Plumbing & Heating FAQs
What services does Kato Plumbing and Heating provide?
Kato Plumbing and Heating provides residential plumbing and heating services throughout Southern New Hampshire. Our services include plumbing repairs, water heater repair and installation, boiler service, heating system work, drain cleaning, well tank installation and repair, fixture installation, pipe repairs, and related residential plumbing services.
Is Kato Plumbing and Heating a local company?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating is a family-owned and operated plumbing and heating company serving homeowners throughout Southern New Hampshire. We focus on honest recommendations, reliable communication, and quality workmanship.
What areas do you serve?
Kato Plumbing and Heating serves homeowners throughout Southern New Hampshire, including Manchester, Auburn, Bedford, Derry, Londonderry, Hooksett, Salem, Windham, Candia, Chester, and surrounding communities.
Do you provide emergency plumbing services?
No. Kato Plumbing and Heating does not currently offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. We focus on scheduled residential plumbing and heating work, including repairs, replacements, installations, and maintenance-related services.
What should I do if my water heater is leaking?
If your water heater is leaking, first turn off the power supply and the water supply to the unit to prevent further damage. Next, check the area around the heater for any obvious signs of the leak's source. It's best to contact a licensed technician to diagnose the issue and recommend repairs or replacements, as water heater leaks can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.
Do you work with residential or commercial customers?
Kato Plumbing and Heating primarily serves residential homeowners. If you have a specific plumbing or heating need, contact us and we can let you know whether it is a good fit.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating is a professional plumbing and heating company. Homeowners should always work with properly licensed and insured contractors for plumbing and heating work.
How do I schedule service?
You can schedule service by calling Kato Plumbing and Heating at (603) 505-9630 or by submitting a request through our website contact form.
What types of plumbing repairs do you handle?
We handle many common residential plumbing repairs, including leaking pipes, dripping faucets, running toilets, fixture issues, water pressure problems, pipe repairs, and general plumbing troubleshooting.
How do I know if I need a plumber?
You should call a plumber if you notice leaks, low water pressure, slow drains, no hot water, unusual plumbing noises, water stains, recurring clogs, or plumbing fixtures that are not working properly. Small problems can often become more expensive if they are ignored.
What causes low water pressure in a home?
Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes, failing fixtures, water supply issues, pressure tank problems, mineral buildup, shut-off valve issues, or leaks in the plumbing system. A plumber can inspect the system and help identify the cause.
Why is my faucet dripping?
A dripping faucet is often caused by worn washers, cartridges, seals, or internal fixture components. While it may seem minor, a dripping faucet can waste water and may get worse over time.
Why does my toilet keep running?
A running toilet is commonly caused by a faulty flapper, fill valve, overflow tube issue, or internal tank component failure. It can waste a significant amount of water and should be repaired.
How can I tell if my water heater needs to be replaced?
There are several signs that may indicate it's time to replace your water heater. Look for leaking water around the unit, an increase in energy bills, insufficient hot water, or unusual noises coming from the tank. If your water heater is over 10 years old and shows any of these signs, it's advisable to call a licensed technician for an assessment.
Can you replace faucets, toilets, and fixtures?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating can help with faucet installation, toilet replacement, sink fixtures, shower fixtures, and other residential plumbing fixture updates.
What should I do if I see water stains on my ceiling or walls?
Water stains may indicate a plumbing leak, roof leak, or another moisture issue. If you suspect the issue is plumbing-related, it is best to have it inspected before the damage spreads.
Do you repair water heaters?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating provides water heater repair services for homeowners experiencing issues such as no hot water, inconsistent hot water, leaks, unusual noises, or poor water heater performance.
Do you install water heaters?
Yes. We install and replace residential water heaters. If your existing unit is old, leaking, inefficient, or no longer producing enough hot water, replacement may be the best option.
How long does a water heater usually last?
Many traditional tank water heaters last around 8 to 12 years, depending on the unit, water quality, maintenance, and usage. Some may last longer, while others may fail sooner.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
That depends on the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, the condition of the tank, and whether the system is meeting your household’s hot water needs. If the water heater is older and experiencing major issues, replacement may be more cost-effective.
Why am I running out of hot water quickly?
You may be running out of hot water because the water heater is undersized, the heating element is failing, sediment has built up in the tank, the thermostat is not working properly, or the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Why is my water heater leaking?
A water heater leak may come from a valve, fitting, pipe connection, or the tank itself. If the tank is leaking, replacement is usually required. Water heater leaks should be inspected promptly to avoid water damage.
