Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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I Need a Whole House Water Filter. Which Type Should I Get?Reverse osmosis (RO) water filters are generally some of the best and most effective whole-home water filtration systems. Make sure the one you choose is certified by the NSF and California Department of Public Health. Carbon filters are also effective at trapping and removing chlorine, odor, and VOCs from your water. However, if you are looking to remove bacteria, viruses, lead, fluoride, and pesticides RO systems generally perform better.
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When Should I Call a Professional Drain Cleaning Service?Having one or multiple clogged drains is a sign you need professional drain cleaning. Another indication that a cleaning is needed is if you notice bad smells coming from the drains. This often indicates food could be trapped inside the drain or point to a serious issue in the sewer line. Flooding from a sewage backup is the worst problem associated with drain clogs. It is also the most obvious sign that your drains need serious attention.
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What Should I Look For When Choosing Plumbers Near Me?Always look for the plumber’s license number that should be displayed on the website. Plumbers you hire should also be insured. Make sure the plumbing company you hire has a number of years working in the industry and in the service area. The more experience they have working in the area you live the more they will know what works and what doesn’t. Be sure to look at reviews. If the majority are positive, it makes sense that you’ll be more likely to be satisfied with your service as well.
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What Does an Emergency Plumber Handle?Emergency plumbers can repair a range of issues from gas leaks to burst pipes. Gas leaks are a major hazard that must be repaired immediately. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, call a licensed plumber like Resolved Home Services. Burst pipes are another major plumbing emergency homeowners may experience. Burst pipes can result in serious damage to your property and belongings. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply and call an emergency plumber immediately. Other plumbing emergencies include clogged or overflowing toilets, a broken or leaking water heater tank, and clogged drains as they can indicate more serious problems in the main sewer line.
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I’ve Got a Toilet Overflowing. What Should I Do First?First, stop the flow of water into the toilet to minimize flood damage. Remove the tank lid and press down on the flapper valve (don't worry, the water inside the tank is clean). This will prevent any more water from getting into the bowl, stopping water from overflowing over the sides.
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How Do I Know if I Need Water Heater Repair Versus Replacement?We often recommend using the 50-50 rule when determining whether to repair or replace a water heater. If any repair costs half of what it would cost to replace, you should replace it. However, other factors should be considered such as: the age and how often repairs are needed. If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old and requires frequent repairs, then replacement is recommended. However, if it is still relatively new, then repair may be the most cost-effective option.
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Is a Water Heater Leaking Considered an Emergency?Yes. A leaking water heater could explode due to high pressure. If your water heater is leaking, contact an emergency plumber to fix the issue immediately. While high pressure is to blame in some cases, other reasons a water heater could be leaking can include a loose drain valve, faulty gasket, or corroded water heater tank. If the tank is corroded, replacing the water heater is the only solution. Not fixing or replacing the water heater in a timely manner can result in water damage to your home.
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I Have Low Water Pressure. What Should I Do?First check to see if your main water shut-off valve is fully open. Next, see if you have a pressure reducing valve installed. The settings may need to be adjusted by a licensed plumber to make sure you get the right amount of pressure. Other causes of low water pressure include mineral deposit buildup and water leaks. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, our expert plumbers will be able to diagnose the issue and provide the right solution.
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Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater? What’s the Difference?Tankless water heaters are a great option for many families. The biggest benefit is that they offer endless hot water. They are much smaller than conventional units so they are great for apartments or homes with limited space. While tankless units have a higher upfront cost than tank water heaters, they have a longer lifespan and generally require fewer repairs. Since they heat water only when it’s needed, they are much more energy-efficient, so you may save money in the long run.
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Can You Perform Sewer Line Replacement Without Messing up My Yard?Yes! Trenchless sewer line repair can save you time and money since you do not have to have your yard excavated. We use the latest trenchless and CIPP (cured in place pipe) technology to repair your sewer pipes without the mess of traditional dig and trench sewer pipe replacement. Cured in place pipe trenchless method works by depositing resin into a liner and then it is “cured” in place to attach to the walls of the existing pipeline to act as a new pipe.
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Do I Really Need a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home?When purchasing a new home, it is important to inspect your sewer system. Homes may go on the market with serious plumbing issues, such as sewer line problems. Pipe leaks can also go unnoticed without a thorough plumbing inspection. It’s recommended that you work with a professional plumber who can provide accurate inspection and a detailed report on what work may need to be done on the plumbing system. Our inspections typically include visual assessment as well as camera inspection to pinpoint where any problems may be occurring. This report can help would-be homebuyers to spot issues so they can be repaired prior to move-in and also to negotiate the best price on the home.
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What’s the Difference Between Pipe Lining, Slip Lining, and Pipe Bursting?Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe repair method that breaks and expands an existing pipe and replaces it with a new one simultaneously. Your plumber pulls a bursting head or pipe through the old pipe then it breaks the existing pipe as it drags and lays the new pipe. Pipelining or slip lining is a trenchless pipe repair method that installs an epoxy liner into a damaged pipe. Your plumber inserts a liner into an existing pipe, then applies heat to expand and cure the new pipe into place.
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Who Is Responsible for Fixing My Sewer Line? Will Homeowners Insurance Cover It?Homeowners are typically responsible for all maintenance and repairs for sewer lines from the connection at the street into their homes. Unfortunately, your homeowners' insurance won’t cover most types of damage to your sewer lines or any other service lines unless you’ve added coverage specifically for your sewer lines. Whether your homeowners' insurance will cover fixing your sewer line depends on where the damage occurred and the type of damage the line sustained. Standard homeowners insurance policies will only cover accidental and sudden damage to the pipes and other systems within your property but don’t always extend to the service lines that are on your property but run outside your home.
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What Is the Best Drain Cleaning Method?With so many drain cleaning options out there today, it’s hard to know which is the best option for your pestering plumbing issues. The most common drain cleaning methods available today include:
- Plungers
- Augers
- Home remedies
- Hydro jetters
- Chemical cleaners
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How Often Should I Get My Drains Cleaned?The frequency of drain cleaning depends on how you use your drains. To avoid frequent drain clogs, be careful about what goes down your drains. If you notice typical signs of drain problems such as slow drains and low pressure, we can help. At Resolved Home Services, we understand that no matter how careful you are, your drains will still need a thorough cleaning from time to time. You can count on us to conduct professional plumbing inspections at least once every one or two years to make sure everything is running optimally.
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What Type of Water Heater Is Right for My Home?Today, you have plenty of options to consider when choosing a water heater for your home. Typically, you’ll have to choose between standard tank-style, tankless, gas, electric, and even solar-powered water heaters. You’ll also want to do some research to understand the pros and cons of each type and which ones comply with the latest efficiency standards. Other factors to consider include:
- The number of people living in your home.
- Maintenance and repair costs.
- Fuel type, availability, and cost.
- Local code requirements.
- The unit’s upfront cost compared to annual operating costs.
- Length of warranty.
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