Typically, toilets have a rubber or plastic flapper on the base of the tank that seals off water flow to the bowl. If this component becomes worn or damaged, it can allow water to pass through, causing the toilet to continuously run in an attempt to maintain a full tank. This often requires you to replace the flapper alone or the entire float and flapper assembly to prevent water loss.

As an Illinois homeowner, you should know how to prevent frozen pipes. Some strategies include allowing your sinks to slowly drip during the coldest temperatures and attempting to maintain a warm atmosphere throughout the home. You can also wrap basement and crawlspace pipes with insulation to block flowing air from hitting these spaces during the winter.

Running toilets can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, while leaky faucets can drip up to 20 gallons. Check for leaks by inspecting your faucets and removing the tank from your toilet bowl to listen for any sounds. Check the pipes in your basement or crawlspace if you do not find a leak in one of these common places.

Traditional tank water heaters last about eight to 12 years, depending on the quality, water hardness, and how well it's maintained. Tankless water heaters can last more than 20 years with proper maintenance.

Various factors, including clogged pipes, a malfunctioning pressure regulator, closed shut-off valves, or local water supply issues, can cause low water pressure. It's pertinent for you to identify the root cause to effectively address the issue.

If you continuously have problems with your toilet, it may be time to replace it. A few signs that it’s time to replace your toilet include:

• Continuous clogs
• Multiple flushes after each use
• Age (toilets that are 10 years or older aren’t energy efficient)
• Ongoing leaks

If you notice any of these issues, give us a call today.

There are more reasons than you may realize regarding why your faucet could be leaking. Here are some common causes:

• A worn-out or broken washer: This is one of the most typical sources of a leaking faucet. Over time, the friction from turning on and off your faucets can cause them to break or wear out. In addition, leaking can also happen if the washer is not installed correctly or is the wrong size.
• A damaged cartridge: If your faucet has separate hot and cold handles, you likely have a cartridge-style faucet. A cartridge on each handle controls the water flow into the faucet spout. If your spigot is dripping, your cartridge will probably need to be replaced.
• A malfunctioning O-ring: An O-ring is a small disc affixed to the stem screw that holds the faucet handle in place. O-rings can wear out or loosen, similar to washers, causing your faucet to leak.
• Water pressure: If your faucet spout only leaks when the faucet handles are moved a certain way or only once in a while, your home’s water pressure could be to blame.
• Deteriorated valve seat: The valve seat could be to blame if your faucet leaks from the spout. Your tap is connected to the fixture by the valve seat. A leak can happen if sediment and corrosion build up on these parts.

Drain cleaning chemicals are bad for your pipes if used too frequently, as they can cause the pipes to deteriorate.

Some things you should avoid putting down your sink include grease, flour, and other sticky substances. These can cause your sink to clog over time, slowing down your drains and eventually causing serious complications.

A worn-out gasket or valve seat can cause your outside faucet to keep running.