How to Deal With Common Plumbing Problems

Got any leaking pipes and taps in your home? Plumbing problems are indeed a headache. It is an expensive problem as it wastes a lot of water and can damage your property if left unfixed for a long time. It may also cause mildew and other material damages that will put you and your family’s health at risk. To avoid bigger problems that plumbing incurs, you have to take action right away. 

Check out the list of the most common household plumbing problems and how you can fix them to guide you below.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains occur when the water in your sink, toilet, or bathtub is not able to run completely. The most common causes of clogged drains are when hair, soap, dirt, food waste, and toilet paper gets stuck on the walls of drain pipes. If not fixed right away, clogged drains can lead to flooding, slow water drainage, corrosion, and even sewage backup. To combat this problem, you can use your trusty plunger to dislodge the clog. You can also use commercial drain cleaners occasionally. However, frequent you of commercial drain cleaners can damage your drainage pipes so this should be done sparingly. For prevention, installing a drain screen is highly recommended.

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Low Water Pressure

If water only trickles from the tap, you are experiencing low water pressure problems. One of the most common causes of this is a build-up of deposits or sediment on faucet aerators. To fix this, you can remove aerators from your kitchen faucets and have them cleaned by soaking it overnight in a vinegar solution. If you still encounter this issue after cleaning the aerators, it is best to contact plumbing contractors to check the problem. Make sure to contact reliable contractors with a master contractor’s plumbing license to ensure quality service. Professional help is recommended after a basic fix as you may have a more complex issue that can damage your home’s foundation which only a licensed plumber can identify and repair.

Running Toilet

A running toilet occurs when your toilet flapper does not seal, or if you have a bad fill valve or an overflow pipe at the wrong height. Up to 200 gallons of water can be wasted every day if you have a running toilet. To fix this, you can just purchase any easy-install toilet repair kits which can be purchased at any hardware store. If your problem still persists after changing the flapper, fill valve, and overflow pipe, then there might be some sediments that are affecting your toilet flushing and filling capabilities. If your water bill is very high, then you should also check for silent leaks. To do this, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the upper tank for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you see any hint of color in the bowl, this indicates that your toilet flapper is not working properly. 

Leaky Pipes

There are several causes of leaking pipes. It may be caused by small shifts in your home’s foundation, high water pressure, tiny cracks caused by tree roots, corrosion, and temperature changes. If left untreated, leaking pipes can cause major problems in your home. These problems can range from poor water quality, warped and stained walls, invasive black mold, and even flooding.  To fix this, first, you have to shut off the water supply to your home. Then drain the faucets connected to the pipe by turning them on. Afterwards, use a cleaning cloth to wipe the leaking area on the pipe. Make sure to put a cloth or bucket underneath the leak. Next, you can use tape, compound, and fillers over the source of the leak, but remember that this is just a temporary fix. It is still best to contact a plumber for a permanent solution.

Dripping Faucet

Having a leaky or dripping faucet can be quite annoying but you should not overlook this problem. It is a clear waste of water that can cost up to $20 per year. A problem in the o-ring, corroded valve seat, worn-out washer, or an improperly installed washer are the major causes of leaky faucets. To repair this, you can just replace the worn washer, o-rings, or valves.  You can also purchase faucet repair kits which can be bought from hardware stores as well.  

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Common plumbing problems if left untreated entail costly damages as well as safety and health risks. You can easily fix these plumbing issues right away, especially with the help of the above mentioned tips. However, if the problem persists or if you find it difficult to do it on your own, it is best to seek professional plumbing services.