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Plumbing FAQs

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Plumbing FAQs

Find answers to common plumbing questions about water heaters, sewer lines, drain cleaning, emergency plumbing, fixtures, water pressure, pipes, garbage disposals, and plumbing concerns specific to the Atlanta area.

Water Heater FAQs

Why is my water heater not producing hot water?

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, the cause could be a tripped breaker, a faulty heating element, a pilot light that’s gone out, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Gas and electric water heaters have different troubleshooting steps, but if basic checks don’t solve the problem, it’s best to have a licensed plumber inspect the unit to prevent further damage.

Most traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can often last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Regular flushing, annual inspections, and timely repairs can help maximize your water heater’s lifespan.

Common signs include inconsistent hot water, rust-colored water, leaks around the tank, strange noises, rising energy bills, or a unit that’s over 10 years old. A professional inspection can determine whether repair or replacement is the better option.

Minor issues like a faulty thermostat or heating element can often be repaired. However, if your water heater is older, leaking from the tank, or requiring frequent repairs, replacement is usually the more cost-effective long-term solution.

Leaks can come from loose connections, a failing pressure relief valve, corrosion, or damage to the tank. While some leaks can be repaired, a leaking tank may require replacement to prevent additional water damage. If you notice water around your water heater, contact Chen Plumbing to have a licensed plumber inspect the system and recommend the appropriate solution.

Running out of hot water may indicate sediment buildup inside the tank, a failing heating element, an undersized water heater, or increased household demand. A plumber can identify the cause and recommend the appropriate repair or upgrade.

Popping or rumbling sounds are often caused by sediment collecting at the bottom of the tank. As water heats beneath the sediment, trapped steam creates these noises. Flushing the tank may resolve the issue and help improve efficiency.

Most manufacturers recommend flushing a traditional tank water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup. Regular maintenance helps improve efficiency, extends the life of the unit, and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

It depends on the source of the leak. Loose fittings, valves, or connections may be repairable, but if the tank itself is leaking due to corrosion, replacement is typically the only reliable solution.

A traditional tank water heater stores a supply of hot water for immediate use, while a tankless water heater heats water on demand. Tankless systems are more energy efficient and provide continuous hot water, while tank systems generally have a lower upfront installation cost.

For many homeowners, yes. Tankless water heaters offer greater energy efficiency, endless hot water, longer service life, and take up less space. The best choice depends on your home’s hot water needs, budget, and existing plumbing.

The right size depends on your household size, the number of bathrooms, and your daily hot water usage. Choosing the correct capacity ensures you have enough hot water without paying for more capacity than you need.

Brown, rusty, or cloudy hot water can indicate corrosion inside the water heater or aging plumbing pipes. If only your hot water is discolored, your water heater may be the source and should be inspected.

Yes. Minerals in hard water can accumulate inside the tank, reducing efficiency and shortening the water heater’s lifespan. Routine maintenance helps minimize mineral buildup and keep the system operating efficiently.

Most standard water heater replacements can be completed in a few hours, though installation time may vary depending on the type of unit, plumbing modifications, code upgrades, and whether you’re switching to a tankless system.

Sewer Line FAQs

What are signs of a broken sewer line?

Common signs of a damaged sewer line include frequent drain backups, multiple clogged fixtures, sewage odors, soggy areas in your yard, slow drains throughout the home, or unusually green patches of grass. A sewer camera inspection can identify the exact cause and condition of the line.

A sewer smell inside your home may be caused by a dry drain trap, a damaged sewer line, a clogged vent pipe, or leaking plumbing connections. Persistent sewer odors should be inspected promptly to prevent plumbing damage and potential health concerns.

Sewer line backups are commonly caused by tree root intrusion, grease buildup, pipe damage, shifting soil, or flushing items that shouldn’t go down the drain. Professional cleaning or a sewer camera inspection can determine the underlying issue.

Plumbers use specialized waterproof cameras that are inserted into the sewer line to inspect its condition. This allows them to locate clogs, cracks, root intrusion, or collapsed pipes without unnecessary digging.

A sewer camera inspection uses a high-resolution camera to examine the inside of your sewer line. It helps accurately diagnose blockages, damaged pipes, and other underground plumbing issues while minimizing guesswork.

Most sewer line replacements can be completed within one to several days, depending on the length of the pipe, accessibility, soil conditions, and the repair method being used.

Yes. Tree roots naturally seek moisture and can enter small cracks or joints in sewer pipes. Over time, they can expand inside the pipe, causing blockages, leaks, and significant damage if left untreated.

If your sewer line has isolated damage, repairs may be sufficient. However, widespread deterioration, repeated backups, or a collapsed pipe often make replacement the more reliable long-term solution. A sewer camera inspection provides the information needed to make the right recommendation.

In many cases, yes. Trenchless sewer repair methods can restore or replace damaged sewer lines with minimal excavation. The best option depends on the condition of your existing pipe and the location of the damage.

