Plumbing problems can happen often but are costly whenever they arise. They can appear seemingly out of nowhere and can be time-consuming to resolve. However, by understanding each type, you can stop the problems before they damage your home.
Here are the most common plumbing problems that could occur in your household:
Dripping Faucets:
Almost every household has experienced a dripping faucet. The fact of the matter is that dripping faucets may not cost as much as other plumbing repairs, but they can get worse over time. Dripping faucets are horrible for the environment on top of driving up your water bill. Over a year, a dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons each year. Dripping faucets are mainly caused by ageing internal washers, which sustain damage over long periods of use. Luckily, fixing a dripping faucet can be done by a regular resident as it is not too difficult.
Slow Draining Sinks:
A slow draining sink is a result of a homeowner not watching what they put down the drain. When things such as cooking grease, eggshells and hair are put down the drain, the result will likely be a clogged drain and a pipe blockage. Luckily, you can try to unclog a drain using chemicals such as baking soda, vinegar and a chemical clog remover.
Here are some guidelines to follow when using chemicals to unclog your sink drain:
- Carefully follow packaging instructions
- For safety, wear gloves and goggles
- Avoid mixing chemicals
- Pour all of the chemicals down the drain
- Avoid using this method regularly, as the chemicals could damage your pipes
By following these steps, you can attempt to unclog your drain.
Clogged and Running Toilets:
Clogged toilets can occur when there is too much that is flushed down, resulting in your toilet bowl filling up and not draining. Many clogged toilets can be resolved by pouring Hot water and dish soap into the toilet, waiting a couple of minutes and attempting to re-flush again. However, for more serious clogs, a plunger or sewer snake can clear out the blockage.
In terms of running toilets, they can be extremely harmful to the environment and your water bill. A running toilet can use up to hundreds of gallons each day, so it is best to resolve it as soon as possible. The most common issue is a malfunctioning flapper valve, which directs water from the tank and into the bowl. The flapper valve can be fixed by using a toilet repair kit and by following the given instructions that come with it.
However, we can resolve any of your clogged or running toilets if you are unsure of a solution.
Low Water Pressure:
Low water pressure can affect many parts of your plumbing system from your kitchen sink to your shower. If your water pressure is low, monitor and identify the weak points of water flow from each of your appliances. By doing this, it will make it easy for you to recognize the location of the problem. The water pressure may be affected by aerator buildup. The buildup could stop the water from flowing. To remove this buildup, apply vinegar to the aerator. The vinegar will get rid of the debris in the faucet. Upon this, your water pressure should return to normal.
Water Heater Issues:
Similarly to low water pressure, water heater issues can affect multiple appliances around your home. We use hot water for many uses such as showering, washing clothes and washing the dishes. It would be difficult to go along with our lives without hot water. Water heater problems typically stem from loose connections or improper installations. They are more challenging to fix when compared to other plumbing issues. It is recommended that you consult with a professional for a resolution.
What should I take away from this article?
From this article, you should be able to recognize these plumbing issues and develop a fix either by yourself or by contacting a professional.