FAQ

We service boilers, hydronic heat, radiant floors, gas systems, oil systems, and commercial heating equipment for homes and businesses.

Yes. Our team responds quickly to heating emergencies day or night so your property stays safe and warm.

Yes. We balance zones, adjust controls, improve circulation, and repair components that cause cold spots.

Yes. We handle full conversions, including equipment removal, new gas setup, and safety checks for a clean and efficient upgrade.

Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas gain the most from updated plumbing due to heavy use and older fixtures.

Yes. Our team reviews the structure, drainage path, and supply routing to relocate fixtures safely and correctly.

Timing varies based on layout changes, fixture updates, and material needs. We provide clear timelines before work begins.

Many older homes require pipe upgrades, vent corrections, or pressure adjustments to support modern fixtures.

Yes. Low-flow fixtures, modern valves, and improved piping reduce waste and help maintain strong performance.

Pipe lining builds a new, seamless interior inside the existing pipe. We clean the line, insert a resin-saturated liner, expand it, and cure it. The result seals cracks, blocks roots, and improves flow. A camera confirms success before we leave.

Yes. Cast iron gains a smooth interior that resists scale. Clay joints stop leaking and shifting. Older fiber conduit often benefits from lining once we assess wall strength on camera and clean to full bore.

Most homes need only small access through an existing cleanout or a discreet entry point. Large trenches across lawns or driveways rarely make sense for lining or patchwork. The camera survey sets the plan.

A patch targets one specific defect with a short cured sleeve. A full liner renews a long run from the house to the property line or beyond. We recommend the lightest fix that solves the problem you have.

A collapsed or bellied section may call for short open-cut replacement first, then lining for the remaining run. The inspection video, depth, and access guide that choice. You review footage and pick the path that fits your home.

Signs include rising water bills, damp spots, mold, or the sound of water when fixtures are off.

Yes, even a small leak can weaken your home’s structure, promote mold, and increase water bills.

We use advanced tools like acoustic sensors, infrared cameras, and moisture meters for accurate leak detection.

Yes, we detect and repair leaks in main water lines, yards, and between meters and homes.

Our team offers prompt emergency services in Milford, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties to minimize damage.

Specialized tools detect sound, temperature, and pressure changes inside pipes.

Accurate detection reduces unnecessary damage and limits access points.

Even small leaks cause noticeable increases in water usage.

Untreated slab leaks weaken foundations and flooring over time.

Our methods support residential and commercial properties alike.

A disposal may need replacement if it clogs often, leaks, or is more than 10 years old. Frequent minor issues may be solved with repair.

Installing a disposal involves plumbing and electrical work. Professional installation ensures safe operation and long-lasting performance.

Avoid bones, grease, fibrous vegetables like celery, and large food scraps. These can damage blades and cause clogs.

A humming sound usually means the motor is jammed. This may be resolved with a professional repair to remove the blockage safely.

With proper use and maintenance, most garbage disposals last between 8 and 12 years before needing replacement.

Mineral buildup, worn seals, clogged jets, or low water levels often reduce flushing strength. A technician can restore proper flow.

Running water usually comes from a damaged flapper, a worn fill valve, or incorrect tank settings. Repairing these parts stops water waste.

Older models sometimes clog more frequently, but modern designs perform well. Repairs or upgrades improve efficiency and reduce clogs.

Yes. Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day. Fast repairs protect your water bill and prevent structural damage.

Yes. We service WaterSense models, dual-flush toilets, pressure-assist systems, and all major brands in Milford and surrounding areas.

Test the pump by slowly pouring water directly into the pit until the float rises enough to activate the pump. The pump should start, remove the water, and shut off cleanly when the float drops. If the pump fails to start, runs continuously without moving water, or makes unusual noises during the test, it needs professional inspection.

Most residential sump pumps last between seven and ten years depending on how frequently they run and how well they are maintained. Pumps in areas with high groundwater pressure or frequent storm activity may wear faster. Annual maintenance and periodic testing extend service life.

A pump that runs without stopping is usually caused by a stuck or malfunctioning float switch, a discharge line that drains back toward the house, a pump that is undersized for the groundwater volume, or a check valve failure. Each of these requires a different repair approach, which is why professional diagnosis matters.

