What are The Common Plumbing Problems That Need Your Attention Immediately?
Issues with the plumbing are never pleasant. While no problem is welcome, plumbing problems may make even the simplest tasks like washing your hands or taking a shower impossible. And plumbing issues are either extremely easy and cheap to repair or pricey enough to pay for a vacation.
That’s why checking for plumbing problems before starting a kitchen or bathroom renovation is crucial. Thus, it goes without saying that hiring shady plumbers can invite grave consequences.
However, even if your plumbing was done by experts, normal day-to-day usage coupled with careless actions (such as putting oil and grease down the sink) can eventually lead to the need for repair.
Self-diagnosing plumbing issues or explaining them to plumbers may be challenging. Here are a few typical plumbing issues you might face and have to call professional plumbing services.
Toilets and Drains Clogged
Water that backs up as you try to drain a sink or shower indicates a blocked drain. It’s usually easier to see the early warning symptoms of a clogged toilet. The water does not drain out of the bowl as it should and may even overflow. When a blockage is removed, your drains or toilet are usually back to normal, whether you do it yourself or hire a plumber.
Use a plunger to break up any clogs in drains or toilets. You may use a plunger in either a toilet or a drain. The easy-to-use plumbing device uses air pressure to break through obstructions. To produce suction, position the plunger’s open end directly over the drain and work it up and down. If you can draw the clump in the drain near enough, it is easy to remove using tweezers or pliers. If you’ve tried using a plunger without success, try calling a plumbing service company for professional help.
Drains Very Slowly
One of the most commonly occurring plumbing issues is a sink that takes too long to drain. The pop-up used to seal the sink often becomes a dumping ground for hair and other detritus. Debris must be removed from the drain before water may flow freely again.
A helpful instrument for this purpose is the Zip-it, which may be used to remove obstructions from pipes and drains. The alternative is to get rid of the pop-up and tidy things up. Most pop-ups have a nut that screws onto the drain beneath the sink; you may remove this nut with your hands or pliers. The pop-up may be cleaned and replaced once the nut has been removed.
Water Heater Failure
You may not notice an issue with the water temperature until you get in the shower. A water heater may break down for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, you have to relight the pilot after it has gone out. Problems also arise from silt accumulation in the tank. The thermostat might be at fault the next time, however.
Unless the problem is really simple, like the pilot light going out and having to be relit, you should have a professional examine, maintain, and repair your water heater.
Faulty Plumbing
Damage to furniture and flooring and the proliferation of pests like cockroaches are all consequences of leaky pipes. Joints between pipes are a common source of leaks.
Temporary repairs using tape, compounds, and fillers are common, but if the problem persists, you may need to replace the affected section of pipe or its fittings. You may need a residential plumbing service here.
Although the average homeowner may replace the washer, a plumber would have an easier time of it due to the need for specialized equipment. Pipe leak repair may range from easy to quite difficult. It’s best to let an expert do the work, even if it’s as easy as replacing a U-joint, to prevent making a huge mess.
Should You Get a Plumber or Fix it Yourself?
DIY plumbing projects may save you money in the short term, but if you make a mistake, it might end up costing you much more in the long run. If you want to try to solve a plumbing problem on your own, keep these things in mind:
- Be sure you have a firm grasp of both the issue and the solution. Do not attempt a project of this magnitude without first consulting an expert.
- Get your hands on every piece of equipment and material you’ll need. Getting far into a project and then realizing you need more resources is the worst. Ensure everything you purchase fits precisely and can be used with your plumbing.
- Turn off the main water valve to stop any more flooding inside the house.
- Put on your used clothing. The task of a plumber involves a lot of dirt and grime.
- If things go south with the job, you should have a plumber on speed dial.
Here are some things to consider before calling a plumber:
- Pick a licensed plumber in your area.
- If you want to prevent significant delays with your plumbing repairs, it’s best to call a plumber right away.
- In case of emergency, one should always contact a licensed plumber.
- Get your explanation ready, just in case.