Greenwood Plumbing & Heating

Servicing Rhode Island and Southern MA
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Commonly Asked Plumbing Questions- ANSWERED!

What can I put in my garbage disposal? 

Most up-to-date kitchens have the convenience of a garbage disposal to alleviate the stress of cleaning up but when the garbage disposal begins leaking, gets clogged, or stops working it becomes much more of a headache than a convenience. To keep your garbage disposal in well-working condition it is important to know what should and shouldn’t be put down your garbage disposal. Most soft foods and liquids as well as many solid foods such as fruits and vegetables are safe to put down the unit, but with larger pieces, it’s important to cut them up to alleviate some stress from the unit. More importantly, you should know what NOT to put down your garbage disposal. Foods that tend to clump together such as pasta, rice, and coffee grounds will create a mass leading to a clog in the unit. Fibrous foods such as celery, kale, artichokes, and corn husks have stringy material that can get tangled in the unit. Hard foods such as bones, nuts, and pits are more examples of foods that are not safe for your unit. And of course, never put non-food items down your garbage disposal! If these items are in your unit, it causes clogging but also can make your sink smell unpleasant. It’s important to be cautious about what’s put down the garbage disposal. 

Why does the toilet keep running? 

Do you ever go into the bathroom to see your toilet has been running since the last time you used it? It can cause frustration and worry, not knowing what is wrong and how to fix it. If your toilet continuously runs and you’re not sure how to fix it- you’re not alone! The majority of the time, the cause of this issue is the flapper not closing on or making a proper seal around the flush valve.n most cases, this can be easily fixed by jiggling the handle. If the easy fix doesn’t work, the cause of the issue may be that the flapper is worn out and is not properly sealing and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts will get your toilet up and running the correct way. 

What causes clogged drains?  

Plumbers say that one of the most common plumbing issues that they run into is clogged drains. In most cases, clogged drains are caused by people putting things down the drain that shouldn’t be there. The most common things that cause clogged drains are: Hair, soap, dirt, oil, grease, food waste, wipes, diapers, feminine products, and plants. Problems with a blockage can be serious and require professional help. At the first sign of a clogged drain, make sure to call in the professionals to avoid more headaches and money in the long run.  

Why do I run out of hot water so quickly?  

Taking a relaxing hot shower can quickly take a turn when the hot water runs out leaving you freezing and wondering ‘why?’. There are a few reasons you may run out of hot water too quickly and the following reasons explain why. One of the most common factors is if there are multiple appliances using hot water simultaneously, your shower will begin to get colder faster. Avoid using the washing machine and dishwasher while showering as these are the main culprits of your shower turning cold. Other common reasons why you may run out of hot water are: build-up of sediment, broken dip tube, old water heater, and a thermostat issue. 

If you are experiencing any of these issues, reach out to the professionals of Greenwood Plumbing and Heating! (401) 738-9245