Our Plumbing Blog

Drains

Drain clearing is a fast fix that removes a single clog or blockage. Drain cleaning is a more thorough service—often using hydrojetting—to clean the full length of your pipes and prevent future plumbing problems. Knowing the difference helps you avoid repeat clogs and costly repairs.

Pro Tips

Showering should be straightforward, but that can be far from the case if you have a faulty shower cartridge!

Drains

Mr. Rooter Plumbing^® shares helpful information on how to ensure your trap primer is working as it should to prevent dry drains and associated bad smells!

• Trap Primer Purpose and Location: A trap primer keeps drain traps filled with water to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings through dry drains. They’re common in rarely used drains (e.g., garages, basements, vacation homes), and are often required by code for commercial or industrial floor drains.
• Signs of a Failing Primer: Several signs indicate a failing primer, with sewer smells being the most common, followed by a dry trap, a leaking primer, gurgling drains, and inconsistent, limited, or no water flow.
• DIY Maintenance Tips: Check for proper installation, test by activating connected fixtures, inspect for leaks, and clean debris from the outlet every 3–6 months.
• Primer Types: Options include continuous flow, pressure-activated, flush valve-operated, electronic, and manual trap primers.
• Why Drains Smell: Dry P-traps allow sewer gases (like hydrogen sulfide) to escape. Flush them with hot water or clean them with baking soda and vinegar to eliminate odors.

Pro Tips

A thermostatic mixing valve, also known as a water heater mixing valve, is a crucial plumbing component installed in homes and businesses to prevent scalding.

Maintenance

When was the last time you flushed and drained your hot water heater? Hot water is something we all take for granted, until it runs out. A cold shower is a brisk reminder of the importance of water heater maintenance.

Plumbing

Water leaking in your home, sudden water pressure issues, and stains on your walls can all be signs of a burst pipe. But don't pa