Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions

Plumbing FAQ

Why did my water service break?

Material failure is a common cause of water service leaks with plastic piping. Over time pipe materials wear out. Hard water, chlorine, ammonia, and acids will shorten the life of any water pipe.

Ground shifts As the ground cools off and heats ups throughout the seasons the ground tends to shift adding extra stress or crushing the water pipe. This added stress may cause the pipe to fail.

What about Copper water services?

Most failures with cooper water services result form the acids in the water or ground that deteriorates copper. In both cases there is always the possibility of improper installation.

How deep is my Water Service?

36 inches is a standard in California. International Plumbing code states that a water service must be six inches below the freeze line. Thus your water service could range from 36 inches to 20 feet.

High Pressure Makes My Toilet *Runs* (with new ballcock)?

If your water pressure is so high that it leaks past a Wolverine Brass ballcock or another new ballcock - then you NEED a pressure-reducing valve. Other water pipes, connectors, clothes washing machine hoses and your water heater could leak or break. Best to get a pressure regulator if your pressure to the house is more than 60 pounds (80 is code throughout most of the U.S.).

Bathroom faucet drips, Why?

Could be a loose washer The pressure holds it down when no other faucet is running water and the lower pressure let's it rise up a bit when other water is used.