Question 1

My Appliances are making loud noises. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you can easily access the power cords to the appliances, begin by turning it off and unplugging it. If you cannot access the power, turn off the breaker sending power to the appliance, and then give Bulldog Rooter a Call right away! We will come out to your location and troubleshoot the loud and abnormal noises in your appliances and either service or replace your appliances!

Question 2

Does Bulldog Rooter service any Brand of Appliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! At Bulldog Rooter, we can service any brand of appliances! When we go to replace your appliances, we generally stay within 2 brands to ensure you are receiving the highest quality appliance brands at incredibly affordable prices, depending on residential or commercial use.

Question 3

Should I Repair or Replace my Existing Appliances?

Accepted Answer

Appliance quality and functionality can change rapidly. Determining whether to replace or repair your appliance can depend on a variety of factors: age of appliance/outdated, functionality for its purpose, selling a home or commercial space, and more. Bulldog Rooter will provide you with a full evaluation of your appliances and help you make the best decision whether to repair or replace!

Question 4

What is the Most Common Appliance Problem?

Accepted Answer

The most common problems with Appliances are; not enough space around the appliance (room behind fridge for airflow), lack of maintenance/cleaning/upkeep, and disconnected circuits.

Question 5

What is your Appliance Warranty?

Accepted Answer

Not only does each individual appliance we offer have a product warranty (based on the type of appliance) but also, Bulldog Rooter has a 1-year warranty on our Appliance Installation and Repair Services!

Question 6

What is Back Flow?

Accepted Answer

Back Flow if the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping water system or consumer's water system. There are two types of Back Flow: Back-Pressure Back Flow & Back-Siphonage.

Question 7

What is Back-Pressure Back Flow?

Accepted Answer

It is Back Flow caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system or consumer's potable water. Increases in downstream pressure can be created by pumps, temperature increases in boilers, etc.

Question 8

What is Back-Siphonage?

Accepted Answer

Back-Siphonage is Back Flow caused by a negative pressure (i.e., a vacuum ~ or partial vacuum) in a Public water system or consumer's potable water system. The effect is similar to drinking water through a straw. Back-Siphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby fire fighting, a break in a water main, etc.

Question 9

What is a Back Flow Preventer?

Accepted Answer

A Back Flow preventer is a means or mechanism to prevent Back Flow. The basic means of preventing Back Flow is an air gap, which either eliminates a cross-connection or provides a barrier to Back Flow. The basic mechanism for preventing Back Flow is a mechanical Back Flow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to Back Flow. The principal types of mechanical Back Flow preventer are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the double check valve assembly.

Question 10

Why do Back Flow preventers have to be tested?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed. Therefore, all backflow preventers have to be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly. A visual check of air gaps is sufficient, but mechanical backflow preventers have to be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment.

Question 11

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Accepted Answer

Some of the main causes of Low Water Pressure are: corroded pipes, scale buildup due to hard water, main water shutoff valve isn't open, municipal water problems, leaking, or even additional water systems are working against one another.

Question 12

What is a Constant water Pressure System?

Accepted Answer

A piece of equipment that makes sure your water pressure always maintains a certain rate, regardless if you are mowing your lawn and running the dishwashers and washing machine. Your shower or sink will always deliver water at a constant pressure!

Question 13

How much water does a Constant Water System provide?

Accepted Answer

Our systems can range from 40, 80 and 120 gallons of water. But, if you are looking for a Constant Water Pressure System for your office or commercial space, we offer multiple packages with various tanks to accommodate the size or your water system!

Question 14

What happens to my water pressure system if I leave my home/office for several days?

Accepted Answer

As long as your system does not have any leaks, the water won't deplete and you can simply turn off the system to save energy!

Question 15

Signs that indicate clogged drains?

Accepted Answer

Slow draining water, water backs up in your toilet sink or shower, gurgling pipes is also a sign of clogging. Also, if you begin to have abnormal odors, this can be the result of clogged drains.

