Late-night drips, spooky pipe rattles, and surprise puddles keep a lot of Charleston homeowners scrolling forums instead of sleeping. The fixes range from twist-of-the-wrist simple to “call a pro before breakfast,” and every scenario costs less if you catch it fast.
Whether you’re weighing a full water heater installation or just a quick washer swap, the answers below will shrink stress — and your water bill — right now.
Why is my faucet dripping?
A steady drip almost always points to a worn washer, O-ring, or ceramic cartridge. Shut off the supply under the sink, pop the handle, and pull the valve stem. If rubber parts look flattened or cracked, replace them with the exact match from a hardware store.
For cartridge faucets, a brand-specific cartridge kit restores the seal. Still leaking after reassembly? Mineral scoring on the valve seat may need professional resurfacing, and our crew carries the specialty tools that keep you from buying a whole new faucet.
Why is my toilet running constantly?
Lift the tank lid and run three quick checks:
- Flapper seal – If it’s warped or slime-coated, water sneaks into the bowl.
- Chain slack – Too short and it wedges under the flapper; too long and it tangles.
- Fill-valve height – Water should stop an inch below the overflow tube.
Swapping the entire “toilet rebuild kit” takes 15 minutes and usually fixes all three variables in one go. A silent tank means no more midnight refills and lower monthly bills.
What can I do if my drain is clogged?
Start with a full kettle of boiling water to melt fatty films, then work a plunger for ten steady pumps. Still slow? Enzyme-based cleaners digest hair and soap scum without eating pipe walls.
Skip caustic chemicals — they can warp PVC and pit old copper. If the clog laughs at these moves, it’s deeper in the line. Our auger reaches 50 feet and has a camera head so we can slice the blockage, inspect pipe health, and show you the “after” in real time.
How do I increase water pressure in my house?
Remove faucet aerators and showerheads, soak them in vinegar, and brush out grit. Fully open the main shut-off and every isolation valve. If pressure still hovers under 40 psi across both hot and cold lines, the pressure-reducing valve at your meter could be tired.
A replacement takes less than an hour and saves years of weak showers. While we’re on site, we’ll pressure-test for hidden leaks that could also be bleeding off flow.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
That sulfur scent usually comes from anaerobic bacteria reacting with the anode rod inside your heater. Drain a gallon or two into a bucket — if only the hot side smells, flush the tank, then install a zinc-alloy anode that resists bacterial growth.
If the odor hits every tap, the source may be your well or municipal line. We can sample the supply, shock-chlorinate if needed, or add point-of-entry filtration. Keeping the thermostat at 120 °F also discourages bacteria while guarding against scalds.
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Red flags include unexplained spikes in the utility bill, musty odors, bubbling paint, or warm spots on flooring. Confirm with a meter test: record the reading, avoid water use for two hours, and check again. Movement means a leak.
What’s the average lifespan of a water heater?
Tank models last eight to twelve years; tankless units can reach twenty with proper maintenance. Age, rust at the base, or rising energy bills signal it’s time to talk replacement.
Pairing a new high-efficiency unit with professional water heater installation trims utility costs up to 20 percent thanks to better insulation and smarter thermostats. We haul the old tank, size the new one to household demand, and set expansion tanks or pressure valves to code so your warranty stays valid.
Can I pour grease down the drain if I run hot water?
Never. Hot water lets grease slide a few feet, then it cools, solidifies, and traps every crumb that floats by. Instead, let grease cool in a can, then toss it in the trash.
A plumbing quirk seldom fixes itself. Drips grow, odors spread, and old heaters fail on the coldest nights. Keep this cheat sheet handy, and tackle issues while they’re cheap. When the job calls for better tools — or a full water heater installation — Rooter Man of South Carolina has the licensed techs and same-day service to get it done right.
Got questions or need a hand? Reach out now, and we’ll diagnose, repair, or schedule that energy-smart water heater installation at a time that fits your calendar. Contact us and put those plumbing worries to bed.
