
The drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet or the whoosh of a toilet that won’t stop running can put a damper on your day. While many plumbing problems require professional help, others can be easily solved by savvy homeowners with the right tools.
Clogged drains and toilets are a common problem that can be prevented by regularly using a plunger or chemical drain cleaner. A sudden increase in your water bill could indicate hidden water leaks in your home.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be a nightmare, especially if they aren’t fixed promptly. Not only does the build-up of debris prevent water from passing through the pipe, but it can also create backups of sewage and other nasty substances.
Most clogs are caused by food, hair, and soap scum that can stick to the walls of the pipes. It’s important to take precautionary measures, such as regularly cleaning your drains and using a grease trap, to help prevent them from occurring.
If you notice that your drain is slowing down, try pouring hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar down the drain to see if it breaks up the clog. If this doesn’t work, consider calling the plumbing company Ohio. For more serious clogs, you can also use a snake or an auger.
Leaky Pipes
There are few homeowner headaches as irritating as a leaking pipe. It can ruin furniture and flooring, lead to mold, and, if left unattended, result in water damage that will cost you money.
Leaking pipes can be caused by various factors, such as frozen or damaged pipes, mineral build-up along pipe walls, physical damage from bumping or banging against something, and more. Luckily, leaky pipes can usually be fixed by either tightening the connection or replacing it.
Your home’s plumbing system stays busy 24/7, handling fluctuating water pressure, temperature extremes, and everyday use. As a result, industrial rubber seals can degrade over time, leading to leaks. You can fix the problem using a slip coupling that fits your pipe material.
Low Water Pressure
If the water pressure in your home drops suddenly, it could be caused by a city-controlled problem. The city may be doing water main repairs, hydrant flushing, or a combination of both. It’s worth calling the city to see if their actions are responsible.
Another common reason for low water pressure is a partially closed shutoff valve. Locate all shutoff valves on the main line coming into your home, including those for the water meter and any other water-using appliances. If any are closed or throttled back, open them fully.
Corrosion can also restrict water flow. This happens when old galvanized pipes develop holes due to a build-up of minerals and corrosion that wears away at the pipe walls over time. A plumber will need to replace or repair the pipes.
Running Toilet
A running toilet is a big plumbing problem that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in water costs each year. It can also cause significant water damage if left unchecked for too long.
Fortunately, this is one of the easiest plumbing problems to fix. A simple adjustment of the flapper chain is all it takes to fix this issue. The flapper chain may be too short, preventing the seal from closing properly and allowing water to run continuously.
The fill tube may also be too long or positioned incorrectly, causing it to pump water from the toilet tank into the bowl continually. Using a set of pliers, you can cut the refill tube to the proper length. This will stop the water from running and save you money.
Water Heater
While modern plumbing has made many things easier, it can still be a pain when it goes wrong. Clogged drains can make you crazy with their constant rhythmic noises, and leaking faucets waste money and water.
A leaking water heater can cause serious problems that require professional repairs. If the leak isn’t addressed, it can result in property damage, mold growth, and expensive water bills.
A faulty pilot light or sediment build-up can also cause problems with your water heater. A plumber should flush the tank to remove any built-up sediment that could affect its efficiency or heat distribution. This will usually be included in a general water heater tune-up. These plumbing problems can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be. By familiarizing yourself with the most common plumbing issues and how to fix them, you can save yourself a lot of frustration (and cash).