FAQ

While these may be some temporary solutions to your piping problems, nothing compares to calling the professionals at Bill Fenwick Plumbing, Inc. to diagnose plumbing symptoms. Below we have compiled a list of the major causes of certain situations.

Noisy Pipes

This may be due to loose pipes, water-logged air chambers, or water pressure that's too high. Anchoring exposed pipes is a simple solution; other remedies such as anchoring pipes concealed inside walls, floors, or ceilings, may require the attention of a professional.

Banging Pipes

If the pipes in the house sound like they are banging, you may need to add straps, cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket, or both. If you anchor a pipe, especially a plastic one, leave room for expansion; don't use galvanized straps on copper pipes.

Squeaky Pipes

Only hot water pipes squeak. As the pipe expands, it moves in its strap, and friction causes the squeak. Solution: Cushion it as you would a banging pipe.

Leaking Pipes

A higher than normal water bill might be your first indication of a leaking pipe, or you might hear the sound of running water even when all your fixtures are turned off. When you suspect a leak, check the fixtures first to make sure all the faucets are tightly closed. Then go to the water meter, if you have one. If the dial is moving, you're losing water somewhere in the system.

To Locate a Leak, Try These Tips.

The sound of running water helps, if you hear it, follow it to its source.

If water is staining the ceiling or dripping down, the leak is probably directly above.

Sometimes, water may run along a joist and then stain or drip at a point some distance from the leak.

If water stains a wall, it means there's a leak in a section of pipe.

Any wall stain is likely to be below the actual location of the leak and you'll probably need to remove part of the wall to find it.

Call a plumber if all else fails.

A Stopped-Up Sink

Shut off any faucet or appliance that drains into the sink.

Unclog the sink using a plunger or snake.

A Faucet That Won't Shut Off

Immediately turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve underneath the sink.

If there's no valve there, turn off the main shutoff valve.

Call a plumber to replace or repair the faucet.