What happens when you have a plumbing problem in your home? Do you DIY or do you go ahead to call your plumber?
Firstly, conduct a quick check to identify the cause of the problem before calling your plumber. Plumbing problems range from simple leaks to complex clogs or leaks. The use of basic plumbing tools can fix some plumbing problems if you have basic DIY skills.
However, some may require a professional plumber to identify not only the cause but also fixing the problem. Here are some of the common plumbing problems experienced by homeowners, their causes, and how to fix them.
1. Clogged Toilets
A clogged toilet is characterized by a bad smell, overflow, waste on your floors, or even worse, septic system damage. So what causes the toilet clogs? Pieces of clothes, diapers, foodstuffs, are among some of the most notorious causes of clogged toilets.
To unclog your toilet, use a plunger to plunge vigorously, and then flush it to test if it is unblocked.
To avoid toilet clogs, avoid putting foreign materials into your toilet and stick to using toilet paper. However, if the blockage and clogs are experienced in your locality by most of your neighbors, you may need to call a professional plumber to identify the cause.
2. Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet may be experienced on taps or showerheads; the tiny drops should not be ignored as they lead to more wastage than you can imagine. An average household’s leaks account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year.
Although the water drips might seem insignificant to you, the cumulative effect will increase your water bills in the long term.
What Causes Dripping Faucets?
Dripping faucets are caused by worn-out or stiff washers or maybe worn-out O-ring— a small rubber ring on the stem screw. However, it will depend on the type of faucet in question.
Therefore, you can fix most dripping faucets by simply replacing the washer or the O-ring. The task requires essential tools and simple DIY skills.
You might, however, seek professional help if you are unsure of your basic plumbing skills.
3. Low Water Pressure
Has your dishwasher failed to run, is it your washing machine or the shower that isn’t working smoothly? Probably you have a low water pressure problem.
Causes of Low Water Pressure
Low pressure can result from leaks or blockages due to the build-up of minerals and sediments in the aerators or showerheads.
You might also experience low water pressure if you are undertaking many processes at a go. For instance, if you take a shower, run a dishwasher, and have a running sprinkler in your kitchen garden, some functions might not run as intended.
How to Fix a Low Water Pressure Problem?
If the low-pressure results from the blockage, use vinegar to clean the aerators or the showerhead. In some cases, you may need to replace the showerhead.
In the case of leaks, you might need to hire a plumber to fix them.
If the problem results from undertaking many functions at a go, try doing one or two things at a time is the perfect solution.
However, your locality might be experiencing low water pressure. Check with your neighbors to confirm if they are experiencing the same.
4. Running Toilets
Toilet leaks can waste up to hundreds of gallons of water in a day. Running toilets are caused by faulty inner fitting. For instance, a faulty flapper valve (it controls the water that gets to the bowl from the tank) can cause a leak.
You can fix the problem by using simple plumbing tools to replace the flatter valve.
Also, since a faulty stopper may cause unending stubborn leaks, you might need to replace all the inner fittings to end the menace entirely.
5. Faulty Water Heater
For a water heater to be faulty, either the plumbing system or the heating system is faulty. When it gets to this point, you need to promptly call a professional to identify and fix the problem.
What Causes a Faulty Water Heater?
- Accumulation of sediment in the tank
- Corrosion and rust
- A faulty thermostat
- Inadequate water pressure
6. Leaky Pipes
Leaking pipes are not only a nuisance but can lead to high water bills, dampness, low water pressure, and damage to floors and furniture. Most pipe leaks may require you to get plumbers around me to replace the pipes or any other faulty fixtures. Also, be on the lookout during winter since water freezes and expands causing the pipes to burst.
7. Slow or Clogged Drains
You may have experienced clogged sinks, showers, or bath drains due to blockage by hair or soaps. These are some ways you can use to unclog your drains easily;
- Use a plunger to plunge the drains until they unclog.
- Use a plumbing snake to squeeze through the drainage and unblock the clog.
- If you lack the above tools, you can use vinegar and baking soda to dissolve the clog.
8. Sewer Problems
Sewer problem is the worst plumbing issue you can encounter as a homeowner. It is characterized by foul odors, nasty, unhygienic, and can cause all your drainage systems to clog. Also, sewer problems are the most expensive plumbing problems to fix and calls for a professional plumber.
The sewer clog might be on your property or the main sewer line. If it is on your property, you need to call your plumber to help fix it, but if it is a problem with the main sewer line, call your water company to address the menace.
Need More on Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them?
Plumbing problems range from simple fixable issues to complex issues that may require a professional plumber to fix. If you have any questions on plumbing systems, do not hesitate to reach out to an expert.
Our site has insightful posts on plumbing issues and other home improvement information that comes in handy for any homeowner.
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