FAQ

At C. Lee Services, we have the answers to your most common plumbing questions. From DIY plumbing repairs to projects you should leave to the pros, we have the experience to guide you along the way. Whether you’re looking for a skilled plumbing company in Akron, Ohio or want to explore how many plumbing issues you can handle on your own, this is the space to find the answer.

The C. Lee Services team is here to guide you through the basics of plumbing and provide easy-to-understand answers to your pressing questions. We’ll cover everything from when to replace the bathroom fixtures to the benefits of trenchless pipe repairs. The professional technicians with C. Lee Services are here to help. Take our plumbing tips and implement them in your own home.

I just became a homeowner. What are some of the most common plumbing issues I should expect?

Plumbing issues come in all shapes and sizes, and they certainly never choose a good time. Below is a list of the most common plumbing problems you may be experiencing with your residential or commercial pipe system.

• Clogged toilet
• Clogged bath or shower drain
• Faulty water heater
• Jammed garbage disposal
• Leaky faucets
• Leaky pipes
• Low water pressurev
• Running toilet
• Sewage smell in home
• Sewer system backup
• Slow draining sink

How do I fix a leaking toilet?

The first step is to determine from where the toilet is leaking. If water is coming from the base, try tightening the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. If that doesn’t help, you’ll need to remove the toilet from the floor and replace the wax rings that sit under the bolts. If the toilet is leaking from the tank, ensure that you have no cracks and that the hose is secured to the base of the toilet. Depending on the age of your toilet, it may be time to replace it which our team at C. Lee Services will happily do for you.

Is there a way to clean my plumbing system?

While there are ways to prevent your pipes from accumulating buildup, a thorough cleaning of your plumbing system is best left to the pros. Hydro Jetting is a chemical-free way to rid your pipes of clogs, debris, and invasive tree roots.

To avoid major drain clogs and sewer line backups:

• Avoid certain foods in garbage disposal (coffee grounds, bones, grease, fruit peels)
• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal
• Utilize a drain strainer if you don’t have a garbage disposal
• Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
• Run hot water to clear grease residue after washing dishes
• Clear drain stoppers in tub and shower
• Don’t use the toilet as a trash can - waste and toilet tissue only
• Have septic tank pumped every two to three years
• Preventative Plumbing Treatments

The best way to avoid making an emergency plumber call is routine maintenance to your system. By having a camera inspection performed every two to three years, you’ll stay ahead of any potential problems.

How do I know if I have a pipe leak?

Detecting a pipe leak can be difficult if you suspect the water is coming from an underground pipe or one within your walls. The most common signs of a pipe leak include:

• Increase in monthly water bill
• Sound of running water when all water is off
• Sudden loss in water pressure
• Moist or damp flooring
• Concentrated growth in one portion of yard

If you experience any of these issues, contact your Akron Ohio plumber for leak detection service.

How do I keep my pipes from freezing?

When you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to understand how you can prevent the cold weather from negatively affecting them. Frozen pipes can be mild annoyances or major issues that lead to complete pipe replacement. Avoid a costly repair by following these easy-to-follow tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Heating cable: Run heating cable along the pipes and then cover with pipe insulation. The insulation will be less effective without the cable.
• Visual check: Do an inspection of your home, looking for visible cracks, especially near the foundation or basement. Fill cracks with spray foam or caulking.
• Shut off outdoor valves: Open outdoor faucets to allow excess water to drain. Then shut off valves to avoid freezing.
• Open cabinet door: The warm air in your home can’t reach pipes behind cabinet doors. Open the doors to allow warm air to circulate the pipes.

How do I stop tree roots from invading my plumbing?

Invasive tree roots can be a real costly problem if not dealt with immediately. Our team at C. Lee Services understand that understands that tree root invasion can be hard to detect because they are located out of sight. Tree root invasion is a leading pipe problem that, more often than not, require repair or full replacement of your pipes. If you feel tree roots are breaking into your underground pipes, schedule a camera inspection and follow these steps to avoid future problems:

• Root Barrier: When you plant new trees or want to protect ones already in your yard, install a root barrier. An 18 to 24-inch trench must be dug around the root zone, but the barrier will keep the roots from growing beyond the block aid.
• Routine Plumbing Maintenance: Small plumbing issues can be treated before they turn into major repairs when you perform routine plumbing maintenance. Camera inspections every two to three years will detect invasive roots.
• Sewer Line Cleaning: Keep your sewer lines clear with hydro jetting. The powerful cleaning method will cut through tree roots and help your system run smoothly.
• Tree Removal: Have a problematic tree professionally removed if it continues to grow into your piping system. The one-time service will cost you less than continued pipe repairs or replacement.

Will you have to tear up my yard to repair the sewer line?

With trenchless sewer repair techniques used by our industry professionals at C. Lee Services, we can complete most sewer line repair work without excavating. Our technicians used advanced technology to keep your yard, driveway, and flooring in place while repairing your line break or leak.

Other trenchless-based services include:

• Sewer camera inspections
• Drain cleaning
• Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining
• Pipe bursting

What is carbon monoxide testing?

Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless, colorless gas. Fuel-burning appliances in your home are capable of producing carbon monoxide, which means you should have them tested annually for CO production. C. Lee Services technicians perform comprehensive testing to detect all leaks and determine the source of the emission quickly and reliably. We will explain the testing results to you and offer a menu of solutions for your home.

The C. Lee Services team is always here to help you through the maintenance of home ownership. We’ll walk you through the process, give you a definitive timeline for our work, and stick to your budget. Call C. Lee Services today!