10 Most Searched Plumbing Questions online.

1. How do I unclog a toilet?

The easiest way to clear a clogged toilet is to use a plunger. If a plunger doesn’t work, you can use a toilet auger. (A toilet auger is a hand-cranked plumbing tool with a flexible cable and protective guide tube designed to break up or retrieve clogs inside a toilet trap).

2. Why is my toilet running constantly?

Running toilets can be caused by a few different problems, worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or incorrect float adjustment.

• Flapper. Is it warped or cracked. If yes, then replace the flapper.
• Fill valve (Ballcock). Lift up on the float if the water stops adjust the float so it shuts off sooner. If the water doesn’t shut off when you lift the float you will need to replace the fill valve.

(High pressure in the home can also cause a toilet to run, check your water pressure it should be below 80psi)

3. Why is my water pressure low?

Low water pressure may be caused by leaks, mineral buildup in pipes, or a faulty pressure regulator.

Low pressure can be caused by a few different things.

• Is the pressure low on the entire home or just a single fixture.
• If just a single fixture remove and clean the aerator.
• If the whole home is low change any whole house filters, check the water softener and finally check the pressure regulator on the main line.

(Water pressure in your home should be between 50-80 psi)

4. Why do my drains keep clogging?

Hair, grease, food debris and tree roots are the most common causes of recurring clogs.

Bathroom sinks and tubs, check the pop-up assembly and tub strainers for hair clogs

Kitchen drains, grease and food debris can cause drains to plug. Never put grease down the drain and have your disposal checked to make sure it is grinding up the food properly.

Main sewers, Tree roots, corrosion and broken lines can cause recurring clogs. This is a hard one to check on your own. Have a licensed plumber come out and run a camera down the drain to diagnose any issues.

There are many options for cleaning drains properly. Cables, high pressure jetters, and chain snakes. A licensed plumber may be able to clear any obstacles, or the line may need to be repaired or replaced.

5. Why am I running out of hot water so fast?

Your water heater is too small for the home.

Your water heater is getting clogged with sediment.

A good way to check is to fill up a regular size bathtub with hot water.

A typical 5-foot residential bathtub (the standard size found in many homes) usually holds:

🔹 40–50 gallons of water when filled to a normal bathing level.
🔹 60–70 gallons if filled completely to the top (rarely done).

If you are running out of hot water before the tub is full then you will need to have your water heater checked.

6. Why is my water bill suddenly high?

Running toilets, running water softeners, underground pipe leaks or irrigation leaks are common causes of high water bills.

Check your toilets and faucets for leaks.

Check your water softener if water is running through the drain, then you will need to have it serviced.

Turn off your main water valve inside the home and then check the water meter by the street. If the meter is still running, you may have an underground leak.

7. What should I do if a pipe bursts?

If a pipe bursts in your home turn off the main water valve.

It is a good idea to know where your main water shutoff is located before anything happens. Every home is different and you may need to search. Utility rooms, under the stairs, behind small doors in walls.

8. Why does my sink drain smell bad?

This can be caused simply by a dry trap. If the sink is not used regularly the trap can dry out, allowing sewer gases to come into the room. Pour water down the drain regularly.

This can also be caused by bacteria growth and buildup in the drain. There is enzyme drain cleaners that can help remove buildup and smells. (Use enzyme cleaners not chemical cleaners.)

9. How do I find my main water shutoff valve?

It is a good idea to know where your main water shutoff is located before anything happens. Every home is different and you may need to search. Utility rooms, under the stairs, behind small doors in walls.

10. When should I call a plumber instead of fixing it myself?

If you do not feel comfortable fixing the problem yourself or feel that it might cause damage to your home or become a safety issue. You may also want to call a plumber if you don’t feel that your husband can fix it in a timely manner.

These are the 10 most searched plumbing questions on Google. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask us.

Questions are answered by Vic Bachman a Master Plumber with Mike Bachman Plumbing in Ogden Utah.