If you’ve ever wondered whether that strange noise, slow drain, or running toilet is something to worry about, you’re not alone.
At Dave Jones, our plumbers are in homes throughout Madison, Milwaukee, and the surrounding communities every single day. While every home is different, we hear many of the same plumbing questions week after week.
We believe an informed homeowner is a confident homeowner. So we’re answering ten of the questions we hear most often—and sharing what you should know before a small plumbing issue turns into a much bigger one.
- Why is my water heater making popping or rumbling noises?
One of the most common calls we receive starts with this question.
Those popping or rumbling sounds are usually caused by sediment buildup inside your water heater. Wisconsin’s hard water naturally leaves behind minerals that settle at the bottom of the tank over time.
As the burner heats the water, steam bubbles push through the hardened sediment, creating the popping sounds you hear.
If left alone, sediment buildup can:
- Reduce your water heater’s efficiency
- Increase energy bills
- Shorten the lifespan of the unit
- Lead to overheating and premature failure
The good news? Regular flushing helps remove sediment and keeps your water heater running efficiently.
- My toilet keeps running. Is it really a big deal?
It might seem like a minor annoyance, but a constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day.
Most of the time, the culprit is a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or an improperly adjusted float.
These are relatively inexpensive repairs—but ignoring them can increase your water bill month after month.
If you’ve noticed your toilet randomly refilling throughout the day or hear water running long after flushing, it’s worth having it checked.
- Why has my water pressure suddenly dropped?
Low water pressure can happen for several reasons.
Common causes include:
- Mineral buildup inside fixtures
- A partially closed shutoff valve
- Hidden water leaks
- Pressure regulator issues
- Municipal water supply work
If only one faucet has low pressure, cleaning the aerator may solve the problem.
If your entire home suddenly experiences low pressure, it’s best to have a professional inspect your plumbing system to rule out larger issues.
- Can I pour grease down the drain if I run hot water?
Short answer: No.
Hot grease may look like a liquid, but as it cools inside your pipes, it begins to solidify.
Over time, grease sticks to pipe walls and collects food particles, creating stubborn clogs that can eventually block your drain completely.
Instead:
- Allow grease to cool.
- Pour it into a disposable container.
- Throw it away in the trash.
Your kitchen plumbing will thank you.
- How often should I test my sump pump?
At least twice a year—and definitely before heavy rain season.
A sump pump is one of those things homeowners rarely think about until it doesn’t work.
Testing is simple:
- Slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit.
- Watch to make sure the float activates.
- Confirm the pump removes the water.
- Ensure the discharge line is flowing properly outside.
If your sump pump doesn’t activate or struggles to remove water, it’s better to find out on a sunny afternoon than during a storm.
- Is hard water actually damaging my home?
Yes.
Hard water is incredibly common throughout southern Wisconsin.
Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium build up inside your plumbing system and appliances.
This can lead to:
- Reduced water heater efficiency
- White spots on dishes and fixtures
- Shorter appliance lifespan
- Soap that doesn’t lather well
- Mineral buildup inside faucets and showerheads
A properly maintained water softener can help protect your plumbing while improving everyday water quality.
- Why does my garbage disposal stop working?
Many homeowners assume a stopped disposal means it needs replacing.
Fortunately, that’s often not the case.
Garbage disposals include a built-in safety feature that shuts the motor off if it overheats or jams.
Before calling for service:
- Check the red reset button on the bottom of the unit.
- Make sure power is reaching the disposal.
- Use the proper hex wrench underneath the unit to gently free a jam if the manufacturer recommends it.
If it still won’t run, the motor or internal components may need repair or replacement.
- How long should a water heater last?
Traditional tank water heaters generally last between 8 and 12 years.
Tankless water heaters often last 15 to 20 years or longer with proper maintenance.
If your water heater is approaching ten years old and you’ve noticed:
- Rust-colored water
- Inconsistent hot water
- Water around the base
- Strange noises
…it may be time to begin planning for replacement before an unexpected breakdown leaves your family without hot water.
- Should I know where my home’s main water shutoff is?
Absolutely.
Knowing where your main shutoff valve is can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage during an emergency.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t discover where it is until a pipe bursts.
Take a few minutes to:
- Locate the valve.
- Make sure it’s accessible.
- Verify everyone in the household knows where it is.
It’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect your home.
- When should I call a plumber instead of trying to fix it myself?
Many small plumbing tasks are perfectly reasonable DIY projects.
However, if you’re dealing with:
- Water leaks inside walls
- Sewer odors
- No hot water
- Low pressure throughout the home
- Repeated drain clogs
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Water heater issues
- A sump pump that won’t operate
it’s usually best to have the problem professionally diagnosed before it becomes more expensive.
Many plumbing issues start small and worsen over time. Catching them early often saves money and prevents larger repairs later.
Your Plumbing Questions Deserve Straight Answers
No two homes are exactly alike, but these are some of the questions our plumbers answer every day throughout Madison, Milwaukee, and the surrounding communities.
Whether you’re dealing with an annoying drip, planning ahead for maintenance, or simply wondering if something is normal, asking questions is always the right first step.
At Dave Jones, our goal isn’t just to fix plumbing problems—it’s to help homeowners understand their plumbing systems so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
If you have a plumbing question that’s not on this list, our team is always happy to help.
