As a homeowner in Kelowna, you may encounter plumbing issues from time to time. They could be because of a build-up of calcium, hair, roots, or grease in the pipes. Other times, the cold winters could damage the pipes and fixtures when water freezes. Unfortunately, when left unsolved, such problems can result in foul smells, increased water bills, and costly repairs.
You could fix some of the issues independently. However, when they become repetitive or an emergency, they require the services of professional plumbers Kelowna. They have the expertise to examine your plumbing system and carry out repairs, i.e., cleaning the drains or replacing worn-out faucets or pipes.
Be that as it may, it’d be best to know the common plumbing issues for repairs and how to fix them before they cause substantial damage. Read on for the details.
- Drainage And Toilet Blockage
Drainage and toilet blockage are one of the most common plumbing issues. It can result from accumulated hair, soap residue, grease, or debris. These substances could quickly go down the drain because they’re small particles that can run down with water. Over time, the build-up becomes too much, leading to blockages. Slowly, you’ll notice water backing up, pools of water in the sinks or floor, gurgling sounds, or foul odors.
There are numerous methods you can use to address this problem. You can use a plunger to remove the minor clogs. While at it, ensure a tight seal between the plunger and the drain opening. After which, push and pull the plunger vigorously until the clog dislodges.
Subsequently, you can use a drain snake if the plunger doesn’t work. You can insert the tool in the drain and spin it to break and remove the clog. Moreover, you can utilize chemical drain cleaners if the first two methods are futile. But exercise caution because some chemicals are hazardous and can damage your pipes and health if inhaled.
On the other hand, if the clogs are too large such that you’re having a recurring blockage problem, you can call plumbers to fix the issue. They usually have specialized equipment to remove stubborn clogs without damaging your plumbing system.
Most importantly, avoid flushing down items like sanitary pads, toilet paper, and food that can’t go through the drain to prevent blockages.
- Water Heater Malfunctioning
Hot water is necessary during the cold months since it helps you stay warm. So, it becomes a huge inconvenience when your water heater malfunctions.
This could result from mineral deposits or because the thermostat is damaged. Alternatively, if you notice strange rumbling noises from the water heater, this could mean sediment accumulation in the tank. On the one hand, if you see water dripping from the appliance, it could point to a faulty valve or corrosion.
You can address these problems by examining the thermostat and heating components for damage. Or you can flush the tank to eliminate particle accumulation. However, the best thing you can do is to work with professional plumbers because they’re qualified to handle such issues. They can also teach you how to conduct plumbing safety inspections, so you don’t have to hire an expert for minor assessments.
- Decrease In Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a plumbing issue that can make it challenging to take baths, flush toilets, or wash dishes. It’s a problem brought about by a blockage in the aerator, a mesh screen at the top of the faucet. After regular use, it can be blocked by material deposits that hinder water flow. You can solve this issue by detaching the aerator from the faucet and soaking it in a cleaning solution until you get rid of the clog.
- Running Toilets
It’s a plumbing problem that can lead to water wastage. Typically, it can happen because of a faulty flapper valve or fill valve, or a leak in the bowl.
You can address this problem by checking the flapper valve. You can adjust it by lifting the toilet tank lid and limiting the chain linked to the flapper valve. Also, ascertain that the chain is correctly connected.
Alternatively, you can replace the flapper if the current one is worn out, can’t seal correctly, or makes water continuously flow in the bowl. You can close off the water source and replace the flapper valve with a new one. If it doesn’t work, replace the fill valve.
- Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are a problem that, if left unresolved, could lead to flooding or mold growth in your home. This can spoil your furniture, appliances, walls, floor, or clothing. In most cases, it’s an issue that results from damaged pipes, corrosion, or cold weather. You can hear dripping water sounds, water pooling, rust on the faucet, and moldy scents.
You can address leaky pipes by first finding the source of the leakage. You can do so by looking for wet spots. Alternatively, if the leak is too extensive, switch off your main water points and call a professional plumber to come and fix the issue.
- Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets can lead to significant water wastage, which could also increase your water bills. The most noticeable signs include dripping noises or pools of water near the tap. Culprits could be a worn-out washer or O-ring inside the faucet mechanism.
To solve dripping faucets, you can start by turning off the water supply to locate the shutoff valve under the sink and spin it clockwise to impede the water flow. Afterward, turn off the faucet by removing the decorative cap or handle. Subsequently, test the faucet by turning on the water supply and assess if the dripping has ceased. If there’s no change, it’ll help to call Kelowna plumbers to fix any underlying problems.
- Overgrown Roots
Tree roots are constantly in search of water and nutrients for growth. So, over time, they could penetrate the pipes, leading to wastewater spillage in your yard. They could also result in drainpipe blockage. Call a reputable plumber in your area to check out your pipes and possibly replace them with new ones.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues can be a significant nuisance at home. So, they must be addressed immediately to ensure pleasant smells, a constant hot water supply, and the taps’ normal functioning to complete your house chores efficiently. Even though you can repair some of the issues yourself, it’d help to seek the assistance of a qualified plumber to prevent such problems from resurfacing.
