Plumbing FAQs – In A Flash Heating & Plumbing

Serving Medford, MA & Greater Boston

Top 10 Plumbing FAQs

1) Why won’t my toilet stop running?

A running toilet is usually caused by a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or a misaligned chain in the tank. This can waste up to hundreds of gallons daily and spike your bill. Start by adjusting the chain and replacing the flapper; both parts are inexpensive. If the leak persists, the flush valve seat or overflow tube may be damaged and you’ll want a pro to diagnose it — our toilet repair & fixture service team can help.

2) How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?

Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, open sink cabinets on exterior walls, and let faucets drip during extreme cold. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. For problem areas, add heat tape. If a pipe freezes, shut off the main water immediately and call us for emergency pipe repair to prevent a burst.

3) Why is my water pressure low?

Check if it’s one fixture or the whole home. Single-fixture issues often come from clogged aerators or cartridges. Whole-home low pressure can be a partially closed main valve, sediment buildup, corrosion, or municipal supply problems. Cleaning aerators and verifying valves are fully open may solve it. If not, we can test pressure and inspect for hidden restrictions — start with contacting us.

4) What should I do if my drain is clogged?

Skip harsh chemicals; they can damage pipes. Try a plunger first, then a hand snake. Rinse with hot water after you clear the blockage. For recurring or whole-house clogs, professional drain cleaning removes grease, wipes, and tree-root intrusions safely. Prevent clogs with strainers and keep fats, oils, coffee grounds, and “flushable” wipes out of drains.

5) Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

Generally, no. Caustic cleaners can soften PVC, pit metal pipes, harm septic systems, and are unsafe to handle. Mechanical methods (plunger, snake) or enzyme/bacterial cleaners are safer choices. If you’ve already used chemicals, wait before snaking to avoid splash injuries. For tough clogs, book professional drain service.

6) What’s the best way to deal with hard water?

Hard water leaves scale that reduces flow and shortens appliance life. A whole-home water softener removes calcium and magnesium to protect plumbing and improve efficiency. Point-of-use filters help with taste and spots but won’t protect your piping. We can size a softener to your home and usage; ask during your next service visit.

7) How often should I have my plumbing inspected?

At least once a year, especially in older homes or if you’ve had leaks, low pressure, or slow drains. Annual checks catch small issues (corrosion, worn shut-offs, early leaks) before they become emergencies. It’s also smart before buying a home or after renovations. We offer routine inspections and can combine them with water heater maintenance advice.

8) Can I flush “flushable” wipes down the toilet?

Despite the label, most wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They snag inside bends, cause clogs, and can damage pumps or septic systems. Toss all wipes in the trash — even the “flushable” kind. If you’re already seeing slow toilets or frequent backups, schedule drain cleaning.

9) What causes a dripping faucet and how do I fix it?

Usually a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Shut off water to the faucet, disassemble carefully, and replace the faulty part — most are inexpensive. Fixing drips quickly saves water and prevents valve seat wear. If the faucet is corroded or the valve body is damaged, replacing the fixture may be more cost-effective; we handle fixture installs.

10) How do I shut off the water to my house in an emergency?

Find the main shut-off valve where the water line enters your home or near the meter; turn it clockwise to close. Test a faucet to confirm flow stops. Knowing this location prevents major damage if a pipe bursts. After shutting off, cut power to affected areas if needed and call for burst pipe repair.

Water Heaters & Boilers

What is a tankless water heater and how does it work?
Tankless (on-demand) heaters warm water as it flows through a heat exchanger, delivering endless hot water with higher efficiency. They save space, last longer than tanks, and can be paired with recirculation for faster hot water at fixtures. We size units to your home’s demand and handle tankless installs.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If your tank is 8–12 years old, leaking, or struggling to recover, replacement is usually smarter. New units are more efficient and reliable. Newer heaters with minor issues (thermostat, anode, pressure valve) may be worth repairing. Ask us for a free estimate on water heater replacement.

Why don’t I have enough hot water?
Common causes: undersized tank, failed heating elements, sediment buildup, or a mixing valve issue. For tankless, insufficient gas sizing or scale can limit output. Flushing the heater and checking thermostats can help. If problems persist, we’ll evaluate capacity and options.

Toilets, Sinks & Disposals

How do I reset a jammed garbage disposal?
Turn power off, press the red reset button on the bottom, and use a hex key in the center socket to manually free the impeller. Check for obstructions with tongs (never hands). If it trips repeatedly, the motor may be failing.

Why is my sink draining slowly?
Hair, soap scum, or grease buildup are typical culprits. Remove and clean the stopper, then use a hand snake. Avoid chemicals that can damage pipes. If multiple fixtures are slow, schedule drain cleaning to clear the line.

Pipes & Pressure

What are the signs of a hidden leak?
Unexplained water bill spikes, musty odors, warm floor spots, wall/ceiling stains, or meter movement when no water is running. Shut off fixtures to isolate the source and call for leak detection & pipe repair.

A pipe burst — what now?
Shut off the main water, kill power in the affected area, and move valuables. Do not turn water back on until repairs are complete. We provide same-day burst pipe repairs.

Seasonal & Preventive

Should I shut off water when I go on vacation?
Yes. Close the main, drain exterior lines, and consider a smart leak detector. This prevents catastrophic damage while you’re away. See our summer plumbing tips for more preventative ideas.

Do I need a sump pump checkup?
Test your pump twice a year by pouring water into the pit; the pump should start and discharge. Check the check-valve and clear the discharge line. If your basement is damp or flood-prone, ask us about battery backup systems. Contact us to schedule maintenance.

About Our Services

Do you offer emergency plumbing?
Yes — same-day and emergency service across Medford and Greater Boston. Call 781-572-2575 or book online.

What areas do you serve?
We cover Medford and towns within ~25 miles of Boston, including Arlington, Cambridge, Somerville, Malden, Woburn, Newton, Quincy, and more. See the full service area.

Where can I read more guides?
Check our blog for seasonal checklists, maintenance tips, and upgrade advice.