DIY Plumbing Tips
- August 23, 2019
Some Common Plumbing Problems….
Clogged drains. A homeowner’s first instinct for a drain clog can be to use a common drain cleaner. But buyer beware, sometimes using these chemicals several times on the same clog or using it incorrectly can cause more serious damage to the sink or tub clog. It can also damage your plumbing system. Clogs can appear to be in more than one location, so it is to a homeowner’s advantage to call on the services of a professional plumber.
Clogged toilets. Toilet clogs are a very common plumbing issue. Sometimes a simple plunger can do the trick. If that doesn’t work, a plumber will use something called a toilet auger. This is a long, flexible tool with springs that is inserted into the toilet or main drain to spirally rotate down to break up the clog.
Leaking or dripping faucets. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is usually due to the age of the faucet. Since a consistent leak can waste gallons of water over a short period of time, this is something that should be taken care of as soon as possible. A cartridge, a worn rubber washer or an O-ring can typically be the problem.
Toilet issues. A continuously running toilet or a toilet that won’t flush at all are common toilet problems which should be taken care of right away. Most times it is a bad flapper. After the toilet is flushed, the valve may not go back into place, causing the water to empty completely out of the tank. Sometimes a jiggle of the handle may remedy the situation; but if not, the mechanism will need to be replaced. Other problems could be due to a disconnected chain or the water supply valve may be blocked. For either of these instances, a professional plumber should be called right away.
Some simple plumbing checks you can do ……
Check your pipes. Over time, pipes can become corroded with rust and cause pinhole leaks quickly.
Low water pressure? If you notice you have low water pressure, you may have a buildup of sediment in the lines or you may have a clogged aerator in your faucet. When you don’t see the water going down the drain in a quick manner, as in a swirling motion, that may be warning signs of a possible backup.
Shut off the water in an emergency. Know where the shut off value is to the house. Shutting off the water can prevent serious damage to your home.
In cold/winter weather, turn all outside spigots to the off position and drain the hose before the cold season begins. Disconnect the hose from the spigot and store the hose inside. Also, in cold weather, a very common problem can be frozen pipes. This can lead to major water damage to your home. One way to prevent that situation is to insulate pipes with foam insulation to avoid any freezing.