Plumbing issues vary from minor problems like a dripping tap to a significant problem like a major pipe leak. Part of owning a home is knowing what plumbing issues to expect and what step to take after that. Below are some of the common problems that can affect your plumbing.
A Dripping Faucet
Almost every homeowner has experienced a faulty faucet once or a few times. Not only is it annoying, but it can cause your water bills to hit the roof if not addressed. Your faucet can be dripping because the internal washer is worn out, torn, or stiff. However, someone with basic DIY plumbing skills and the right tools can fix it. You can use a drip calculator to find how much your dripping faucet is causing you.
A Slow Draining Sink
Your sink could be draining water slowly because of a blockage restricting water flow. The jam could be due to food remains or fat in the kitchen sink, and for the bathroom sink, it can be soap or knotted hair. There are many ways to unblock a sink, like using a plunger, pouring a clog remover chemical, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Once you notice such an issue, you should deal with it immediately to avoid the drainage from blocking completely. You can also opt to find a qualified plumber to fix the slow draining sink if you are not confident with your skills.
Leaking Pipes
There could be many reasons why your pipes are leaking, such as corrosion of pipes, excess water pressure, a damaged pipe joint, or incorrect piping. Most of these problems are especially common with older houses. You will find that older homes used copper pipes which react poorly to changes in extreme temperature. Whatever the issue is, it is best to call plumbing services to fix them immediately.
Low Water Pressure
If you have noticed that lately, water is trickling out of the tap rather than gushing out, it could be due to low water pressure. One of the major causes of low water pressure could be a leaking pipe that is broken, rusted, or worn out. If the issue is in your shower, it could be caused by a buildup of mineral deposits on the aerators. Clean the aerator by soaking it in vinegar. Other causes of water pressure could be corroded pipes, unnoticed water leaks, or cracked sewer lines.
Read Also: Signs It’s Time to Call an Emergency Plumber
Damaged water Heater
Another common plumbing issue is a defective water heater. When you have no hot water, it can be caused by issues like;
- Failure of the heating elements
- Improper installation of the water heater
- Broken or loose electrical connections
- A buildup of sediments or corrosion in the plumbing system
Whatever the issue is with your water heater, you should get a professional to inspect it and fix it.
A Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water in a day. One common issue with a running toilet is a broken flapper valve. However, fixing it is not hard, and you can find a toilet repair kit at your local hardware store. Other issues that can cause a toilet run include a corroded toilet handle or problems with the refiling tube.
Read Also: 5 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Faulty Sump Pump
A sump pump can fail for several reasons. When it has rained heavily, and there is a lot of water, the sump pump can get damaged. Also, if it was installed incorrectly, it may be overworking, which will cause it to fail. Sometimes, your sump pump has probably aged, and it needs to be replaced.
When experiencing any of the plumbing systems, you should know what you can fix and what needs a professional repair. That way, you will avoid causing further damage.