When it comes to plumbing, there are many misconceptions about what goes on behind the scenes. Most people assume that the work of a plumber is all glamorous and fun, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Behind every beautiful kitchen or bathroom is an unending stream of dirty pipes and water lines that need constant maintenance and repair. In fact, plumbing problems are some of the most common calls for professional plumbing services. This article will explain some of the most common sources of plumbing problems so you can avoid them in the future.
Leaking Pipes
As the name suggests, leaking pipes are the most common source of plumbing problems. As water travels through your home’s pipes, it is constantly losing tiny amounts of water through tiny cracks and openings throughout the system. As water is constantly moving through your pipes, it is inevitable that some will eventually find its way out. Small leaks are easy to ignore and may only cause minor annoyances such as a drip-drop sound in the bathroom or a few drips in the laundry room. However, if left untreated, small leaks can quickly become large and unwieldy problems that are extremely difficult to deal with. In some cases, leaks can be caused by something as simple as a kink in the pipes or a build-up of scale and minerals in the water supply. It is important to seek prompt and professional assistance if you suspect that you have a leaking pipe. Even small leaks can cause serious damage to your home’s structure, potentially leading to an expensive repair at a later date.
Burst or Broken Pipes
Another common source of plumbing problems is broken or burst pipes. These pipes are typically found in the larger distribution pipes throughout a house. Burst or broken pipes are extremely disruptive and can be extremely difficult to repair. In some cases, you may not even know that a pipe has broken until you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet and nothing comes out. Broken pipes can be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with immediately by a professional. Broken pipes can cause flooding, structural damage, and contamination of your home’s water supply. It is important to keep an eye on your pipes and look for signs of potential problems. If you notice water bubbling or hissing out of a pipe or if water is constantly running out of your faucets, it may be time to call a plumber.
Clogged Drains
If your drains are clogged, the water in your home will back up and create a nightmare scenario. Clogged drains can be incredibly difficult to unclog, requiring the assistance of a plumber and potentially harmful chemicals. It is important to keep an eye on your drains and look for signs of potential problems. If water is constantly backing up into your tub or if you hear a gurgling sound coming out of the pipes, it may be time to call a plumber. In some cases, you may be able to resolve the problem on your own with simple tools and techniques.
Overflowing Toilets and Showers
Another common source of plumbing problems is the overflowing toilet and/or shower. Overflowing toilets are extremely disruptive and can be extremely difficult to repair. Overflowing showers are typically caused by faulty shut-off valves that constantly open and close. This leads to a build-up of water in the pipes, causing the shower to continuously run and overflow. In some cases, overflowing showers can be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with immediately by a plumber. Overflowing toilets and showers can cause serious damage to your floors, walls, and ceilings. It is important to keep an eye on your pipes and look for signs of potential problems.
Drain cleaning chemicals
Many people believe that you can clean your drains with regular household cleaners, such as bleach and vinegar. While these chemicals can be extremely damaging to your pipes, they will not clean your drains. If you attempt to clean your drains with these chemicals, they will only harm the pipes further and make the problem worse. When cleaning your drains, it is essential to use a specialized cleaning solution designed specifically for drains. These chemicals are extremely caustic and harmful to humans and should be handled with extreme care. It is important to clean your drains regularly to avoid clogging and potential plumbing problems.
Conclusion
In short, there are many common sources of plumbing problems. Leaking pipes, broken pipes, clogged drains, and overflowing toilets and showers are just a few sources of plumbing problems that can happen at any time. This article explained some of the most common sources of plumbing problems, so you can avoid them in the future.