Can I Use the Toilet as a Trash Can? and Other Plumbing FAQs

It’s important to note that you cannot use your toilet bowl as a makeshift trash can for your family. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when speaking with your plumber, we often encounter clogs caused by items such as toothbrushes and pet toys being flushed down the toilet.

That said, several other common questions arise in the plumbing industry. From concerns about unpleasant odors emanating from the sink to inquiries about payment options, there are a few things you may have asked (or should ask) your plumbing company before they begin any toilet repairs or water heater installations.

Are all of your plumbers licensed?

When selecting a plumbing company to fix a clogged toilet or leaky pipe, one of the first questions you should ask is whether they are fully qualified. If the answer is no, it may be wise to consider other options.

At MET Plumbing, we take pride in our fully qualified team of licensed plumbers who are capable of addressing all of your plumbing needs. You can trust us to provide top-quality service and expertise for your plumbing issues.

Can I pour grease down my kitchen drain?

Dumping grease down your drain is not recommended, as it can lead to clogged drains and costly emergency plumbing services. Instead, it’s best to dispose of grease in the trash can to avoid any potential issues.

If you’re already dealing with clogged drains or worried about potential clogs in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at MET Plumbing. Our team of licensed professionals can clean, clear, and even inspect your drains using cameras to ensure they’re functioning properly. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

How do I know if I need to replace my water heater?

Here are a few indications that it might be time to bid farewell to your old water heater (though please don’t throw it out the window): your hot water smells like sulfur, appears rusty, or runs cold. Additionally, leaks or loud rumbling noises may indicate that it’s time to consider a replacement.

At MET, we’re experts in water heater repairs and installations. Our licensed professionals will consult with you to determine the best option for your home and provide you with repair or replacement estimates. We’ll even waive the service fee for our visit to your home.

Can I fix my water heater myself?

That would be inadvisable. Water heaters are known for emitting poisonous gases. What’s worse, those toxic gases are usually odorless, so you won’t know you’re in danger.

How do you charge?

When hiring a plumber, it’s important to know how they charge for their services. Some plumbers charge by the hour, while others offer up-front pricing for each job. 

At Met Plumbing, we believe in transparency and up-front pricing. We provide our customers with a detailed estimate of the cost of the job before we begin any work. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost, with no hidden fees or surprises. 

So, you can trust us to get the job done right, without any extra charges or fees.

What do you charge?

Once you’ve determined the payment type, getting a clear picture of the costs is important. What is the hourly rate, and does it change for overtime? How much will each project cost, and what if it becomes more complex than expected? What if there are unexpected issues along the way? Will you be charged extra? 

There are many factors to consider when estimating the final cost of a plumbing job, so it’s crucial to have a detailed discussion with your licensed plumber beforehand to avoid any surprises. This is why upfront pricing for the entire project is often the recommended choice rather than hourly rates.

Do you guarantee your work against malfunctions?

When it comes to plumbing work, things can go wrong even after the repairs have been made. That’s why asking your plumber about their warranty policy is important. 

Will they guarantee their work, or will you be charged for a completely new project if something goes wrong? It’s also crucial to ask about the time frame of their warranty – will they still honor it if something breaks down months after the repair?

Other companies may only offer a 3-6 month warranty on their work, but at MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we stand behind our work with a standard base warranty of 2 years on parts and labor for all our services. 

We also offer extended warranty options for up to 12 years, depending on the scope of the work involved. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that we’ll take care of any issues that may arise down the road.

What is that loud, frightening clunking noise I hear when I turn my faucet on and off?

If you hear a clunking sound when water runs through your pipes, it’s likely due to a loose washer. If you plan on fixing the issue yourself, be sure to grab the washer before it accidentally falls down the drain.

What if my garbage disposal smells like something that just crawled out of a swamp?

Firstly, don’t worry. The unpleasant smells are likely caused by food debris that has become trapped in your drain. With some thorough cleaning, you can resolve the issue. Here’s a method for deep cleaning your sink:

Begin by plugging the drain and filling the sink halfway with water. Add some vinegar or dish soap to the water. Finally, unplug the drain and turn on the garbage disposal. This will force the liquid through the drain more quickly than usual, allowing it to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Another popular remedy is to put several ice cubes down the drain and turn on the disposal. After running cold water through it, squeeze a lemon over the drain and put it in to grind it up. This will help with any unpleasant odors.

If you have tried every possible way to clean your disposal, and it still smells terrible, call MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning.

Can I see references to verify the quality of your work?

When it comes to selecting a plumber, getting referrals from friends or family is ideal, but in reality, you may have found your plumbing company online. If you’re uncertain about the quality of their work, you can ask for references or do some research on their online reviews.

At MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we take pride in our customers’ satisfaction and have built a loyal clientele over the years. Our focus is on quality work and long-term relationships rather than making a quick profit. 

You can read more positive reviews about our service on Review Buzz. One of our customers, Lakshmi N., said, “Not only were they polite, courteous, and diligent, but they also did excellent work. They were very professional, neat, and didn’t waste time!”

Can I use a coat hanger to unclog my drains?

Attempting to clear your drainage problems with a coat hanger is not recommended as it may not effectively solve the issue and can potentially worsen it. Moreover, it can also cause damage to your pipes. Having a damaged and clogged drain with a coat hanger stuck in it is a worse scenario than just having a clogged drain.

What services do you offer?

It’s important to be aware of the plumbing services that your chosen company provides. At MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we provide a variety of services including water heater installation and repair, toilet repair, leak repair for both gas and water, bathroom plumbing repair, drain cleaning, and kitchen plumbing services.

Why is my water pressure so darn low?

Low water pressure is a common issue and can be caused by various factors, such as mineral buildup or defects in the shutoff valve. To troubleshoot the problem, start by checking the water lines and shutoff valves for any obstructions. If your pipes are old and have not been replaced in a long time, it may be worth considering installing new pipes to improve water pressure.

Is your company insured?

In an ideal world, accidents wouldn’t occur, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. It’s important to ask your plumbing company if they have insurance coverage in case of unforeseen events, even though it’s unlikely to happen.

Are you accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

In addition to being accredited by the BBB, MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning has also been awarded a prestigious service award and has earned an outstanding A+ rating!