Yes, in most cases. Connecticut storm events that produce the most flooding also tend to cause power outages. A sump pump that stops when the power goes out provides no protection during the most critical period. A battery backup system costs less than a single basement flooding event and provides continuous protection regardless of grid status.

Sump pump installation involves pit excavation, electrical connections, discharge line routing, and proper code compliance. Connecticut requires licensed plumbers for this work. An incorrectly installed pump can fail when needed, and an improperly routed discharge line can direct water back toward the foundation. Professional installation ensures the system works correctly and meets code.

Pump sizing depends on the volume of groundwater your pit accumulates and how quickly it rises during a storm event. A licensed plumber can assess your pit, the rate of water intrusion, and your basement layout to recommend the appropriate horsepower and capacity. Undersized pumps run continuously, wear out faster, and may not keep pace with heavy rain.

A submersible pump sits fully inside the sump pit, operates quietly, and handles larger volumes of water effectively. A pedestal pump has the motor mounted above the pit on a stand, making it easier to service but slightly noisier. Submersible pumps are the more common choice for residential applications because of their quieter operation and larger capacity.

Discharge lines that exit the home at or near ground level are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures drop. A freeze-resistant discharge cover allows water to exit even when ice forms at the outlet. The discharge line should slope away from the house at a consistent grade, and the exit point should be positioned to prevent water from pooling near the foundation during partial freeze-thaw cycles.

A check valve is a one-way valve installed in the discharge line that prevents pumped water from flowing back down into the pit when the pump shuts off. Without a check valve, the pump must repeatedly expel the same water that falls back when it cycles off, causing excessive wear. Most properly installed sump pump systems include a check valve as a standard component.

Residential sump pumps are rated by gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM) at a specific head height. A standard 1/3 horsepower submersible pump typically moves 2,000 to 3,000 gallons per hour at low head height. For homes in areas with high groundwater pressure or large pit sizes, a 1/2 or 3/4 horsepower pump may be necessary.

Yes. Pumps that sit idle for extended periods can seize at the impeller, develop float switch problems from corrosion, or lose battery charge on backup systems. Annual testing and inspection confirm the pump will activate when needed, regardless of how long it has been since the last rain event.

Common causes of failure during storms include power outages, float switch malfunction, pump motor burnout from running continuously at capacity, a clogged impeller from debris in the pit, or a pump that is undersized for the volume of water entering during heavy rain. A battery backup system addresses the power outage risk, and regular maintenance addresses the mechanical risks.

Yes, but the system needs to be properly designed for the layout and drainage patterns of the finished space. Rick’s Plumbing evaluates finished basement setups to confirm pump capacity, discharge routing, battery backup inclusion, and floor drain connectivity so the system responds quickly enough to prevent water from reaching finished surfaces.

An open sump pit can allow radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, to enter the home if the pit is not sealed properly. Radon levels in Connecticut vary by location. The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends testing for radon and, if levels are elevated, installing a radon mitigation system that may include pit sealing. Our team can advise on pit cover installation during sump pump service.

If your pump fails during active flooding, shut off the electrical circuit to the pump if safe to do so, and call Rick’s Plumbing for emergency service. Do not wade through standing water that may be in contact with electrical components. Remove valuable items from low-lying areas if they can be safely accessed.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing serves sump pump installation, repair, and maintenance throughout Fairfield County, including Norwalk, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Shelton, and surrounding communities.

Yes. Rick’s installs combination systems that include both a primary submersible pump and an integrated battery backup unit in a single installation. These systems are ideal for finished basements, homes in high-risk flood zones, and properties where power outages during major storms are a regular concern.

Sump pumps should be installed in the lowest point of the basement where groundwater naturally collects. Our team evaluates your basement floor, identifies the primary water collection point, and confirms that the discharge path allows water to exit safely away from the foundation before recommending the installation location.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing serves New Haven and the surrounding communities throughout New Haven County, including West Haven, Hamden, Orange, Milford, Woodbridge, and neighboring towns, for sump pump installation, repair, replacement, and annual maintenance.

Battery backup systems need to have the battery charge tested at least annually. Most backup batteries last between two and five years, depending on the battery type and how often the backup activates. Rick’s Plumbing tests the backup charge level, activation response, and battery condition during annual maintenance visits.