Question 16

How Often Should you get your drains Cleaned?

Accepted Answer

At Bulldog Rooter, our minimum recommendation is to get your drains cleaned every few years. This will help mitigate any major problems in the future, ensuring you always good water pressure and no backups.

Question 17

Is Drain Cleaning necessary for every Clog?

Accepted Answer

No. There are basic clogs that you can DIY with a plunger, generally for your toilet or sink. If neither of these work, or the problem returns frequently, you’ll need more extensive drain cleaning work from professionals to tackle the problem.

Question 18

How can I prevent Drain Clogs?

Accepted Answer

If there are drains in your house that don’t have drain covers (strainers) on them, we recommend purchasing them. They are especially helpful for bathroom drains, where they catch hair that is one of the biggest causes of clogged up drains. In the kitchen, make sure to pour fats, oils, and grease into a separate container rather than down the drains or the disposal.

Question 19

When Should I repair or replace drain or sewer lines?

Accepted Answer

If heavy and extensive root infiltration exists it should be replaced. Extensive root growth is indicative of the failure of the entire line. If a back-pitch of the line exists, an extensive section of the run of pipe typically has to be replaced to have the correct pitch.

Question 20

Does Bulldog Rooter Charge Extra for Emergency 24/7 Plumbing?

Accepted Answer

NEVER! Bulldog Rooter doesn't charge our customers an extra arm and a leg just to come for a plumbing emergency!

Question 21

What Services do you provide Emergency 24/7 Plumbing for?

Accepted Answer

All of our services fall within our Emergency 24 / 7 Plumbing Services! Whether you need emergency drain cleaning services or main water line emergency services, Bulldog Rooter has you covered!

Question 22

Where do you provide Emergency 24/7 Services for?

Accepted Answer

Bulldog Rooter supplies the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho communities with Emergency 24/7 Plumbing Services. Check out our Service Locations Map

Question 23

Why is Winterizing your plumbing important?

Accepted Answer

Winterizing your plumbing is very critical to avoid frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause water damage. Winterizing protects water lines, fixtures and drain line traps from freezing and becoming damaged.

Question 24

How to protect your pipes in winter?

Accepted Answer

Disconnect garden hoses, protect/cover outside spigots, drain water from lines prone to freezing, keep garage door closed and don't let your thermostat fall below 55 degrees.

Question 25

What pipes are more likely to freeze?

Accepted Answer

All pipes can freeze if the temperatures gets cold enough, but the most common places we find pipe freezes are; garages, crawlspaces, unheated basement pipes, hose connections, swimming pool pumps and sprinkler systems.

Question 26

What if your plumbing pipe bursts?

Accepted Answer

If your pipes freeze and bursts, you need to act quickly to minimize more damage: Turn off your main water supply and water heater, Remove any belongings away from the burst/water buildup, Call Bulldog Rooter right away and our Emergency Plumbing crew will help stop the water flow from the burst and repair your pipes!

Question 27

Why do frozen pipes break?

Accepted Answer

When water freezes, it expands rapidly and this expanding force can cause your pipes to burst or crack. Not all pipe types are flexible enough to handle the pressure from expanding, frozen water.

Question 28

Do you install/repair Full Plumbing Systems for Commercial Property?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! Bulldog Rooter can repair or fully install any full plumbing system for any size of property! Whether the property is a school with various plumbing needs, or a small office space, we can cover all of your Plumbing System Needs, large or small!

Question 29

Do I need a permit to Upgrade my Plumbing?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what level or type of plumbing services you are looking to upgrade. For example, replacing your bathroom fixtures may not require a permit, but upgrading your main water lines will most likely require a permit. Every area has their regulations but, you can leave it up to Bulldog Rooter to handle all of the permits and regulations for you!

Question 30

What effect does chlorine have on our Health and Plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Our skin soaks up chlorine, which poisons our body. It increases the aging process and removes our skin of natural oils. This means dry, flaky, as well as unhealthy skin. Chlorine likewise kills excellent microorganisms that protect our bodies from hazardous conditions and infections. Too much chlorine is extremely destructive to faucets and plumbing, which is why you need a well-functioning water filtering system mounted in your house.

