FAQs

James A Douglas Plumbing & Gas Fitting LLC

Have a plumbing or gas fitting-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and call or text us today for more information!

  • My water heater is leaking/old. Do I need to replace it?  

    If it's leaking, you'll need a diagnostic to determine the cause of leaking. Typically, a failed tank will leak but the location can be anywhere on the tank. That makes finding the leak impossible. In this case, the tank should be replaced by a plumbing company. Always check with your manufacturer to see if the tank is still under warranty.


    If your water heater looks fine but is older than six years, you should begin to budget for a replacement. In our experience, six years is the standard warranty for most residential water heaters, unless an extended warranty has been purchased or the water heater is installed in a commercial building. This indicates the manufacturer's anticipated life expectancy for the water heater. Most water heaters exceed this, depending on water quality, but putting away funds early on helps manage the cost when it comes time to replace. It also recommended that you install a leak detection device that will alert you if/when water begins leaking.


    Other lesser common leaks come from the temperature and pressure relief valve and connected plumbing. This is pressure a safety valve required on all water heaters. It's designed to discharge water stored in the tank under conditions that exceed the temperature or pressure rating of the valve.

  • Why is my water bill so high? 

    Municipalities bill customers for water and sewer service based on your water usage. They count via your water meter. It tracks the amount of water used in a given pay cycle and charge a rate based upon the total gallons used.


    If you bill increases, think about what life activities may have changed in your home that may have contributed to the increase. For example, irrigation systems, pool filling, or extra guests in your home. These changes in activities have an impact on water usage. However, something as small as a leaking toilet can have a major impact on your usage of water since it can go unnoticed for months, running up your bill.


    Other silent leaks can be leaking faucets in bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms that don't get as much traffic as other areas that have plumbing do. Check also underneath water heaters, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators with water connections. According to the EPA, small leaks are responsible for wasting approximately 10,000 gallons of water annually per household.


    Some homes have water piping that is concealed behind walls and floors that cannot be observed. In these special cases, a leak detection company may be the best option for identifying the location and source of the leak. Another option is the usage of leak detection devices. These devices come in all shapes and sizes and range, from being battery powered with an audible alarm to wireless with push notifications right to your mobile device.


    In addition to fixing and finding leaks, a plumbing company can install water sense fixtures that use less water. For more information on fixtures that use less water, visit: https://www.epa.gov/watersense

  • What is polybutylene tubing?  

    Polybutylene tubing is water distribution tubing that was manufactured in the late 90's that revolutionized the simplicity and efficiency of installing water distribution throughout residential homes. The tubing was light, flexible, and easy to install. Its only flaw was that it would break down chemically when introduced to chlorine, a common chemical used to sanitize potable water.


    Years later, this caused massive damage to homes. A class action lawsuit was filed against the manufacturers to cover the damage to people's homes and replacement of their distribution systems. There are still homes today with this tubing installed. Depending on the water quality and source, the tubing may need to be removed immediately by a plumbing company to avoid potential catastrophic failure of the distribution system.


    Today, a similar product exists known as cross linked polyethylene (PEX) that is just as revolutionary. However, it comes without the worry of pipe failure due to chlorine and provides substantial cost savings compared to copper.

  • Where is my main shut off valve and can it be replaced? 

    Most homes have their main shut off valve located in the same room with other mechanical equipment such as a water heater or furnace. Other locations can be under kitchen sinks, closets, or behind access panels in walls. Main shut off valves can be replaced but should be done so by a licensed plumbing company. The water will have to be shut off at the property line to perform the replacement.

  • What is a back flow preventer and how do I get it tested? 

    A backflow preventer is a valve that prevents the flow of water back to where it came from. Municipalities are responsible for the quality of water that is delivered to homes. Many of the distribution systems supply water to multiple homes and commercial buildings.


    To prevent cross contamination between water that is harmful or can make you sick and the main distribution system, municipalities require that you isolate your home from the rest of the distribution system through means of a back flow preventer. These back flow preventers come in two different types: testable and non-testable. In our experience, back flow preventers that are testable require annual testing to check operation of the valve. Non-testable devices require replacement every five years. As a plumbing company, James A. Douglas Plumbing & Gas Fitting, LLC is certified in testing, repair, and replacement of both testable and non testable back flows!

