It is often easy to overlook your home plumbing system until a stubborn issue pops up. While a few problems may result from normal wear and tear or aging fixtures, others arise from how you use and maintain certain plumbing systems and fixtures. In this article, we delve into the most common plumbing problems and how you can resolve them to avoid reoccurrence.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can occur in the tub drain, kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or in various drain pipes in the entire home. Hair is usually the main culprit in the bathroom while grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps can block kitchen sinks.
You can tell if your drains are clogged if water happens to drain slowly or entirely backs up. Other signs include foul odors from the blocked drains, an increase in drain flies, and gurgling sounds when water drains. Multiple drains that have backed up could indicate a larger clog, mostly in the main line.
To fix simple clogs in the bathroom drain or kitchen sink, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, followed by boiling water. You can rely on hydro jetting to eliminate larger clogs, especially in the main line. For this one, leave the job to professionals.
Shower and Faucet Leaks
While it may be easy to spot a leaky shower head or faucet, it is equally easy to ignore it, leading to a rise in water bills. A dripping faucet can be due to a worn-out O ring or washer, which is easily replaceable.
In severe cases, the drip can be caused by corrosion or improper faucet installation. If replacing the O ring or washer doesn’t fix your dripping faucet, engage an expert plumber to diagnose the issue further.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can result from numerous factors, such as sediment accumulation or mineral buildup in pipes, a faulty pressure regulator, and a partially closed water valve. Leaks in the entire home’s plumbing system and main water line issues in your locality can also contribute to this problem.
Confirm with your neighbors if they are experiencing the same water pressure problems. This will help you determine if the issue stems from the water supply company. Ensure your water valve is fully open and assess showerheads and faucets individually. The solution can be as simple as removing debris from the aerator or as extensive as getting professional replacements.
Running Toilet
A constantly running toilet happens due to a malfunction in the flushing mechanism. The culprit is often a faulty flapper valve. This is the rubber component located in the toilet tank that goes up when flushing to facilitate water flow from the tank into the toilet bowl.
A poorly sealed flapper leads to constant water leaks into the toilet bowl. An issue with the float mechanism or fill valve can also trigger a running toilet. Engage a plumber to replace faulty components and minimize water wastage.
Jammed Garbage Disposal
You can tell if your garbage disposal unit is jammed or blocked if the usual grinding noise is missing when you switch on the disposal. When the motor runs, you may hear a distinct sound indicating that the food is not being processed. In most cases, the impellers in charge of chopping up waste are usually stuck.
Another sign of jammed garbage disposal is slower water drainage from the sink when operating the disposal. Never attempt to remove obstruction from a jammed garbage disposal with bare hands. It is best to leave the job to a professional.
No worries if you are already experiencing any of these common plumbing problems. All of them are highly preventable and easy to fix. Where you feel stuck, engage a professional plumber to avoid reoccurrence.