Why is my water heater making popping or banging noises?
Popping or banging sounds often come from sediment buildup inside the tank. As the water heats, trapped sediment can cause noise and reduce efficiency. In some cases, flushing or replacement may be needed.
What should I do if I experience a plumbing emergency?
If tankless water heater services are offered, this can be a strong service to include. Tankless systems provide hot water on demand and can be a good fit for certain homes depending on usage, plumbing setup, fuel source, and budget.
Do you repair boilers?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating provides boiler repair and heating system services for homeowners throughout Southern New Hampshire.
What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency?
Common signs include no heat, uneven heating, unusual noises, leaking water, pressure problems, short cycling, cold radiators or baseboards, or higher-than-normal heating bills.
Why is my boiler making noise?
Boiler noises may be caused by trapped air, water pressure problems, pump issues, mineral buildup, or other internal system concerns. A heating professional can inspect the system and determine the cause.
What are the signs that my water heater needs repair or replacement?
Uneven heat can be caused by air in the system, circulator pump issues, zone valve problems, thermostat issues, improper system balance, or aging heating components.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Most boilers should be serviced annually, ideally before the heating season begins. Regular service can help improve efficiency, reduce breakdowns, and extend the life of the system.
Do you install new heating systems?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating provides heating system installation services for homeowners who need replacement or new system installation.
When should I replace my boiler?
You may want to consider boiler replacement if your system is old, inefficient, frequently breaking down, leaking, producing uneven heat, or becoming too costly to repair.If you experience a plumbing emergency outside of normal business hours, the first step is to try to minimize any damage by shutting off the main water supply if it is safe to do so. Then, contact Kato Plumbing and Heating directly. Although I may not always be immediately available, I can provide guidance and work to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Can boiler maintenance help lower heating costs?
Yes. A properly maintained boiler generally operates more efficiently than a neglected system. Routine maintenance can help reduce fuel waste, improve comfort, and catch problems early.If you experience a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or a major leak, first turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further damage. Then, you can either call Kato Plumbing and Heating directly for immediate assistance or attempt to contain the situation by using towels or buckets to collect leaking water. It's important not to wait too long, as quick action can minimize damage and repair costs.
Do you provide drain cleaning services?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating provides drain cleaning services for slow, clogged, or backed-up residential drains.
What causes clogged drains?
Clogged drains can be caused by hair, grease, soap buildup, food debris, mineral buildup, foreign objects, or years of accumulated residue inside the pipes.
Why does my sink drain slowly?
A slow sink drain may be caused by a partial clog in the trap, pipe buildup, grease, soap residue, or an obstruction farther down the drain line.
Why do my drains keep clogging?
Recurring clogs may indicate buildup in the drain line, improper usage, pipe slope issues, tree roots, venting problems, or a deeper plumbing issue that needs professional diagnosis.
What are signs of a serious drain issue?
Warning signs include multiple drains backing up at once, gurgling sounds, sewage odors, standing water, recurring clogs, or water backing up into tubs, showers, or sinks.
Do you install and repair well tanks?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating provides well tank installation, replacement, and repair services for homeowners who rely on private well water systems.
What does a well tank do?
A well tank helps regulate water pressure and stores pressurized water so your pump does not have to turn on every time you use water. It plays an important role in protecting the well pump and maintaining steady pressure.
How do I know if my well tank is failing?
Signs of a failing well tank include short cycling, fluctuating water pressure, clicking sounds from the pressure switch, air sputtering from faucets, or the pump turning on and off too frequently.
Why does my water pressure go up and down?
Fluctuating water pressure may be related to the well tank, pressure switch, pump, plumbing restrictions, or other water system issues. A professional inspection can help identify the cause.
Can a bad well tank damage my well pump?
Yes. A failing well tank can cause the pump to short cycle, which may shorten the life of the well pump and lead to more expensive repairs.
When should a well tank be replaced?
A well tank may need replacement if it no longer holds pressure, is waterlogged, has internal bladder failure, is rusted, or causes frequent pump cycling.
What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency outside of business hours?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating provides pipe repair services for leaking or damaged residential plumbing lines.
What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency after hours?
Signs may include water stains, musty smells, mold growth, soft flooring, unexplained increases in water usage, reduced water pressure, or the sound of running water when fixtures are off.
What types of plumbing and heating services do you offer?