Grinding or rattling noises usually indicate a blocked or damaged impeller. A loud hum without water movement often points to a motor issue or a seized pump. Intermittent clicking can indicate a float switch problem. Any change in how your sump pump sounds during operation is worth a professional inspection before the next major rain event.

Yes. For homes with below-grade bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other plumbing fixtures that sit below the main sewer line, Rick’s Plumbing installs sewage ejector pump systems that pump wastewater upward to the main drain line. These systems require proper sizing and sealed basin installation to prevent odors and backflow.

Permit requirements for sump pump installation vary by municipality. Rick’s Plumbing holds all required Connecticut state licenses and is familiar with local permit requirements across New Haven and Fairfield Counties. We handle permit coordination as part of new installations where applicable.

A faint musty odor from the pit is common because the pit holds groundwater. A strong sewage odor from the pit can indicate a connection to drain lines that allows sewer gas to enter through the pit. If the odor is strong or persistent, have the system inspected to confirm the pit is properly isolated from drain system connections.

If the pump is running but the basement is still flooding, the pump may be undersized for the volume of water entering, the discharge line may be returning water to the foundation; or water may be entering through wall cracks or window wells rather than through floor drainage. Call Rick’s Plumbing for a full system evaluation to identify which factor is at work.

Discharge lines should direct water at least 10 feet from the foundation, and ideally farther, with a downward slope that continues away from the house. Discharging too close to the foundation allows the pumped water to re-saturate the soil and cycle back into the pit, undermining the system’s effectiveness.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing provides sump pump installation and service for commercial properties throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties. Commercial applications may require higher-capacity pumps, multiple pit configurations, or integration with existing drainage systems. Our team evaluates each commercial property individually.

Yes, hydro jetting clears grease from pipe walls instead of leaving residue behind.

Yes, clean pipe walls reduce the chance of buildup returning quickly.

Pipe condition evaluation determines suitability before cleaning begins.

Most jobs finish within a few hours, depending on line length and buildup.

Yes, hydro-jetting suits high-use systems common in commercial properties.

Rick’s Plumbing serves a wide range of commercial property types, including restaurants and food service operations, office buildings, retail spaces, multi-unit residential buildings, schools and institutional facilities, hotels, and light industrial properties throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing services commercial grease traps for restaurants and food service operations, providing cleaning and maintenance that keeps systems compliant with municipal requirements and prevents costly drain line failures. We serve commercial properties across New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

Rick’s Plumbing provides commercial water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning and hydrojetting, grease trap service, sewer repair, sewer camera inspection, pipe repair and repiping, gas line installation and repair, plumbing fixture installation, commercial bathroom remodeling, hydronic heating service, boiler installation and repair, new construction plumbing, and emergency service.

Yes. We work with commercial property owners and property managers to schedule service during hours that minimize disruption to tenants, employees, and customers. Evening, weekend, and phased project scheduling are available.

Yes. We perform commercial plumbing system inspections that evaluate the condition of drain lines, supply piping, water heaters, gas connections, and fixtures. We provide a written assessment of findings and recommended service priorities.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing holds Connecticut plumbing license P1-204379 and specialty licenses S1-38776, F1-40226, ST1-400482, and HIC-0611483, issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. All commercial work meets current state code requirements.

We assess the scope of work and identify the least invasive repair approach. Where possible, we use camera inspection and pipe lining to avoid excavation. We schedule work during off-peak hours when needed and communicate clearly with property managers about access needs and timeline.

Yes. Rick’s installs commercial tank-style and tankless water heaters for businesses with varying hot water demand profiles. We size the unit based on the property’s peak demand, available fuel type, venting configuration, and space constraints. We service all major commercial water heater brands.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing performs commercial repiping projects for older buildings where aging supply or drain lines are causing recurring failures, low pressure, or water quality issues. We work within building schedules to phase the project with minimal tenant or operational disruption.

Stop using the affected fixtures immediately to prevent overflow. Call Rick’s Plumbing for emergency drain clearing. Do not attempt to resolve a commercial drain backup with chemical cleaners, which are ineffective for the types of blockages common in commercial lines and can damage pipe materials.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing installs and services commercial boilers and hydronic heating systems for properties throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties. Our team evaluates heating load requirements, fuel source, and zone configuration to ensure reliable performance during Connecticut winters.

