Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions by both new & old customers. If your question isn't below please give us a call and we will promptly answer all your questions.

I need basic plumbing repairs in my home to fix a leaky faucet or clear a clogged drain. Is this what a plumber does?

Yes! A plumber is a highly skilled worker who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing related fixtures, diagnose clogged drain problems and solves all problems related to water systems in your home.

What sets M.C. Welch apart from other plumbers is our dedication to customer service. We train and educate all our emplyees to offer you the highest in professional & quality service.

I want a new sink or faucet in my home but I don’t want to do it myself. What options do I have?

Plenty of homeowners are capable of handling these type of jobs themselves. However experience has taught us, some jobs are best left to the pro's. We have received calls from customers stuck in the middle of a project. M.C. Welch offers custom builder quality installation and upgrades on sinks, toilets, laundry machines, showers, garbage disposals, etc..

How do I un-jam my garbage disposal?

You may be able to insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposer and "crank" it to help free up a jam. If this doesn’t work, DON'T USE IT! You could cause serious damage to the disposal motor or even your home electrical system. M.C. Welch can usually fix a jammed up garbage disposal. If we can't, then the unit will probably need to be replaced. Our expert technicians can give you the best advice and make quick work of it to get you grinding again!

What causes low water pressure and what can I do about it?

There are several things that could cause low water pressure, including a partially closed or malfunctioning shut off valve, a crimped water line, or deposits that gather in older galvanized pipes. If your neighbors have strong water pressure, the problem is most likely between the water meter and your home. A qualified M.C. Welch plumbing technician will be able to identify the problem and explain your options.

What is Instant Hot Water?

Instant Hot Water is a hot water recirculation system that circulates hot water in your home. When you open a fixture the warm water is there. There is no need to run water down the drain waiting for hot water to arrive. Did you know that hot water recirculation systems save water, energy and money; the average family of four wastes up to 17,000 gallons of water per year just waiting for hot water to arrive. A hot water recirculation system eliminates waste and provides the convenience of instant hot water. They work in existing homes, too!

The under-the-sink retrofit systems are designed for existing homes. M.C. Welch can easily adapt a system to your existing plumbing.

How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my house?

A broken water line out in the yard may include an excessively high water bill, puddles in your yard or the sound of running water when no faucets or appliances are using water. The M.C. Welch plumbing technicians can "see" inside your pipes with Video Camera Drain Inspection technology. We can pinpoint the problem without needless trial and error destruction of working pipes. In many cases we can fix the problem right away and save you money.

What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?

The leading cause for sump pump to failure is usually a switching problem. Sometimes the pump can move inside the basin. This movement causes the float that operates the switch to lodge against its side. Debris can also be a factor by interfering with the action of the pump switch. It is important to make sure that your pump switch and float arm assembly move freely. The main thing to remember about sump pups is that they don’t last forever…even if you never use them. Internal part wear out and make them virtually useless when you need them most! M.C. Welch can test, maintain or replace any brand of sump pump. For flood prone areas and homes that get water seeping in on a regular basis you may want to consider a sump pump back up system. There are even non-electric systems that work in the case of a power failure.

If I have need Rooter Service, do I have to call one of those national rooter chains?

No. We would recommend that you call a qualified, trained and certified plumber. Why? The water pipes inside and outside your home can be very delicate. In an older home, pipes wear thin from the inside out making them appear sound but in fact are very brittle. An unqualified and unskilled rooter company could cause extensive damage to your pipes and your home. The highly trained and certified technicians at M.C. Welch will take the time to properly diagnose the problem and utilize the right tools and techniques to solve the problem. Should there be an issue of a broken pipe or other unforeseen problems after we begin the job, our expert plumbers can immediately take action. Can the other guys? We’re not sure…and we don’t recommend that you take a chance.

Is there really a difference between hard water and soft?

Yes. In fact, the difference can be damaging to your home and your body. Maybe you have experienced damaged clothing from the laundry, excessive soap consumption, pipe scaling, faucet and fixture deterioration, skin problems, or undesirable tastes or odors from your water. If you have, then you have a water problem. M.C. Welch can solve your hard water worries with a variety of quality products for your home.

Conventional Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters.

Conventional water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. They range in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger) and are fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil. Called ‘storage’ units, these water heaters transfer heat from a burner or coil to water in an insulated tank. The down side to a conventional water heater is that energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used.

Tankless water heaters do not contain a storage tank like conventional water heaters. A gas burner or electric element heats the water only when there is a demand for hot water.

There are many things to consider when choosing conventional vs. tankless water heating systems. M.C. Welch can guide you through your options and get the right system for home that will give years of service and efficient performance.

Can I get someone to come to my house today? I need a plumber now!

M.C. Welch has technicians available specifically for emergency calls to diagnose and solve your plumbing problem right away.

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Call (760) 753-3042 today!