Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions | From Your Katy, TX Plumber

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Certain questions seem to come up every week for plumbers in Katy, TX. While every home has its own individual plumbing system, they have a lot of the same common issues. From black specks in water to knocking pipes, chances are professionals in your area have already dealt with the same issue.

It may interest you to read about some of the most common plumbing questions plumbers in Katy, TX here. While these explanations are not a substitute for a proper plumbing assessment, they can give you a good idea of why something is happening. 

Figuring out why a plumbing problem is occurring is the first step to getting it fixed. Use your knowledge to recognize problems as they occur and call local professionals to fix the problem before it becomes an emergency. Here are just a few of the most popular plumbing questions in Katy, TX. 

Why Are There Black Specks in My Tap Water?

Black specks in your tap water can be very alarming, and they are a signal that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Generally, one of three things is causing them. Pipe corrosion is often a culprit because as old pipes start to corrode small pieces of rusty pipe can break off and come out through the cold water tap.

Second, it is possible that your water heater is corroding. Similar to the corroded pipes, small black specks from the water heater can break off, but if this is the case, you will notice them coming out of the hot water tap. Many people see the black specks appear on the sides of their showers, tub, or sinks.

Finally, if you notice that the black specks are somewhat rubbery, there is a good chance that they are disintegrated pieces of a washer, rubber gasket, or supply hose from somewhere in your plumbing system. Rubber is highly durable, but if the part has not been replaced in decades continual exposure to disinfectants in city water can break it down.

Regardless of the cause, black specks always demand a call to the plumbers. You don't want to accidentally drink black specks regardless of their cause. Most professionals will be able to take a look at where the black specks are coming from and isolate a cause fairly quickly. 

Is High Water Pressure an Issue?

A lot of people love high water pressure because they feel it helps them clean things faster and they enjoy a steady beat on their back in the shower. However, as comforting as high-water pressure can feel, it may not be the best choice for your home. 

The first place it can hurt is your wallet. For every ten minutes you consume water at a high-water pressure you waste anywhere from six to 26 gallons of water. This can quickly add up to a very costly water bill. Plus, it stresses out your home plumbing system which means you may be calling the plumbers more often than you like. Additionally, high water pressure can reduce the lifespan of your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. Unless the comfort of high-water pressure is worth hundreds of dollars to you, it may be time to rethink it. 

Ideally your water pressure should be set somewhere between 45 and 55 PSI. Anything higher is considered excessive and can lead to pipes breaking or cracking, a reduced service life for plumbing fixtures, and leaks. If you constantly hear banging pipes, your toilet is always running, or your faucets are leaking then it may be a sign your water pressure is too high and you need to call the professionals. Of course, all of these signs can also indicate other issues with your plumbing, so if you notice any of them a call to the plumbers is in order. 

Why Do My Pipes Make A Knocking Noise?

As briefly mentioned above, knocking pipes can indicate that there is a problem with your water pressure which is why you should call the plumbers if you notice the problem consistently. Pressure is important because it is what enables water to flow out your faucets from the piping system. Low water pressure can also cause the knocking noise, so both should be investigated. 

However, there are many other causes for knocking pipes. For instance, sediment may be built up in your pipelines disrupting the flow leading to the knocking noise. The bottom line is your pipes should not be making any noises. If they are loud enough for you to notice then something is wrong and it is time to call the plumbers. 

Why is My Water Cloudy?

Your water should not look like skim milk, so if it is starting to it may be time to call the plumbers in Katy, TX. Most often cloudy water is caused by air bubbles that are released by changes in temperature and pressure outside. Cold weather can be the cause of cloudy water, but if this is the case they should dissipate with some time. If the cloudy water does not disappear after sitting in an open glass for a few minutes then there is something else wrong. 

On occasion dirt can get into your water supply. Dirt and sand diluted in the water create the cloudy color you see. Usually it is harmless and may not even taste that bad, but it certainly does not look appetizing. A sediment filter may be all it takes, but the plumbers can give you an expert opinion to make sure that there isn't something larger wrong causing the cloudy water. 

Finally, if your water is cloudy and has a rotten egg smell to it this is a sign that hydrogen sulfur is in your water. Sulfur bacteria love to live in wells or plumbing where little oxygen is present. This can be caused by a malfunctioning water heater or your well. It is best to have the plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Northwest Houston test your water and then offer you solutions if it turns out that sulfur is responsible for the odor and color.