Category Archives: home plumbing services

Who hasn’t experienced this minor household emergency; you flush the toilet and instead of the familiar swirl of water leaving the bowl, nothing happens. You know you’ve got an issue, the only question is how serious is it. The source of the problem could be something that you can easily fix yourself in a matter of minutes or it may require calling in a professional to get your toilet repaired. If your toilet isn’t flushing water, these might be the reasons.

A Clogged Pipe

When you flush too much toilet paper or materials that are better disposed of in the trash, a clog can result which will keep your toilet from flushing. Depending on the severity of the issue you might be able to dislodge the clog with a plunger. A more serious clog might require a call to a plumber who will use a snake or auger to clear the pipe. Clogs can be prevented by being mindful of the amount of material you flush.

The Lift Chain Isn’t Lifting the Flapper

The lift chain is hooked to the end of the arm that connects to the flusher handle. The other end of the chain is connected to the flapper, the small piece of plastic or rubber that covers the pipe running between the tank and the bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the flapper lifts off the pipe, allowing the water to leave the tank and flow into the bowl. If the lift chain is disconnected or there is too much slack in the chain then the flapper won’t raise, preventing this simple but vital transfer from taking place. This is a simple fix that even the most unhandy person should be able to undertake. Simply lift off the top of the tank and reconnect the chain or, if there is too much slack, adjust the length of the chain.

There’s Not Enough Water in the Tank

The toilet won’t flush if there is an insufficient amount of water in the tank. When you look in the tank, the water level should be about an inch below the top of the toilet’s overflow tube, which redirects the water into the bowl when the water level in the tank is too high. If it isn’t, then you should check the water valve to make sure it hasn’t been turned off. Sometimes the valve is turned off accidentally or it might have been done in the course of winterizing the home. Turn the valve back on and then keep an eye on the water level in the tank after you flush to make sure that it fills to the correct level.

The Flapper Isn’t Functioning Properly

The flapper can become worn and warped over time which will prevent it from forming a proper seal over the pipe that connects the tank and the bowl. This is a fairly easy and inexpensive fix. Replacement flappers can be purchased at most hardware stores and are simple to install. Turn off the water to the toilet and empty the tank before putting in the new flapper. Give it a flush to ensure the problem is resolved.

Please, contact us if you are having an emergency toilet repair issue.

Old bathroom

Is Your Home Old? If the answer is yes, there are some plumbing issues that you should be aware of. That older home of yours can lose a lot of its charm when you are constantly dealing with problems ranging from low water pressure to a backed up sewer. Sometimes the fix can be tricky and time-consuming or expensive if you aren’t able to do the work yourself. Here are some of the usual suspects when it comes to serious plumbing issues in older houses.

Normal Wear and Tear

Like anything in an old house, you have to expect a certain amount of natural deterioration that comes with day to day use over a long period of time. But understand why something happens doesn’t make it any less problematic. Eventually, small leaks can grow into large leaks and can leave you with water damage that will only compound the challenges of maintaining an older home. Relining the pipes is one alternative to completely replumbing the house.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Older homes are more likely to have galvanized steel pipes rather than plastic or copper pipes that are more common in newer homes that you may want to have inspected. Over time, those older pipes begin to rust and corrode. This affects the performance of water pipes, making them susceptible to water pressure problems and clogs. If you get brown water when you first turn on the faucet that means you have a rust problem. You will want to replace steel pipes to head off any major leaks before they occur and turn your quaint old home into a money pit. Other older materials including clay sewer lines and cast iron drains can pose their own problems.

Plumbing That Has Been Altered Numerous Times

If you have a leak, it may be more difficult to run down the problem in an older home. Odds are previous owners have altered and reconfigured the plumbing in the house several times which can make finding the source of an issue that much more difficult. Eliminating any extraneous pipes can not only cut down on the clutter but can also shorten up the amount of time it takes to react to a plumbing emergency.

Small Vent Pipes

When most older homes were built two-inch vent pipes were the norm. These smaller vent pipes are inadequate to meet the needs of a modern household and can lead to slow drainage, among other problems. Replacing those undersized vent pipes with three-inch pipes will prevent headaches in the future.

Tree Roots in the Sewer Line

Large trees growing in the yard are often part of the allure of an older house at least until the roots start growing into the septic tank or into your slab causing a slab leak. This can cause the sewer to back up, or water line breakage and inflict serious damage on your property. You’ll want to take action the first time you have this issue or you could have a really big problem later.

Noisy Pipes

Your house can sound haunted when old pipes start creaking as they expand and contract. The solution to this problem is fairly easy and inexpensive. By adding some insulation, you can help keep the pipes at a constant temperature and eliminate the noise.

Davis Plumbing & Drain offers plumbing service inspections in older homes. Please call to scheduled yours today.

There are several reasons why a home can have mold growth, but whatever the reason, you need to determine the source to repair the problem before beginning a cleanup. Having mold in your home is dangerous because it causes symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy skin and chronic coughing. Here are three causes of mold inside a home that you must look for and fix.

Leaking Roof

You might not realize that a home’s roof has holes because it is not something you inspect on a regular basis. However, tiny cracks can permit moisture to enter after it rains or snows, and the moisture causes serious problems. Small amounts of moisture can leak into a home to damage ceilings and walls. Because mold spores thrive in moisture, colonies begin to grow rapidly and send out more spores into a home’s ductwork.

Leaking Pipes

Old degraded plumbing can lead to mold growth inside a home because pipes and connectors begin to leak and will need to be re-piped. The tiny drops of water soak into drywall and insulation, helping mold spores to grow. This type of mold can grow inside walls for several years without homeowners noticing, and unless the materials are removed and cleaned thoroughly, the building’s occupants can begin to experience health problems.

Poor Air Circulation

Mold spores will grow quickly in areas of your home that have high humidity levels and poor air circulation. Spaces such as attics, closets and basements are also dark, creating a perfect environment for mold to grow. Homeowners may not enter these spaces for several months and not realize that mold is growing on the walls, floors or ceilings until serious damage occurs that requires tearing out materials before sanitizing underlying surfaces.