Are you one of those homeowners who instantly call a plumber whenever a minor problem arises? Or are you the one who only calls for help when it’s already a disaster?
Either way, knowing every common plumbing issue and how to fix it should be in your capacity. This way, you can do early preventive repairs independently whenever you can without paying for an unnecessary plumbing service. Having this basic knowledge will also help you place a timely call before one issue turns from bad to worse.
Here’s a guide to help familiarize yourself with the most common plumbing problems and their appropriate solutions.
1. Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet is one of the most common and perhaps most neglected plumbing issues at home. Although it may seem minor, the accumulation of constant drips can contribute to a ballooning water bill over time.
This issue commonly stems from a worn-out washer, damaged o-rings, or a broken valve, which you can fix yourself without calling a plumber. Swap out the damaged part with a new one and your faucet can be normal again.
2. Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes go beyond a simple inconvenience; they can wreak havoc on your property, inflate your utility bills, and even invite pests into your home. Hence, you must always treat them as an urgent concern no matter the severity of the leak.
If the leak happens to be between loose joinery, you can tighten it with a wrench or replace the old plumbing tape and seals to plug the leak. For more persistent and more significant leaks, an expert plumbing repair would be the best option.
3. Sluggish Drains
Slow-moving drains can be a serious menace, especially if they start disrupting a large part of your daily routine. They happen due to undisclosed clogs either sitting shallow or lurking deep within your pipelines.
Before an early drain issue worsens, your first line of defense should be simple yet effective drain-cleaning remedies at home. You can rely on the classic baking soda and vinegar mixture to dislodge organic debris in your sink or toilet drains. You can also melt down a suspected grease build-up by pouring a pot of boiling water down your clogged sink.
Should you reckon that solid particles are what’s ruling your pipes, you can turn on your handy tools like a plunger, drain snake, or a wet/dry vacuum to suck all those debris.
But, ultimately, you still have to rely on a reliable plumber if clogs within your main line are the culprit.
4. Running Toilet
Like a dripping faucet, your running toilet will cause you to have an inflated water bill if you let it slide. You may not think much about it, but a running toilet can lead to hundreds of gallons of water loss over an entire day.
To dodge this silent yet costly issue, you can turn to a rather inexpensive way of shutting the leak– a DIY toilet repair kit. In most cases, a worn component like the flapper or fill valve takes the blame for this trouble. Replacing them is a straightforward fix, even for an untrained hand. Replacement parts are also widely available in your local hardware.
5. Malfunctioning Water Heater
Is your water heater giving you the groaning call for help every time you turn it on? When the early red flags show up, have your unit professionally checked before it completely shuts down.
Your water heater usually alerts you to its impending demise by giving you symptoms like strange noises and inconsistent water temperature. Unfortunately, this is not an issue for DIY repair; what you need is a local plumber to diagnose and repair the problem.
6. Low Water Pressure
From prolonged cleaning routines to extended shower time, it’s impossible not to notice a drop in water pressure around your house. Like other plumbing problems, low water pressure originates from several sources; some you can resolve, others you leave to your local plumber.
The first thing you can do is look for and loosen improperly tightened valves. Sometimes, half-turned valves and a wrongly adjusted water regulator are responsible for your poor water flow.
Sad to say, low water pressure can also be a spin-off of other larger plumbing problems like cracked or obstructed supply lines and a broken pressure regulator. This time, your best resolve would be to schedule a comprehensive plumbing service to address all the underlying problems in your system.
7. Bad Tasting Tap Water
Does your tap water taste strangely off? Such an unpleasant taste comes from water contamination or mineral-filled water, which gives your tap a metallic flavor.
Your best bet is to avail a water filtration installation or a water softener system, depending on your needs. Water filtration is the ideal option if you’re dealing with water contamination. A water softener is appropriate if you have hard water at home. The good thing is that you can install them simultaneously if you have both issues.
8. Sewer System Backup
Sewage back-ups are nothing short of frustrating; the filthy odor they bring and the need for repetitive bathroom cleaning can easily ruin your day.
Most of the time, this plumbing crisis happens due to a familiar suspect– clogs. A plunger should be enough for a solution if the clog sits shallow down your toilet or immediate pipe section. In the end, you’ll still need a plumber if the problem is more severe.
9. Garbage disposal leak
Your garbage disposal is also susceptible to leaking. You’ll know this once you start catching a whiff from under your sink cabinet, accompanied by a pool of water.
It normally happens due to worn-out seals. You can repair the leak by replacing the sink flange with new seals and rubber gaskets or tightening loose drain line connections. But if your garbage disposal is damaged, you cannot do much for a DIY repair; it’s time to call a plumber for repair or replacement.
10. Burst Pipes
Has a plumber ever advised you to deal with a clog early on before it turns into a bigger disaster? He’s likely warning you of a burst pipe.
Your pipe can eventually gush if it can no longer handle the pressure build-up caused by a formidable clog. This will leave you scrambling for a professional plumbing repair as there’s no DIY solution to it.
Got any of these problems? Call Formula Plumbing Services for expert help!
As you can see, not all common plumbing problems are suitable for DIY repair. While it’s essential to use home remedies as a preventive measure, it remains necessary to call for help when things get a little more complicated.
That’s why Formula Plumbing Services is always on standby to assist you in your time of need. With our commitment to reliable solutions and timely repairs, you can rest assured that our team will be there to tackle any plumbing mishap you have. Our 20 years of industry experience guarantee you receive the right formula to quickly resolve any of your pipe problems.
Schedule a plumbing repair or maintenance with us today and enjoy the comfort of a peak pipe condition!
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Plumbing issues don't wait for a convenient moment; they can arise unexpectedly and disrupt your routine. That's precisely why we're here, ready to assist you when you need it the most. Feel free to contact us and arrange a service call at your convenience.