Question
Does stinky bathroom odor cause bad effects to our health?
Answer
If the stinky bathroom is caused by sewer gas, yes it is dangerous to your health. We recommend that you hire a plumbing company in your area to fix what may be causing the odor in your bathroom like dry or blocked trap, dry or blocked vent, unsealed or leaking drain pipes,

Question
Can I install a single hole kitchen faucet to a single-hole bathroom sink?
Answer
No. I don't think it's going to fit. You need to purchase a bathroom sink faucet for your bathroom sink.

Question
My sink in the kitchen and bathroom are clogged. I have tried draino, a plunger and a plumbers snake but nothing has worked. What can I do? I don't want to call a plumber
Answer
Your kitchen and bathroom drains need to be cabled. I'm sorry, but you may need to call a plumber. Research best local plumbers in your area and compare plumbing rates to get the best deal.

Question
PLEASE RESPOND ASAP! Hi. I live in a townhouse for 3 years now. My bathroom & my neighbor's bathroom face each other. When they use their sink, it gurgles in my sink trap & the sewer gases come into my bathroom & house. I can hear it gurgling even if I'm on the first floor. I have to keep the window open because of the smell. This started a few months ago & it's getting worse. What could be causing this? I would like to have an idea on the solution before I call the landlady. She seems to always want to take the easiest & cheapest way out of the repairs. I live in Pennsylvania.
Thank you very much. I appreciate this service that you provide.
Answer
You and your neighbor have a common drain line shared between your units. When there is a back-to-back plumbing like you have, the chances of having a drain blockage is doubled. The gurgling sink is a sign of a partially plugged up line. And the sewer gas entering...

Question
Does the PVC pipe have to be a certain type to use for plumbing? I used the common PVC pipe from Lowes hardware store.

Answer
It is advisable to always ask before you make a decision on materials to use in your plumbing. Not all PVC pipes are recommended for all types of plumbing. Even though a PVC pipe can be used to plumb indoor drains, vents and waste lines, they are not suitable for outdoor plumbing or wherever they are exposed to sunlight or heat as they will melt. A PVC pipe will also melt when used in hot water lines plumbing...

Question
Hi: To whom it may concern.
When you turn the gas on at your stove does this decrease the pressure at the regulator or is the pressure constant in the lines until there is a leak? How do we know if we have a leak or its just the stove being turned on?

Answer
Turning the gas on at stove will definitely cause drop in static pressure but not up to a high level of noticeable difference. If you are worried that you may be having a gas leak, then watch out for gas smell or...

Question
BACKGROUND: We have a septic system. Sewage was flowing out into the yard. The clean out was found to have the cap missing, which was replaced. Once the cap was replaced, the sewage began to back up in the house. When we would wash dishes, sewage would bubble up into the bathtub, the toilet would not go down, the bathroom sink would drain slow and gurgle. First plumber ran snake, said it was not clogged by us, but that the piping was laid wrong. Next plumber dug up where piping runs to septic tank, said there was grease clogging, also another fitting (? I don't really know proper terminology) was broke off--so said it wasn't draining right.
QUESTION: How long would it take for grease to clog system enough to back it up? We have lived here two years and never put grease down drain. Could this be from previous inhabitants? System has not been serviced since we've lived here, could that be problem? thank you

Answer
Sewage backing up into your yard or house does not have a direct relationship with "how long it would take for grease to clog system enough to back it up". In your situation, there are two most common causes of the back up. The first possibility is that your "out-going line/lines is/are clogged", and the second is that your "outlet baffle on the out-going side of your sewage tank is clogged" or "not functioning properly"

To determine what's responsible for the blockage, your "Distribution Box" (D-box) needs to be dug up. If the distribution box is dry, then know that the blockage is in the outlet baffle. And if the Distribution Box is flooded, then the out-going pipe/pipes connected from the Distribution Box and leading to the...

Question
Why does the injector pump go on and off during the day and night. This just recently started. It's at least 25 yrs old. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
I am assuming that what you meant by "injector pump" is the "sewage ejector pump" in your plumbing system. Is this ejector pump located in your basement? Your question is not descriptive enough to enable us have a clear picture of the problem you have but because you requested an expedited answer, I am going to try to respond to your question based on the assumption that you are talking about your "sewage ejector pump"

Sewer Ejector Pump/Sewage Ejector Pump/Sewer Ejector/Sewage Ejection Pump/Sewage Ejection System/Lift Station Pump, all refer to the same sewer system...

Question
Yesterday my water heater went out and didn't come on, so I replace the thermocouple and the gas valve and the pilot now wont stay lit, but the old thermocouple was shorter than the new one, been the new thermocouple longer than the old one could that be why the pilot doesn't stay on?

Answer
The length of the thermocouple has nothing to do with the problem you're having. The longer thermocouple is the universal type with longer lead. Just uncoil as much lead as you need for the installation, then roll the excess in a tight roll and tuck it behind your gas tube.

I suspect that you didn't install the thermocouple properly. There are other possibilities though but if you didn't install the thermocouple properly against the pilot, it wont heat and open gas control valve.