Turn off the water supply if needed, avoid using affected fixtures, and contact a plumber. Addressing leaks quickly can help prevent water damage.
What plumbing services do you offer?
Yes. Frozen pipes are a common concern during New Hampshire winters, especially in unheated areas, exterior walls, crawl spaces, basements, and poorly insulated plumbing runs.
How can I help prevent frozen pipes?
You can help prevent frozen pipes by insulating exposed pipes, sealing drafts, keeping heat on during cold weather, opening cabinet doors near plumbing, and allowing vulnerable faucets to drip during extreme cold.
What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency outside of normal business hours?
Common signs include little or no water flow from a faucet, frost on exposed pipes, strange odors from drains, or bulging sections of pipe.
What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating can install and replace toilets for homeowners.
Do you repair toilets?
Yes. We can help with running toilets, leaking toilets, weak flushing, loose toilets, and other common toilet issues.
Do you install faucets?
Yes. We can install kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, utility sink faucets, and related fixtures
Do you repair faucets?
Yes. We can repair dripping faucets, leaking handles, loose fixtures, and other common faucet problems.
Can you install sinks and plumbing fixtures during a bathroom or kitchen update?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating can assist with plumbing-related fixture installation for bathroom and kitchen updates.
Do you help with bathroom plumbing repairs?
Yes. We provide bathroom plumbing services including toilet repairs, faucet repairs, shower and tub fixture work, drain issues, and plumbing fixture replacement.
Can you help with tub and shower replacements?
Yes, if plumbing work is needed for tub or shower replacement, Kato Plumbing and Heating can help with the plumbing portion of the project.
Why does my shower have low water pressure?
Low shower pressure can be caused by mineral buildup, fixture issues, valve problems, pipe restrictions, or broader water pressure issues in the home.
Why does my shower drain smell?
A shower drain smell may be caused by buildup in the drain, a dry trap, venting issues, or bacteria in the drain line.
Why is heating maintenance important?
Heating maintenance helps keep your system running safely, efficiently, and reliably. It can also help identify small problems before they become larger repairs.
When is the best time to schedule heating service?
The best time to schedule heating service is before the cold weather arrives, typically in late summer or fall. However, service can be scheduled whenever you notice performance issues.
What happens if I ignore heating system problems?
Ignoring heating system problems can lead to reduced efficiency, uneven heating, breakdowns, higher energy bills, and potentially more expensive repairs.At Kato Plumbing and Heating, we offer a wide range of plumbing services including installation and repair of water heaters, kitchens, bathrooms, drainage systems, and well tanks. We also specialize in servicing and installing boilers and heating systems to ensure your home is comfortable year-round.
Why is my water pressure too high?
High water pressure can stress pipes, fixtures, valves, and appliances. It may be caused by municipal pressure issues, pressure regulator problems, or other system concerns.
Why is my water pressure too low?
Low pressure can be caused by clogged aerators, failing fixtures, leaks, old pipes, well tank issues, pressure regulator problems, or sediment buildup
Can plumbing work improve water pressure?
Yes, depending on the cause. Repairs, fixture replacement, well tank service, pressure adjustments, or pipe repairs may help improve water pressure.
How soon can I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling depends on current availability and the type of work needed. Call Kato Plumbing and Heating at (603) 505-9630 to discuss your project or service need.
Do you provide estimates?
Yes. For many projects, Kato Plumbing and Heating can provide estimates after understanding the scope of work. Some issues may require an on-site visit to properly diagnose.
What information should I have ready when I call?
It helps to know:
- What issue you are experiencing
- When the problem started
- Whether the issue is getting worse
- Your town or city
- Photos of the issue, if available
- Any relevant equipment information, such as water heater or boiler age
Do you clean up after the work is completed?
Yes. Kato Plumbing and Heating respects your home and works to leave the job area clean and orderly.
Why should I choose a local plumbing and heating company?
A local company understands the homes, weather, water systems, and heating needs common in Southern New Hampshire. Working with a local family-owned company also means more personal service and accountability.
Have a Plumbing or Heating Question?
Kato Plumbing and Heating is here to help with reliable residential plumbing and heating services throughout Southern New Hampshire.
Call (603) 505-9630 or request service online today.In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or overflowing toilet, it’s important to act quickly. First, shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage. Next, try to contain the situation as best as you can, using towels or buckets for leaks. Finally, contact Kato Plumbing and Heating immediately. Our team is here to provide prompt and professional assistance to resolve your emergency efficiently.