Miller Bros. Plumbing

Q: Who do you sell your products to?

A: Everybody! For years, Miller Bros. was based on the idea that "if you need it, it's yours." That remains true now more than ever. Anything from tiny stem washers to large fixtures and whole house water softeners, the general public and our competitors all buy what they need from under our roof.

Q: Is your work residential or commercial?

A: Both. While we do perform various services for our surrounding businesses and corporations, be it full-scale building projects or simple repair work, we also keep a strong focus on maintaining the homes in the LC Valley and beyond. New houses, remodels, new fixtures, or just fixing that leaky faucet, Miller Bros. is committed to not only taking care of our area's homes, but the people living inside them.

Q: Do you work on plugged/broken drains?

A: Yes. Several problems that occur in a home's plumbing can be attributed to its drain lines, such as pipe cracks, splits, rust, loose fittings, poor previous installation, or the most common, plugged drains and clogs. Naturally, over the years, we've come to see a little bit of everything and are well versed in dealing with each of the aforementioned situations, as well as some more 'uncommon' ones you might say. When it comes to plugged drains in the bathroom, kitchen, or main lines, our cleaning and snaking equipment handles just about anything you can throw our way.

Q: Do you give bids and estimates?

A: Yes. We at Miller Bros. recognize that especially in tough economic times, the majority of people become more focused on what they spend their hard-earned money on and when, and rightfully so. This is one reason why we offer full-breakdown bids and estimates for new construction, remodels, layout inquiries, redoing water lines and much more. Additionally, what separates us from the pack is our attention to detail. Far too often, other companies overlook minor areas in a home that can have a major impact on the planned work, eventually listing it as an extra, unexpected charge on the bill which could have been prevented. Other times, companies resort to "scare-tactics" to convince unsuspecting families they are in danger of large-scale damage to their home unless big, immediate renovations are made, when all it takes is a simple repair or small maintenance. Not with us. Though we can't promise to always be the least expensive estimate, we can guarantee these two things for every job: accuracy and honesty.

Q: What sort of repairs do you specialize at?

A: Simply put, if it touches water, there's a good chance we deal with it. Whether your specific needs are in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, basement, crawl space, out in the yard, in the shop, maybe even on your boat, Miller Bros. has what it takes to either repair, replace, or renew any plumbing problems you can throw at us. Faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, drains, pipes, water heaters, water filters, outside faucets, big jobs, small tweaks - all of these fit into our schedule every day of the week. With more than 60 years of service rooted in Lewiston, Idaho, we know better than anyone what kind of plumbing and parts are in the region and just what it takes to fix them. Why waste your time and gas driving around looking for someone who understands what you've got? Bring on the questions; we've got your answer.

Products/Parts We Carry 

Q: Which brands of toilets do you carry?

A: Our main toilet fixture brands are Toto and Kohler due to their performance, functionality, and cost-efficiency. We test our toilets to see how reliable they are, and so far nothing has surpassed the Toto's ability to flush waste without plugging, clean the entire bowl, and not develop leaks, all while being water efficient in both regular height and ADA "high rise" models. For those looking for a classy or colorful look without sacrificing performance, look no further than our Kohler Cimarron with Class Six flushing technology. We also have several competitively priced toilets that are great for situations that call for something that flushes with force but doesn't break the bank. For both master and guest bathrooms, our toilets fit the bill.

Q: Which brands of faucets do you carry?

Q: Which brands of sinks do you carry?

A: Cast-iron, stainless steel, granite, china, self-rimming, undercounter, pedestals, you name it - we've got it covered. We have yet to find a cast-iron sink that can out perform the Kohler Cast Iron kitchen and bathroom sinks in durability, stain resistance and affordability. For stainless steel fixtures, Elkay offers heavy-duty one, two, or three basin sinks that work great in any installation, be it low profile or the center of the party. Looking for something different? Check out our Blanco composite Silgranit sinks for something sure to draw attention while being durable and dependable.

