FAQ

  • Armstrong Plumbing Answers Your Questions!

    • Why is my water heater so noisy?
      If your water heater begins to make loud noises, you should contact Armstrong Plumbing right away because it could be an indication of a serious problem. It may point to a short that can blow your circuit breakers or a sediment buildup, which can clog your water heater and burn through electricity.
    • How can I tell if I have a leak?

      One easy way to tell if there's a hidden leak in your home is to check your water level. Record the level once, make sure no one in your house uses the water for a few hours, and then check the level again. If you notice a dramatic change, you most likely have a leak that you need to identify. You can check for leaks in your home by inspecting your faucets and your toilet bowl tank. If everything is working properly, you may still have leaks in your water line and hose bibs. To keep your water bill from going up, you may want to contact a plumber. 

    • My toilet is clogged, what can I do?

      If you have a plunger, putting it to use is probably the easiest way to unclog a leak. In a pinch, you can pour dish soap in your toilet, followed by a pot of boiling water. If these methods don't work, it may be time to call a plumber. Remember: you should flush objects that don't belong! This includes baby wipes, Q-tips, feminine hygiene products, and other items that are too large or that could cause a clog.

    • How do I stop my toilet from running?

      Usually, a running toilet is caused by a flapper that isn't sealing correctly. The flapper is the rubber or plastic valve on the bottom of your toilet's tank. Try opening the toilet tank and adjusting the float arm. Water in the tank should stop about an inch below the overflow pipe. If this doesn't happen, you probably need to replace the flapper.

    • What can I do to stop my toilet from leaking at its base?

      If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet, you should try tightening the t-bolts or replacing the wax ring. This should do the trick.

    • Sewage is coming out of my toilet, what can I do?

      This problem is usually caused by a backup in the sewage line. It's not something you can fix yourself. Call Armstrong Plumbing right away!

    • My shower pressure is low, how can I fix that?

      Often, you'll notice that your shower pressure is low when people are using other faucets in your house. This indicates that your household water supply is insufficient. If the problem persists all the time, it may be caused by pipe or patch leaks. If you've checked your pipes for leaks and it's still happening, give us a call. We can tell you if your plumbing system needs an upgrade or if a quick fix will solve the problem.

    • My garbage disposal is clogged, what can I do?

      First, turn off the disposal. Then, insert an Allen wrench into the hole of the disposal motor. Rotating the wrench back and forth can often dislodge any obstruction and fix the problem. If this doesn't work, give one of our experts a call!

    • Why is rusty water backing up in my kitchen sink?

      This can be caused by a number of problems, including rusted piping or sediment deposits in your water tank. Contact Armstrong Plumbing and we can help you determine the severity of the problem.

    • Why is my kitchen sink is taking a long time to drain?

      When this happens, you probably have a clog forming deep down in the drain. You can use a plunger to get the clog out, or you can pour either drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water. This will loosen the clog and clear your drain.

    • Is there a way to prevent clogged drains in my house?

      Yes! First of all, don't put things down your drains that don't belong there: this includes hair, oil or grease, coffee grounds, hard food and egg shells. A drain stopper or filter can also stop larger materials from going down your drain and clogging it.

    • What can I do about a leaky faucet?

      Often, a leaky faucet is caused by a corroded O-ring, gasket, or valve seal. Try shutting off the water and removing the faucet handle. You may be able to fix the problem by tightening the nut that holds all the internal parts in place. You may also want to try disassembling the faucet to inspect its components. If you notice a part that is broken, replacing that part can do the trick. If you continue having problems with a dripping faucet, give us a call.

    • How do I know if I need to replace a main water line?

      This is usually a matter of age and condition. If the pipes in your home are older than 50 years or so, you should be checking them regularly for signs of rust or corrosion. Corroded water lines need to be replaced right away.