Question 31

Can my Garbage Disposal Affect my Dishwasher?

Accepted Answer

If your dishwasher is not draining correctly, then you can probably blame your garbage disposal. When your dishwasher is done running, it drains all of the dirty water through your garbage disposal. If your garbage disposal is brand new and the plug is still inserted, then it won’t allow any of this water through the disposal, and it will have nowhere else to go but back into the dishwasher.

Question 32

Do I need a special sink for my Garbage Disposal?

Accepted Answer

No! As a standard, most sinks come with a 90mm sink hole and just about every (residential sized) disposal fits into this. The biggest factor of space is ensuring the space underneath your sink has room for the disposal.

Question 33

How can I clean my Garbage Disposal?

Accepted Answer

Garbage disposals are very low maintenance appliances. Simply making sure you frequently use your disposal can help to remove any excess food scraps that accumulate over time. Below are a few steps to clean out your disposal: First, turn off your garbage disposal, Next, Remove the sink baffle and clean the underside and place back in sinkhole, Turn on the disposal and run a medium stream of cold water, Place ice cubes mixed with cleaning solution to freshen up the smell.

Question 34

Are garbage disposals as sustainable as composting?

Accepted Answer

In urban homes with limited space, storing food in caddies for collection is problematic and not always popular. There are also several foods that should not be composted but can be put in a garbage disposal. These include meat, bones and dairy products. Municipal composting does not recover any energy from food waste and since approximately half of all wastewater treated in the U.S. includes anaerobic digestion, disposers can help recover both nutrients for fertilizer as well as carbon for energy.

Question 35

Will a garbage disposal cause blockages?

Accepted Answer

Finely ground food waste from a disposal will not block a well-maintained sewer. It is 70% water and has a very similar composition to the human waste that all sewers are designed to handle. An extensive study at the University of Sheffield recently confirmed that these concerns are unfounded.

Question 36

How deep are the underground utility lines buried?

Accepted Answer

Utility lines are usually installed prior to any new construction. If the land is graded, leveled, or reshaped in any other way, this will change the depth of any underground utility lines. Natural ground settling will also change the depth. If you need to dig near the locate marks, hand-dig (use a hand implement, like a shovel) or soft-dig (use air or water pressure) within 24 inches of either side of the markings to avoid damage.

Question 37

Where are my water and sewer lines located?

Accepted Answer

Water and sewer facility owners will only locate up to their meters next to the road right-of-way. From that point on, these service lines are installed by the contractors or their agents and are the property of the homeowner. It is your individual responsibility to contact a private locator to have the water or sewer service line from your meter to your home located.

Question 38

How to perform a Pressure Test on your Gas Lines?

Accepted Answer

Pressure tests are conducted by licensed experts to ensure the right amount of gas is getting into your home and to your fixtures. If the pressure is too high, you may have too much gas pumping into the fixture and create a serious risk: Disconnect gas lines, install a test gauge close to your meter, turn off all valves the appliance uses, Keep main gas valve on (if you have one), pressurize the gas system using the valve on the test gauge, This then shows the pressure in the gas system. It should be no higher than one and a half (1 ½) times the working pressure, and no less than 3psi. Outside of that range and it’s no good.

Question 39

How to Ground a Gas Line?

Accepted Answer

It’s probably something you don’t realize but gas lines need to be grounded. The national codes on all this require homes have a grounding system that has a ground rod driven into the ground nearby your electric meter. To ground gas lines, a bare copper wire will run from your gas line to the grounding system.

Question 40

How does Hydro Jetting Work?

Accepted Answer

Our plumbers use a hydro jet—which is made up of a water tank, a pressurizing system, and a hose with a specialized nozzle—to clear buildup within a drain or sewer. Your plumber will insert the hose into your pipes through the clean-out. Then, once the hydro jet is turned on, it will force high-pressured water through the drain, clearing out any grease, minerals, hair, or other buildup in its way. Hydro jetting can actually remove tree roots and other large clogs that may be causing problems.

