Plumbing

From Clogs to Leaks – Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

March 15, 2023 / 944 Comments

Plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home, and even minor issues can lead to bigger problems. Understanding the most common plumbing problems and how to solve them can save you time and money in the long run.

Clogged drains are a common problem and can be prevented by keeping an eye on what gets flushed down the toilet or into your sink. Hair, soap scum, food debris, and other items can all clog drains over time.

plumbing problems

Clogged Drains

The plumbing system is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of any home. From a backed-up kitchen sink or bathtub to clogged toilets, if you don’t know how to solve a problem, it could end up costing you money.

Luckily, most clogs can be resolved with easy-to-find and inexpensive tools. But if they keep coming back, it’s time to call in a plumber for professional assistance.

Some drains can become clogged through the accumulation of hair, grease, soap scum and other debris that slows water flow. The best way to prevent these issues is by regularly cleaning your pipes.

If you suspect that a hair blockage is the culprit, Calabrese recommends using needle nose pliers or long tweezers to pull out any hair strands that might be blocking the pipe. If the hair doesn’t come out easily, he suggests trying an enzyme drain cleaner product.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are among the most common plumbing problems, and they can cause a lot of damage. The best way to avoid a pipe burst is to take care of your pipes by keeping them in good repair.

Then, if something does go wrong, you have the knowledge and skills to fix it. A professional plumber can do the work for you, or you can do it yourself.

One of the most obvious signs that your pipe has burst is a sudden drop in water pressure. If it happens more than once, call a plumber.

Another sign is puddles of water around the home. These can be anywhere in your home, but they are more likely to happen in the bathroom or in areas where water is used a lot.

The best way to prevent a pipe burst is to keep your pipes in good condition and to maintain proper insulation and heating. This can significantly reduce the chances of a pipe breaking and causing extensive damage to your home.

Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets are common and can cause a lot of headache for homeowners. Fortunately, most leaky faucet problems are simple and fixable by most people – you just need the right tools and some patience.

One of the most common causes for a leaking faucet is a problem with the internal parts of the faucet. This can include a mineral deposit, defective gaskets, o-rings or washers, and corrosion.

If you’re not sure how to find the right replacement parts, you can call a plumbing supply specialist. They should be able to help you identify the correct part for your faucet and order it for you.

Once you’ve gotten all the parts, it’s time to reassemble your faucet. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions carefully and consult a schematic whenever necessary.

Water Heater Issues

Water heaters are a necessity, but they can be frustrating when they start to fail. Understanding what causes the most common issues can help you troubleshoot and fix them yourself.

If your water heater seems to be rumbling and banging when it’s heating up, there could be a buildup of scale on the heating elements or the tank itself. This can be a very simple fix, but if it’s getting worse, it may be time to replace your heater.

The most important thing to remember when fixing your water heater is to take safety precautions. Electric water heaters are high-voltage appliances that come with risks of fire and explosion if not handled correctly.

Gas-powered water heaters are also a high-risk for fire and explosion if not handled properly. So before troubleshooting, be sure to turn off both your electricity and gas supply and test the wires with a non-contact voltage tester. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting your water heater’s pilot light or ignitors if necessary.

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