You probably already know that plumbing problems can be expensive, inconvenient, and stressful. They’re also pretty scary, especially if you don’t know how to fix them yourself! Luckily, most plumbing problems can be prevented with routine maintenance and common sense. However, it is important to know the difference between minor issues and more significant problems. This way, when something does go wrong, you have a better chance of solving it with less damage to your home. The following is a list of the most common plumbing problems and how to address them:
Blocked or Clogged Drain
A clogged or partially clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems. This can happen for a variety of reasons. If your home has an unbalanced plumbing system, for example, water can start leaking from the toilet into the nearby pipes. This can cause dirt and debris to build up, eventually blocking the toilet itself. Another common reason is from eating food that is too heavy for your plumbing system to handle. If your water is high in sugar or fat, it can cause scale buildup in your pipes.If you live in an older home with cast iron pipes, you’re more likely to experience clogs. This is because the material doesn’t expand and contract like plastic or copper pipes do. This can lead to water backups and other issues.
Leaking Wastes
Leaks are often caused by a slow drip, which can be difficult to pinpoint. You can try to trace the source of water by placing a bucket or bucket with a pail float in the area of the drip. If you do this at night while everyone is sleeping, you can solve the problem without having to disturb anyone. If the drip is from your hot water tank, you can fix it by turning off the water supply and then adding sealant around the water temperature control valve.If the drip is from the shower, faucet, or another place where you can see the water, you can use a bucket with a pail float to trace the source of the water. You can then shut off the water supply at the main shutoff valve and add sealant around the water supply line.If the drip is inside your home, you can use a video camera to view the source. You can then shut off the water supply at the main shutoff valve and add sealant around the water supply line.
Clogged or Frozen Pipes
There are a few things that can cause a frozen pipe. If it’s a branch line, you might have a frozen groundhog or a frost-covered tree that touches the line. If it’s a main line, it could be the result of a broken water pipe above it that spills water into the line. Frozen pipes are a common problem in the winter months, but they can happen any time of year. There are several ways to thaw a frozen pipe. You can increase the temperature in the room, thaw it with heat from a blow dryer, or even use a propane torch to thaw the pipe.If you live in a home with cast iron pipes, you may be dealing with a clogged main due to tree roots or other debris. You can try using a propane torch to thaw the pipe, cleaning out the clog, and replacing the pipe if necessary. For PVC pipes, you can try using hot water and chemicals to thaw the pipe. PVC pipes usually have a thaw time of between one and two hours. You can also try to thaw the pipe with hot water from a faucet.
Dryer Repair
If you use a clothes dryer, it’s important to have it serviced every year or so. This way, you can prevent costly repairs. If you notice that the dryer isn’t operating as efficiently as it used to, it might be time for a repair. If you notice that the dryer is taking longer to dry your clothes than it used to, it might be time to replace the belt. If you notice that your dryer isn’t heating the clothes at all, it might be time to replace the timer.If you notice that your dryer isn’t getting hot enough to properly dry your clothes, there are a few things you can try. Check the thermostat to make sure it isn’t set too high. Next, check the heating element. If it is dirty and blackened, it might need to be cleaned. If the heating element is clean but isn’t getting hot enough, you can try adjusting the thermostat.
Hot Water Dispenser Problems
Hot water dispenser problems are another common plumbing issue. You might notice that you’re having to turn the faucet on and off to get water out of the dispenser. This could be a sign that the shutoff valve is faulty. You can try turning off the water supply at the main shutoff valve, then turning the water supply back on. If the problem continues, you should call a plumber to fix it.Hot water dispenser problems can also be caused by a buildup of minerals in the water. This can happen if your home has a well, but it can also happen if you’re using a water softener.
Toilet Problems
Toilet problems are common, and there are multiple different issues that could be causing them. If your toilet keeps running, you can try shutting the supply line off at the main shutoff valve. If the toilet won’t flush, you can try unclogging the toilet. If you notice that your toilet is constantly running, you can try adjusting the float switch.If your toilet runs continuously, you should first try shutting the supply line at the main shutoff valve. If that doesn’t work, you can try adjusting the float switch. If your toilet is leaking, you can try adjusting the float switch. If your toilet is constantly backing up, you can try adjusting the float switch.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several different plumbing problems that can occur at any time. Thankfully, most problems can be prevented with routine maintenance and common sense. If you’re unsure of how to fix a problem, contact a plumber. The best way to prevent plumbing problems from occurring in the first place is to schedule a plumbing inspection every year. This way, you can catch issues before they become a full-blown crisis.