FAQ

Q: Do I really need a skilled plumber to come to my home to fix a leaky faucet or clear a clogged drain?

A: Yes! You may not know everything that a plumber knows. Plumbers are highly skilled and versatile craftsmen. They can install and repair pipes and plumbing fixtures, diagnose clogged-drain problems and solve all problems related to water systems in your building. Do-it-yourself solutions are great when they work, but your insurance policy may not cover flood losses if you make a mistake.

The thing that sets our plumbers apart from the competition is our dedication to continued training and education in the latest plumbing techniques and tools. This enables us to do better work for our customers. Our plumbers receive technical training, but we are also the undisputed leaders in customer-service training. This means you are guaranteed a courteous, professional and friendly plumber at your door, every time! Call Imperial Plumbing Inc. and you’ll discover that service is our first priority.

Q: Can I install a new sink or plumbing fixture in my home, or is this something best left to the professionals at Imperial Plumbing Inc.?

A: Many homeowners are capable of handling these kinds of jobs by themselves. Some of the bigger home centers even show you how. However, our experience has shown that some projects are better left to the professionals. Yes, we’ve gotten more than a few calls from distressed customers who are stuck in the middle of a project. Imperial Plumbing Inc. provides custom builder-quality installation and upgrades for sinks, toilets, laundry tubs, laundry hookups, bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, showers, all kinds of faucets, garbage disposals and more.

Q: What is instant hot water? How does it save me money?

A: Instant hot water is a system that circulates hot water in your home. It is designed so that when you open a faucet, warm water is there immediately. There is no need to run water down the drain waiting for hot water to arrive. Did you know that hot water re-circulation systems save water, energy and money? On average, a family of four wastes up to 17,000 gallons of water per year just waiting for hot water to arrive. A hot water re-circulation system eliminates waste and provides the convenience of instant hot water. But you don’t need a newly built home to benefit from the advantages of one of these systems. There are under-the-sink retrofit systems designed for use in existing homes, and Imperial Plumbing Inc. can adapt a system to suit your existing plumbing.

Q: How do I un-jam my garbage disposal?

A: You may be able to insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposer and crank it to help dislodge the material causing the jam. If this doesn’t work, don’t use the disposal! You could cause serious damage to the disposal motor or even your home’s electrical system. Imperial Plumbing Inc. can usually fix a jammed garbage disposal. If we can’t, then the unit will probably need to be replaced. Our expert technicians can give you the best advice and make quick work of it to get you grinding again!

Q: How do I know if I have a broken sewer line outside my house?

A: A broken sewer line out in the yard may mean an excessively high water bill, puddles in your yard or the sound of running water when no faucets or appliances are using water. Using our video camera drain-inspection technology, we can see inside your pipes. This means we can pinpoint the problem without destructive trial-and-error methods that wreck your pipes and lawn. In many cases, we can fix the problem right away and save you money.

Q: If I need rooter service, do I have to call one of those national rooter chains?

A: No. We would recommend that you call a qualified, trained and certified plumber. Why? The water pipes inside and outside your home can be very delicate. Some styles of older pipes have significantly shorter life spans. In an older home, pipes wear thin from the inside out, making them appear sound when in fact they are very brittle. An unqualified and unskilled rooter company could cause extensive damage to your pipes and your home. The highly trained and certified technicians from Imperial Plumbing Inc. will take the time to properly diagnose the problem and use the right tools and techniques to solve the issue. With our video technology, we can even show you the problem before the repair even begins. If a pipe breaks or another unforeseen problem arises after we begin work, our expert plumbers can take immediate corrective action. Can the other guys do the same? We’re not sure … and we don’t recommend that you take a chance.

Q: I have low water pressure in my home. What can I do about it?

A: There are several things that could cause low water pressure, including a partially closed or malfunctioning shutoff valve, a crimped water line, or deposits that gather in older galvanized pipes. If your neighbors have strong water pressure, the problem is most likely somewhere between the water meter and your home. A qualified plumbing technician from Imperial Plumbing Inc. will be able to identify the problem and explain your options.

Q: Is there really a difference between hard water and soft water?

A: Yes. In fact, the difference can be damaging to your home and your body. Have your clothes been damaged during laundering? Have you noticed excessive soap consumption, pipe scaling, faucet and fixture deterioration, skin problems, or undesirable tastes or odors in your water? If so, then you have a water problem. Imperial Plumbing Inc. can install a soft-water system in your home that will provide you with soft water for cleaning and bathing, while simultaneously solving your cooking- and drinking-water problems. You will feel and taste the difference!

Q: What is the difference between conventional water heaters and tankless water heaters?

A: Conventional water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. They range in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger), and they are fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane or oil. Often called storage units, these water heaters transfer heat from a burner or coil to water in an insulated tank. The downside of a conventional water heater is that energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not contain a storage tank like conventional water heaters. A gas burner or electric element heats the water only when there is a demand for hot water.

There are many things to consider when choosing a water-heating system. Imperial Plumbing Inc. customer-service representatives can guide you through your options and help you get the right system for your home, one that will serve you for years with efficient performance.

Q: I have a plumbing emergency! I need a plumber now. Who do I call?

A: Imperial Plumbing Inc. is currently not a 24 hour company we apologize for the inconveniences if you need non emergency work done over the weekend call to schedule a weekend appointment. Just call 909.343.8506

Q: My dishwasher does not drain completely. What’s the problem?

A: Dishwashers are designed to leave some water in the bottom of the unit at the end of each cycle. This is to keep the heating element from burning up. However, if the dishwasher does not empty at all, you’ve got a problem.

One of Imperial Plumbing Inc. technicians can determine whether the problem is caused by a clogged drain line, a faulty motor or an electronic issue. Dishwashers are fickle machines and can be very hard to work on. We can help you determine the best remedy. If you need a new unit installed, we can do that too!

Q: I think my toilet is leaking. Is there a test I can do to confirm this suspicion?

A: Yes! All you have to do is put a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank. Wait a few minutes and then look in the toilet bowl. If you see that your bowl has the same color, then you’ve got a leak! The scary part is you are probably wasting hundreds of gallons of water each month! Call Imperial Plumbing Inc.. We can install a low-flow toilet that will not only save you water and money, but will flush better than anything you have ever had in the past.

For prompt, courteous service, call us today!
909.343.8506