Every homeowner faces plumbing problems at some point. Once such issues start, it can be a frustrating and stressful situation you need to deal with. Fortunately, there’s a way around it.
By understanding the different common plumbing issues and their solutions, you’ll know how to keep your plumbing system in good condition and avoid unnecessary stress. Plus, it’ll help you assess when to fix the problems by yourself or call plumbing professionals.
That said, below are some of the common plumbing problems you must be aware of and how to avoid them:
- Leaky Pipes
Leaking pipe is one of the most common plumbing issues that may cause major damage once you don’t spot it quickly. Often, pipes leak due to high water pressure, shifting, and deterioration.
Depending on your skills, fixing a leaky pipe can be easy or complex. Either way, it’s recommended to let the professionals handle the work to avoid creating a bigger mess and other problems which may lead to unnecessary repair costs.
To avoid having leaky pipes, ensure that pipes and fittings are properly installed. Additionally, to ensure proper regular inspections and leak detections of your plumbing system, you might want to look at Dan’s Plumbing and other reputable service providers.
- Dripping Faucets
Another common plumbing issue is dripping faucets. While they don’t require an emergency plumbing service, they can waste water and your money. Typically, a dripping faucet happens because of a damaged washer that forms the seal on your faucet. Once it occurs, your faucet’s washer will no longer seal tightly, resulting in drips.
To fix a dripping faucet, replace its washer. You can repair it yourself, but use specialty tools to get the job done easily. If you want to avoid this plumbing issue in the future, don’t put too much pressure on your faucet handles and slowly turn off and on your faucet.
- Clogged Toilet
Toilet clog is also a common plumbing problem for many homeowners. An excellent way to prevent it is to avoid flushing things that may cause blockage or clog. Remember that toilets are designed to flush solid and liquid waste. Everything else must be thrown away in your trash bin. Therefore, you must not flush napkins, cotton balls, paper towels, or other bathroom items.
If you don’t have a small trash bin in your bathroom, it’s time to get one. This will help you resist the temptation to dispose of trash in your toilet. If your toilet keeps clogging, consider contacting a plumber near you to find out the real cause and deal with the problem immediately.
- Water Heater Issues
If you use a water heater daily, it should never come as a surprise to face water heater issues at some point. Some issues with water heaters may include no or low heat, leaks, mineral deposits, corrosion, and high water pressure.
Fortunately, fixing water heater issues is easy. When repairing water heater leaks, check for any loose plumbing connection and tighten it to minimize the leaks. If the heating element keeps leaking, you might have to replace its gasket. In this case, it’s best to call a plumbing expert.
To avoid water heater issues, flush and drain your unit at least twice a year to prevent sediment buildup. You can also check for leaks occasionally to spot and fix the problem as soon as possible.
- Sink Disposal Clogging
If you’re a big family or always accommodate guests, you probably cook more food than usual. This also means more food will be dumped through your sink disposal system. Once used excessively, it can result in clogging.
Fortunately, you can avoid sink disposal clogging. First, understand what you can and can’t dispose of on your sink. If there’s a lot of food left over, use a compost bin instead of dumping it in your disposal sink. Also, don’t dump oil because it can block your sink drainage, causing a plumbing issue over time.
- Low Water Pressure
Another plumbing issue is low water pressure, which a leaky pipe and sediment buildup can cause. While it’s common in old properties, it may also occur in new homes. Depending on the cause, low water pressure may slowly or suddenly get worse over time. It may also make it difficult to shower or rinse things, so immediate repairs are necessary.
There are some ways to avoid low water pressure. One of these is to check the pipes regularly to repair leaks quickly. You can also install a filtration system to prevent mineral or sediment buildup in the future. When replacing your pipes, hire a plumber and ensure to use high-quality materials.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues will often hit you once you least expect them. If you experience any of the above problems, it’s best to avoid trying to resolve them yourself. Instead, contact a trustworthy plumbing professional in your area to solve plumbing issues in no time. The best plumbers can deliver quality service while keeping your plumbing system in tip-top shape.
