Our 5 Most Common Plumbing Questions

During our 116 years in business, the trusted Brooklyn plumbers at Petri’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning have been asked some of the most interesting questions about residential plumbing systems.

From gurgling noises to noxious odors, we’ve seen and heard it all.

Read on for the top five most common plumbing questions we are asked and the answers to solving them. Have a plumbing question of your own? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Brooklyn plumbing experts today!

1. What is clogging my drain?

The real answer is “anything.” However, the most common reasons are toilet paper, children’s toys and food. If you’ve tried plunging or using natural or chemical drain cleaners and still have a clog, chances are the item is too big to move in conventional ways. At this point, you should call a drain cleaning professional to see if Little Jimmy has tried to send his toy Aquaman to the ocean via plumbing pipes.

2. What causes low pressure and what can I do about it?

If you’ve checked with the neighbors and they are not having an issue. That means the problem isn’t with the city’s water supply. At this point, you can assume the issue is between the water meter and your house. It could be anything from a malfunctioning shut-off valve to a crimped water line to a build-up of deposits that is causing the low pressure. These may all require the expertise of a professional plumber to solve.

3. What is a P-trap and why do I need one?

That U-shaped curved pipe under your sink is called a P-trap and it’s the first line of defense between your home and potentially dangerous gases. It stops sewer gases from seeping from the sewerage system and into your home. It also traps solids – like Aquaman – from entering into your drainage system and causing clogs further down the system.

4. What are the most useful plumbing tools to have at home?

The handy plunger is the best item to have on hand. It’s also helpful to have a plumbing snake, or an auger, at the ready for bigger clogs. Finally, it’s also a good idea to have a plumbing wrench at the ready if you are handy enough to loosen the pipes that will allow the rescue of Aquaman from the P-trap.

5. What is that smell?

The answer to this question can also be “anything,” but it is most commonly grease, food, sewer odors or an old P-trap that needs to be replaced. It can also be the fault of a garbage disposal unit that needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If your question isn’t on the list or is a bit more serious, feel free to call Petri’s plumbers and we’ll head your way to provide you with answers. In addition to regular maintenance calls, we also offer 24-hour emergency services, seven days a week.