FAQ

How long do water heaters typically last? Most tank water heaters last 8-12 years, depending on water quality, maintenance, and usage. Tankless water heaters can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is over 10 years old, is leaking, or isn't heating consistently, it's worth having it inspected.

Should I repair or replace my water heater? It depends on the age of the unit and the issue. If your water heater is under 6 years old and has a single, repairable problem, repair usually makes sense. If it's older, leaking from the tank itself, or has multiple issues, replacement is typically more cost-effective long-term. We'll always give you an honest recommendation rather than push a replacement you don't need.

Is a tankless water heater worth it? Tankless water heaters cost more upfront but use less energy, last longer, and provide continuous hot water instead of running out. They're a good fit for households or businesses with high hot water demand. We can help you evaluate whether the upfront cost makes sense for your situation.

Why does my water heater make noise? Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds are often caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This is common in areas with hard water and can reduce efficiency over time. Regular flushing can prevent this.

How often should I test my sump pump? We recommend testing your sump pump at least twice a year — once in spring before heavy rain season, and once in fall. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm the pump activates and drains it properly.

How long do sump pumps last? Most sump pumps last 7-10 years with normal use. If yours is older, runs constantly, or struggles to keep up during heavy rain, it may be time for a replacement before it fails.

Do I need a battery backup for my sump pump? If you rely on your sump pump to prevent basement flooding, a battery backup is strongly recommended. Power outages often happen during the same storms that cause flooding risk, which is exactly when your primary pump can't run without backup power.

Why is my sump pump running constantly? This can indicate a stuck float switch, an undersized pump for your water table, or a high water table in general. Constant running shortens the pump's lifespan and is worth having inspected.

How often should a sewer line be inspected? For most homes, a camera inspection every few years is a reasonable precaution, especially for homes over 20 years old or with mature trees near the sewer line (root intrusion is a common cause of blockages). If you've had past issues, more frequent inspection is worth it.

What causes slow or clogged drains? Common causes include grease and soap buildup, hair, mineral buildup from hard water, and for sewer lines specifically, tree root intrusion or pipe deterioration. Recurring clogs in the same drain often point to a deeper issue worth inspecting.

Can I use chemical drain cleaners? We generally don't recommend them. They can damage older pipes, and they often don't clear the actual blockage — just create a temporary opening. A professional drain cleaning gets to the root of the problem without the pipe damage risk.

What are signs I need snaking or sewer line repair? Multiple slow drains at once, gurgling sounds from drains, sewage odors, or wet spots in your yard can all indicate a sewer line problem. These are worth addressing quickly, since sewer line issues tend to get more expensive the longer they're left.

How often should commercial grease traps be cleaned? Most commercial kitchens need grease trap cleaning every 1-3 months, though high-volume kitchens may need it more often. Local code often sets minimum requirements as well. Regular cleaning prevents backups, odors, and code violations.

Do I need a licensed plumber for commercial plumbing code compliance? Yes — commercial plumbing work, especially anything involving new fixtures, grease traps, healthcare facilities, or backflow prevention, typically requires a licensed contractor and often plan review before work begins. We handle both the design and installation to keep your project compliant.

How do you handle plumbing work in an occupied business? We plan work around your operating hours where possible, and for businesses that can't close (like grocery stores or restaurants), we can often perform work overnight or in stages to minimize disruption to your operations.

What's involved in backflow prevention testing? Backflow preventers protect your water supply from contamination and generally require annual testing to stay compliant with local code. We handle testing and any necessary repairs or certification paperwork.

Do you offer emergency plumbing service? We don't offer 24 hour emergency service, but we do our best to fit in customers with urgent issues whenever possible.

What areas do you serve? We serve the Greater Milwaukee area, including Brown Deer, Cudahy, Germantown, Glendale, Greendale, Mequon, Pewaukee, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, and surrounding communities.

Are you licensed and insured? Yes, Faust Company is a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor, and we're the oldest union contractor in Milwaukee, in business since 1898.

Do you provide free estimates? Yes, we're happy to provide a quote for your project. Contact us at 414-258-0491 or through our website to get started.