Fixtures & Appliances Questions Answered

For basic kitchen or bathroom faucet replacements, the job typically involves shutting off the water supply, disconnecting the old faucet, cleaning the mounting surface, installing the new fixture, and checking for leaks. This process can usually be completed in under an hour with the right tools and access.

Complications may arise if shut-off valves are corroded or stuck, the plumbing under the sink is outdated, or if there's water damage or mineral buildup. In these cases, it’s best to call a professional to ensure a safe and long-lasting installation.

At A&G Plumbing and Drain, we handle faucet replacements efficiently and can spot any hidden plumbing concerns before they become bigger problems. Whether you're upgrading fixtures for style or resolving a leak, we serve homeowners throughout Metro Atlanta, Marietta, and nearby areas with expert service and quality results.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Metro Atlanta

While Metro Atlanta doesn't experience extreme cold as frequently as northern regions, temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. Here's how to prevent frozen pipes:

Before Cold Weather Arrives:

• ✔ Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages using foam pipe insulation sleeves.
• ✔ Seal leaks or gaps around pipes where cold air might enter from outside, using caulk or spray foam insulation.
• ✔ Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets. Consider installing freeze-proof outdoor spigots if you don't already have them.
• ✔ Locate your main water shut-off valve and ensure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it in case of emergency.

During Freezing Temperatures:

• ✔ Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you're away.
• ✔ Allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slightly during extreme cold snaps. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
• ✔ Open cabinet doors beneath sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• ✔ Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines run through the garage.

If you plan to be away during winter, additional precautions like shutting off the water main and draining the system may be necessary for extended absences. Our plumbers can help winterize your home properly before cold weather arrives to prevent costly freeze damage.

Why Isn’t My Dishwasher Draining Properly?

When your dishwasher isn't draining properly, leaving standing water at the bottom, several issues could be responsible:

• ✔ Clogged filter: The dishwasher's filter basket may be clogged with food particles.
• ✔ Blocked drain hose: The drain hose may be kinked or clogged.
• ✔ Clogged air gap: If your sink has an air gap, it might be blocked.
• ✔ Garbage disposal connection: If recently installed, the knockout plug in the disposal might not have been removed.
• ✔ Drain pump failure: The pump that forces water out might be malfunctioning.
• ✔ Clogged sink drain: The problem might be in your sink drain or further down the line.

Start troubleshooting by cleaning the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, which is often the simplest solution. Next, check that the drain hose isn't kinked where it connects to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Also run your garbage disposal to clear any potential blockages, as many dishwashers drain through the disposal. For persistent issues, a professional plumber can diagnose and address more complex problems with the drain pump or internal components.

What Causes a Constantly Dripping Faucet?

A constantly dripping faucet is typically caused by worn-out internal components. The most common causes include:

• ✔ Worn-out O-rings or gaskets: These components no longer create a watertight seal.
• ✔ Corroded valve seats: Corrosion allows water to seep through even when the faucet is off.
• ✔ Damaged cartridges or washers: These parts may need replacement to restore proper function.
• ✔ Improper installation or loose parts: Can prevent proper sealing and cause persistent dripping.
• ✔ High water pressure: Excessive pressure puts strain on faucet components and can lead to leaks.

Even a slow drip can waste thousands of gallons of water annually and significantly increase your water bill. For most faucets, replacing the internal components (washers, O-rings, or cartridges) resolves the issue and is more economical than full faucet replacement. However, if your faucet is older (10+ years) or shows signs of corrosion, a complete replacement might be the better long-term solution.

When Should You Replace a Toilet Instead of Repairing It?

While toilets can technically last for decades, several signs indicate it's time for replacement rather than repair:

• ✔ Frequent repairs: If you're calling a plumber repeatedly for the same toilet, the cost of repairs will eventually exceed replacement value.
• ✔ Constant clogging: Toilets manufactured before the mid-1990s often have inefficient flushing designs that are prone to clogging, regardless of proper use.
• ✔ Cracks in the porcelain: Hairline cracks in the tank or bowl can suddenly worsen and cause flooding or water damage. These can't be reliably repaired.
• ✔ Excessive water usage: Older toilets use 3.5–7 gallons per flush, while modern WaterSense models use only 1.28 gallons or less, potentially saving thousands of gallons annually.
• ✔ Wobbling or unstable toilet: This might indicate floor damage from a leaking seal, which could require toilet removal to repair properly.
• ✔ Visible mineral buildup: Severe mineral deposits in the siphon jet or rim holes can permanently affect flushing performance.
• ✔ Aesthetic concerns: Permanent staining, scratched surfaces, or outdated colors might warrant replacement during bathroom remodeling.

