FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from Clients who use our Plumbing Services

How long can I expect my water heater to last?

Water heater life is dependent on a few things. Water pressure, water quality, environment where it is located, and demand use. The better a water heater is maintained and the better the pressure and water quality the better life you can expect. However, many tank style heaters typically last between 7 & 10 years. Whereas the tankless water heater average lifespan is between 12 & 18 years. With proper maintenance these items can last 25% longer.

Why does my garbage disposal smell?

The disposer smell is caused from the chamber in the disposer not getting completely emptied and food waste staying within it. A good remedy for this is to run water before, during and after you run the disposer. Once a month you should put ice cubes into the disposer with a splash of lemon or lime juice (not the rind) and run the disposer. This will clean the chamber and sharpen the blades.

My sink drains very slowly, why?

Slow draining sinks can be for various reasons. The ones that happen the most is a buildup of what is called FOG, (Fat, Oil and Grease). This can be lotions, soaps, body oils. As these are washed off our hands, faces, foods and dishes the soap and hot water breaks it down for the initial contact but does nor keep it broken down and suspended so it will drain properly. They cool off and then will collect onto the piping itself and slowly start to close off the flow. The best way to keep this from happening is to use an enzymatic drain cleaner like “Total C” which can be purchased by your plumbing experts at PlumbSmart Plumbing and Drains. Call us at (828) 974-6147

My toilet does not stop running after I flush.

When a toilet won’t stop filling is usually caused by either a stuck diaphragm (flapper) or a stuck fill valve (the part that lets the water in). If it is a diaphragm issue then check the length of the chain to make sure it is not getting stuck under it or that maybe it is very deteriorated and should be replaced. If a new flapper does not fix it then it is a bigger issue and you should contact the experts and PlumbSmart Plumbing and Drains. The other issue is caused by when the fill valve gets stuck and does not allow the float to raise high enough the shut the water off. If this is the case then you should contact the professionals at PlumbSmart. Both of these cases are usually attributable to bad water quality and for that you should look into a good water filter which PlumbSmart can help you as well.