Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not put into my garbage disposal?
Here’s a quick and dirty list:
- Ground meat or large chunks of meat
- Coffee grounds
- Grease or bacon fat
- Rice, pasta, or other grains
- Onion, carrot, or potato peelings
- Eggshells
- Pits, bones, nuts, shells
Basically, if we’re talking about a small amount of food that you scrape off your dish, that’s fine—that’s what your garbage disposal is for! But if you put large amounts of food into it, you’ll experience problems. Make sure to run cold water while you’re using the disposal and occasionally throw down some citrus peels to improve the smell. (Note that we can help properly size the disposal for your needs, so that it doesn’t get overloaded.)
How do I winterize my plumbing?
To protect your plumbing during those long, cold winter months:
- Turn off your outside taps (hose bibs) inside your house after you’ve opened and drained them.
- Turn off and drain any outdoor showers or any irrigation systems.
- Make sure there is proper insulation on your waterlines near outside walls or in cold spaces like the basement or attic. (If you need, we can install a product that will keep things warm and flowing.)
Why does my kitchen sink keep clogging?
When a kitchen sink keeps clogging, it’s so frustrating, but oftentimes it’s not because of a major problem. Here are the possibilities:
- If it’s only your kitchen sink, your sink drainage may be improperly installed – fortunately, this is an easy fix!
- You may be putting things down your sink that do not belong there – see FAQ #1.
- If it’s more than just your sink backing up regularly, we can come asses the issue. You may need camera work or jetting done or an adjustment to back grading pipes.
Why does it take so long for my water to heat up?
If your hot water tank is located far away from the faucet or showerhead you’re using, it might just take a while for the water to get there. If that’s the case, we can install a recirculation line that will give you instant hot water. In fact, many on-demand water systems come “recirculation ready” and are easy for us to connect.
Why is my water pressure too low/too high?
If your water pressure is too low or two high, it might be because you have:
- A faulty pressure reducing valve (PRV)
- A fixture that doesn’t fit your needs (e.g., a large diameter rainhead in your shower
- Sediment in your line
- A need for a pressure pump or tank if you’re on well water
We can come figure it out—it’s usually it is an easy fix!