Become Informed with Our Plumber Tips
Toilet Problems
Q: Why does my toilet overflow?
Temporary Solution: The first thing you need to do is locate the water supply valve on the toilet and switch it to the off position. It is very important that you do not try to flush the toilet again. For water that is already on the ground, soak it up with several dry towels.
Before you try any plumbing repair solutions, place your bathroom rugs and other objects in another location. You may wish to try using a plunger.
Probable Cause: There is most likely a septic tank problem or an obstruction in your toilet or sewer line.
Permanent Solution: Your septic tank should be pumped out by a professional, and/or your toilet and sewer should be cleaned.
Q: Why does my toilet has a very weak flush or doesn’t flush at all?
Temporary Solution: Try pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl to clear the bowl and stimulate flushing.
Probable Cause: The parts in your toilet tank may have become worn due to a build-up of foreign matter around the flushing rim.
Permanent Solution: The adjustment mechanism needs to be fixed for a permanent plumbing repair solution. If we can’t fix your toilet, you will have to replace it with a new one.
Q: Why does my toilet not shut off or run for long periods of time?
Temporary Solution: Try opening the lid of the toilet tank to see if the flapper is seated over the drain properly. If it’s not, turn off the water supply valve.
Probable Cause: Your toilet’s ball cock, flapper, or other parts are likely very worn.
Permanent Solution: Backlund Plumbing offers a toilet tune-up special that will fix this problem. This complete plumbing repair kit includes a new ball cock, flapper, supply connection, and leak test.
Q: Why does my toilet turn on by itself?
Temporary Solution: Look inside the tank to ensure the ball cock isn’t stuck on something.
Probable Cause: Your ball cock or flapper is probably defective.
Permanent Solution: This plumbing problem can also be fixed by requesting the toilet tune-up special, which entitles you to a replacement ball cock and flapper.
Water Heater Problems
Q: Why does my water heater leak or show signs of condensation?
Temporary Solution: You should turn off the water supply valve, power supply, or gas supply to your water heater.
Probable Cause: There may be a hole in the tank of your water heater or it may be leaking.
Permanent Solution: You may need to replace your entire water heater or at least its broken parts.
Q: Why can’t I get any hot water, or why does the hot water not last very long?
Temporary Solution: Locate the circuit breaker in your home and make sure the switch is set to the on position.
Probable Cause: Your thermostat or heating element(s) may be damaged due to power surges or lightning strikes.
Permanent Solution: You may need to replace your thermostat, replace the heating element, or have your hot water heater checked.
Q: Why does my hot water system have very low water pressure?
Temporary Solution: Check your water supply valve and make sure that it is open all the way.
Probable Cause: The hot or cold connections to your water heater may be blocked.
Permanent Solution: You may need to replace your water heater’s plumbing connections.
Q: Why do my hot water faucets have a foul odor coming from them?
Temporary Solution: If you must use your hot water, do so sparingly.
Probable Cause: There may be an accumulation of iron bacteria in your water heater due to a chemical reaction between it and the anode rod.
Permanent Solution: Your water heater should be professionally flushed and disinfected. You may also need the anode rod replaced.
Bathtub and Shower Problems
Q: Why does my shower or bathtub drain too slowly?
Temporary Solution: To conserve water, use the tub or shower only if absolutely necessary.
Probable Cause: You most likely have an accumulation of soap scum and hair built up in your drain.
Permanent Solution: Your drain will need to be cleaned out, or it may need to be replaced entirely.
Q: Why when I use my wash machine or flush the toilet, does water backs up into my shower or bathtub?
Temporary Solution: You should stop using fixtures and contact us for service right away.
Probable Cause: When water backs up like this, it indicates major blockage somewhere within your system.
Permanent Solution: You may need to have your main drain cleared out or your septic system checked.
Q: Why does the head on my shower drip or leak?
Temporary Solution: Check your faucets and make sure they are turned off tightly.
Probable Cause: The washer, seats, “O” ring, or cartridge is worn by age.
Permanent Solution: You should replace these parts as soon as possible.
Q: Why is there water on the floor after I bathe or use the shower?
Temporary Solution: You should only use your shower or bathtub if absolutely necessary.
Probable Cause: The drain under the tub or shower pan maybe broken. It’s also possible there is grout in the tile.
Permanent Solution: You may need to replace your shower pain or tub drain, as well as re-grout the tile.
Problems with Your Sink or Lavatory
Q: Why does my sink drain very slowly, back up, or overflow?
Temporary Solution: Stop using your sink and try to clear the obstruction with a force cup. If necessary, turn off the water supply valves below your sink.
Probable Cause: You may have a blocked drain.
Permanent Solution: Contact us to fix your sink or lavatory using the proper tools and equipment.
Q: Why does my faucet drip when it is shut off or it won’t turn off all the way?
Temporary Solution: You should locate the water supply valves on your sink and turn them to the off position.
Probable Cause: The stems in your faucet may be deteriorating. This is evident when washers, “o” rings, or cartridges become worn out or broken.
Permanent Solution: The worn parts in your sink need to be replaced, and all of its mechanisms should be checked. You may want to consider replacing your faucets if they are old or inefficient.
Q: Why does my sink not hold water?
Temporary Solution: Try looking down your drain to see if you spot hair or any other foreign matter. If you do, remove it from the drain if possible.
Probable Cause: The pop-up drain or basket strainer in your sink or lavatory has worn down and become inefficient. The problem may also be caused by a loose lift rod connection.
Permanent Solution: The hair and soap scum should be removed as soon as possible. Next, the assembly nut connecting the waste mechanism to the lavatory drain should be tightened. If the waste assembly or basket strainer is inefficient, they should be replaced with new equipment.