Category: Emergency Service

Did you know a running toilet can waste enough water to fill a swimming pool in a year? That constant trickling isn’t just annoying – it’s flushing money down the drain. At Hunt’s Services, we’ve helped thousands of Tacoma and Seattle homeowners stop this water-wasting problem quickly.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The 3 most common causes of running toilets.
• How to diagnose the problem in seconds
• Simple DIY fixes you can do in minutes.
• When it’s time to call a professional plumber

Whether you’re handy with tools or prefer to leave them to the experts, we’ll help you solve this common plumbing issue before it costs you more in wasted water.

Quick Test: Drop food coloring in your toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing within 10 minutes, you’ve got a leak that needs fixing!

How to Replace a Toilet Flapper (In 10-Minutes)

What You’ll Need:

• A new flapper (they cost about $5 − $10 at any hardware store)
• A pair of scissors
• A towel

Steps:

• Turn off the water supply using the valve behind your toilet.
• Flush the toilet to empty most of the water from the tank.
• Remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the chain and the overflow tube.
• Attach the new flapper in the same position.
• Turn the water back on and check your repair.

Helpful Tip: Make sure the chain has just a little slack — not too tight or too loose.

Adjusting the Fill Valve

If your toilet keeps refilling when no one has flushed it:

• Locate the fill valve (it’s usually on the left side inside the tank).
• Look for an adjustment screw or slider.
• Adjust it so the water stops about 1 inch below the overflow tube.

If adjusting doesn’t work, the fill valve may need replacing — and that’s where a licensed plumber in Tacoma + Seattle Area comes in.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Some repairs are too big for DIY fixes. Call Hunt’s Services if:

• You see water leaking onto the floor (could mean a cracked tank or bowl)
• The toilet keeps running after you’ve replaced the flapper.
• You’re not comfortable doing the repairs yourself.

At Hunt’s Services, our licensed plumbers in Tacoma and Seattle area, specialize in fast, affordable toilet repairs and plumbing services. We provide same-day plumbing repairs and upfront pricing. Call us today at 253-533-7500 to schedule your toilet repair and stop wasting water!

As experts in all things related to plumbing and having provided those services to the residents and businesses of Tacoma, we at Hunt’s Services thought it was about time to compile a list of our top 10 most common plumbing issues found in Tacoma.

But first a little background of where we are located and what is unique about Tacoma.

Tacoma Washington is a historic city with modern systems intertwined with its history, particularly with its plumbing system. It has homes that are more than 100 years old, and buildings are being constructed recently and everything in between. That necessitates the city’s plumbing needs to be extensive. Tacoma citizens and businesses, however, need reliable plumbing services for supplied water supply and drained wastewater disposal, thus professional plumbing services is a necessity for Tacoma. The geography and climate of the area pose specific plumbing issues for Tacoma.

The region receives ample rain, has extreme temperatures, and has many old sewer pipes. These can cause a myriad of issues such as, corroded pipes, leaking pipes, and clogged drains. In addition, the water in the region, which is fed by the Green River, contains too many natural minerals that adversely affect plumbing systems. All these render immediate repair and ongoing maintenance an absolute necessity to prevent expensive damages and conserve managed water effectively.

Drum Roll: Our Top 10 Plumbing Challenges and Issues for Tacoma

Given the unique climate, environment, and infrastructure of Tacoma, we have compiled our top 10 list of Plumbing Issues and Challenges for those living in Tacoma.