I suggest that you do the following:
1. Make sure that the end of the thermocouple is raised at least 1/4 inch above pilot lit to heat properly.  Use a pair of pliers to bend pilot and thermocouple 1/4 closer to each other
2. While igniting the pilot, press down and hold the pilot button for 30 seconds. Pressing down and holding the button on gas control valve for 30 seconds allows the gas to enter pilot to heat thermocouple.

Other Common Problems Why Pilot Wont Stay Lit

• No gas
• Low gas pressure
• Blocked pilot line
• Faulty thermocouple - note that some thermocouples may have factory faults. So the one you just bought could be faulty.
• Faulty thermostat
• Air in gas line
• Moth and dirt in gas line...

Question

Dangers of Asbestos Insulation in Water Heaters
Is a water heater with cement/asbestos lining safe to use? It is old and seems to work well. Can you do laundry and bathe safely with it? Thank You

Answer

Asbestos insulation in water heaters is dangerous in my opinion. If the asbestos is not disturbed and the dust drifts to where you can breath it, you would be safe. But if it's disturbed and the dust breathed, asbestos can stay in the lungs for a long time and cause different kinds of cancer including mesothelioma. Why have such a dangerous substance in the home at all? I wouldn't and no one should, especially when there is no guarantee that it wouldn't be disturbed...

Question

Blocked Water Pipes - I am not getting enough force of water what should I do?

I got iron water pipes in my house now they are all filled with mud so I am not getting enough force of water what should I do? I've heard about some chemical to clean it!! is that right?

Answer
The problem with iron and galvanized water pipes is that they deteriorate and rust with time.This problem is common in old houses with black iron pipes or galvanized pipes. And what you described as mud is not mud but scales from the rust that has built up over time inside of the pipes...

Question
Washing Machine wont Stop Filling Up With Water
I bought new washing machine cause I thought my old one was on its way out cause even though it still was running a cycle when it had finished the drum would fill up with some water and now exactly the same is happening with the new one! pls help.

Answer
A new washing machine is obviously not the solution to the problem you are having with your washer. In most cases, a pinched or disconnected hose is responsible for the washing machine filling up continuously. If you are confident and comfortable with handling appliances and tools, unscrew your washer's panel and look for the air hose (it's a small tube that is normally connected to the air dome of your washer) If the hose is not attached, then that's the cause of the problem. To fix this problem, you need to re-attach the hose to the air dome using a tie-wrap. And if the hose is pinched, release the pinch to fix it. Cover the panel afterwards and see if it works...

Question

How to Improve Low Hot Water Pressure in Bathroom

We have 2 full bathrooms. Recently the hot water pressure in the two bathroom sinks has decreased. The shower in the one bathroom has no hot water pressure at all. Hot water pressure in the other shower is great. How can i improve the hot water pressure?

Answer
You may want to trace the history of repairs on your water lines since the low hot water pressure started recently according to your question. Was there a recent repair on the lines? Did the low hot water pressure start after a fitting installation? If there was no recent repair or alteration on your plumbing, then the most likely cause of the low water pressure in your bathroom is sediment that have built up inside your hot water tank...

Question

Why No Hot Water in Shower?

I have an outdoor shower with Moen parts. The shower plumbing was drained last fall in preparation for winter but after turning the water back on a few weeks ago, I do not have hot water coming through the lines. I have a few shut off valves and a drain point in the basement and have ensured that everything is on and that there is pressure at the drain port but between the drain port and the shower head the hot water is not passing through. Is there a chance the line is plugged or that the Moen part is malfunctioning?
The plumbing disappears behind the walls at the drain port on the hot water line so I cannot inspect any further. I have heard that there is a part in the Moen control handle that may be at fault but I cannot confirm on the internet. I do have hot water for a bathroom that branches off of that line. Also noted that there is a little cold water pushing through the line when the control handle is turned all the way to HOT. Any ideas?

Answer

I am assuming that you have hot water in every other part of the house except that one shower because the fact that you have hot water in "a bathroom that branches off of that shower line" suggests that the problem is related to that particular shower. And like you rightly guessed, not having hot water in the shower could be caused by any one of the following: faulty valve or plugged line. Now, knowing the type of plumbing line you have will help to further narrow down the cause of lack of hot water in your shower. Question 1: Do you have galvanized pipes? (mostly in old houses) If you answered yes to the above question, then you probably have a plugged line. Question 2: Do you have copper lines?...

Question

Drain Pipe Coming Out of Wall That Is Rotten. What to do?

I have 1-1/4" drain pipe coming out of the wall that is rotten. It looks to be soldered to a 2" 90 degree elbow. I have soldered regular copper pipe but this is way bigger and I am not sure what to do. Can you advise on what I need to do?...

Question

Why My Water Heater Will Not Shut Off?

My heater will not shut off it keeps burning. No matter how low or high i turn it. Burner only goes back to the pilot when i put it there. The heater is new. What is the problem?

Answer
Water heaters that will not shut off should not be taken lightly as this can cause a deadly explosion. Common cause of a continuously running water heater is a faulty control valve. You must shut off gas flow to heater immediately. Locate the gas control valve on the gas line to heater and shut it off. Also turn off...

