As a homeowner, the most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaking pipes and faucets, a toilet that keeps running, and low water pressure. Each of these issues happens for different reasons and requires distinct solutions, which you’ll find in this article.
As your home ages, it’s natural to experience plumbing issues. You can’t escape plumbing problems, even if the best technicians installed your home’s plumbing system. Since these issues are inevitable, it’d be best to understand how they come about and their fixes.
A proper understanding of common plumbing problems can help determine when to throw on your tool belt and when to have a professional plumber handle it.
This part of your plumbing uses pressure to send water to the toilet, showers, and other places in your home.
Drainage systems primarily rely on gravity to function. Hence, drainage components follow a downward slope, allowing waste to travel easily to the septic tank.
This system prevents a mix between the supply and drainage systems. Plumbing vents supply air into the drain pipes and create an air passage to emit sewer gases from your drain lines.
A telltale sign of a clogged drain is water backing up as you shower or empty a sink. For toilet drain clogs, instead of flushing the right way—with water pushing the waste down—the water backs up in the toilet bowl, overflowing in some cases.
The problem could be anywhere from your septic tank to practically any pipe in your house. Depending on the clog’s nature and location, a little DIY procedure can have your sewer line working fine in no time.
Problem Cause: Slow draining occurs when something blocks drain pipes, partially or totally. Hair is often the culprit in sinks and showers; other things like small toys or shampoo lids may enter the drain, blocking the pipe. In toilets, flushing anything other than dissolvable waste could put your home at risk of a clogged drainage system.
Problem Fix: Use a plunger to unclog your drains. This method works for both toilets and drains. Perhaps using a plunger isn’t an option; consider chemical drain cleaners or plumbing snakes to dislodge clogs in your drainage pipes.
Prevention Tips: Flush only dissolvable items down your toilet. If something falls into the toilet, remove it instead of flushing it, and keep an eye on kids so they don’t flush toys or other items down the drain.
Problems with water heaters are relatively easy to spot. Getting doused by cold water rather than hot water when you get in the shower indicates an issue with your water heater. Discolored water, dripping water, water puddles, and strange noises from the appliance often suggest it’s faulty.
You might be able to troubleshoot the issue in some cases, but most water heater repairs require professional help due to the hazards and complexity.
Problem Cause: Leaks are the primary cause of water heater problems. Mineral deposits may also cause problems in water heaters, reducing the appliance’s efficiency and hot water supply throughout your home.
Problem Fix: Check the pilot light if your water heater operates on gas. Perhaps it’s off; the unit won’t produce hot water. Check the temperature settings as well to confirm they’re correct. Drain the water heater tank to flush out sediments if you believe mineral depots are the reason behind the malfunction.
Prevention Tips: Periodic maintenance is the best way to keep your hot water heater running smoothly.
This plumbing issue is often experienced in old homes; however, newly-built structures are no exception. Low water pressure can happen suddenly or slowly worsen over time, depending on the cause.
Whatever the reason, a slow water supply can be frustrating; hence, resolving the issues is a priority.
Problem Cause: A water main break can reduce your tap pressure; this is likely the cause if your neighbors also experience the same problem. Your home’s water supply system could experience pressure loss due to a leaking pipe. Turn off all faucets in your home, check your water meter, and refrain from using water for several hours. If the meter changes, there’s a leak somewhere. Sediment and mineral buildup in pipes are another potential cause of low pressure.
Problem Fix: If you feel sediment buildup is the issue, start with the affected showerheads and aerators. Unscrew faucets for cleaning as well. Soak the aerator in vinegar for at least 6 hours or overnight to loosen the buildup. Perhaps you have difficulties removing showerheads or aerators; put vinegar in a plastic bag and tie it around the faucet or showerhead so it sits in the solution.
Prevention Tips: Invest in a filtration system to keep sediments and minerals out of your water supply lines, and do a periodic pipe check for leaks. If you’re observant, an increased water bill often suggests a leak.
Plumbing issues come in different forms, and a running toilet can be annoying. Though the toilet will work, it’ll constantly run, making strange sounds and wasting water.
Problem Cause: This problem often results from faulty toilet components. A loose or damaged flapper valve will cause water to run, and other potential causes include an imbalanced float, a leak, or a loose fill.
Problem Fix: Inspect each toilet component to determine the specific problem. Confirm that the fill tube is tightly fitted and directed toward the overflow tube, and adjust the float to ensure the fill valve functions correctly.
Prevention Tips: While you can’t avoid toilet issues, you can prevent them by regularly inspecting your toilet components to ensure they’re in excellent condition.
Plumbing issues are never in between; they’re either minor or significant and can be frustrating. If you live in Utah and need expert help with your home’s plumbing, JBK Plumbers are here to assist you.
Whether a pipe leak, drain clog, or an issue with your tankless water heater, we have the human resources and tools to correct all plumbing faults effectively. Call us today at 801 – 874 – 7976.