Plumbing problems come in all types and sizes. They could be relatively minor and inexpensive issues such as running toilets and leaking faucets, or far more serious ones like blocked sewer systems and major pipe leakages. These problems are never desirable, and they can make your life difficult, uncomfortable, unhealthy, and unsafe. Some of them could result in thousands of dollars worth of repair bills. If you want to avoid frustrations associated with plumbing issues, you will have to be on the lookout for the signs of some of these common plumbing problems.
1. Clogged or Slow Drains
If your drains have started functioning in an oddly sluggish manner, this is a signal of a potentially clogged drain. It could also be an indication that there is some blockage inside the pipes. In such a situation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber to have it fixed. The buildup of things such as food, soap, dirt, hair, and anything else you wash down your drain is the number one cause of clogged and slow drains.
2. Dripping Faucets
Are you aware of how wasted water can cause water bill spikes? A single leaky faucet can drop away a hundred gallons of water over a year if left unattended. In most cases, leaking faucets are caused by internal washers becoming stiff, worn out, torn, or displaced over time. Dripping faucets can be fixed even by an average homeowner provided that they have the right tools.
3. Clogged Toilet
There is nothing more stressful than being unable to use a toilet when in need of one. It is a common plumbing emergency in many homes. When your toilet stops flushing, that means you have a clog. According to a Cape Cod plumber, toilet clogs are caused by blockages in the toilet pipes due to toilet paper, human waste, and anything else that may not have drained properly. You can fix this problem on your own using a toilet plunger. If the plunger doesn’t fix the problem, then it means the problem could need a professional plumber to get the toilet pipes cleared and cleaned.
4. Clogged Bathroom or Shower Drain
Your bathroom sinks, bath, and shower drains may also have a slow drainage problem. This generally happens when there is a blockage down the drain due to hair clogs, soaps, and other kinds of debris. Fixing this problem could be as simple as using a plunger or a snake to clear the blockage. Additionally, vinegar and baking soda can be used to dissolve the blocking clog. Another hack to prevent this problem is installing a drain guard to catch potential blockages such as the hair. Note, however, the problem usually gets worse over time if not fixed immediately. This means that it may cost you hefty expenses in the future.
5. Low Water Pressure
Are you experiencing low water pressure at your home or office? Then the cause could be leaking pipes that may have been broken, worn out, or corroded over time. This is especially common in older homes. The buildup of sediments and mineral deposits on aerators is another major cause of low water pressure. In such a situation, you may consider soaking the aerators, showerheads, and the related parts in vinegar to have them cleaned – or have them replaced. However, if this problem persists don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing professional.
Plumbing problems at our homes may not give us a knock on the door when they are about to occur. However, as highlighted above, some of the common plumbing problems can be fixed or even prevented. Most importantly, you need to be on the lookout for initial signs of a potential plumbing problem before it costs you money.
