FAQs

If you notice leaks, slow drains, low water pressure, running toilets, or unusual noises in your pipes, it’s time to call a professional. Addressing issues early prevents expensive repairs later.

Why do professional plumbing services cost what they do?
Licensed plumbers have extensive training, use high-quality materials, follow local codes, and carry insurance to protect you. Hiring a professional ensures safe, reliable repairs that prevent costly future damage.

How do I know I’m hiring the right plumber?
Look for licensing, insurance, experience, and customer reviews. Palmer Plumbing is a trusted, locally owned company with a reputation for quality work.

Can plumbing repairs be covered by homeowners insurance?
It depends on the cause. Sudden issues like burst pipes may be covered, while gradual leaks usually aren’t. We can provide documentation for insurance claims when needed.

• NSF combined P473 with other standards to create NSF 53 for water treatment devices that use activated carbon or anion exchange resins.

• NSF combined P473 with other standards to create NSF 58 for reverse osmosis systems.

In 2016, the EPA began regulating PFOA/PFOS to be below 70 parts per trillion (ppt). In 2024, the EPA strengthened their regulation on PFOA/PFOS to be below 4 ppt. There are four other PFAS that are regulated under the 2024 PFAS regulation: PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFHxS, and PFBS.

What should I do if I have a water leak?
Turn off your main water supply and contact us immediately. Our plumbers use advanced leak detection tools to locate and fix the problem before it causes further damage.

How can I prevent pipes from leaking?
Regular plumbing maintenance, proper installation, and keeping water pressure at safe levels help prevent leaks. If your pipes are old, upgrading them may be necessary.

What happens if I ignore a small leak?
Even a small leak can cause mold growth, structural damage, and high water bills. Our team can fix leaks quickly to save you money and protect your home.

Why does my drain keep clogging?
Common causes include grease buildup, hair, soap scum, and debris. If clogs keep returning, there may be a deeper issue with your pipes or sewer line.

What should I do if my sink or shower won’t drain?
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. Instead, call us for a professional drain cleaning to safely remove blockages. If you did use chemicals, please tell us. Contact with skin, eyes or mouth can result in serious health risks. We can usually smell it, but it is best to share that information with us. One time a customer put a drain cleaner down a clogged drain. There was an intense chemical reaction (heat) that resulted in the PVC drainage melting. The drainage ended up looking like wire on a telephone pole instead of a pitched drainage line. 

How do I know if I have a sewer line problem?
Signs include multiple clogged drains, gurgling toilets, foul odors, or slow drainage. A professional sewer camera, smoke or peppermint inspection can often pinpoint the issue.

When should I replace my water heater?
If your water heater is over 10 years old, makes unusual noises, or isn’t providing hot water consistently, it may be time for a replacement. Our experts can recommend the best energy-efficient options. Average manufacturers warranty on a 50 gallon hot water heater is six years. The longevity of ones fixtures is often based on the quality of their water. 

Why is my water heater making noises?
Sediment buildup inside the tank can cause banging or popping sounds. Regular maintenance and flushing by a professional can prevent this issue.

Can I install a new water heater myself?
Water heater installation requires proper venting, pressure/temperature adjustments, and adherence to local codes. Our licensed plumbers ensure your new system is installed safely and efficiently.

Why won’t my toilet stop running?
A faulty flapper valve, fill valve, or float/water level can cause continuous running water. We can diagnose and fix the issue quickly to prevent high water bills. 

What causes frequent toilet clogs?
Flushing wipes, paper towels, or too much toilet paper can lead to blockages. If clogs persist, there may be a bigger issue in your sewer line or trap of the toilet. Tooth brushes, combs, and action figures often do not make it past the turns in the drainage.

Why does my shower have weak water pressure?
Mineral buildup, pipe leaks, or pressure regulation issues could be to blame. Our team can inspect and resolve the problem efficiently.

What shouldn’t go down my garbage disposal?
Avoid grease, bones, fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells. These materials can damage the disposal or clog your pipes. Garbage disposal can give a false sense of security. Just because it fits down the drain doesn't mean it will make it to the sewer treatment plant. 

Why does my kitchen sink smell bad?
Food debris and grease buildup in the drain or disposal can cause odors. Professional drain cleaning helps eliminate the problem.

Can I fix a dripping faucet myself?
While some minor fixes are possible, incorrect repairs can worsen the problem. Our plumbers can replace washers, cartridges, or seals to ensure a lasting fix. One's water quality has a large impact on the performance and longevity of the fixture. We discourage purchasing fixtures that one cannot get the replacement parts for. 

How do I prevent frozen pipes in the winter?
This is a very complex issue. Pipes on or in exterior walls can be subjected to temperatures 20°F or colder than what the interior wall thermostat is set to. Think 65°F interior wall and a 45°F exterior wall. If one has baseboard hydronic heat but also has an alternative heat source like a fire place or space heater, the thermostat may be satisfied and never call to make heat. This situation with the combination of closed doors and/or drafts or colder sections of the home, can result in frozen zones/pipes. On cold and windy nights, we recommend opening up cabinets or concerned areas to allow more warm are to circulate in those sections. Ceiling fans commonly have switches on them to change rotational direction. These ceiling fans are designed to blow are down in the summer and blow up in the winter. A slow movement of warm air can help prevent freeze ups. Isolating and draining concerning zones, anti-freeze the hydronic system and drainage traps and sealing drafts/holes will help prevent freeze ups. If you suspect a frozen pipe, call us before it bursts. 

Why is my outdoor spigot leaking?
A worn-out washer, faulty valve, or cracked pipe could be the cause. We can quickly diagnose and repair outdoor plumbing issues.

Do I need a plumber to install a gas line?
Yes! Only licensed and insured professionals should handle gas line installation and repairs to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Typically, licensed plumbers are the only trade allowed to do gas work inside a building. 

Is a tankless/on demand water heater better than a traditional tank hot water heater?
It depends. Is the water heater electric and gas? How is the water quality? A tankless systems offers endless hot water and greater energy efficiency but require proper installation. Depending on the peak output and the rise in temperature, a tankless hot water heater is a great option. At this time, Palmer Plumbing does not recommend electric tankless hot water heaters if one's concern is efficiency. The required electricity to produce the needed rise in temperature is just not efficient yet. We can help determine if one is right for your home.

My toilet rough?
Traditional styled toilets have a visible bolt cover on the skit of the toilet. We hope the image below is helpful.

My hot water heater dimensions?
It depends on the water heater, but with the traditional tank hot water heaters, we often need the height and diameter. These dimensions plus an image of the manufactures model number and serial number are very help for us. If we ask for photos, a full length image of the water heater (like the one below) will help us.