  • Why is my water discolored? Is it safe? 

    Discoloration of water can mean many things, but for certain it is alarming to our senses of water aesthetics. The most common reason for discolored water is small particulates such as sand or iron (rust/oxidized iron). Whatever the reason your water is discolored, the water must be tested by a professional.


    Typically, the preferred test is what the industry calls a potable water test. This measures the PH, turbidity (clarity), bacteria, and sometimes lead, depending on location and tester. After you determine the chemical composition of the water, you can make a determination as to how you want to approach treating the water.


    Sometimes just flushing your water system for a few minutes can clear the discoloration. However, there are instances where the only method to treat the water is through a filtration system. As a plumbing company, we provide water testing services with a third-party tester. We also perform limited system maintenance and installation of water treatment systems.

  • How do I get rid of roots in my drain pipes? 

    Root intrusion in a drainage system happens to aged plumbing systems. As time goes on, the seals and gaskets between the joints of pipes wear out and deteriorate with usage. When this happens, the moisture from the leakage attracts plants root systems and eventually, they grow their way right into your pipes.


    There are two options for best practices on eliminating roots from your pipes. The first is pipe replacement. This method is expensive as accessing the existing pipe typically involves demolition and excavation down to the pipe. This method is effective and will likely have the longest lasting engineered life expectancy.


    The second method is also costly but less invasive. It involves relining of the existing drainage pipe. The pipes are cleaned and descaled. Then, a liner that is filled with an epoxy or resin is inserted into the pipe. After, the liner is inflated to expand the epoxy/resin to cure in place. After curing, the liner is deflated and removed and a new pipe is formed in place. This method still requires access to the drainage system but doesn't involve the same access needed to replace the pipe thereby saving the customer's landscaping and hardscaping.


    As a plumbing company, we perform replacements and work with a third party contractor to install the cure in place lining system. We do not use or endorse chemical products for treating roots.

  • Do I need to replace my toilet? 

    There are a number of issues that can plague a toilet. As a plumbing company, we run into issues with toilets all the time. Here are the top contenders: 


    1. My toilet rocks: This is typically caused by a damaged or unsecured flange below the floor. You don't need a new toilet, you need the toilet secured properly.

    2. There is a dark ring around the base of my toilet: Similar to issue #1 above, this can be caused by a damaged flange or a poorly sealed toilet. The toilet doesn't necessarily need to be replaced.

    3. My toilet is rusty: If the rust has stained the enamel or porcelain, then it is best to have the toilet replaced for the aesthetic looks of the toilet since the rust and stains are unsightly. Sometimes the discoloration can be from water quality. If hardware is rusted and the fixture can be cleaned, a simple swap of parts should suffice.*

    4. My toilet runs: Should be repairable with rebuild kits or parts.*


    *Note: Don't forget, sometimes the cost of repair can be more than the cost of replacement.

  • I never put grease/food oils down the sink. Why is my sink backing up?  

    The nature of the kitchen sink being the location where dishware is washed invites food oils regardless of how well you clean them before washing. Obviously, pouring fats, oils, and grease into your drain is not a good idea. If you're doing this, STOP. Can or wipe the fat, oil, or grease and throw it away. Wipe as much grease from your dishware as you can. Use detergents when you can to help emulsify the fats, oils, and grease before they go down the drain so they are scoured properly when running through your drainage system.


    For those on septic systems, there are biological additives that can be added to help break down fats, oil, and grease naturally. The better you manage the amount of grease going down the drain through the methods mentioned above, the less likely you'll need to call a plumbing company. It should be noted that if you are not the original owner of your home, you could also be dealing with a problem caused by previous usage.

  • My shower head/tub spout is leaking. Do I need to replace it?  

    Not unless you want too. A shower head only directs the water coming through the shower faucet. The faucet controls both the flow and mixture of hot water and cold water. If you shower head is leaking, your faucet is allowing water to flow through it. It may need to be repaired or replaced. Certain tub spouts act as a diverter to the shower head when the faucet is on. If the tub spout leaks while diverting to the shower head, the tub spout needs to be replaced by a plumbing company as this is wasting water.