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Plumbing questions, answered
The questions west side homeowners ask us most, answered in plain words. Still not sure? Call (440) 640-7711 and ask the plumber.
- Free estimates
- Ohio license #51828
- Emergency calls answered 24/7
Estimates, pricing and licensing
Straight answers. If yours is not here, call and ask.
Not answered here? Call (440) 640-7711
Do you charge for an estimate?
No. Estimates are free and there is no obligation. We look at the job and give you the price before any work starts.
Why don't you list prices online?
Because two jobs with the same name are rarely the same job. A clog in a sink line and a clog in a root-filled sewer are priced very differently. We look first, then give you the price before we start.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. The Pipefather is an Ohio-licensed plumbing contractor, license #51828, fully insured and BBB accredited.
Do you pull permits?
Yes. Sewer repairs, sewer replacements and backwater valves are done to code, and we pull the permits.
Do you work on businesses too?
Yes. We work on homes and small businesses.
Who comes out to the job?
Anthony Pollizze, who owns The Pipefather, works the jobs himself with his crew. Meet Anthony
Drains, sewers and drain stacks
Straight answers. If yours is not here, call and ask.
Not answered here? Call (440) 640-7711
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Usually because the last fix only poked a hole through the clog. Grease, soap, hair and scale stay stuck to the pipe walls and catch the next load. We clear the line, and when a clog keeps coming back we camera it to see whether it needs cleaning, jetting or repair. Drain cleaning
Do you use chemical drain cleaners?
No. We clear drains mechanically, with a cable machine or hydro jetter, which does not eat at your pipes.
Why is water coming up from my basement floor drain?
Usually the main line is blocked by roots, buildup or a broken pipe, so water from the house has nowhere to go but back up. Stop running water and call (440) 640-7711. We answer 24/7.
What is hydro jetting?
High-pressure water that scours grease, scale and roots off the inside of the pipe, instead of just poking a hole through the clog. Hydro jetting
Will hydro jetting damage my pipes?
Not a sound pipe. That is why we camera first. If the line is cracked or collapsed, jetting is the wrong tool and we will say so.
How do I know if my sewer line is broken?
Backups at the basement floor drain, several slow drains at once, sewage smells or soggy spots in the yard are the usual signs. A camera inspection confirms it. Sewer line repair
Do I need to replace my whole sewer line?
Not always. Roots and buildup can often be cleared with hydro jetting, and a single bad section can be repaired. We show you the camera footage and the options before you decide.
Is the camera inspection free?
Yes, with every sewer cleaning, repair or replacement.
Why replace a cast iron drain stack?
Cast iron rusts from the inside. Cracks, leaks at the joints, sewer smells and rust flakes in the basement are the signs. We replace it with Schedule 40 PVC and add cleanouts. Drain stack replacement
Hot water tanks and tankless
Straight answers. If yours is not here, call and ask.
Not answered here? Call (440) 640-7711
How long does a hot water tank last?
Tank water heaters often last roughly 8 to 12 years. Hard water, sediment and how the tank was installed all make a difference. Hot water tanks
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
A failed part, like a thermostat, element or gas valve, can often be repaired. A tank that is leaking from the body has to be replaced. We tell you which one you have.
How long does a water heater replacement take?
Usually a few hours once the new tank is on site. We test it before we leave, and we have installed tanks after hours on weekends.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For some homes, yes. It depends on your gas line, venting and how much hot water you use at once. Call and we will tell you if it is a good fit.
Leaks, water lines, sump pumps and backwater valves
Straight answers. If yours is not here, call and ask.
Not answered here? Call (440) 640-7711
Why is my water bill so high?
A hidden leak is the usual cause. Turn off every fixture and watch your water meter. If it still moves, water is going somewhere, and we can find it. Leak detection
What is a pressure-reducing valve?
A valve on your main line that brings city pressure down to a safe level for your pipes and appliances. When it fails, pressure can climb to 100 psi or more. Pipe repair
Do you replace old water lines?
Yes. Supply lines, main shutoffs and individual shutoff valves.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If your basement depends on its sump pump, it is worth having. A battery backup runs when the power goes out or the main pump fails, which is often exactly when a storm hits. Sump pumps
Does my house need a backwater valve?
If your basement has backed up during heavy rain, or you have a finished basement on a low lot, it is worth a look. The valve stops the sewer from flowing back into the house. Backwater valves
Emergencies
Straight answers. If yours is not here, call and ask.
Not answered here? Call (440) 640-7711
Do you really answer at night?
Yes. Emergency calls are answered 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Emergency plumbing
Is there an emergency fee?
No. There is no emergency service fee.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, move belongings away from the water if it is safe, stay away from water near outlets, and call (440) 640-7711.
Where is my main water shutoff?
Usually where the water line enters the house, often in the basement near the meter. If you cannot find it, call and we will talk you through it.
Service area and scheduling
Straight answers. If yours is not here, call and ask.
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Which areas do you serve?
North Olmsted, Westlake, Avon, Avon Lake, Olmsted Falls, North Ridgeville, Bay Village, Fairview Park, Rocky River, Lakewood, Medina and nearby. See all service areas
Where are you located?
We are based in North Olmsted, Ohio, and come to you.
How fast can you come out?
Often the same day or the next for regular jobs. For an emergency, call any time and we will tell you when we can be there.
Get your free estimate
Tell us what is going on. We look at the job, explain what we found in plain words and give you the price before any work starts. No obligation.
- Mon–Fri
- 8 AM – 8 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 8 AM – 5 PM
- Emergencies
- Answered 24/7
Request your free estimate
Tell us what is going on and we will call you back.