Express Service Plumbing knows that you have a lot of questions about why you should use the plumbing professionals at Express and about plumbing in general. We have listed some of the more frequently asked questions below.


Can you tell me exactly how much this plumbing job will cost me?

In our years of experience, we have found that our customers prefer an accurate price based on their exact plumbing problem. Most phone quotes are subject to change once the service technician sees the job. We don't think that is fair to you. By allowing us to diagnose your plumbing problem in person, you will know exactly what it will take to get the job done.

What is the difference between hard water and soft water?

Parts of the U.S. have what is commonly referred to as "hard water," and people who live in these areas battle the problems that hard water creates. The most common defense against hard water, which is a nuisance but not a health hazard, is to install a home water softener. Water softening involves exchanging calcium and magnesium minerals present in the water – which cause the hardness – with sodium. As the water softener processes gallon after gallon of hard water on a daily basis, the treatment capability of the softener becomes depleted and must be recharged or regenerated.

When Do You Need Plumbing Services?

Plumbing services are right for anyone who doesn't have the time or tools to troubleshoot their own plumbing problems. Even a problem as mundane as a broken toilet may require commercial plumbing help if you aren't able to fix the problem.

Commercial operations have more complex design and maintenance needs than a residence. A problem in one area could indicate a need for a closer inspection of the entire commercial plumbing system, especially if the trouble is with water flow or leaking pipes or fittings. If it's clear you can't handle your plumbing issue with a quick do-it-yourself solution such as replacing a defective flapper or broken handle, it's best to call the experts and let them give you an in-person estimate on the problem and how much it will cost to fix.

What Causes Clogged Drains?

There are a number of common issues that create a need for drain cleaning. Soap all by itself is not a problem, but combine that with hair and there can be an issue. Another common problem is quilted toilet paper, which doesn't break apart as easily as non-quilted brands. Believe it or not, clumped cat litter can also become a major source of clogging if flushed down the toilet. Symptoms that you need drain cleaning include drains that are slow to empty after normal use, garbage disposals that don't eliminate effectively, and problems with normal toilet flushing. Experts recommend trying a bio drain cleaning solution as a preventive measure, this works for organic clogs, but if you have foreign objects or hair in your drains you may require additional drain-cleaning service to fix the problem.

When Do I Need Plumbing Drain Cleaning Services?

If you are having problems with your drains that drain cleaning products can't fix, it may be time to call in a professional drain cleaning service. Foreign objects lodged in your toilet or garbage disposal, completely blocked drains and broken pipes are common reasons to bring in plumbing drain cleaning services. If you experience these symptoms after a storm or natural disaster, call in a drain cleaning company right away; the professionals can diagnose serious issues such as major damage to the main drain pipe or sewage system. Sometimes a video inspection system is the only way to see the damage, and fixing problems deep in your system requires specialized equipment. When calling a drain service, be sure to tell them the exact nature of any emergency, including how many areas of the house are affected by leaking water, overflowing toilets, or other problems. Also report the color of the water and any debris you may see; this information may be important when diagnosing and assigning service priorities to your problem.