Most homeowners have limited knowledge of their plumbing systems. They only think about plumbing once a year, or at least whenever a major issue surfaces. As a result, the lack of understanding regarding such a fundamental aspect of the household leads to a lot of questions and not enough answers. Thus, it is of the utmost significance to broaden our horizons and learn more about plumbing. The best way to gain more knowledge is through an intensive question and answer session.

Q: Why do pipes freeze and burst?
A: Like any science teacher would tell you, water expands in freezing temperatures. For the same reason, sodas also burst in the freezer. With a pipe full of water constantly exposed to below zero temperatures, the water in the pipes will expand, thus causing a large sum of pressure that eventually accumulates and causes the pipes to explode.

Q: Is there a reason why the toilet keep running?
A: If the toilet keeps running after a flush, the explanation is that the flap in the bottom of the tank does not seal shut. See for yourself by taking the top off the tank. You will probably notice that the flap is not completely close. Even though the water is entering into the tank, some of it is flowing out of the unsealed flap. Thus, the water continues to flow in and out because the float ball trigger is not activated to stop the run of water.

Q: When somebody flushes the toilet, why does the water in the shower turn hot?
A: Plumbers in Toronto use the same pipe to feed cold water to both the shower and the toilet. Although the water pressure is adjusted to achieve a delicate balance of warm and cold at the beginning of every shower, flushing the toilet offsets this harmony. Without a separate cold water feed in the plumbing system, the sudden draw of cold water used to refill the toilet tank causes an immediate decrease in the cold flow of water that the shower is using. Flushing, however, does not affect the hot water feed. That is why showers become hot after somebody flushes the toilet at the same time.

Q: What causes a big rise in the water bill?
A: It might seem natural to place the blame on a leaky pipe or faucet, but most often the real culprit is a leak in the toilet tank, which uses up lots of water consumption. This occurs when parts of the toilet becomes worn out or misaligned. Get the toilet fixed by a professional plumber before it escalates to a costly expense!

Q: Why is there a clunking noise when the faucet is turned on?
A: The noise is caused by some fitting that needs to be tightened and secured. In this situation, it probably originated from a loose washer in the faucet. Just tighten the bolts and screws, and the noise will disappear again.

Q: What is the best way to clear a clogged drain?
A: You will notice a clogged drain if the vent system is blocked out. Use a chemical drain cleaner to open a slow moving drain, but watch out for this chemical is harmful to certain kinds of pipes, as well as upset the delicate balance within the septic system. If the drain becomes fully clogged, the chemical solution might react poorly and end up burning your skin. Another alternative is to use a plunger or snake to clear the drain manually. Try to remove whatever is blocking the drain. If it is too narrow or deep, you may want to use a straightened coat hanger to get the item out.

As always, if you have any complex plumbing inquiries, you should always consult with a professional plumber. You will get the detailed answer that you need, while also increasing your home improvement knowledge.

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