Yes. We handle commercial renovation plumbing, including new rough-in, pipe relocation, fixture installation, and gas line work. Our team coordinates with general contractors and building inspectors to keep projects on schedule and compliant with commercial code requirements.

Yes. Rick’s responds to commercial plumbing emergencies, including burst pipes, sewer backups, gas line concerns, and water heater failures across New Haven and Fairfield Counties. 

Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water delivered through a specialized nozzle to scour the interior walls of commercial drain pipes, removing grease, mineral scale, root debris, and accumulated waste. It is recommended for commercial kitchens with high FOG production, properties with recurring drain backups, and lines that have not been professionally cleaned in several years.

Yes. Rick’s provides plumbing and heating services for multi-unit residential buildings, including drain cleaning, pipe repair, water heater service, boiler maintenance, and emergency response. We work with property managers to schedule service with minimal disruption to residents.

Commercial new construction plumbing includes full system design and layout, rough-in installation for all drain, waste, vent, and supply lines, water heater and heating system installation, gas line installation, fixture connections, and final inspection coordination with the building official. Rick’s Plumbing handles complete commercial new construction plumbing throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

Most commercial properties benefit from a professional plumbing inspection at least once per year. Properties with food service operations, high usage volumes, or aging pipe systems benefit from more frequent evaluation. Annual inspections identify wear and developing problems before they cause operational disruption or code violations.

Yes. Rick’s provides oil-to-gas conversion services for commercial properties in New Haven and Fairfield Counties. Commercial conversions involve equipment removal, new gas supply line installation, replacement boiler or furnace installation, and all required safety testing and permit coordination.

Call Rick’s Plumbing to discuss your commercial plumbing needs. Our team will assess the scope of work, explain the service options available, and schedule service at a time that works for your business operations.

Yes. Commercial kitchen plumbing installations include sink connections, grease trap installation, dishwasher supply and drain lines, floor drain installation, gas line connections for cooking equipment, and water heater or boiler connections for hot water demand. Rick’s Plumbing handles full commercial kitchen plumbing installations for new construction and renovation projects.

Most commercial plumbing work in Connecticut requires permits from the local building department. Rick’s Plumbing coordinates permit applications for commercial installations and ensures all work passes inspection before completion. Our licensed team is familiar with permit requirements in municipalities throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing installs ADA-compliant commercial fixtures, including accessible toilets, grab bar backing installation, lavatory and faucet placement, and accessible layout configurations for commercial restroom renovations.

Yes. Rick’s can establish a scheduled maintenance plan for commercial properties that includes annual drain cleaning, water heater service, heating system tune-ups, and plumbing system inspection. Regular maintenance reduces emergency repair frequency and helps businesses maintain code compliance.

Rick’s Plumbing was founded in 1992 in Milford, CT by owner Richard G. Jurzyk Jr. and has grown into a team of licensed plumbers and heating technicians serving commercial and residential properties throughout New Haven and Fairfield Counties. Our team has worked on commercial properties of every type and scale across the region, providing the practical experience that complex commercial systems require.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing provides commercial plumbing services in Norwalk, serving restaurants, offices, retail spaces, and commercial properties throughout the city.

Yes. Rick’s serves commercial properties in Hamden, CT with the full range of commercial plumbing services including drain cleaning, pipe repair, water heater service, and emergency response. 

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing provides commercial plumbing services throughout New Haven, including drain cleaning, sewer repair, water heater installation, gas line work, and emergency response for businesses and commercial property owners.

Yes. Rick’s Plumbing manages commercial projects of varying scale, from single fixture replacements to full building repiping and new construction installations. Our team plans each project carefully to deliver quality workmanship within the schedule and budget constraints of the commercial property.

Signs that commercial supply lines need replacement include persistent low water pressure across multiple floors, recurring leaks at different locations throughout the building, discolored or rusty water at commercial fixtures, and supply lines that are galvanized steel or other aging materials nearing the end of their service life. Rick’s Plumbing performs commercial repiping assessments and provides clear recommendations based on the actual condition of the system.