It is common for Ontario homeowners to be confused about plumbing issues. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or frozen pipes, the answers are not quite simple. Fortunately, the team at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical has gathered the most commonly asked questions for curious homeowners.

Question: Why is my toilet always running?

Answer: Every time you flush, the side lever of the toilet opens the flapper, allowing the water in the tank to refill after every flush. Once the water level drops, the flapper closes. If the flapper’s chain is too short, too long, or gets tangled, then the flapper can’t open for a full flush or close to let the tank refill, causing it to continuously run.

Q: Where is my main water shut-off valve?

A: Whether you are experiencing an emergency plumbing situation such as a pipe burst or going on vacation, it is important to know where your main water shut-off valve to shut off the water to the house. The valve is often in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house. Check out our video to help you locate yours!

Q: Why is my water heater making noise?

A: Rumbling sounds from the water heater can mean that sediment has built up at the bottom. Water can become trapped in this sediment and start to boil. If this is the case, the water heater will not operate efficiently because the sediment restricts the heat transferring to the water in the tank. Too much sediment can eventually cause a leak and damage the electric heating element.

Q: Why does my faucet keep dripping?

A: In most cases, the internal mechanisms within the faucet need to be repaired or replaced. This is typically an inexpensive repair. If you fail to fix leaky faucet immediately, it can result in substantial water loss over the course of time.

Q: What causes low water pressure?

A: Although using water elsewhere in the home is often the main reason you experience a sharp decrease in water pressure, lakes in the pipes, faulty valves, and blockages can also restrict water flow.

Q: Are chemical drain cleaners safe?

A: Drain cleaners are known to be quite toxic, which is not a good thing to keep around children and pets. These toxic chemicals can actually damage your pipes, causing deterioration from within. When this occurs, the drain lines must be replaced, which can be a costly repair.

If you are experiencing a plumbing issue you cannot troubleshoot, contact our licensed HVAC specialists at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.