You don't realize how much you rely on plumbing until something goes wrong. A dripping faucet here, a slow drain there — it's natural to have plumbing issues as your home ages. Some of these issues are simple enough to tackle on your own. Others may pose some risks and should be left to the professionals. Knowing the most common plumbing problems and solutions allows you to know when to reach for your tool belt and when to call a plumber.
- Leaky Faucets And Pipes
What Causes the Problem: A dripping faucet is typically caused by damage to the washer that forms the seal on the tap. When this happens, the washer no longer seals tightly, allowing water to drip from the faucet. Leaks can happen as a result of deterioration, shifting, high water pressure, or other damage.
How to Fix: In faucets, replacing the washer that is causing the leak solves the problem. This is a do-it-yourself project, but replacing the washer is easier with specialized tools, so you may want to hire a plumber. Even if you only need to replace a simple U-joint, it's sometimes easier to hire a professional to avoid a major mess.
How to Avoid: It is often difficult to avoid natural wear from regular use. Leaking faucets are unavoidable over time. Reduce wear by slowly turning faucets on and off and avoiding excessive pressure on the handles. Leaky pipes are difficult to prevent, but regular inspection can detect the problem early. Look for any signs of moisture or small drips. Visible rusting or white lime deposits can indicate the possibility of leaking.
- Water Heater Issues
What Causes the Problem: Water heater problems, such as a lack of hot water, are sometimes caused by leaks. The deposits can reduce the efficiency of the water heater, resulting in a reduction in the supply of hot water throughout your home. Sediment can also cause strange sounds from your water heater, which are caused by sediment heating and exploding or scale buildup on heating elements.
How to Fix: If the water heater is gas, check the pilot light. The unit will not produce hot water if the pilot light is not turned on. Examine the temperature setting to ensure it has not been accidentally reduced. Drain the water tank to flush out the sediment if you suspect mineral deposits are the problem. If you notice water pooling on the floor, contact a plumber because the tank is most likely leaking and will need to be replaced by a professional.
How to Avoid Water Heater Problems: Maintaining your hot water heater allows it to run more efficiently and thus avoids problems. Check the pressure valve on a regular basis. To remove sediment, flush the tank on a regular basis. Examine the tank on a regular basis for drips and leaks that could indicate a larger problem.
- Drains And Toilets Clogged
What Causes the Problem: Slow or clogged drains occur when something gets caught in the drain. Hair is frequently the culprit in sinks and showers, but other items, such as a shampoo lid or small toy, can enter the drain and clog it. When something other than dissolvable waste enters the toilet and is flushed, the problem arises. Because those solid items cannot move through the pipe, they remain in place, making water flow past the blockage and down the pipes difficult or impossible.
How to Fix: Use a plunger to help remove the clog. To create suction, place the plunger's open end completely over the drain and move it up and down. If you can get the blockage close enough, grab it with tweezers or pliers and pull it out of the drain. If you are unable to remove the blockage with a plunger, chemical drain cleaners are an option.
Avoid toilet clogs by flushing only dissolvable waste products down the toilet. If something falls into the toilet, get it out rather than flushing it. Use a hair catcher over the drain in the shower to keep loose strands from accumulating inside the drain pipe.
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