Common Plumbing FAQS & More
We know our stuff. Stop here for answers to some of the most common plumbing questions that St. Louis home and business owners want to know.
Toilet Issues
Why isn’t my toilet flushing?
A toilet that won’t flush properly is usually caused by one of a few things, like a clogged drain, a worn flapper, low water levels in the tank, or a blocked rim jet. In older St. Louis homes, mineral buildup in the jets is especially common and often goes undiagnosed for years. DeClue Plumbing identifies the root cause rather than masking the symptom so your toilet flushes correctly every time.
Why does my toilet keep running?
A constantly running toilet is almost always a flapper, fill valve, or float issue. It sounds minor, but a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which adds up fast on your monthly water bill. This is one of the most common and most affordable fixes we handle.
How do I know if my toilet needs to be repaired or replaced?
If your toilet is relatively new and having one isolated issue, a repair is almost always the right call. If it’s older than 20 to 25 years, requires frequent fixes, or is visibly cracked, replacement is likely the smarter long-term investment. DeClue Plumbing is always going to give you an honest assessment—we’re not going to recommend a replacement just to pad the invoice.
Can a leaking toilet increase my water bill?
Yes, and more than most people realize. Even a slow silent leak can waste thousands of gallons per month. Many homeowners don’t notice until they see an unusually high water bill. A simple dye test can confirm whether your toilet is leaking. If it is, DeClue Plumbing can identify and fix it quickly before it costs you any more money.
What toilet brands does DeClue Plumbing recommend?
We work with longstanding brands like American Standard, Kohler, Glacier Bay, and TOTO. These brands offer reliable performance, widely available parts, and strong manufacturer warranties. We can help you select the right model based on your budget and bathroom setup.
Water Heater Services
How long is a water heater supposed to last?
A traditional tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years with proper maintenance. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more. If your unit is approaching or past that range, it’s worth getting an assessment before it fails on you—usually at the worst possible time. DeClue Plumbing will evaluate your current system and tell you honestly whether it needs repair or replacement.
What is the difference between a tankless and a traditional water heater?
A traditional water heater stores and continuously heats a large tank of water. A tankless system heats water on demand as it flows through the unit. Tankless heaters are more energy efficient, take up less space, and deliver instant hot water, but they cost more upfront. For many St. Louis homeowners, the long-term savings on gas bills make tankless the smarter investment.
How much does water heater installation cost in St. Louis?
Installation costs depend on the type of unit, the complexity of the install, and whether any additional work is needed on the surrounding pipes or gas lines. DeClue Plumbing provides transparent, upfront estimates so you know exactly what you’re paying before we start. As a non-union company, our pricing is typically significantly lower than what you’d get from larger competitors.
Is there any kind of warranty that comes with a DeClue Plumbing water heater installation?
DeClue Plumbing offers a 6-year warranty on the tank itself and a 1-year warranty on parts. All of our labor and installations are also backed by a 1-year labor warranty. We stand behind every job we do.
What water heater brands do you install?
We install and recommend Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, and State water heaters. These are reliable, widely serviced brands with strong track records. A.O. Smith and State are manufactured by the same company and are both excellent options, depending on availability and budget.
We’ve Got the Answers
Sick of reading? Let’s talk. Pick up the phone and give DeClue Plumbing a call, or sign up for a free estimate to tell us about all about your plumbing issues.
Pipe Replacements
CPVC, Copper, or PEX—What’s the difference? Should I care?
The pipe material in your home matters more than most people think. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Copper is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to bacteria. It’s been the industry standard for decades and holds up well under normal conditions. The downsides? It’s the most expensive option, requires skilled installation, and is more vulnerable to freezing than modern alternatives. In many cases, the risk of copper theft is also worth factoring in.
- PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic piping that is easier and faster to install, resistant to freezing, and more affordable than copper. PEX Type A specifically is among DeClue Plumbing’s preferred upgrade material for many residential installations.
- CPVC is a rigid plastic pipe that handles hot water well and is less expensive than copper. However it can become brittle over time, especially in older homes.
And if your place still has galvanized steel pipes, you need a replacement, ASAP.
How do I know if my pipes need to be replaced?
You’re going to need a plumbing system pipe replacement if your’re experiencing discolored water, low water pressure, frequent leaks, visible corrosion, or you just know you’re working with pipes that are simply old. Homes built before 1990 may still have aging galvanized or cast iron piping that is overdue for attention.
How long do pipes last?
It depends on the material. Copper pipes can last 50 years or more. PEX has an estimated lifespan of 25 to 40 years. CPVC typically lasts 50 to 75 years under normal conditions. Polybutylene should be replaced regardless of age. If you’re unsure what type of pipes you have, always make an informed decision—we can help you find out.
What is involved in a full pipe replacement?
The scope of a pipe replacement depends on how much of the system needs to be replaced and where the pipes are located. DeClue Plumbing handles water lines, sewer lines, and everything in between for both residential and commercial properties. We provide a full estimate upfront and walk you through exactly what the job entails before we start.
Sump Pumps
How do I know if I need a sump pump?
If your home has a basement or crawl space and you’ve experienced flooding, water intrusion, or persistent moisture issues, a sump pump is likely a smart investment. Homes in low-lying areas or creek-heavy spots in St. Louis County are especially prone to water buildup during heavy rain seasons. DeClue Plumbing installs and repairs both standard and crawl space sump pumps.
How long do sump pumps last and how do I know if mine is failing?
Most sump pumps last 7 to 10 years. Signs that yours may be failing include strange noises, running continuously, visible rust or corrosion, or simply not activating during heavy rain. If your sump pump is more than 7 years old it’s worth having it inspected before the next big storm.
What is the difference between a standard sump pump and a crawl space sump pump?
A standard sump pump is installed in a pit in your basement floor and pumps water out of the home when levels rise. A crawl space sump pump is designed for homes without a full basement and is built to handle the unique moisture and space challenges that crawl spaces present. DeClue Plumbing installs and services both and can help you determine which system is right for your home.