You Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
We’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners across Jackson, Michigan and the surrounding area. Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain, trying to figure out if it’s time for a new water heater, or just want to know more about your home’s water quality, you’ll find it here. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call any time. We’re always happy to help.
Plumbing & Drain Cleaning F.A.Q's
Why Shouldn't I Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner?
Chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy fix, but they can actually cause more damage over time. The heat and caustic ingredients can weaken older pipes, making them more prone to cracking and leaking. Our plumbers have the right tools to actually diagnose and clear the clog properly without putting your pipes at risk.
What are the Signs I Have a Plumbing Leak?
Watch for water bills that keep going up without any change in usage, staining or discoloration on walls or ceilings, unexplained drops in water pressure, or sounds coming from inside your walls near where pipes run. Even a small leak can cause mold and serious structural damage over time, so it’s worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later.
How Do I Know if My Main Sewer Line is Clogged?
A few things point to a main line issue rather than just a single clogged drain: multiple drains in your home are slow at the same time, you’re hearing gurgling sounds when you flush or shower, sewage smells are coming from floor drains or toilets, or you’re seeing backups in places that shouldn’t be backing up. That’s your cue to call us before it gets worse.
What Should I Never Put Down My Drain?
In the kitchen: grease, cooking oils, flour, and coffee grounds are the biggest culprits. In the bathroom: wipes (even “flushable” ones), cotton balls, and hair. These things don’t break down the way people think and they build up inside your pipes over time. When in doubt, throw it in the trash.
What Plumbing Services Do You Offer?
We handle pretty much everything: leak repair, toilet and faucet repair and replacement, kitchen and bathroom plumbing, garbage disposals, gas lines, sump pumps, outdoor plumbing, and more. We also do drain cleaning and sewer line cleaning and video inspections. If you’ve got a plumbing issue, chances are we can help. See all our services here.
How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes in a Michigan Winter?
When temps drop to around 20°F or below, let faucets on exterior walls drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes. If you’re leaving town, don’t let your thermostat dip too low. Insulating pipes in unheated spaces like crawl spaces and garages also helps a lot. If your pipes do freeze, we’re available 24/7 for emergency service. Call us at (517) 750-9913.
For more information on actions that you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing in winter, check out our blog How to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter In Michigan.
Why Won't My Toilet Stop Running?
Usually it’s the flapper inside the tank — a rubber seal that wears out over time and lets water keep trickling into the bowl. It’s one of the most common toilet issues we see, and it’s worth fixing fast since a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month. Give us a call and we’ll get it sorted out.
What is a Video Drain Inspection & When Do I Need One?
A video drain inspection is exactly what it sounds like. We run a small waterproof camera through your pipes so we can see exactly what’s going on inside. It’s especially useful for diagnosing recurring clogs, sewer line issues, root intrusion, or problems with pipes that run under concrete or your home’s foundation. It takes the guesswork out of the diagnosis completely.
How Often Should I Have My Drains Cleaned?
For most homes, having drains professionally cleaned once a year is a good baseline to keep things flowing and catch buildup before it becomes a full clog. Homes with more people, older plumbing, or a history of drain issues may benefit from doing it more often. Comfort Club members get drain maintenance built right into their plan.
Do You offer Emergency Plumbing Service in the Jackson, Michigan Area?
Yes, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Burst pipes, sewage backups, and major leaks can’t wait, and neither should you. Call us any time at (517) 750-9913 and we’ll get someone out to you.
Water Heater F.A.Q's
How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If yours is getting up there in age and you’re starting to notice issues, it’s worth having someone come take a look before it fails unexpectedly.
What are the Signs My Water Heater Needs to be Repaired or Replaced?
Keep an eye out for rusty or discolored water coming from your hot water taps, inconsistent water temperatures, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, visible corrosion or moisture around the unit, or simply running out of hot water faster than you used to. Any of those are worth a call.
For more information, check out our blog: 5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement.
What is a Tankless Water Heater & is it Worth it?
A tankless water heater heats water on demand instead of keeping a large tank heated around the clock, which means you’re not paying to heat water you’re not using. They last longer than traditional units, take up less space, and you essentially never fully run out of hot water. The upfront cost is higher, but most homeowners find the energy savings and longevity make it worth it over time.
For more information on the benefits of tankless water heaters, check out our blog – Energy Efficiency: The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater.
What is the Difference Between a Traditional & a Tankless Water Heater?
A traditional tank water heater stores and continuously heats a set amount of water — usually 40 to 50 gallons — so it’s ready when you need it. A tankless unit heats water instantly as it flows through, only running when you actually need hot water. Tankless units are more energy efficient and longer lasting, but they do cost more upfront to purchase and install.
Check out our blog Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: How to Choose the Right System for more information about the difference between the two systems.
How Do I know if My Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement?
Age is the biggest factor. If your unit is under 8 years old, a repair usually makes sense. If it’s over 10 years old and you’re dealing with recurring issues or a major component failure, replacement is often the smarter financial move. We’ll always give you an honest assessment of both options so you can decide what’s right for your situation.
Check out the common signs your water heater needs repair or replacement in our blog: 5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement.
How Often Does a Water Heater Need Maintenance?
Once a year is the standard recommendation for water heater maintenance. An annual flush of the tank helps clear out sediment buildup, which is one of the main reasons water heaters lose efficiency and fail early. Comfort Club members get a water heater flush included in their plan every year.
For more tips on how to properly service your water heater, check out our blog: The Best Practices for Maintaining Your Home’s Water Heater.
Do You Install Tankless Water Heaters?
Yes, we specialize in tankless water heater installations. We can walk you through the options, help you figure out the right size for your home’s hot water demand, and handle the full installation. Learn more about our tankless water heater services here.
