1. How often should I inspect my septic tank system? 

Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four years in order to prevent costly repairs. 
 

2. What causes a water leak from the vent in the plumbing system? 

The only water that should be in your vent system should be the occasional water after a big storm. Otherwise, you could have a backup, which causes water to come up from the lower floors. Replacing the vent should usually fix the problem. 
 

3. When I fill a container with hot water it is milky. What causes this? 

The most common cause of "milky" water is a non-toxic iron reducing bacteria. The simplest treatment available is shock-chlorination of the system. This is a surface treatment, and often requires repeated trials in heavily infected systems. The chlorination of a system requires that you follow each step explicitly to avoid an un-treated portion of the piping system from re-infecting another part. 
 

4. What is the purpose of the air gap for your sink, garbage disposal, or drain? 

This distance between the faucet and the top of the sink or bathtub (one inch or more) is required by plumbing codes. Without the "gap", waste water could siphon back into the drinking supply. 
 

5. Is there anything I can do to remove scratches from my toilet bowl? 

Yes, you can have your toilet refinished, which requires taking the toilet out, in which case you'll need a back-up restroom. Another option is to buy porcelain patch and do it yourself. Shut off your angle valve and flush the toilet until it is almost empty. Do not turn the water back on until the patch is completely dry.  
 

6. What is a pressure balancing valve and why should I install one on my shower system? 

Pressure-balancing valves prevent sudden water temperature changes caused by flushing toilets or running sinks. By adjusting to pressure changes in water coming through the hot and cold supply lines, a piston in the valve automatically opens or closes small inlet ports to maintain a balance in pressure, which in turn keeps the water flowing at an ambient temperature. It reacts instantaneously.
 

7. What causes my toilet to fill up with hot water instead of room temperature water? 

You may have a bad flapper in the toilet tank or a bad fill valve. Both can allow the water to seep into the tank and will run up your utility bill. 
 

8. How do you get water in the toilet tank to stop over flowing? 

Either the fill valve in the tank has a leak in it, and needs to be replaced. 
 

9. What might cause a high water bill besides leaking faucets or pipes? 

Most leaks in residential plumbing systems are found in the toilet tank and result from worn parts or improper alignment of the flushing mechanism. Once the leak is stopped, your water bill will go down.