Get matched with top plumbers in Thermalito, CA

Yes, pressure-assist toilets leak, but less often than regular toilets. You might experience leaks from your toilet due to worn-out parts, water pressure in your plumbing that’s too high or low, poor installation, or cracks in your tank. These toilets are harder to fix on your own than gravity-fed ones, so it’s best to call a plumber if you can’t figure out what’s wrong, 

A shower cartridge is a component located inside the shower valve. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are two different parts. The shower valve is the entire device that regulates the flow and temperature of water in your shower. The cartridge is the inner part of the valve that connects to the shower controls, allowing you to adjust the water's temperature and flow by balancing the mix of hot and cold water. While the signs of a failing valve and cartridge can be similar, if you are experiencing issues with water temperature, you may need to replace the entire valve.

The cost to unclog a drain varies based on the location and severity of the clog. For simple clogs within your home, such as in a sink, toilet, or shower, hiring a plumber typically costs between $110 and $350, with an average of around $200. Snaking a toilet or sink usually costs between $110 and $275, while a bathtub or shower clog costs about $225.

For a more serious clog in the main sewer line, the cost is higher. Clearing a main line clog generally costs between $200 and $600, with an average of about $380. However, prices can range from as low as $100 for snaking a minor clog to over $1,600, particularly if advanced methods like video inspection and hydrojetting are needed for a large or hard-to-reach blockage. Some severe main line clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear depending on factors like the cause of the clog, its distance from an accessible cleanout, and whether the pipe is located beneath an occupied space (e.g., in an apartment building). You may be able to save money on minor clogs by using a drain snake or bladder yourself.

Yes, and no. Your shower, toilet, and sink all connect to the same main drain, but the secondary drains going from each fixture to the main drain are usually separate. This isn’t always the case—especially in older homes—but since toilets contain black water and showers, tubs, and sinks have grey water, toilets are more regulated and come at a greater risk of contamination. It’s best to keep these drains separate using individual waste collection for this reason.