Question 41

When would I need Hydro Jetting?

Accepted Answer

If your sink, shower, toilet, or other fixtures have been draining slowly, this could indicate a larger problem within your pipes. Typically, if multiple drains are clogged or backed up or you have recurring drain problems, it’s a good indication that you could benefit from hydro jetting.

Question 42

What are some of the benefits of Hydro Jetting?

Accepted Answer

Because of the high pressure, hydro jetting allows for the fast, efficient removal of clogs. Additionally, hydro jetting can be used to clear large clogs and tree roots that may be blocking the flow of a pipe. Hydro jetting also clears out grease, minerals, hair, and other buildup—leaving your pipes clean and less susceptible to future clogs.

Question 43

Can Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?

Accepted Answer

Although the hydro jet is extremely powerful, it is actually much more gentle than an auger. If you’re looking to increase the lifespan of your pipes by cleaning your drains completely, then the hydro jetter is your best bet. However, if your pipe is already on its last leg, both the drain snake and the hydro jetter will damage your pipes further. In that case, the line would need to be replaced as opposed to cleared or cleaned. In addition, whenever we jet a pipe, we make sure to use our advanced in-pipe camera system to diagnose and analyze the situation. This makes the procedure as safe as possible.

Question 44

How do you Access a Blocked Drain?

Accepted Answer

Often, the blockage is in a sewer line. Fortunately, sewer drains have access areas called clean-outs. You’ve probably seen one in your yard. It is a capped pipe that sticks out of the ground about 2-3 inches. The hydro jet’s nozzle and hose are placed into the clean-out and then sent into the sewer line.

Question 45

How do you do leak detection?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one single way to do the job. We use a variety of techniques and tools, starting with visual checks. Depending on the situation, we will then use acoustic listening devices, thermal scanners, video pipe cameras, and other non-invasive tools that won’t disrupt the building.

Question 46

Can I purchase the equipment and DIY?

Accepted Answer

No. For one thing, the equipment is expensive, and you need multiple different devices to be able to do a complete job. For another, the equipment isn’t like a point-and-shoot camera. It requires specialized training to be able to handle. It’s quicker, easier, and less expensive to go straight to a professional.

Question 47

How do I even know I need Leak Detection if they are hidden?

Accepted Answer

First, we strongly recommend any home or business have leak detection done as a preventive service every few years or so. The plumber may find no leaks. Or they may find small ones, in which case you’ll be glad to have the issue solved early when its small. Second, there are warning signs you may have hidden leaks, and if you notice any of them, it’s time to arrange for leak detection. These signs include: High water bills, A water heater turning on and off at odd times, A rise in mold, mildew, and humidity in the building, Patches of discoloration on the wall or ceiling, Warped floorboards

Question 48

What are some ways to Prevent Plumbing Leaks?

Accepted Answer

Make sure spaces near plumbing pipes are not crowded. Sometimes replacing your pipes is better than trying to repair. Always know where your water main shutoff valve is located. Make sure to keep your pipes and plumbing systems as well maintained as possible.

Question 49

What are sources of Leaks you may not expect?

Accepted Answer

Clogged Drain lines can easily become leak or bursts, Corroded pipes over time will age and become high-risk for water damage, Tree Root invasion - We rarely (if ever) see tree root invasion into our plumbing systems, but tree roots can cause major problems to our systems.

Question 50

Why do Water Mains Break?

Accepted Answer

Water main breaks can occur anytime but more often during the winter months because of the soil movement caused by freezing and thawing of the ground. This puts stress on the water pipes, causing leaks to occur.

Question 51

How is the Main Water Line Repaired?

