Plumbing problems come in all sizes and shapes, from inexpensive and minor issues like running toilets or dripping faucets to sewer system backups and significant pipe leaks that can cause serious structural damage to people’s homes and destroy the contents business or house. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most common problems that can require the need for some plumbing work.
Preventing the situation is better than hiring the best professionals available in the area; people can minimize issues from happening or getting worse if they know in advance what types of problems will most likely happen. Listed below are some problems, their causes, and how these things can be fixed. Some issues are pretty easy to deal with, provided that homeowners are willing to learn and the essential tools, while others will undoubtedly require a professional for help.
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Dripping faucets
These things are pretty common that it is rare to find individuals who have not experienced this problem. It is not just a source of constant irritation. Wasted water from this issue can push up people’s water bills and can cost them a lot of money.
A single faucet can drip away gallons every year. Its cause in most cases is an internal washer that has become dislodged, worn, torn, or stiff over time. If this is the issue, then it can usually be solved by people with essential tools and basic Do-It-Yourself skills. The H2O supply to dripping faucets are switched off, faucets are disassembled, and faulty washers are replaced, and then reassembled.
Slow-draining sinks
This issue is usually caused by blockages that are restricting the flow of water. Kitchen sink drains may contain things like food remnants and congealed fats. In bathroom sinks, jams are more likely to be caused by soap and knotted hairs. Ways for clearing clogged sinks might involve:
- Pouring down vinegar and soda.
- Using plungers.
- Using chemical clog removers.
- Using plumbers’ snakes.
- If the issue is not tackled, then there is a good chance that it will worsen over time. Eventually, the drain will be blocked completely.
To unclog sink drains using various chemicals:
- Make sure to follow the packaging directions and make sure not to use too many chemicals.
- Always wear protective goggles and gloves for safety purposes
- Do not mix different chemicals. It can produce dangerous or poisonous gases
- Always pour chemicals down the drain
Safety reminder: Chemicals can cause serious damage to drain pipes if used regularly, so experts recommend not using this method lightly.
Clogged shower or bath drain
As with the issue mentioned above, shower and bath drain usually get clogged by soap and hair. Clearing the blockage may need the use of a plumber’s snake or a plunger. Vinegar and baking soda can usually dissolve clogs. The issue will get worse over time if it is left unattended. The problem can be minimized or prevented from reappearing by purchasing guards to catch hairs. To unclog shower drains using plungers:
- Add adding lubricants like petroleum jelly to the suction pad’s edge will help improve seals
- Ensure there’s enough water in the shower so that the plunger’s end is submerged
- Make sure to plunge vigorously
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Clogged toilets
When toilet bowls fill up and do not drain away, there is a good chance that these things are clogged. Blockages are usually caused by mixtures of human wastes and toilet paper. This thing can usually be fixed using a plunger. Property owners can use a drain auger or sewer snake to loosen up blockages if that does not work.
Running toilets
Running toilets can be pretty expensive. At least 200 gallons of water can be lost every day. The most common suspect is faulty flapper valves that control the flow of H2O from bowl tanks. It is pretty easy to fix using toilet repair kits readily available at hardware stores.
A less common cause of this problem is sediments affecting the filling and flushing. If the water bill seems pretty high, property owners can check for silent leaks by putting food coloring in the upper tank and see if the color makes its way to the toilet bowl without flushing.
Faulty heaters
This issue may not be found until homeowners are in the shower and the water immediately goes cold. Various problems can cause water heaters to fail. Pilot lights may go out, and people need to relight them. Build-ups of sediments in tanks can also cause this issue.
Another time, it can be the thermostat that is defective or faulty. Usually, people will want contractors or professionals like plumbers in Palmetto Florida, to check, fix, and maintain the heater unless it is something basic like pilot lights need to be relit.
Low pressure
If the water trickles out of taps instead of gushing out, it may be a sign that the property has low water pressure. It is an issue with older houses. Various problems can cause a low pressure, one being leaky pipes that have become worn, corroded, or broken over time. If it is low pressure in the shower, usually it is caused by sediment build-ups or mineral deposits on the aerator.
People can soak aerators in vinegar with baking soda to clean them. If the shower is the issue, then homeowners need to soak the showerhead in baking soda and vinegar, or they can replace it. To clean these things with vinegar and baking soda, follow these simple steps.
- Dismantle the device and clean any dirt using water and soap
- Use a small brush soaked in vinegar to loosen and scrub off any mineral deposits
- Use a toothpick or safety pin to poke any loose mineral or dirt deposit
A jammed garbage disposal unit
Garbage disposal units are useful appliances, but they sometimes jam because of unforeseen circumstances. Running the device without H2O, allowing silverware to get inside or disposing of food substances like potato peels or cornhusks can all cause this issue.
The first thing homeowners need to do to fix this problem is to hit the reset button. If this does not work, then property owners need to open the device. If they have lost the key that comes with it, a one-fourth-inch Allen wrench can be used to loosen or free the motor.