Plumbing FAQs

The trip charge includes a few inherent costs to doing business with Taylor Plumbing, including but not limited to:

a. The time required by a trained and certified plumber to quickly and concisely solve the problem.
b. General liability insurance, vehicle insurance, gas, and inherent vehicle maintenance are a byproduct of servicing Rochester.
c. Administrative time spent ordering parts (if necessary), stocking trucks, answering requests via telephone and email, warranting equipment, and so much more.

Yes, we are a business and would like to take a few dollars home at the end of the day, but our trip charges are not how we as a company believe in achieving profits. They are necessary and we would advise you to stay from a company that does not charge them. Oftentimes, you will find additional costs buried in parts or other services for the company, or poor after purchase support. Buyer beware.

Remain calm! We’re here to help. In addition to securing partnerships with local businesses to help with any potential water damage, we are available any hour of any day to help get your hot water back on.

If your tank is less than ten years old, it may be worth taking a look at a small repair. However, if you believe your hot water tank repair would not be cost-effective when compared to replacement options, we guarantee hot water within 24 hours. Call 500-HELP for a free estimate today!

If your water heater uses either natural gas or propane, as time goes by and your water heater ages, sediments such as calcium and rust accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This creates a barrier between the heat exchanger, the source of heat and reduces the capacity of the system as a whole. Also, the burner assembly may become corroded and rust can interrupt the flow of fuel creating improper combustion and not produce the required flame. Electric water heaters can also accumulate a sediment build up which will reduce capacity and corrode the heating elements, preventing the transfer to maintain water temperature. The heating elements and thermostats are “wear items” that need to be replaced periodically, and based on the age and condition of the tank, you may want to consider replacement or entertain other options.

All water heaters are manufactured equipped with a plastic fill tube on the “cold” water inlet side. The entering water must be connected to the “cold” water inlet which fills the tank from the bottom while in use, as the hot water is discharged from the top of the tank. Time will take its toll on this component deteriorating it, and the entering water no longer is discharged at the bottom of the tank, and cools the hot water being discharged at the top of the tank.

Much like your furnace, it is beneficial to have a maintenance plan in place to ensure an annual cleaning and safety inspection. While today’s water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-13 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Most of the time when your toilet becomes clogged, a plunger can be used to clear the blockage. If the blockage is more severe or the result of a larger issue further down the line, an auger can be the next best solution, or the toilet may need to be removed to access the sewer system for “snaking” the main line.

Often, people flush items such as paper towels, larger wet wipes, sanitary products and other materials that can easily create a clogging issue. Refraining flushing of any materials not intended for such use is encouraged to prevent a clogged system.

The use of chemicals to clear blockages is not recommended due to the fact that they are corrosive in nature and may increase deterioration of your plumbing drainage system in general.