorine, lead and other impurities.

Homeowners on municipal water should receive a Confidence Consumer Report for their water’s quality. You can contact your local water supplier if you are not getting your annual water quality report. You can also test your water yourself. Doing so will take a little effort, but your body will thank you later.

If you don’t know how to test water quality, here is everything you need to know about the process.

How To Use a Water Home Testing Kit

If you are worried about contaminants in your water, a home testing kit can provide accurate results. They come in various forms, depending on what you are testing for. They can be … Read Full Post »

My Toilet Keeps Running: What’s Wrong?

a toilet in a bathroom

The only time toilets should make noise is when you flush them. If you hear it running continuously, it indicates a problem that requires fixing. A running toilet can cause your water bill to skyrocket and can waste water, so it’s important not to ignore this issue.

Fortunately, the basic toilet design hasn’t changed in decades, and troubleshooting this problem is typically straightforward. However, you should contact a professional plumber if you’ve tried everything but still can’t get your toilet to stop running.

Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

There are a few possible culprits and solutions if your toilet keeps running. But, before you troubleshoot, familiarize yourself with the different toilet parts and understand how they work. You can do this by shutting off your toilet’s water supply and removing the tank lid to see the components inside. You’ll find the following: