Your home's plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, drains, water and fixtures.

An experienced plumber has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pipes, plumbing and other related topics. Many homeowners have questions and concerns when they’re experiencing a plumbing situation such as a clogged toilet, leaking sink, low water pressure and so on. Without a well functioning plumbing system a home suffers. A home without a good plumbing system can cost a lot of money over time and become very problematic for those living within the home.  Homeowners constantly run into plumbing problems, which causes concern and adds to the never ending stress of home owning. Thankfully, a plumber can offer help and relief, but be sure to hire a plumber you trust! Here are five commonly asked plumbing questions with a general explanation and answer for guidance:

1. Why does my drain get clogged?

A clogged drain is a problem. A drain becomes clogged when things go down that should not go down the drain. The drain traps the debris and becomes so full of hair, skin, dirt and other things that it begins to clog. After some time, the build up is so severe that water does not pass easily and therefore, drains slowly or not at all. If this is happening, it’s a tell-tale sign that the drain needs to be unclogged. A plumber can help snake the drain and get it operating as it should be!

2. Where is my main water shut-off valve?

Every homeowner should know where their main water shut-off valve is. In case of a major water leak, a homeowner should know exactly where to go to turn off the water supply to the home. This way there won’t be any time spent searching for the water shut-off valve while water is pouring uncontrollably into your home. Water can cause severe damage to a house and be expensive to repair. So, if you don’t know where your house's main water shut-off valve is, find it!

3. Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

While chemical drain cleaners may be effective at breaking down build up and cleaning your pipes, they are not safe to use. It isn’t recommended to use chemical cleaning products in your toilets and drains because the strong chemicals can cause damage to your homes pipes and appliances. After time, your plumbing system will literally break down and may need complete replacing. In addition, chemical cleaning products are bad for our health and can cause serious complications. For the sake of your home, your health, and your wallet, it’s best to steer clear of chemical drain cleaners altogether.

4. Why does my toilet keep running?

A toilet that continues to run is a common problem that many homeowners experience. The bad news is that a running toilet can consume a ton of water and for some, that can become expensive. The good news is that this is often a quick fix! There are a few reasons why this may be happening and a plumber can certainly identify and fix the problem. If you’re feeling confident and handy you may be able to fix the issue yourself, but this will require getting your hands a little dirty.

5. Why does my home have low water pressure?

Having low water pressure in your home can be frustrating. There are actually several reasons why your home has low water pressure, so it's best to call your local plumbing company to figure out what is truly going on. Low water pressure may be related to your pipes, water shut-off valve, water supply, leaks, or other problems. Given all these possibilities, it's difficult to identify exactly the source of the problem. An experienced plumber can locate the answer to your low water pressure problem and inform you of such findings.

A plumbing system in a home or building is complex and there is a lot that can go wrong. It’s best to establish a good relationship with a local plumbing company that you are familiar with to work on your home for years to come. Edwards Plumbing is a highly experienced plumbing company serving the East Stroudsburg area and the surrounding areas throughout Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Call today to schedule an appointment with Edwards Plumbing!