Frequently Asked Questions

  FAQ's for Plumbing


Before you decide to be a Do-It-Yourself Plumber…
Q. What’s the best fix for slooooow-draining sink?
Q: How can I change the temperature of my hot water, if it’s too hot or cold?
Q: I’ve noticed my water bills have been going up, but I haven’t changed my usage patterns. What could be the cause?
Q: If a pipe breaks in my house and I need to shut off the water supply to the house in a hurry, how do I locate it?
Q: My water heater doesn’t seem to be putting out water as hot as it used to. Does that mean I need to replace it?
Q: What are Tankless water heaters and how do they work?
Q: What role does air pressure play in my plumbing system?
Q: What should I do if I smell gas in my house?

Before you decide to be a Do-It-Yourself Plumber…
Even the most competent do-it-yourselfers need to exercise an abundance of caution when attempting anything beyond fixing a leaky faucet or toilet tank. Most DIY mistakes are recoverable, but plumbing is a different matter. Not only could you make an expensive or dangerous situation for you and your family, you also could end up on the wrong side of the law. For nearly all plumbing jobs in a home, only a licensed plumber or the homeowner is allowed to make the repair or change. Even then, the homeowner is subject to the same statutory requirements as are licensed plumbers. If the homeowner fails to comply with established building codes in place to protect public health and safety, it can result in prosecution and heavy fines. Before you attempt a plumbing project ask yourself if the risk of placing your family’s well-being in jeopardy is worth it. If there is any doubt in your mind, call the licensed plumbers at Berkey’s and get the job done right, safely and cost-effectively.


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Q. What’s the best fix for slooooow-draining sink?
Slow draining usually results from a buildup of hair, dirt and grease in drains. The best way to remove it is with an electric “snake” machine that can cut through the collected gunk, followed by a thorough flushing to clear out the pipe. Many commercially available liquids are available, but they usually only prolong the problem, and may contain caustic substances that can damage the appearance of your sink and fittings.


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Q: How can I change the temperature of my hot water, if it’s too hot or cold?
Most manufacturers pre-set the temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what most people find comfortable. Gas heaters have a dial on the front of the gas valve. Electric heaters may have two thermostats concealed by two panels on the side of the tank. IMPORTANT: Turn OFF the electricity before attempting to remove these panels, as they may contain exposed wires carrying high voltage. Berkey's will be glad to do this for you anytime.


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Q: I’ve noticed my water bills have been going up, but I haven’t changed my usage patterns. What could be the cause?
Take a close look at your toilet tanks, that’s where about 90 percent of all home leaks happen. UsuQally the cause is worn or misaligned parts. If you’re handy around the house you probably wouldn’t find it too difficult to repair, but make sure you get good replacement parts. If you aren’t comfortable attempting this, please give Berkey’s a call at 817-481-5869 or 972-436-0784.


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Q: If a pipe breaks in my house and I need to shut off the water supply to the house in a hurry, how do I locate it?
You’ll do yourself a favor to locate it before you need to use it, then let the rest of the people in your home know where it is, too. First, locate your water meter, outside the house. Then locate the pipe that flows from the meter to your house, usually a direct line. In most cases, the shutoff valve will be either near the house or near the meter. If you need help locating it, call Berkey’s at 817-481-5869 or 972-436-0784.


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Q: My water heater doesn’t seem to be putting out water as hot as it used to. Does that mean I need to replace it?
Not necessarily. It could be due to sediment buildup in the tank. Lime deposits build up over time in the bottom of your tank and have to be removed. If not, the sediment acts as a barrier between the burner and the water, keeping the burner from doing its job right – and using more fuel in the process. Berkey’s can remove the sediment for you, or check to see if there might be a different problem.


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Q: What are Tankless water heaters and how do they work?
Tankless water heaters provide hot water as you need it instead of heating and storing it for later use. When you turn the hot water faucet a sensor detects it, turns on a burner and circulates water through a heat exchanger, which heats it to a pre-determined temperature in a few seconds. When you turn off the faucet, the heater shuts off. By contrast, water stored in tank-type heaters cools off at a rate of 3-to-4 percent per hour and must be reheated. This costs more to operate, and when the tank is drained, you’re out of hot water for a long time. Besides being more efficient, tankless water heaters also last longer because they have no tank to wear out.


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Q: What role does air pressure play in my plumbing system?
Air is just as important to water in your plumbing system. Air pressure keeps sewage from backing up into your system, where it could mix with water you drink and bathe in. When liquid goes down a pipe air must follow it. The vent pipes on you roof provide that air and make sure any sewage gases get vented to the outside. Without these vents, draining one fixture could cause another one in the house to back up.


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Q: What should I do if I smell gas in my house?
Get everybody out of the house immediately and leave the doors and windows open – but don’t go back in to open windows that are closed. Do not use garage door openers, elevators, computers, phones, doorbells or electrical appliances. Obviously, don’t use matches or lighters. Call your gas company or fire department immediately.


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