Plumbing issues can vary greatly and can range from a small nuisance to literal catastrophes. How you respond to early signs, however, is what could make the difference between the two. Being able to identify problems early, and taking the right steps either to stop them or reduce the damage could allow you to save a lot of money and headaches. Let's take a look at some of the most common plumbing issues homeowners should be ready to deal with, and what can be done.
Overflowing Drains
This is probably one of the most common problems you’ll have to deal with. It’s also one of the most distressing. Major drain issues can get scary and lead to flooding. The first thing you have to assess is if you're dealing with faulty pipes or a sewer line issue. If it’s just one drain backing up, then the problem is probably local. But if multiple drains are having issues, you might need to have your drains unclogged by a professional drain cleaning plumber near you. Whatever you do, refrain from pouring down chemicals down the drain as they can cause additional damage.
Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets are a very common issue. In most cases, it is caused by too much material down the drain. In other cases, it might be caused by something else, like low water pressure, for instance. All it takes to usually take care of a clogged toilet is a plunger, but you can also use something like a drain auger or sewer snake if you still can’t unclog it. If you keep getting issues, call a professional.
Running Toilet
This is another common issue, but one a lot of people don’t give too much importance to. However, a toilet that is constantly running could end up running your water bill way up as a single running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons every day.
The good news here is that this is often something you can fix yourself. In most cases, this is caused by a bad flapper valve which is responsible for controlling the water flow between the tank and your toilet bowl. You can find a repair kit in most home hardware stores and the process is fairly straightforward.
Low Water Pressure
While low water pressure can affect how well your toilet flushes, it can affect your whole system. In some cases, it might be because pipes became damaged over time. However, in some cases, minerals and sediments may have built up on aerators.
To fix this, all you have to do is soak aerators in an acidic solution, like vinegar. In the case the issue is in the shower, you could try soaking your showerhead into vinegar and see what happens. If all else fails, this could be a sign of a serious issue and you'll need professional help.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues need to be addressed straight away if you want to avoid them deteriorating. If you can’t fix them on your own, always make sure that you have a good plumber’s number on hand in case anything happens.
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