Yes. Aging pipes, shifting soil, corrosion, heavy surface loads, or severe root intrusion can cause a sewer line to collapse. A collapsed sewer line typically requires immediate professional repair or replacement.

When several drains back up simultaneously, it often indicates a blockage in the main sewer line rather than an individual drain. A professional inspection can determine the location and severity of the blockage.

Most homeowners benefit from a sewer camera inspection every few years, especially if the home is older, surrounded by mature trees, or has experienced previous sewer problems.

Coverage depends on your insurance policy and the cause of the damage. While sudden, accidental damage may be covered, normal wear, corrosion, and tree root intrusion are often excluded. Review your policy or speak with your insurance provider for details.

Common causes include grease buildup, tree roots, flushing wipes or hygiene products, accumulated debris, and damaged or sagging pipes that restrict wastewater flow.

Hydro jetting is an effective solution for removing stubborn grease, sludge, mineral buildup, and tree roots from sewer and drain lines. A plumber may recommend it after inspecting the pipe to confirm it’s safe for your plumbing system.

Drain Cleaning FAQs

Why is my kitchen sink draining slowly?

A slow kitchen sink is often caused by grease, food particles, soap residue, or debris building up inside the drain. Professional drain cleaning removes the blockage and restores normal flow.

Hair, soap scum, and mineral buildup are the most common causes of recurring shower drain clogs. Regular maintenance and professional cleaning can help prevent repeated blockages.

Chemical drain cleaners may provide a temporary fix, but repeated use can damage some plumbing materials over time. If a clog keeps returning, professional drain cleaning is usually a safer and more effective solution.

A drain snake is effective for breaking through many common clogs, while hydro jetting thoroughly cleans the entire pipe by removing grease, sludge, mineral buildup, and roots. The right solution depends on the type and severity of the blockage.

Many homes benefit from professional drain cleaning every one to two years. Homes with older plumbing, large families, or recurring clogs may require more frequent service.

Foul drain odors are often caused by trapped food, grease, bacteria, or sewer gas entering the plumbing system. Identifying the source helps determine the most effective solution.

Yes. Even liquid grease cools and hardens inside pipes, trapping food particles and creating stubborn blockages over time. Grease should always be disposed of in the trash rather than poured down the drain.

Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables, bones, pasta, rice, and starchy foods into your garbage disposal. These materials can contribute to clogs or damage the unit.

Frequent toilet clogs may result from flushing excessive toilet paper, non-flushable products, low-flow toilet issues, or a blockage in the drain or sewer line.

Hydro jetting is safe for most plumbing systems when performed after a professional inspection. Severely deteriorated or collapsed pipes may require a different repair approach.

Gurgling sounds often indicate trapped air caused by a clog or a blocked plumbing vent. Left untreated, these issues can eventually lead to slow drains or backups.

Recurring clogs are often caused by grease buildup, tree roots, pipe damage, or blockages that weren’t completely removed. A camera inspection can identify the root cause.

This combination may help remove minor buildup and odors but is generally ineffective for significant clogs. Persistent blockages usually require professional drain cleaning.

A clogged drain becomes an emergency when wastewater backs up into the home, multiple drains stop working simultaneously, or sewage begins overflowing from toilets or floor drains.

Emergency Plumbing FAQs

What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?

Plumbing emergencies include burst pipes, sewer backups, overflowing toilets, major water leaks, no running water, or any plumbing issue that threatens your home or safety.

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, major leak, or overflowing fixture, shutting off your home’s main water supply can help minimize damage before the plumber arrives.

The main water shutoff valve is often located near where the water line enters the home, in a basement, crawl space, utility room, or near the water meter. Every homeowner should know its location before an emergency occurs.

No. A burst pipe can release significant amounts of water in a short period, leading to structural damage and mold growth. Shut off the water immediately and contact an emergency plumber.

Chen Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout the Atlanta area for urgent problems such as burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, and overflowing fixtures. If you have a plumbing emergency, call Chen Plumbing at (404) 806-2035 for assistance.

Turn off the main water supply, shut off electricity to affected areas if necessary, remove valuables from standing water, and contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

Yes. Depending on the source, overflowing toilet water may contain harmful bacteria and contaminants. Avoid contact when possible and have the issue addressed promptly.

It’s best to stop using sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances connected to the plumbing system until the blockage has been resolved to avoid making the backup worse.

Toilet, Sink & Faucet FAQs

Why won't my toilet flush?

Plumbing emergencies include burst pipes, sewer backups, overflowing toilets, major water leaks, no running water, or any plumbing issue that threatens your home or safety.

A toilet that won’t flush may be caused by a clog, a faulty flapper, low water levels in the tank, or a blockage in the drain line. If plunging doesn’t solve the problem or the issue keeps returning, a professional plumber can identify the underlying cause.

