Are you having plumbing issues in your home?
Is your toilet clogged? Or perhaps you’re having trouble with the leaky faucet in the bathroom. No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to keep your drains unclogged.
Simple household issues like these can get frustrating–fast. And they’re problems you may have to be able to handle yourself rather than calling a plumber to fix them.
What are the most common plumbing problems homeowners face and how can you fix them? We’ll cover the most common plumbing issues here.
Read on to learn more.
- Water Pressure
Water pressure is a common household plumbing issue. If the pressure of water in your pipes is too low, it may affect the function of all appliances that use water. This can lead to problems such as a low stream of water coming out of faucets, toilets not flushing, or longer running times for showers and other appliances.
High water pressure is an issue too. If pressure becomes too high it can cause pipes to burst, water to back up into fixtures, or increase strain on appliances.
This can cause expensive problems that take time and money to fix. To prevent issues from happening, regular maintenance and keeping an eye on pressure levels can help ensure that pressure issues don’t become a problem in the home.
- Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are one of the general complaints that plumbers encounter like a leaky water heater. These leaks can cause different problems, Like an old washer or a failed water valve or stem.
Leaky water heaters also happen because of many different problems, such as tank corrosion, insufficient insulation around pipes, or faulty connections. Each type of repair can be costly and time-consuming.
Homeowners need to be aware of these common plumbing issues and take care of them on their own or hire a professional to make sure it gets done. Allowing problems to go unfixed could turn into costly damage to their homes and health risks from mold and bacteria.
- Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets are one of the general plumbing issues that homeowners face. This issue is typically caused by flushing objects in the toilet that should not be flushed, such as paper towels, wipes, sanitary napkins, condoms, etc.
Other causes can include having a plumbing system that isn’t up to date, such as having an older toilet that doesn’t have a good flush system, having tree roots that have begun to obstruct your sewer line, or having a buildup of minerals and other waste around the trap area, which can prevent water from going down the drain easily. Improper use of the toilet, such as flushing out too much material at once, can cause clogging.
- Clogged Sinks
One of the general plumbing issues homeowners face is a clogged sink. This occurs when the pipe connecting the sink to the plumbing system becomes blocked by a variety of materials, such as hair, soap scum, food particles, grease, and other waste. These materials can build up over time, creating an obstruction that causes sinks to drain slowly, or not at all.
In some cases, a clog may even lead to water backing up in the sink or leaking through the joints of the pipes. Improper installation or loose fittings can create clogs, as can an accumulation of mineral deposits.
To discuss this problem, the most straightforward approach is to use an old-fashioned plunger. The plunger contains suction that helps push or pull the clog downwards. It’s best to use a cup-style plunger since it closely follows the contours of the sink basin.
To use it, plug the sink with the plunger, then pump it up and down several times, making sure the suction is tight. This should clean up the clog. If that will not unclog the trap, use a plumbing snake.
It’s a flexible device that easily curves around the pipe to facilitate the removal of any blockages farther down the line. If neither of these options works, it is best to call in the professional plumber, It includes everything from installing new fixtures to replacing outdated or broken pipes. Professional plumbers from EZE-FLOW PLUMBING are able to diagnose, repair, or replace any plumbing issues, and they are knowledgeable in all areas of the plumbing field.
- Running Toilets
A running toilet will not only increase your water bill but it can also lead to wasted water and poor plumbing performance. This issue is usually caused by an issue with the fill valve or the flapper valve, both of which are located inside the tank.
If the fill valve isn’t able to shut off then water will continuously cycle, creating a running noise when the toilet isn’t in use. The flapper valve, which is the floating part that seals the bottom of the tank, may also not fit properly and leak ever so slightly.
If this is the case, it may need to be replaced but it is easy to fix with the right tools and know-how. The first is a flange plunger for toilets that allows the user to apply both thrusting and suction.
It is also helpful to have a screwdriver and adjustable wrench on hand to remove or adjust toilets and components. A spud wrench is needed to hold and turn the nuts on the supply line while an auger is used to unclog blockages.
- Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop below freezing, the water in the pipes has the potential to freeze, expand, and eventually break the pipe, leading to flooding and water damage. It is also important to turn off the water to outside faucets and pipes, and homeowners should add antifreeze to the exposed pipes.
- Sewer Line Backups
Sewer line backups occur when waste, waste, or sediment build up in the mainline and prevent sewage from flowing. This can happen due to grease blockages, tree roots, or even a faulty pipe and can spread unpleasant odors throughout the home. There are preventative measures one can take such as regular plumbing maintenance, using strainers in all drains, and using biodegradable soaps that don’t create fat buildup.
Keep an Eye Out for These Common Plumbing Issues
It’s important to remember to always keep an eye out for any common plumbing issues. In the event you’re dealing with any kind of plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber. They can help you solve plumbing problems quickly, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job is done right.
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