Accepted Answer

Our Certified Repair Crews will determine the most likely point of the leak. Often, where the water is reaching the surface does not indicate where the pipe is leaking. Water can travel far underground before surfacing. Once the leak is located, it is repaired, water service is restored, the hole is backfilled, and the site is cleaned up. Most breaks involve holes or cracks in the pipe caused by the soil, these breaks are repaired using a clamp. Some breaks involve broken valves or require cutting out and replacing a bad section of pipe. These types of repairs typically take longer to identify and complete the repair.

Question 52

Will my water be shut off during repairs?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the repair is made under reduced pressure. What this means to you is that you will experience low to no water pressure during the repair. During the winter months it doesn’t hurt to have a couple of jugs of water on hand in the event you are affected by a water main break. In over 75% of all cases water service to customers is affected for less than 3 hours.

Question 53

Why is my Water Discolored?

Accepted Answer

Once water is restored you may notice discoloration, this is due to disturbing the main. Similar to when we flush, sediment in the main gets stirred up. If you experience discoloration or air in your lines, run the cold water from the highest point in your home until the water runs clear (a bathtub faucet is a good place to run)

Question 54

Common Water Line Issues with Mobile Homes?

Accepted Answer

1. Frozen Pipes, 2. Leaking Pipes, 3. Clogged Drains, 4. Low Pressure, 5. Dripping Faucets or Taps

Question 55

How does Plumbing Work in a Mobile Home?

Accepted Answer

Manufactured home plumbing runs through the floor of the home. Your pipes are located within the belly board, which is sometimes called the bottom board, and is surrounded by insulation. The belly board closes in the insulation around your plumbing and keeps everything in place under your home's flooring system.

Question 56

Where is the P Trap in a Mobile Home?

Accepted Answer

Beneath your bathroom or kitchen sink, you will find a plumbing fixture called a P-trap. The purpose of your P-trap is to capture the debris that drains from the sink, prevent clogs and prevent gas leaks from entering your home.

Question 57

What Kind of Plumbing do Mobile Homes Have?

Accepted Answer

Most plumbing in manufactured homes uses plastic. Plastic pipes include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), PEX pipe and PolyPipe®. Metal plumbing pipe consists of copper, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.

Question 58

How do you Increase Water Pressure in a Mobile Home?

Accepted Answer

Examine the water pump for the mobile home and turn it to the highest possible setting to give you the highest pressure it can provide. If the pump is still not providing enough pressure, consider replacing the pump.

Question 59

How long does it take to fix a Sewer Pipe?

Accepted Answer

Most sewer pipe repairs take one to three days. However, the time it takes to fix a sewer pipe depends on a variety of factors including the location of the pipe, the size of it, and what type of damage has occurred. While some sewer pipes may only take a few hours to fix, others may take up to five days or more.

Question 60

Which Pipe is Best for Sewer Lines?

Accepted Answer

PVC. The leading choice in residential drain lines over the past four decades, PVC is a light-colored, highly durable plastic that resists the elements and appears to outlast all other piping materials. PVC is made in several different grades: schedules 40 and 80 and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).

Question 61

How do you know if your soil pipe is leaking?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to easily identify when there is a leaking soil pipe in your home. Tell-tale signs of a leaking soil pipe and things to look out for are: unpleasant smells. water draining too slowly from your toilet.

Question 62

Who is Generally Responsible for Sewer Lines?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.

Question 63

How to Use a Plumbers Snake?

Accepted Answer

Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Rotate the snake against the blockage until you feel it feed freely into the pipe. Run water full force for a few minutes to be sure that the drain is unclogged.

Question 64

How do you Clean a Drained Snake after use?

Accepted Answer

With a high-bristle wire pipe brush, poke through the plumbing snake's crevices, dislodging any remaining particulate that the scrubbing brush was unable to reach. Then, run the plumbing snake through clean water to ensure that the coil is clean. Wipe it down with a rag and leave it out to dry completely.

Back Flow Testing & Prevention

Maintenance Tips for Back Flow Preventers

Types of Back Flow Prevention Systems

Common Causes of Plumbing Back Flow