Q: My house is very old. Do you have parts for my type of plumbing?

A: We're the only place in the region that stocks all the kinds of plumbing that appears in houses and businesses throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley. If you're having trouble finding someone who understands the pieces and parts you're looking for, then you haven't asked us yet! Even other plumbers will tell you: if they're in a jam, they turn to Miller Bros. Plumbing for the answer. Don't waste your time and gas looking all around town for someone who knows what you need - whether it's new, old, or ancient, chances are we've already dealt with it previously. For the unlucky few that can't get the parts they need due to discontinued items, we offer a range of available options to take in going forward to minimize the damage ahead, both for their house and their budget. Plumbing parts or plumbing solutions, we've got it covered.

GENERAL PLUMBING QUESTIONS

In the Bathroom

Q: My toilet keeps running water after it's used or at random times, why?

A: The most likely culprit in the case of the running toilet is the flapper. Often times, minerals or chemicals in the water either cause the material of the flapper to degrade over time, or coat the flapper in a thin layer of deposit, both of which lead to an imperfect seal between the flapper and the flush valve. This allows water to slowly run into the bowl, draining the tank just enough to cause the fill valve (or ballcock) to turn on and replace the water that is missing, hence the sound of a running toilet. If the flapper is in good shape, check the tank-to-bowl gasket for wear and tear, and check the fill valve for signs of malfunctioning.

A: If the sound being generated seems like a banging noise, it's likey there is a pressure issue inside the water lines that needs to be addressed. Normally, the main water line coming into the house should be at around 60psi, but if the pressure is much higher than that, it can cause events like "water hammer" or loud banging. Installing pressure regulating valves (PRVs) is a smart solution for houses that have varying pressure levels. If the noises seem to be originating from inside the water heater, such as a crackling sound, it may be due to deposits of calcium that have been boiled out of the water and attached onto the inside of the tank. Flushing out the water heater, cleaning the tank, replacing the elements, or looking into water softeners and filters are the best means of solving this issue.

In the Kitchen 

Q: My faucet won't shut off and/or is leaking. Do I need to buy a new one?

A: If the faucet won't completely shut off and water continues to drip out of the spout, chances are that the stems or cartridges responsible for water flow are damaged. For one handle faucets, the cartridge may need to be replaced completely depending on the brand. Two handle faucets usually have separate units controlling either hot or cold water; therefore, feeling the temperature of the dripping water will tell you which side has likely worn down and needs to be repaired or replaced. If the faucet is experiencing leaks in other areas, such as out of the bottom of the body or behind the handle, it will depend on the brand and type of faucet whether it can be repaired or not.

Q: Is a garbage disposal good or bad for my septic tank?

A: This seems to be a topic of heavy debate depending on who you ask. Some claim garbage disposals are harmful to septic tanks due to the extra solid waste they introduce into the system, while others claim they actually improve the septic tank's function by allowing the bacteria to grow and flourish onto the small, minced up particles of food, accelerating the process of breaking down waste. The correct answer, in our long experience of dealing with garbage disposals and septic systems, is based on this overlooked truth, "not all disposals are created equal". Both sides have merit to their arguments, but the rule of thumb we've come to notice is simply this: weak disposals don't grind up waste fine enough for bacteria to break it down easily, hurting the septic tank, whereas quality disposals with multiple grinders do a great job of letting the bacteria propagate effectively and efficiently. Our standpoint? If you're on a septic system, don't purchase a run-of-the-mill disposal, get a good one.

Q: If my garbage disposal just hums, is it broken?

A: Not likely. If the unit starts humming only when you turn it on, but doesn't seem to be turning or grinding food like normal, there's a good chance a grinding blade is just stuck, possibly on a bone or some food debris. Sometimes, this occurs if the blade is worn down and can no longer grind up particles like it should, meaning it can likely happen again after it becomes unstuck - replacing the disposal might be a good decision. Otherwise, blades might get stuck if the food it was attempting to chew up was too rigid or above the disposal motor's capability. In this case, simply unplug the disposal (many brands have specific tools to use for this) or disconnect it and empty it out, keeping an eye on what foods you put down the drain in the future.