Modern toilets offer significant advantages in water efficiency, flushing power, comfort (chair height and elongated bowls), and features like soft-close lids and more effective trapways. Our plumbers can help you select the right toilet for your needs and provide professional installation with proper sealing to prevent leaks.

Why Did My Garbage Disposal Stop Working?

When your garbage disposal stops working, the issue typically falls into one of these categories:

No power / won't turn on:

• ✔ Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
• ✔ Overload protector (red reset button on bottom of unit) has been triggered
• ✔ Faulty wall switch or switch wiring
• ✔ Motor failure (often accompanied by humming sound)

Runs but doesn't grind:

• ✔ Jammed impeller plate (blades can't rotate)
• ✔ Foreign object lodged between impeller and shredder ring
• ✔ Worn cutting components from age or improper use

Leaking:

• ✔ Loose connections at sink flange, discharge pipe, or dishwasher connection
• ✔ Cracked disposal body or internal seals
• ✔ Improperly installed components

Our plumbers can safely diagnose and repair most disposal issues, or recommend replacement if the unit has reached the end of its useful life (typically 8–15 years). We also provide guidance on proper disposal use to prevent future problems.

Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running?

A constantly running toilet typically indicates an issue with the components inside the tank. The most common causes include:

• ✔ Faulty flapper valve: The rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank may be worn, warped, or improperly seated, allowing water to continuously leak into the bowl.
• ✔ Incorrect float height: If the float is set too high, water will continuously flow into the overflow tube. If it's too low, the tank may not fill completely.
• ✔ Damaged fill valve: The mechanism that controls water flow into the tank may be worn out or contain debris, preventing it from shutting off completely.
• ✔ Corroded flush valve chain: A chain that's too long or too short can prevent the flapper from sealing properly.
• ✔ Cracked overflow tube: Cracks in this component can cause water to leak continuously.
• ✔ Mineral buildup: Calcium and other mineral deposits can prevent components from sealing properly.

A running toilet isn't just annoying—it can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily, significantly increasing your water bill. Most running toilet issues can be fixed by replacing the flapper or adjusting the float, which are relatively simple repairs. Our plumbers can quickly diagnose and solve the specific problem, or if your toilet is older, we can discuss replacement options that offer better performance and water efficiency. Learn more about our toilet repair services.

If your shower isn’t getting hot but other fixtures in your home have hot water, the issue likely lies within the shower valve or mixing components rather than your water heater. One common culprit is a faulty thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) or pressure-balancing cartridge, which regulates the mix of hot and cold water in your shower.

Over time, these valves can wear out, become clogged with mineral deposits, or get stuck, preventing the proper flow of hot water. This is especially common in homes with hard water.

Another possible issue is a misadjusted anti-scald device, a safety feature inside the shower handle that limits how hot the water can get. If set too low or out of alignment, it can block hot water flow entirely.

In rare cases, incorrect plumbing connections or cross-flow between hot and cold lines can also affect shower temperature, especially in older or remodeled homes.

To diagnose and fix the issue properly, contact A&G Plumbing and Drain. We serve Metro Atlanta, Marietta, and surrounding areas with expert troubleshooting and fixture repair to get your shower running hot again.

A running toilet is usually caused by one of three common issues: a worn-out flapper, a misaligned float, or a faulty fill valve. These components regulate the flow of water from the tank to the bowl and control refilling after a flush.

First, remove the tank lid and inspect the flapper at the bottom of the tank. If it’s not sealing properly, water will continue to leak into the bowl. Try jiggling the handle to reseat the flapper or gently press it down to stop the flow temporarily.

Next, check the float—it should rise and stop the water once it reaches the fill line. If it’s too high, adjust it downward by turning the screw on top of the fill valve or gently bending the float arm if it’s metal.

If the water continues to run, turn off the shut-off valve located behind the toilet near the floor. This will stop the water supply until a plumber can inspect and repair the issue.

For professional toilet repairs in Metro Atlanta or Marietta, A&G Plumbing and Drain is just a call away—we’ll get your bathroom back to normal fast.