6 Common Plumbing Problems To Deal With

Plumbing problems are an imminent part of owning a home. While some problems come with old fixtures or normal wear and tear, most are caused by how well you use and maintain your plumbing systems. Knowing the signs your plumbing needs service can help you acquire the expertise necessary to find solutions and know when to call the plumber. Here are six common plumbing problems every homeowner should be aware of.

Common Plumbing Problems

1.    Clogged toilets or drains

The signs of clogged drains include water backing up as you empty the sink or take a shower. However, on a clogged toilet, the signs are usually more immediate; rather than flushing normally, the water backs up in the toilet bowl and might even overflow.

A slow or clogged toilet and drains can cause plumbing disasters or even health hazards, and they should be tackled as quickly as possible. You can fix a slow or clogged toilet with a simple DIY job, but calling a professional is often faster and easier. If you are calling a professional, the important thing is to find a company that offers full service plumbing solutions, so they can help you with any plumbing problem. Also, consider calling a plumber if your slow or clogged drains persist as they could be an indication of a bigger problem in your plumbing system.

2.    Low water pressure

Besides leaky faucets, low water pressure is perhaps the most annoying plumbing problem in most homes. The problem can affect the flow of water in your shower and sinks, which may impact your family’s daily routine. Sometimes the problem can correct itself with a new faucet or shower head, but other cases may need fixing at the pipe levels or valve.

If the issue is caused by the main water breakage, there is much you can do apart from reporting the problem. However, you should call a plumber to locate the problem and fix it if weak water pressure is due to leaks or build-up in your pipes.

3.    Running toilet

A running toilet is an annoying problem and can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. The problem is often caused by a faulty flapper valve that regulates the water passing from the main tank to the bowl. It can also be caused by sediments or mineral build-up affecting the filling and flushing or silent leaks.

This problem is easy to correct with a toilet repair kit which you can find in most hardware stores. However, if the problem is not the flapper, you might need to call a plumber to replace the toilet fill valve. 

4.    Slow draining sink

This issue is often caused by a blockage that may restrict the water flow as it drains out of the sink or tub. Blockage in your kitchen sink drain might be due to food leftovers or congealed fat. In a bathroom tub, the blockage is more likely caused by soap scum or knotted hair.

Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, you can easily remove the debris causing the issue. However, sometimes it can be quite challenging to remove the objects stuck inside the sink, especially if you don’t have prior plumbing experience or the right tools to do the task. In such cases, it’s always best to seek the assistance of a qualified plumber.

5.    Dripping faucets

Dripping faucets can be very annoying as it leads to water wastage which can raise your water bill and cost you money in the long run. The issue usually occurs due to worn-out washers or O-rings that are easy to replace. However, it can also result from corrosion or improper faucet installation. The best way to fix the problem is to seek help from faucet repair company such as Dean’s Plumbing as soon as possible to avoid further water wastage. However, with proper tools and little prior plumbing experience, even an average householder can fix the problem.

6.    Water heater problems

Water heater problems are often easy to notice. You go to take that nice warm shower or bath but instead get soaked in cold water. The other most obvious signs of an issue with the heater include leaking water, strange and loud noises, and a large spill of water surrounding the heater.

Issues with the water heater are caused by corrosion and minerals build-up, broken or unfastened electrical connections, and improper water heater installation. The mineral deposits can lower the water heater’s efficiency, reducing the hot water supply throughout the home. Unless it’s something basic like turning on the pilot light, you will generally need a professional to inspect, fix and maintain your water heater.  

Endnote on Common Plumbing Problems

No matter how well you take care of your property, plumbing issues are bound to occur. Fortunately, most of these issues can be prevented and easily fixed before becoming a major problem. If you need some help, be sure to find the best plumbers, and they will get your plumbing system back to running correctly.

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