Answers From Our Master Plumbers

Customer: “What’s the difference between a boiler and a furnace? Aren’t they basically the same thing?”

3 Amigos Plumbing: They both heat your home, but they do it in very different ways. A boiler uses water to produce heat. Heated water is circulated through baseboards, radiators, or radiant-floor systems to warm your home. A furnace uses air. It heats air and distributes it throughout your home through ductwork.

A simple way to remember it:

• Boiler = heats water → water circulates → home gets warm
• Furnace = heats air → air circulates → home gets warm

If you're considering replacing or upgrading your heating system, our team can help you determine which option makes the most sense for your home.

A leaking water heater can be caused by several things, including a leaking connection, pressure relief valve, drain valve, corrosion, or a failed tank. Some leaks are repairable, while a leaking tank itself typically means the water heater needs to be replaced.

If you have an active leak, shut off the water supply to the heater and contact a professional.

Traditional tank-style water heaters commonly last around 8–12 years, although maintenance, water quality, usage, and installation can affect their lifespan.

If your water heater is approaching the end of its expected life, it's often better to plan for replacement before it fails unexpectedly.

Low water pressure can have many causes. It could be a clogged aerator or fixture, a partially closed valve, a pressure regulator problem, mineral buildup, a leak, or an issue with the home's plumbing system.

If the pressure is suddenly low throughout the entire house, it's worth having the system inspected.

Recurring clogs are often a sign that there is a larger problem further down the line. Grease, hair, buildup, roots, damaged pipes, or an improperly sized or deteriorating drainage system can all contribute to repeated blockages.

Simply clearing the clog may provide temporary relief, but identifying why the drain keeps clogging can prevent the problem from coming back.

We generally recommend avoiding harsh chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. They may temporarily open a drain, but they can also damage plumbing components and create a hazardous situation for anyone working on the system afterward.

If a drain repeatedly clogs, having a professional diagnose the problem is usually the better long-term solution.

Some leaks are obvious, while others can hide behind walls or underneath floors. Signs of a possible hidden leak include:

• Unexplained increases in your water bill
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Damp or musty smells
• Mold or mildew
• Sounds of running water when everything is turned off
• Warm or wet spots on floors
• Water meter movement when no water is being used

If you suspect a leak, don't ignore it. A small leak can eventually cause significant damage.

A constantly running toilet is usually caused by an issue with the flapper, fill valve, flush valve, or another component inside the tank.

It may seem like a minor annoyance, but a running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time and increase your water bill.

If only one fixture isn't getting hot water, the problem may be with that particular faucet, mixing valve, cartridge, or fixture.

If the entire house suddenly has little or no hot water, the issue may involve the water heater, controls, heating elements, burner, or plumbing connections.

There isn't one schedule that works for every home. Older homes and homes with recurring plumbing problems may benefit from more frequent inspections.

A professional inspection can help identify leaks, aging components, corrosion, improper installations, and other problems before they become emergencies.

First, shut off the home's main water supply. Then turn on a faucet to relieve pressure in the plumbing system and contact a licensed plumber.

If water is near electrical equipment or outlets, avoid the area and contact the appropriate professional if necessary.

Acting quickly can significantly reduce water damage.

Yes. 3 Amigos Plumbing of CT provides emergency plumbing services throughout Eastern Connecticut.

When a plumbing emergency happens, our goal is to respond quickly, determine the cause of the problem, explain your options, and provide quality work at a fair price.

And unlike many plumbing companies, we don't charge trip charges or service call fees—even for emergency situations.

No. 3 Amigos Plumbing of CT does not charge trip charges or service call fees.

We believe homeowners shouldn't have to pay simply because a plumber comes to their home to diagnose a problem. We'll evaluate the issue and provide you with an estimate for the necessary work.

Yes. 3 Amigos Plumbing of CT is fully licensed and insured. Our experienced team takes pride in providing professional plumbing and heating services while protecting our customers and their homes.

We're a locally owned plumbing company built around a simple idea: quality work shouldn't require big-franchise prices.

Our owners have over 50 years of combined experience in the plumbing and heating industry. We focus on honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and affordable pricing.

Get an estimate from a big-name plumbing franchise and give us the opportunity to beat it. We believe 99% of the time we can provide a better price without sacrificing quality.

Yes. We believe customers should understand what needs to be done and what it will cost before work begins. We'll explain the recommended solution and provide an estimate so you can make an informed decision.

3 Amigos Plumbing of CT proudly serves homeowners throughout Eastern Connecticut.

If you're unsure whether we service your particular town, give us a call and we'll be happy to let you know.

Absolutely. Sometimes a repair is the smartest option. Other times, continuing to repair an older system can become more expensive than replacing it.

We'll explain the condition of your equipment and your available options so you can make the decision that's right for your home and your budget.

Yes! 3 Amigos Plumbing of CT specializes in well pump and well tank replacement.

If your well pump isn't working properly, your water pressure is low, or your well tank is waterlogged, leaking, or no longer holding pressure, our experienced team can diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution.

We can replace well pumps, well pressure tanks, pressure switches, tank fittings, and related well system components.

Whether you need a simple repair or a complete well pump and tank replacement, we'll explain your options and provide an upfront estimate before beginning the work.

No trip charges. No service call fees. Just quality work at a fair price.