A continuously running toilet is often caused by a worn flapper, a faulty fill valve, or an improperly adjusted float. Repairing these components can stop water waste and help lower your monthly water bill.

Toilets typically overflow because of a clog in the bowl, drain line, or main sewer line. If multiple fixtures are backing up or plunging doesn’t work, it’s best to have your plumbing system inspected.

A dripping faucet is commonly caused by worn washers, O-rings, cartridges, or valve seats. Even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time, making prompt repairs worthwhile.

Yes. Even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time, increasing your monthly utility bill. Repairing a leaking faucet is a simple way to conserve water and reduce unnecessary expenses.Turn off the main water supply, shut off electricity to affected areas if necessary, remove valuables from standing water, and contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

A slow-draining sink is usually caused by soap scum, hair, grease, food particles, or other debris building up inside the drain. Professional drain cleaning removes the blockage and restores proper drainage.

If only one faucet has low water pressure, the issue may be a clogged aerator, mineral buildup, a faulty fixture, or a localized plumbing problem. Cleaning or replacing the affected components often restores normal water flow.

If your faucet requires frequent repairs, has visible corrosion, leaks from multiple locations, or is outdated, replacement may be the more practical and cost-effective option. A new faucet can also improve water efficiency and appearance.

A foul odor coming from your sink is often caused by food debris, grease buildup, bacteria, or a dry drain trap. If cleaning the drain doesn’t eliminate the smell, a plumber can inspect the drain and plumbing system for a deeper issue.

Water Pressure & Pipe FAQs

Why is my home's water pressure low?

Low water pressure can be caused by mineral buildup, hidden leaks, partially closed shutoff valves, aging pipes, or issues with the municipal water supply. A plumber can identify the source of the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.

High water pressure is often caused by excessive pressure from the municipal water supply or a failing pressure reducing valve (PRV). Over time, high pressure can damage pipes, appliances, fixtures, and water heaters if left uncorrected.

A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is a plumbing device that lowers incoming water pressure to a safe level for your home’s plumbing system. It helps protect pipes, fixtures, and appliances from excessive wear and potential damage.

Yes. Excessively high water pressure can place added stress on pipes, faucets, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and other plumbing fixtures. Maintaining proper water pressure can help extend the life of your plumbing system.

Pipes may make banging, rattling, whistling, or vibrating noises due to loose pipe supports, high water pressure, air trapped in the plumbing system, or worn valves. Identifying the type of noise can help determine the underlying cause.

A loud banging noise, often called water hammer, occurs when flowing water suddenly stops and creates a pressure shock inside the pipes. Installing a water hammer arrestor or addressing high water pressure can often resolve the issue.

Signs of a hidden leak include unexpectedly high water bills, damp walls or ceilings, musty odors, warped flooring, mold growth, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use. A professional leak inspection can pinpoint the source.

Yes. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water over time, leading to higher utility bills and potential water damage. Repairing leaks promptly helps conserve water and prevent costly repairs.

Plumbers use specialized equipment such as acoustic listening devices, moisture meters, pressure testing, thermal imaging, and leak detection technology to locate hidden leaks with minimal disruption to your home.

You may want to consider repiping if your home has aging pipes, frequent leaks, low water pressure, discolored water, or recurring plumbing repairs. A plumbing inspection can determine whether repairing individual sections or replacing the entire piping system is the better long-term solution.

Garbage Disposal FAQs

Why won't my garbage disposal turn on?

Low water pressure can be caused by mineral buildup, hidden leaks, partially closed shutoff valves, aging pipes, or issues with the municipal water supply. A plumber can identify the source of the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.

If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, it may have tripped its reset button, lost power, or developed an electrical or motor issue. Before attempting any repairs, make sure the unit is switched off and check the power source. If it still won’t operate, a plumber can diagnose the problem safely.

Most garbage disposals have a small reset button located on the bottom of the unit. After turning off the disposal and allowing it to cool, press the reset button and restore power. If the unit continues to trip or won’t operate, it should be inspected by a plumber.

Avoid putting grease, cooking oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, pasta, rice, fibrous vegetables like celery, fruit pits, and starchy foods into your garbage disposal. These materials can cause clogs, dull the grinding components, or damage the unit.

Leaks can develop from worn seals, loose plumbing connections, cracks in the disposal housing, or damaged drain lines. Identifying where the leak originates helps determine whether the disposal can be repaired or should be replaced.

No. Garbage disposals don’t use traditional sharp blades. Instead, they use grinding impellers to break down food waste. Regular cleaning and avoiding hard or inappropriate materials will help keep the unit operating efficiently.

Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 15 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the unit. Frequent jams, leaks, unusual noises, or declining performance may indicate it’s time for a replacement.

If the disposal has a minor issue such as a clog, loose connection, or reset problem, repairs are often sufficient. However, if the unit is leaking, frequently jamming, or nearing the end of its expected lifespan, replacement may be the more cost-effective long-term solution.

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