Water Softening and Filtering

Q: What does it mean to have "hard water" and is it bad?

A: Hard water is the distinction given to water that has a high level of dissolved minerals present inside of it, mainly calcium and magnesium ions but can also include several other compounds, such as iron and aluminium. Other than testing the water for hardness levels, the most noticeable signs of hard water is the visual presence of calcium carbonate, a form of limescale, that appears as a white, chalky substance adhearing to plumbing fixtures, tea kettles, pipes, and most anything touching water in a house. The minerals in hard water cause a resistance to soap, preventing it to lather effectively, but more notable is its damage to plumbing pipes, parts, and fixtures. Scale builds up on the inside of pipe walls, limiting water volume and flow from reaching certain areas of a home, but also decreases the lifespan of water heaters, toilets, shower valves, kitchen and bathroom faucets, and much more. For people worried over health concerns related to hard water, severals studies hint at correlations between the two, but the World Health Organization says all evidence thus far is inconclusive.

Q: How do I get rid of discolorations and spots on my faucets and fixtures?

A: Depending on the type of discoloration, you should look into either hard water stain removal, lime removal, or iron removal products. The white, chalky, thin film that gets on faucets and sinks is generally attributed to hard water and soap scum and is best treated using cleaners that specifically treat hard water stains. On fixtures, look for a non-abrasive cleaner that won't erode away the top glazed layer of your sink, toilet or tub/shower. For red-orange stains in fixtures, a heavy-duty iron removal product is generally required. However, not all iron stains can be successfully removed without tarnishing the surrounding area of the product, thus making the situation even worse. We carry a select few products designed specifically for treating different stains, as they have proven to be extremely effective in combating hard water, lime, and iron stains without damaging the plumbing.

Q: Does softened water have a strange/bad taste or feel?

A: For most people that have grown up drinking untreated water from the kitchen faucet, drinking softened water will taste slightly different. Some older water softening units use a broad, generalized method of treating water, sometimes an excess amount of salt, which leaves the water tasting "dry" or sometimes "slimy".  However, newer, better softeners and filtration units are more specifically designed to match treatment levels to a family's water usage - this greatly limits the difference in taste and feel of the treated water to what people would otherwise be used to. Whereas some households will claim their soft water tastes odd, other houses with a different softener will say their soft water tastes and feels completely normal and unchanged. In the end, how it's treated will determine the resulting taste and feel.

Q: What causes my water to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs?

A: A foul smell coming from the water can be attributed to a few different things in the house, in the water supply, or a mixture of both. Firstly, check to make sure where the smell is originating from, whether it is stronger at one place in the house than another, whether the smell is more noticeable when running cold water or hot water, etc.  This determines the likely source of the problem. If running hot water through faucets causes the smell to become much more evident, check to see if the anode rod inside your water heater has not deteriorated. If the smell is mostly around an individual faucet or faucets, check what type of supply lines the fixture has, as some brands react poorly to water and break down over time. Not being able to narrow down the source of the smell could mean it is originating from your home's main water supply, possibly indicating a large presence of iron or bacteria in the water, which would require water treatment or filtration to remove.

Water and Drainage Pipes 

Q: Why am I getting less water pressure in my home?

A: If the faucets and fixtures in your home have slowly been experiencing lower levels of water pressure when being used, it is a possible indication of scale build-up inside the water pipes or valves due to hard water. This causes a lower volume of water to be transported at any given time to certain places in the home, thus acting as if the plumbing fixtures were only running at half strength instead of a full flow. While the remedy for this can be extensive depending on the type of pipes in the home, the source of the loss of pressure may be much more simply dealt with. If only a certain faucet in the house is showing less volume when running while others are operating normally, the individual cartridge for flow control on that faucet could be plugged with sediment due to hard water. Replacement of the cartridge is usually required, but often times results in the faucet once again operating at full potential.