Do You Offer Financing On Water Heater Installations?
We do. We have low-interest financing options as well as 0% interest for up to 12 months (subject to credit approval). You can apply online and typically get approved in just a few minutes. Check out our financing page here.
Water Quality F.A.Q's
How Do I Know if I Need a Water Softener?
You should have a water softener if you have hard water. The most common signs of hard water are white, chalky buildup on faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes and glassware after washing, dry or itchy skin and hair after showering, and soap that doesn’t lather well. Hard water is very common in the Jackson, Michigan area and a water softener is one of the most effective ways to deal with it.
For more information, check out our blog: Why Every Michigan Home Needs a Water Softener.
What Does a Water Softener Actually Do?
A water softener removes calcium and magnesium — the minerals that cause hard water — through a process called ion exchange. Softened water is easier on your pipes and appliances, makes soaps and shampoos lather better, and leaves your skin and hair feeling noticeably different after showering. It also extends the life of water-using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
Is the Water in Jackson, Michigan Hard?
Yes, Michigan in general is known for having hard water, and the Jackson area is no exception. Hard water isn’t a health risk, but it causes real issues over time — buildup in pipes and appliances, shortened equipment lifespan, and that dry, filmy feeling after showering. A water softener is a straightforward fix, but our technicians can walk you through other options. Check out our blog How Aspen Plumbing Can Help With Hard Water in Your Home to learn more.
What is a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System?
A reverse osmosis system filters water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants including lead, nitrates, chlorine, and other dissolved solids. Most RO systems are installed under the kitchen sink and provide filtered drinking and cooking water right at the tap. It’s one of the most effective filtration methods available for home use.
What is the Difference Between a Water Softener & a Water Filtration System?
A water softener specifically targets hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium. A water filtration system is designed to remove contaminants like chlorine, sediment, bacteria, heavy metals, and other impurities that affect the taste, smell, and safety of your water. Many homes benefit from having both, and we can help you figure out what makes sense based on your water quality.
How Often Does a Water Softener Need Maintenance?
The main ongoing task is keeping the salt reservoir filled — how often depends on the size of your household and your water hardness level, but most families are topping off salt every 4 to 6 weeks. Beyond that, a professional check-in once a year is a good idea to make sure the system is working efficiently and the resin bed is in good shape.
Do You Offer Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems?
Yes. A whole-home filtration system treats water at the point it enters your house, so every tap, shower, and appliance gets filtered water — not just the kitchen sink. It’s a great option for homeowners who want comprehensive protection against sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants throughout the entire home. Learn more here.
Can Hard Water Damage My Plumbing & Appliances?
Over time, yes. Hard water leaves mineral deposits inside pipes that gradually restrict water flow, and it causes buildup inside appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines that reduces their efficiency and shortens their lifespan. A water softener is one of the best investments you can make to protect that equipment.
Check out our blog How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing & Appliances for a further deep dive.
Do You Offer Water Testing in the Jackson, Michigan Area?
Yes, we offer free water testing so you know exactly what you’re dealing with before recommending any solution. There’s no guessing involved. We test your water and let the results guide the conversation about what, if anything, makes sense for your home. Schedule your free water test today by visiting our contact page and filling out our contact form. Click here to visit our contact page.
How Do I Know if My Water Filtration System Needs to Be Serviced or Replaced?
Most filter cartridges need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on your water usage and quality. Signs that something needs attention include a drop in water pressure at filtered taps, a change in the taste or smell of your water, or if it’s just been a while since the filters were last changed. We can help you stay on top of it.
About Us F.A.Q's
How Long Has Aspen Plumbing Services Been in Business?
We’ve been serving the Jackson, MI area since 1981 — over 40 years. We’re locally and family-owned and operated, and a big part of our business comes from families who have been with us for decades and send their friends and neighbors our way.
What Areas Do You Serve?
We’re based in Jackson, Michigan and serve all of Jackson County plus large portions of Ingham, Eaton, Calhoun, Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Washtenaw counties. See our full service area here.
Are You Available for Emergency Plumbing Service?
Yes, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If something goes wrong in the middle of the night, call us at (517) 750-9913 and we’ll get someone out to you.
Is Aspen Plumbing Services Licensed & Insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. Our plumbers are trained and certified, and we back every job with performance and satisfaction guarantees. We’ve built our reputation in the Jackson area over 40+ years by doing the work right.
Do You Offer Free Estimates on Installations?
Yes, we offer free estimates on all new installations. One of our plumbers will come out, assess your situation, and give you a clear, honest recommendation with no obligation. Schedule yours here.
Do You Offer Financing?
We do. We have low-interest financing options as well as 0% interest for up to 12 months (subject to credit approval). You can apply online and usually get approved in just a few minutes. Check out our financing options here.
What is the Comfort Clubhouse & Does it Include Plumbing Maintenance?
The Comfort Clubhouse is our home maintenance membership program and yes, it absolutely includes plumbing. Members get a plumbing system maintenance visit and water heater flush each year, plus 15% off all services, no standard diagnostic fees, and priority scheduling. Comfort Club plans start at $20/month. Learn more and sign up here.
Is Aspen Plumbing Services Related to Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?
Yes! We’re part of the same family of home services companies based right here in Jackson, Michigan. Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning handles heating, cooling, and generators, while Aspen Plumbing Services covers plumbing, drain cleaning, and water quality. We also have Aspen Soft Water and Aspen Drain Experts under the same umbrella, so you’ve got one trusted team for just about everything in your home.
Aspen Plumbing Services
- 4131 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202
- Phone: (517) 750-9913
- Fax: (517) 750-0900
- Available 24/7
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