How To Fix Common Plumbing Issues
The drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet or constantly running toilet can become annoying and lead to higher water bills. Knowing what to look for and how to fix these common plumbing issues can help you save money and hassle.
Most homeowners encounter a plumbing issue at one time or another. Many of these problems are easy to fix with a little know-how and some simple tools. If you encounter any problems, call On Point Plumbing & Heating expert.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. They happen when something solid—like hair, food scraps, or even soap scum—gets stuck in a pipe and blocks the flow of water. Over time, this can lead to overflow and other problems, including damage to your pipes.
You can help prevent clogs by using drain covers and mesh strainers in your sinks, disposing of grease properly, and cleaning your drains regularly with hot water. But if you do find yourself with a slow or clogged drain, it’s important to address the problem quickly. Otherwise, it can cause more serious problems—like overflowing toilets and back-ups that threaten your home’s sewage system and/or septic tank.
The first sign of a clog is when you notice that your drain is slowly draining or not at all. You can also notice a foul smell coming from the drain or your plumbing fixtures. Another sign is a gurgling sound when you run water in the sink or tub.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a plumber. But before you do, try some simple drain-cleaning techniques at home to see if they work.
Start by checking the drains that are closest to the clog. Typically, these are the shower and tub drains, which are lower than sink drains. They are also connected directly to the main sewer drain, so they’re often the first to back up when a clog occurs in the sewer line.
For more stubborn clogs, try using a plunger or drain snake. If these don’t work, you can try using a commercial drain cleaner. However, be careful when using these chemicals, as they can corrode your pipes.
If you can’t fix your clogged drain, it’s time to call in a professional.
Leaky Pipes
When left unchecked, leaky pipes can wreak havoc on your home. From staining and warping walls to promoting invasive black mold, the damage caused by these leaks can be costly to repair. In addition, they can cause poor water quality, which affects the health and safety of everyone in your household.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to address leaks before they get too out of hand. First, you will want to shut off the water supply for the area of your home with the leak. You can do this by turning off the valve located at the fixture in question or by locating and shutting off the main water line. You may also want to turn off any electrical outlets near the leak, as water can conduct electricity and lead to potential shocks or fires.
Once the water is turned off, you will need to find and isolate the source of the leak. Leaks can come from several places, and the best way to determine where it is coming from is by looking for any stains or dripping areas on your ceiling or walls. You can also use your senses to identify the leak — listening for bubbling sounds or hearing drops in the ceiling or wall can help you pinpoint the source of the leak.
If you cannot identify the location of the leak, you can try to tighten up any loose connections by using a wrench or pliers. You can also use a piece of rubber hose cut to just a bit longer than the leak, wrapped around it, and then clamped in place to create an impermeable seal. These quick and easy solutions are great for stopping leaks while you wait to call a professional.
If the problem is more serious, you can use slip couplings to permanently fix the leak. These are available at most hardware and home improvement stores and are easy to install. Just be sure to buy couplings that are compatible with your pipe material. If you are still unable to get the leak under control, it is time to call in a plumber for a long-term fix.
Water Heater Issues
A faulty water heater can leave you cold showers and a backed-up home. Sometimes, the pilot light is out or mineral deposits build up inside the tank, which prevents the heater from firing up. The good news is that these issues often have simple solutions such as replacing a pilot light or flushing out the tank. Other times, the problem is more serious and requires a professional to come in for a repair or replacement.
It is a homeowner’s worst nightmare to wake up to the sound of water dripping from the ceiling. A dripping faucet is not only annoying but can also lead to increased water bills. In addition, if left unattended, a leaking pipe could result in a burst and costly water damage.
Water discoloration is another common plumbing issue that can be caused by rusty pipes or high mineral content in the water supply. This can occur in homes with well or city water and can affect washing machines, dishwashers, and shower heads. Fortunately, this can usually be corrected with the installation of a water softener.
Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem that can be difficult to diagnose and fix. There are many possible causes, including an old or clogged water heater, a broken hose, or even just too much household usage. Whether the problem is big or small, low water pressure can be a real pain and should be resolved as soon as possible.
A plumbing problem can be a huge inconvenience for homeowners, but it is important to keep in mind that they don’t have to be. With some basic knowledge and the right tools, you can often fix plumbing problems yourself and save money on hefty plumber fees. However, when in doubt, it is always best to call a plumber for safety and peace of mind. With a little bit of know-how and maintenance, your home’s plumbing system can last you for years to come. For more information on plumbing problems and how to resolve them, contact the experts.
Low Water Pressure
If your shower dribbles and the washing machine takes forever to fill, you might need more than a DIY fix. The problem could be a result of clogged pipes or another issue that requires a professional to repair. Plumbing experts can help you determine the cause of low water pressure and make the necessary repairs.
Your house water line is the main supply for all the fixtures and appliances in your home. It delivers the water that flows into your toilets, showerheads, washing machines, and kitchen sinks. The flow of water from this line is controlled by a meter valve. A faulty meter valve or a closed one can lead to low water pressure throughout the whole house. Checking and resetting the meter valve may help restore your water flow and solve your low water pressure issue.
Corrosion is a common cause of low water pressure in homes with older galvanized steel or copper pipes. Water lines that are corroded can restrict the flow of water, leading to low water pressure at your home’s faucets.
Leaking pipes are also a big cause of low water pressure. The leaks allow water to escape before it reaches your fixtures, which decreases your overall water flow. Water leaks can be hard to detect, so if you suspect this is the case, it’s best to call a plumber right away.
Water pressure can also be reduced due to a high demand from your local water supplier. This is especially true if you live in an area that has shared water lines with other nearby properties. Checking your neighbors’ water usage during peak times, such as early in the morning or late at night, can help you figure out if this is a cause of your low water pressure.
The average home experiences around 40 to 45 pounds per square inch of water pressure. If your home’s water pressure drops below this number, it’s time to call in a professional. Trying to troubleshoot your low water pressure on your own can be difficult and time-consuming. Instead, save yourself the hassle and call the experts at the first sign of low water pressure in your home. We will help you find the source of the problem and resolve it as quickly as possible.
