Frequently Asked Plumbing Related Questions

Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC plumbers are your local Amherst Area provider of drain cleaning, sewer cleaning, water tank replacement and other plumbing services provider. Please find answers to some commonly asked plumbing questions below.

What can I do about tree roots in my sewer line?

Tree roots will not crack a sound sewer, but if you have cracks or failures in those lines, roots can enter. Roots seek moisture, especially during droughts and in winter conditions. When a sewer line is cracked, roots will treat pipes like a buffet and bombard the lines. Roots penetrate openings to reach the moisture in pipes, and they can completely fill the pipe with hairy root masses that clog sewer lines with toilet tissue and other debris. This results in low flow, slow drains and complete blockage if roots are not removed (this process is called "rodding").

Any advice on choosing a new toilet?

Consider water efficiency and the toilet's flushing capabilities. There are pressurized toilet tanks available today that work like a commercial toilet, and there water-efficient models. Talk to a professional who can advise on what toilet features will suit your needs. You might consider toilet brands such as Kohler, American Standard or Elijer, which are major manufacturers that offer a range of toilets that can be installed by an Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC professional.

There's a foul odor coming from our garbage disposal. What could be the problem?

A buildup of food debris can cause a foul odor in your garbage disposal. Try placing lemon or orange peels in the disposal and running it for 30 seconds. Pour a small amount of dish liquid in to the garbage disposal while it is still running, then flush out with cold water to rinse away debris. Talk to an Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC professional about garbage disposal maintenance and get a free assessment to determine whether yours is working properly.

How can I prevent frozen pipes?

You should turn off outside faucets before freezing weather, and also disconnect the garden hose to allow water in the pipe to drain out.

How often should my septic tank be inspected?

Even if you are not having problems with your septic tank now, you should have it inspected and pumped a minimum of every three to four years. A full septic tank can allow solids to release into the drain field, which is where the distribution box and connected pipes are located. Those pipes allow water to flow into a bed of stone that drains into the ground. Paper and solids can block that drain field?and this is costly to repair or replace. Prevention is the key. Talk to Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC about regular septic tank maintenance services.

How can I prevent problems with my water heater?

Before winter, when your water heater works harder, be sure to flush out your water heater to remove sediment buildup. Corrosion reduces heating efficiency. Test the water heater pressure relief valve by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. If a bust of hot water does not flow into the drainpipe, you might need a new valve. Set the water heater thermostat at 120°F for optimum performance. Call Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC for a free inspection.

How does a tankless hot water heater work?

Tankless hot water heaters provide hot water only as needed, unlike traditional storage water heaters that produce standby hot water, costing you more money. Tankless hot water heaters only heat water when there is demand. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the tankless hot water heater. The electric element or gas burner (depending on your heat supply) heats the water on demand. You do not have to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. Be sure to choose a tankless hot water with capacity to provide hot water for the whole household. Also know that the venting on tankless hot water heaters can be complicated because of city and state codes?these water heaters must have stainless steel piping. An Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC professional can help choose and install a tankless hot water heater that suits your needs and ensure that these codes are met.

How often should a sump pump be replaced?

We recommend replacing a sump pump every 5 to 7 years. It's better to replace this mechanical device before it fails than to deal with backup and other consequences of a failed sump pump. Talk to an Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC plumbing professional for a free assessment of your sump pump to see if it's time for you to replace the unit.

Why should I install a battery backup sump pump in my home?

Think of a battery backup sump pump as your best insurance policy against flooding. If you lose electricity during a storm, your sump pump will fail. This can ruin a basement and for those who have invested in finishing this extra room in the home, the results can be total ruin. A battery backup sump pump gives you peace of mind that in case of a power outage or storm where you lose electricity, your sump pump will continue to do its important job. An Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC professional can evaluate your current system and install a battery backup sump pump.

What preventive maintenance will prevent sewer drain cleaning and plumbing problems, or backups?

Tune in to a few signs of sewer drain backup. Do you smell a foul odor coming from your drain? Do you notice sewer flies? These cues could indicate a clogged line or a cracked pipe. Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC can provide free estimates and diagnose the problem. The best strategy is to avoid backups with simple maintenance practices. Avoid flushing wipes (even "flushable" ones) that can actually expand and clog lines. Do not use chemical drain-cleaners if your home has PVC pipes because these products will actually dissolve the cement ponding PVC sections together, and you could have to eventually replace sections of pipe. If regular sewer backup is a problem for you, consider annual preventive maintenance to keep sewer pipes free and clear. Hydro jet and other Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC professionals can clean out a sewer line. An Active Rooter ® Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC professional can offer solutions to address your problem so you can avoid future backups.

Areas Served

Active Rooter ® services these and surrounding communities: Amherst, OH 44001; Avon, OH 44011; Avon Lake, OH 44012; Bay Village, OH 44140; Columbia Station, OH 44028; North Royalton, OH 44133; Elyria, OH 44035; Grafton, OH 44044; LaGrange, OH 44050; Lakewood, OH 44107; Lorain, OH 44052, 44053, 44055; North Olmsted, OH 44070; Oberlin, OH 44074; Rocky River, OH 44116; Sandusky, OH 44870, 44871; Sheffield Lake, OH 44054; Vermillion, OH 44089; Wakeman, OH 44889; Wellington, OH 44090; Westlake, OH 44145; North Ridgeville, OH 44039.