1. Aging Pipe Systems
   Many Tacoma homes have aging plumbing systems with galvanized or cast-iron pipes prone to corrosion and leaks. These outdated materials can lead to water damage and costly repairs.
2. Frequent Sewer Backups
   Due to tree root intrusion and shifting soil, sewer lines in Tacoma often experience sewer blockages and backups, leading to foul odors and sanitation issues.
3. Persistent Drain Clogs
   Tacoma’s mix of modern and historic homes means that older plumbing systems often struggle with frequent drain blockages from grease buildup, soap scum, and non-flushable items.
4. Water Heater Malfunctions
   Cold winters put a strain on water heaters, causing issues like inconsistent temperatures, sediment buildup, and complete failures, leading to the need for timely repairs or replacements.
5. Low Water Pressure
   Hard water deposits, municipal supply fluctuations, and outdated plumbing can lead to frustratingly low water pressure, making daily tasks like showering or washing dishes inefficient.
6. Leaky Faucets and Pipes
   Small leaks can lead to significant water waste over time, increasing utility bills and causing moisture-related damage to walls and floors.
7. Burst and Frozen Pipes
   Although Tacoma has milder winters, occasional cold snaps can cause pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in costly water damage and emergency repairs.
8. Running or Overflowing Toilets
   A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, leading to higher bills and unnecessary water consumption.
9. Sump Pump Failures
   With Tacoma’s rainy climate, many homeowners rely on sump pumps to prevent basement flooding. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to water damage during heavy storms.
10. Hard Water Deposits
    Mineral buildup from Tacoma’s water supply can clog pipes, reduce appliance efficiency, and shorten the lifespan of fixtures and plumbing systems.

What Does Hunt’s Services Offer to Meet the Challenges of Tacoma Plumbing?

Plumbing Maintenance Services

As we have heard time and time before the solution to a problem is to prevent it. Regular plumbing maintenance is the unsung hero of a well-functioning home in Tacoma. By nipping plumbing problems in the bud through routine maintenance, Tacoma homeowners can save themselves from expensive repair bills down the line. A stitch in time truly saves nine when it comes to plumbing woes.

Prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing systems is a lot like keeping your car running smoothly with regular oil changes and recommended maintenance by the car’s manufacturer or your trusted local car mechanic. Plumbing upkeep can extend the life of your plumbing systems. By giving your fixtures and pipes the TLC that they require, you can maintain a well-running plumbing system for many years.

To help keep your plumbing fixtures and systems in the best operating condition, we offer the Hunt’s Care Club (HCC) to protect homeowners from expensive repairs. The majority of the repairs can be prevented by performing regular maintenance. The HCC will take care of your plumbing, heating, ducts, cooling, electrical, and sewer needs for just $29 a month.

Plumbing Repair Services for Tacoma

Hunt’s Services offers a complete range of plumbing repair services to serve various residential and commercial needs in Tacoma and Seattle. Their team of professional and licensed Tacoma plumbers is able to service small as well as complex plumbing problems, offering prompt and quality solutions to clients.

General Plumbing Repairs

For day-to-day plumbing problems, Hunt’s Services provides timely and effective general repair solutions. Their service technicians arrive in fully equipped vans, which enable them to repair the likes of leaky faucets, plugged pipes, and malfunctioning fixtures on the first visit, usually. No problem is too small, and they are committed to getting the performance efficiency of your plumbing systems up and running as quickly as possible.

Water Heater Services

Spotting the requirement for a consistent hot water supply, Hunt’s Services is a water heater installation and repair expert. They deal with typical faults like temperature inconsistency, sediment buildup, and leaks. Their expertise encompasses both traditional and tankless water heaters, ensuring your system operates efficiently and addresses your home’s requirements.

Sewer and Drain Solutions

Addressing sewer and drain issues promptly is necessary to prevent extensive damage. Hunt’s Services offers emergency sewer repair and drain cleaning and clearing services like cleaning, repairs, and replacement. With cutting-edge techniques such as hydro jetting and camera inspection, they accurately diagnose and fix clogs or damages and ensure the free flow and operation of your sewer lines.

Emergency Plumbing Assistance

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and Hunt’s Services is ready to respond immediately. They provide 24/7 emergency services to address critical situations such as burst pipes, serious leaks, and sewer backups. Their quick response seeks to minimize damage and restore normalcy to your property in the shortest time possible. With a focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction, Hunt’s Services is a trusted provider for all plumbing repair services in the area.

Finally, positive news in terms of tapping into the plumbing needs available in Tacoma is that there is a wide range of plumbing services that would help to cater to the needs that Tacoma presents specifically. Whether it is that one needs mini scale repairs or services like leak detection or full system installations and replacements, the absence of service is entirely null. From outdated plumbing pipes to new environmentally friendly plumbing technology, the Tacoma providers of plumbing and drainage services are never quiet.

