Reynolds Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc

Q: My shower head and faucet aerators have a whitish crust built up. How do I get rid of the crust?
A: This crust buildup is mineral deposits. To remove the deposits from the shower head take a plastic bag filled with a cup of white vinegar and place it over the showerhead so the vinegar coats it. Secure with a rubberband or tie and leave overnight. The next day remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to scrub off the deposits. As far as the aerators you can use the white vinegar to clean them too.

Q: Sometimes when I flush my toilet the water flows to the top and then slowly goes down. Why does the toilet do this?
A: This usually means that there is a blocked branch line off of the stack or main drain or a blocked vent. The line needs to be cleaned to remove the blockage. Depending on where the blockage is located, a hand snake may not have enough power to clear the clog. Call in a professional to handle this for you.

Q: Should we shut off our water when going on vacation or if we are going to be away for a few days?
A: Yes, your water should be shut off if you won’t be home for a few days or longer because if a pipe breaks water will keep flowing causing flooding in your home. However, if you have a gate valve type of shut-off there is a possibility the valve could break off in the closed position leaving you without water. A ball valve type of shut off will not break off. If you would like, Reynolds can easily swap out the gate valve for a ball valve.

Q: Why do my faucets have low water pressure?
A: Low water pressure in the faucets is usually caused by mineral build-up in the faucets, especially the kitchen and laundry tub. Try the following steps: Unscrew the aerator, clean it out and then put it back in.