Plumbing issues affect home and business operations. They may also cost a bit, especially if it’s an entire system that is damaged. This post lists down the most common pipe issues and how they can be sorted.
Contents
9 Plumbing Problems and Repairs
1. Leaking Pipes
Most pipes in modern establishments are made of PEX. In old ones, however, some are still made of copper. It is still considered stronger than PEX, but copper reacts easily to changes in temperature. It expands and contracts and, eventually, breaks or corrodes.
To prevent pipes from bursting during winter, keep a set thermostat for your water line. It may also help to allow a bit of cold water to drip from the faucet with an exposed pipe.
2. Dripping Faucet
A faulty faucet wastes gallons of water and money on bills. It usually results from it being dislodged, worn out, or too stiff. The O-ring, the rubber part that holds the handle in place, may also be worn out. In this case, the leak will be seen at the base of the handle. Fixing it may need replacement or disassembling the parts and reattaching them back.
This problem may also be coming from a bad valve seat or aerator. The valve seat is the part that holds the faucet and spout in place, while the aerator is the mesh filter at the end of the spigot. When either wears out or loosens, mineral deposits can accumulate and corrode it. Simply replace it with a new one in the correct size so the water doesn’t leak through.
3. Faulty Water Heater
There are multiple issues that can cause a water heater to not work. For the most part, you need a professional plumber’s skills to fix them.
Here are the two most common water heater issues in households:
Inadequate Water Pressure or Temperature
Water heaters come in various sizes and types. One that is built for a 1-bedroom apartment will not suffice the needs of a 4-bedroom house and vice versa. This is so because the heating elements in a water heater need proper cooling cycles to function well, and a strong water pressure can break small parts.
Rusty and Corroded Water Heater
Rusting and corrosion result from environmental changes. A water heater set up outdoors is prone to deterioration faster than one that is in an enclosed space.
4. Toilet Issues
A constantly running toilet can be costly, and the most common culprit is a loose flapper valve. This is the part that controls the water passing from the tank to the bowl. The fix is a simple replacement using a toilet repair kit.
Another common toilet plumbing issue is a clogged bowl. This can be caused by tissue paper or human waste blockage. Using a plunger or a drain auger can help fix the problem.
5. Slow Draining Sink
A slow or non-draining sink is clogged. In the kitchen area, it could be food remnants, hardened oil, and sponge bits. In the bathroom, it could be soap or hair strands. The common household solutions include:
- Using a plunger
- Pouring vinegar and baking soda into the drain
- Pouring a chemical clog remover in the drain
- Using a sewer snake
6. Low Shower Head Water Pressure
A low water pressure can be caused by a build-up of sediment and mineral deposits on aerators. Soaking the shower head in vinegar can help clean it. Here’s how to do it:
- Dismantle the shower head.
- Scrub off mineral deposits and hardened soap using a toothbrush soaked in vinegar.
- Use a safety pin or toothpick to poke off loose deposits in the small holes.
- Rinse with water.
- Soak it in vinegar overnight to dissolve hard to remove deposits.
7. Flooding Sewer System
Flooding from the sewage is commonly caused by flushed down napkins, tissues, diapers, and other solid materials. It may also result from hardened grease. Sometimes, tree roots crush the pipes. Deterioration from hot or cold weather may also cause it.
Unless one is seasoned in fixing pipelines, a clogged sewer system is best resolved by a professional.
8. Jammed Garbage Disposal
Running a garbage disposal without water and disposing of large vegetable peels and husks can jam it. Dropping silverware inside can also cause problems. It needs to be opened to be fixed if the reset button doesn’t work. Garbage disposal systems usually come with a key that seals and unlocks them. Once opened, take an Allen wrench to free the motor.
9. Leaking Slabs
Slab leaks occur when a pipe that runs beneath the foundation of a structure breaks. This leaks water into the foundation and can destroy the entire establishment. The only solution for this is to phone a plumber for an immediate inspection.
The Bottom Line
With all that said, here are some DIY plumbing tips to keep in mind:
- Before starting any type of repair, turn off the main source. This is to prevent your house from being flooded by water from an open line.
- Plumbing repair can get you and the area soaking wet. Make sure that there are no electrical wiring or plugs nearby.
- Investing in good quality plumbing tools can help you get fixes done immediately, especially if you’re DIY-ing.
- Save a professional plumber’s phone number. Bobby Blue Plumbing is a trusted company in the Fontana area. They provide maintenance, repair, and installation services to residential and commercial clients.
Let the Pros Fix Your Plumbing Problems
Acting fast is key to preventing matters from getting worse. While DIY and simple household solutions work, it is not always the case. Having a trusted plumber in the locality will save you a fortune in the long run.
If you need a plumber in Fontana, contact Bobby Blue Plumbing! We’ll answer your plumbing questions, give you a fair quote, or head to your place immediately for an emergency fix. We take pride in the use of tiny waterproof video cameras to inspect pipelines. It lessens the guesswork. Plus, we get to check the problem without the need to dig a hole in your yard or break your flooring.
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