FAQs Archive - At Your Service Plumbing

Q: What should I do while waiting for a plumber to arrive?

While waiting for our team, you can take these steps to minimize damage: Shut off the water supply to the affected area or the entire home. Turn off the water heater if the issue involves hot water or if you shut the water to your home off. Contain leaks using buckets and towels. Avoid using sinks, toilets, or appliances connected to the problem area. Our team will handle the rest once they arrive. If you don’t know how or where to shut your water off, please be sure to have your plumbing professional show you. In case of a flooding emergency, you can call the fire department to help shut your water off at the meter. Call or text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: How can I properly use my garbage disposer to prevent clogs and backups?

To avoid clogs, only put small amounts of food scraps into the disposer at a time and avoid grinding fibrous foods (like celery, potato peels, or corn husks) or grease, which can cause blockages. Even though most sources say to run cold water when using the disposer, we recommend running hot water. We want to prevent fats, oils, and greases from congealing on the piping after it leaves the disposer. We want it to be flushed all the way to the city sewer line as a liquid. After use, let the water run for a few seconds to ensure everything is cleared out. Call or text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: Why is it important to insulate my pipes before winter?

Insulating your pipes is the first line of defense against freezing and bursting in cold weather, which can cause significant water damage to your home. Taking this simple precaution can save you from costly repairs and ensure your plumbing works smoothly all winter long. And it is a step you can take yourself! There may be other necessary steps that require a professional plumber. Call or text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: What should my home’s water pressure be, and how do I know if it's too high or too low?

Your home’s water pressure should typically be between 40 and 60 PSI. If you notice weak water flow, banging pipes, or leaky fixtures, it’s a good idea to have a plumber check for pressure issues. At Your Service Plumbing checks pressure every time we visit a home. Things outside of your control can cause a change, so it should be monitored. It is much like having your blood pressure checked when you see the doctor—they do it every time! Call or text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: Can I do my own plumbing in Washington State?

Yes, homeowners in Washington state can perform plumbing tasks on their own property. It is recommended they stick with tasks such as fixing leaky faucets, unclogging drains, and replacing fixtures. However, it is strongly suggested that more complex projects, such as repiping or water heater installation, be done by a licensed professional. Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: What Makes Flow-Tech Different from Traditional Water Conditioners?

Flow-Tech Home stands out as the only system providing comprehensive, omnipresent treatment. While traditional water conditioners, whether salt-free or not, only treat specific zones, Flow-Tech uniquely transmits a low-frequency signal throughout your entire plumbing system. This ensures complete protection from hard water for your whole home. Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: How Do Water Filtration Systems Improve Water Quality?

Our water filtration systems enhance water quality by removing impurities and contaminants through various methods such as absorption, oxidation, and sedimentation. These systems typically use a combination of filtration media, such as activated carbon and KDF-55, to effectively reduce or eliminate harmful substances like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria. By filtering out these pollutants, water filtration systems provide cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water for household use, contributing to overall health and well-being. Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: What are the key signs that my home needs a water repiping service?

Key signs that your home may require repiping include persistent low water pressure, frequent leaks, discolored or rusty water, and unusual noises coming from your pipes. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to consult with a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system's condition. At Your Service Plumbing in Tacoma specializes in identifying and resolving such problems, ensuring your home’s plumbing operates efficiently and safely. Remember, water can cause a lot of damage, so plan ahead and avoid the pain of damage caused by water! Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: I’m interested in trying some DIY plumbing maintenance this spring. How do I know if a task is within my ability, and when should I call a professional?

We encourage homeowners to engage with their plumbing systems and understand the basics of maintenance. Our DIY video series is a fantastic place to start, offering step-by-step guidance on common tasks that most homeowners can safely undertake, such as checking hose faucets and opening foundation vents for spring. You can watch our DIY series first and assess your comfort level. When to Call a Professional: If you encounter any of the following, it’s time to call in your Personal Plumbing Professional: Tasks requiring a permit or inspections. Jobs involving the main water line or sewer lines. Repairs that involve cutting into walls or floors. Any task you’re not comfortable handling on your own. Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

Q: What are the benefits of installing a water conditioning system in my home?

Improve the quality of your water. Remove harmful chemicals used to bring you bacteria-free water. Water districts must use chemicals to kill bacteria in the water as it travels to your home. However, it has been proven that these chemicals can be harmful to us, causing skin irritations and even cancer. Many consider this when they buy bottled water, but they neglect to think about our skin being the largest organ, and we absorb these chemicals during a shower or a bath. Improved taste. By removing the chemicals such as chlorine, it can improve the taste of your water. Softer skin and hair. More efficient soap usage. Prevent scale build-up of calcium and magnesium. Traditional water softeners require periodic maintenance and upkeep. Electronic descalers, on the other hand, can break up the calcium and magnesium molecules and prevent buildup with no maintenance at all. Prolong the life of water-using appliances. Preventing scale from building up in your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine will help them not only work better but also last longer with less maintenance. Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here .

What should I do while waiting for a plumber to arrive?

What should I do while waiting for a plumber to arrive?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-12-17T19:55:27+00:00December 17th, 2024|

What should I do while waiting for a plumber to arrive?

How can I properly use my garbage disposer to prevent clogs and backups?

How can I properly use my garbage disposer to prevent clogs and backups?

By Jodi|2024-11-19T20:20:41+00:00November 19th, 2024|

How can I properly use my garbage disposer to prevent clogs and backups?

Why is it important to insulate my pipes before winter?

Why is it important to insulate my pipes before winter?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-10-08T17:41:05+00:00October 8th, 2024|

Why is it important to insulate my pipes before winter?

What should my home’s water pressure be, and how do I know if it’s too high or too low?

What should my home’s water pressure be, and how do I know if it’s too high or too low?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-09-10T14:31:30+00:00September 10th, 2024|

What should my home’s water pressure be, and how do I know if it's too high or too low?

Can I do my own plumbing in Washington State?

Can I do my own plumbing in Washington State?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-08-13T16:28:08+00:00August 13th, 2024|

Can I do my own plumbing in Washington state?

What Makes Flow-Tech Different from Traditional Water Conditioners?

What Makes Flow-Tech Different from Traditional Water Conditioners?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-07-11T17:17:09+00:00July 11th, 2024|

What Makes Flow-Tech Different from Traditional Water Conditioners?

How Do Water Filtration Systems Improve Water Quality?

How Do Water Filtration Systems Improve Water Quality?

By Angel Lebak|2024-06-04T14:30:31+00:00June 4th, 2024|

How Do Water Filtration Systems Improve Water Quality?

What are the key signs that my home needs a water repiping service?

What are the key signs that my home needs a water repiping service?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-05-01T13:26:26+00:00May 1st, 2024|

What are the key signs that my home needs a water repiping service?

I’m interested in trying some DIY plumbing maintenance this spring. How do I know if a task is within my ability, and when should I call a professional?

I’m interested in trying some DIY plumbing maintenance this spring. How do I know if a task is within my ability, and when should I call a professional?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-04-11T13:27:40+00:00April 11th, 2024|

I’m interested in trying some DIY plumbing maintenance this spring. How do I know if a task is within my ability, and when should I call a professional?

What are the benefits of installing a water conditioning system in my home?

What are the benefits of installing a water conditioning system in my home?

By Kathy Thaut|2024-03-13T18:02:52+00:00March 13th, 2024|

What are the benefits of installing a water conditioning system in my home?