You never want to experience a problem with your plumbing system, but if you do, it’s nice to know you have an emergency plumber in Tacoma available, as well as, north and south from Seattle to Olympia. In short, an emergency plumber will show up at your home or business in Seattle, Tacoma, and other Western Washington communities in a hurry, minimizing the damage to your property.

Of course, dealing with a plumbing emergency can be incredibly stressful. There’s a good chance this is a once-in-a-lifetime scenario, so you’ll have no idea how to handle it.

Fortunately, the situation isn’t as dire as you might think, especially since you can follow a few tips to get you through it. Here are some steps to follow if you have a plumbing emergency in Puget Sound.

Identifying a Plumbing Emergency

Before all else, you’ll have to determine if your plumbing issue is a legitimate emergency. Not all plumbing problems require immediate attention, but those that do can cause significant damage if you don’t address them right away.

Common plumbing emergencies include:

• Burst Water Pipes: A sudden pipe burst can flood your home within minutes, damaging floors, walls, and belongings.
• Sewage Backup: If wastewater backs up into sinks, toilets, or drains, it can expose you to harmful bacteria and foul odors, making it a serious health risk.
• No Water Supply: If your home suddenly loses water, it could be due to a significant leak, frozen pipes, or an issue with the main water line.
• Overflowing Toilet: This situation can lead to water damage and unsanitary conditions if the overflowing doesn’t stop on its own.
• Gas Leaks from Water Heaters: If you smell gas near your water heater, evacuate immediately and call for emergency help, as this could lead to fire or explosion.

Calling an emergency plumber is necessary in these situations to reduce the damage to your property and keep your family safe.

Steps You Can Take Before Contacting an Emergency Plumber

When a plumbing emergency strikes, taking quick action can prevent further damage. However, you’ll need to follow a few steps before calling an emergency plumber.

The first step is to stop the flow of water. If the leak is coming from a specific sink or toilet, turn off the local shutoff valve underneath or behind it. If you can’t find the source or the leak is severe, turn off the main water valve, which you’ll usually find near your water meter, in the basement, or outside your home.

If you have to shut off the main water supply, you’ll also need to turn off your water heater to prevent overheating or pressure buildup. It’s also important to turn off your gas-powered water heater if you smell gas and evacuate immediately.

If water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off the power at your electrical panel to avoid the risk of electrocution. This step can reduce damage to your home and its contents while keeping your family safe.

Once you take these steps, you can call an emergency plumber to handle the rest of the situation.

Temporary Fixes While Waiting for the Plumber

It could take some time for your technician to get to your house. Fortunately, there are some temporary measures you can take while waiting for your emergency plumber to arrive:

• Use Plumber’s Tape for Small Leaks: If you notice a minor leak in a pipe or joint, you can wrap the area with plumbers’ tape to slow the water. Although the tape won’t fix the problem permanently, it can prevent further dripping until help arrives.
• Apply a Pipe Clamp on Damaged Pipes: For more significant leaks or cracks, use a pipe clamp or rubber patch to temporarily fix the issue. You can use hose clamps or a strong adhesive tape to hold the patch in place.
• Try Plunging for Minor Clogs: If a sink, toilet, or drain is clogged, use a plunger to try and clear the blockage. However, you’ll want to avoid using chemical drain cleaners because they can worsen the problem or damage your pipes.
• Soak Up Excess Water: Try using towels, mops, or a wet vacuum to remove any standing water and minimize the risk of flooring and furniture damage. For carpets, fans or dehumidifiers can help speed up drying.

These temporary solutions can buy you some time while you wait for your plumber to arrive.

Call an Emergency Plumber Today

Many things can go wrong with your plumbing system, so whether you need an emergency water heater repair or an emergency drain cleaning, getting a professional on the job is incredibly important.

Hunt’s Services offers emergency plumbing services in Tacoma, Seattle, and other parts of Pierce County, Thurston, Kitsap and King County. Call us at 253-533-7500 to have us handle your emergency repair as soon as possible.