Question

Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide Gases

My daughter lives in Mexico. She has a very strong smell in all 3 of the bathrooms. The sink drains were installed upside-down and there is no seal on the toilets. This smell is making her whole family very sick. How dangerous is this, and how can she determine how bad it actually is? Limited resources in Mexico. I am concerned for their safety. Can you give me some more info. Her husband needs to be convinced on concerns for health. They have 5 little kids in the house.
Thank You

Answer

Before I even start to answer this question, I advice that your daughter call a certified plumber/professional sewer company or contact her local government over there for recommendations of certified companies to help them fix the sewer gas odor you described.

Before they try to open the sewer lid, the worker/plumber/sewer contractor should be aware or made to be aware that sewer manholes or any enclosed space within the sewer system contain invisible life threatening dangers such as Hydrogen sulfide gas, explosive gases and absence of oxygen.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a highly poisonous and inflammable gas which occurs naturally in natural gas, volcanic gases, crude petroleum and other natural occurrences. It is also produced by the bacterial breakdown of waste materials usually found in waste treatment plants, sewer systems, swamps. Hydrogen sulfide gas has a foul odor of rotten eggs similar to what you described in your question "very strong smell in all 3 of the bathrooms". For the purpose of this question, I will base my answers on sewer gas (Hydrogen sulfide produced by the break down of waste materials in sewer systems/waste management systems) This is how Hydrogen sulfide is produced in sewer systems/waste management systems: When microorganisms decompose waste materials in the sewer system/waste management system, this is done in the absence of oxygen and the resulting gas is Hydrogen sulfide (sewer gas)...

Question

I have central heating pipes that rattle very badly if i turn off the rads down stairs it stops.
Any suggestions?

Answer

If your central heating pipes make loud rattling noise, there are different possible causes. It could be air in the system which needs to be let out by bleeding the radiators; could be radiator valve rattling;  could also be your pump valve; could be loose duct work or pipes expansion noise. But before I begin to address this, it's important that I know the type of system you have and at what point the problem started. Is your central heating gas or electric? Is it an old system? Was there a recent repair done on the unit before it started rattling? We always urge users to give such details in their questions to enable us give accurate answers since we are not present to look at the system.

Common causes of central heating pipes making a rattling noise and solutions
Air in radiator
How to fix: Bleeding the radiators will fix it if the problem is air in your system. Calling a professional is highly recommended. But if you can follow carefully steps on how to bleed a radiator below, you can do it yourself.

How to bleed a radiator

Locate a small valve (usually square shaped) at the top of your radiator. Locate your radiator's...

Question

We just got our water heater replaced because there was rust in all of the water in our house. The water still smells like metal. What can we do to fix this?

Answer

Your house water smelling like metal can be caused by different many things. To be able to know the real source of your problem, there are some questions we need answered: How old is your house? Do you have galvanized lines or copper? Is your house wirsbo?
The metal smell could be from old pipes that have deteriorated with time. But this is possible if your house is anything between 40 to 50 years old. And I'm thinking this may be the case with you since rusted old piping can cause the rust you find in all of your water - sinks, tubs, showers...

Question

Water wont stop coming out of the overflow part of the hot water heater. What should I do?

Answer

I think you're talking about your water heater's T&P valve. That is a water heater safety device and if water is overflowing from this part, you need to call a plumber ASAP. If you can, turn your water heater off at the breaker box while you wait for your plumber...

Question

How Much Does Portland Plumbing Plus Charge to Clear Clogged Floor Drain?

Answer

We constantly have discount coupons to reduce your cost of plumbing. Check our "Special Offers" page for our current special price to clear clogged floor drains. If you are looking for how to clear clogged drain professionally at cheap rates in Oregon and Washington, you have come to the right place. Portland Plumbing Plus is here 24/7 to unclog your clogged floor drain and help you save. When the rains...

Question

Rain Water Is Coming Out of My Storm Drain

Answer

Your storm drain is plugged up. Call your plumber to snake it out...

My Tub Drain Pipes Wont Drain. Can You Tell Me What's Wrong Without Looking at it?

Answer

Your tub drain is clogged or frozen from winter cold. Call your plumber to fix it

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Frozen Hot Tub Pipe?

Answer

It depends on your geographical location. Plumbers charge different rates in different parts of the world. If your hot tub pipe is frozen and water is shut off or there is a leak in your hot tub get a quote from local plumbers in your area and compare prices.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe?

Answer

Before you consider thawing your frozen pipes, there are safety measures you must take to avoid a hazardous accident. It is recommended to get help from a professional if you want to thaw a frozen pipe. Make sure to turn off the main water supply at the stop valve in your house. Verify that the pipe

Can winter freeze and burst my copper water pipe?

Answer

Yes

How do I prevent Frozen Pipes?

Answer

The best time to prevent frozen pipes is before the winter scourge. Never wait until you face the horrible experience of a frozen pipe. Here are few things you can do to save your pipes and house hold from the winter trouble: Insulate pipes, disconnect all garden hoses, shut-off and drain your water system, if you are going to be away for some time, keep the house warm by setting your thermostat to at least 55°F (12°C)