Q: Should I replace all my old metal pipes with the new plastic type?

A: Many old homes were plumbed using cast iron or galvanized pipes for water lines, and not all of those pipes have withstood the test of time. However, this does not mean all those homes are due to fail in the immediate future as many factors play a role in determining pipe life expectancy. Hard water, iron deposits, dissolved solids, low quality pipes, poor installation - all of these effect how old pipes weather out the years. If it was done right to begin with and the water running into your home is of good quality, your old pipes may very well still be in decent condition. On the other hand, low quality water running through galvanized pipes for several years can speed up the formation of cracks and rust, generating anything from small leaks to floods. Technology has progressed far enough today to offer pipes that won't rust out or corrode over time, with the added boon of simplifying installation. Plastic and PVC pipe are nice, but have several downsides, such as wall thickness and the inability to hold up under poor weather conditions. The new trend of PEX pipe is a different story, with lots of upside and few disadvantages. While this PEX pipe is a fantastic innovation, it comes in varying degrees of quality which can affect its lifespan, and poor installation can diminish it even further. In the end, good quality PEX when installed correctly will win the race against older metal pipes hands down. As the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but when it's time to replace it all, make sure it's done right.

Q: Is it safe to try and unclog my drain by using more than one product?

A: Fans of chemistry will be quick to point out that mixing potent chemicals can often result in not-so-pleasant outcomes. When it comes to drain cleaning products, either normal box-store brands or heavier duty brands, the method of trial and error is not one that we would recommend for your pipes. Most drain opening products are designed to work in environments where the major clog-forming debris is hair or soap, and the product itself utilizes chemicals that are either acidic or basic. When poured into a drain, an "acidic" solution will begin to react with the water present and attempt to clear the blockage. However, if you then add a "basic" cleaning solution (or vice versa), the acids and bases will react with one another, sometimes forming solutes, and emitting generous amounts of heat and gas inside your pipes which can cause unexpected damage to older plumbing.

Q: Am I supposed to have my drains cleared regularly?

A: As drainage pipes get older, they slowly wear down and become more susceptible to cracks and breaks from outside forces, whether it's under your sink or under your back yard. Sometimes, especially for lines underground, those outside forces (tree roots, for example) become strong enough to penetrate into the pipe, allowing debris in that results in a clogged drain pipe. When this happens, debris will continue to make its way into the pipe and must be regularly dealt with until the line is repaired or replaced. Cleaning a drain once is much more affordable than replacing an entire drain system, but if the problem is recurring, return visits every year will overcome the cost of fixing the problem in the first place. Drains can plug due to various other reasons, though. A small blockage of hair, a clump of food, a wad of paper - many clogs can be solved via snaking a drain line just once to clear the clutter and be back to working condition for years later. The key is identifying the type of drain problem you have, and deciding what your budget will allow for the best, most efficient solution.

Q: I was told that I should replace my entire drain system. Is that normal?

A: When dealing with problematic drains, there are several approaches one can take to reach a solution, one of which is simply tearing out the existing plumbing and starting from scratch. While this method is often presented as the most effective way to ensure repeated visits or repairs are not necessary, an honest plumber will point out that it is also, by far, the most expensive fix. Think of it like this: if your car starts showing signs of an oil leak, do you go purchase a new car? The determining factors are a) how expensive are the alternatives, b) will a repair last, and c) do you trust the mechanic (who also happens to be the car salesman)? Sometimes, older drain pipes are too damaged for a repair to be reliable, at which point redoing the drainage system is a smart choice. However, we strongly urge people to seek second opinions regarding such major rennovations to be certain the best course of action is taken in the end.

Other

Q: Is it true that repair parts for [this product] aren't available anymore?

A: The

Q: 

A: