About Plumbing First in Middletown

Ask Our Plumbers Anything

Plumbing systems can get real complicated, real fast, and working with them effectively is a skill that not many can master. We know that you have questions about what’s going on with your pipes and fixtures, and we’re here to help. Our trained and licensed plumbers are always ready to provide you with all the information you need. In fact, we asked them to answer some of your most frequently asked questions right here for your convenience!

Why Does My Water Heater Need to Heat Water to Such a High Temperature?

The standard temperature that water heater manufacturers set your water heater to is 120° Fahrenheit. While this may seem like it’s way too hot, the water coming from your showerhead is actually a mix of hot and cold water, adjusted by the manual knobs to create the perfect temperature. So why does the water in your tank even need to be that hot in the first place? The truth is that the high temperature of the water in your tank helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, keeping your water supply clean. Plus, when your water heater is producing high-temperature water, you don’t have to worry about lukewarm showers – there’s always plenty of heat, even with cold water mixed in. For these reasons, if your water heater isn’t maintaining these high temperatures, it’s important to give us a call ASAP.

What Kind of Maintenance can Protect My Water Heater?

If you want to use DIY maintenance to keep your water heater in shape, there are simple steps that you can take without professional training. Regularly test your water heater’s pressure relief valve and flush the sediment out of the tank at least once a year. Combined with professional maintenance, these simple tasks can keep your water heater working like new and protect your access to hot water.

What is that White Buildup Around My Shower Head, Faucets, and Other Fixtures?

That white substance is composed of various minerals that are deposited on your surfaces by the hard water that comes out of your pipes. Getting rid of it is easy – just soak your fixtures in vinegar using a plastic bag overnight and lightly scrub off the deposits in the morning. If you want to prevent this build-up in the future, ask your friendly local plumbers for advice on water softening systems!

How Do I Keep My Garbage Disposal Odor-Free?

First things first – coffee grounds are not the solution. In fact, they can cause serious damage to your garbage disposal! Instead, grind up some ice cubes and a small amount of orange or lemon peel in your garbage disposal. Then, while the disposal is still running, pour some dish soap and cold water down your drain. This should get rid of any smells without damaging the blades!

What’s that Strange Rumbling Sound Coming from My Water Heater?

Most of the time, this indicated a buildup of sediment inside of the tank. Try attaching a drain hose to the bottom of your tank and letting it drain for five minutes or so. If you’re still hearing those same strange noises, get in touch with our team. The sediment buildup may be too severe to solve by draining the tank, and you may need to replace your water heater with a newer model, either conventional or tankless, that has built-in defenses against buildup.

What Happens when Roots Block My Drains?

The problem with roots is that they grow. While other kinds of clogs can get bigger, roots will actually grow within your pipes, blocking them off completely and creating clogs that are much harder to remove. Additionally, as roots grow and expand, they can cause your pipes to crack and even burst. If you suspect that a root may be the cause of your drain blockages, let us know immediately and we’ll use live cameras to inspect your pipes and get a clear look at the situation.

How Do I Talk to A Real Plumber Right Now?

It’s easy – just reach out to Plumbing First! Our team is always happy to answer your questions, and we’ll lend our expertise to any plumbing issue you have, big or small. Whether you need step-by-step DIY assistance or information about our services, it’s our pleasure to help.

Get all of your questions about plumbing and Plumbing First answered today when you send us a message online or call our Middletown office at (302) 233-7693!