Month: August 2017

So, you’ve found your dream home- congratulations! Although you may be excited to make an offer and move in right away, it is important to check to make sure things are working properly in this new home. Starting with a home inspection is great, but often inspectors cannot thoroughly inspect the entire plumbing system. A plumber will be able to do this inspection, but many homeowners often ask for this after already moving into the home. Read on for three plumbing features to check before you make that offer.

1. The Main Sewer
   Most people forget about the main sewer line, but it is an integral part of the home and must be kept in good condition. If your line is close to collapsing, it can be disastrous and may cost you more money that you have budgeted for your new home. By getting a certified plumber to do a sewer line inspection with a camera, you will be safe from unwanted surprises later. Since you don’t always know if you home you are buying has drainage problems, it is better to be safe than sorry!

2. The Water Heater(s)
   Do you know how old the water heater in your new home is? The average life for a water heater is 10 years, but this can vary depending on a few factors. You can find out the age by the model and serial number on the side of the heater. After you find out the age of your new water heater, take a look at the area around it. If it leaks, will it ruin carpet or hardwood? It is a good idea to get a licensed plumber to inspect the heater and give you some options for either replacing the heater or keeping the current one up to code.

3. The Toilets
   A common problem among homeowners is a leak at the base of a toilet. Many people do not fix this small problem, and this causes it to turn into a larger case of floor rot. When checking out the bathrooms in a potential new home, look for discoloration or warping around the base of the toilet. Also feel the floor to check if it moves or feels soft. Lastly, the toilet bowl should be fixed in place and not have any wobble. If you are uncertain about if the toilet is leaky or not, consult a plumber.

For help with plumbing inspections in a potential new home, contact us at Goodsense Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today.

It happens to everyone. One day a toilet in your home stops working properly, and you notice the water is low. Many people do not pay attention to their toilet water levels, but this is often the cause of most toilet malfunctions. Take a look below at the most common causes of low toilet water, so you know what to fix next time your toilet stops working.

1. The Tube
   Along the top of the ballcock you will find a ⅛ inch tube. This tube connects to the overflow tube, but can sometimes become disconnected. If it is not properly connected, water is not able to go directly into the bowl of the toilet. Fix a disconnect by finding some pliers and adjusting the tube back in place. Be careful not to tighten it too much as you could damage the tube or tank!
2. The Bowl
   Sometimes the bowl of your toilet may have a defect that causes the water level to be low. Small bubbles may occur in the china which may leak out water, but this can easily be fixed by a small patch from the manufacturer. If you get a patch for this problem, keep an eye on it as this can often only be a temporary fix and water may start to leak through the patch again.
3. The Stopper
   Often the toilet float can be tangled with the chain or there may be something blocking it, which causes the toilet to continuously run. Take a look at your stopper- if the chain is too long is may be able to tangle too easily, or if it is too short it may prevent the stopper from fully sealing. A quick check on this can fix your toilet in no time.

If you have an ongoing problem with a toilet in your home or business, and these quick tricks do not offer relief, contact us here at Goodsense Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today.