Common House Plumbing Problems and Solutions

Plumbing problems can arise at any time and can affect every home. Often, Some of these problems are easy to spot while others are complex. Fixing plumbing issues can be expensive and that’s why training yourself on how to fix them can be an advantage. It is always good to know how to fix some of the common problems in the house to save on cost. Plumbing issues commonly experienced at home include running toilets, dripping faucets, sewage busts, and pipe leakages. To solve plumbing problems,  you must equip yourself with some basic skills. It is also good to have a good plumbing company on hand such as Anytime Plumbing.

1.   Leaking Toilet Issues

It is common to experience a running toilet situation at home. Some of the causes of this problem include leaky Flush valves,  toilet flapper or fill valve. A running toilet uses much water when flushing. Eventually, water bills will skyrocket leaving you with more costs to cover. Once you figure out the cause of the problem, it is advisable to deal with it immediately. 

Another common plumbing issue is experiencing a clogged toilet. A toilet can clog due to a collection of paper and human waste in the drain or if any insoluble waste finds itself in the toilet. This mixture eventually fills the toilet bowl and fails to drain. Clogged toilets are usually fixed with a plunger which helps to dump the waste. In case this method fails, a drain auger or a sewer snake can also be used. The CEO of www.qualityplumbingandgas.com.au recommends the use of a plunger for safety purposes. If you are not a DIY person, you could contract an experienced plumber for help.

3.   Clogged Drainage Pipes

This is a common problem that may result in slow draining of sink water or bathroom water. It is caused by a collection of waste like food remnants in the kitchen. In bathrooms, it is caused by tangled hair and soap. It is a good idea to drain the debris once there is a blockage.  One way to handle this is through using the Zip-it, which is a handy plumbing tool used to remove a blockage. Alternatively, you can also use the pop-up to remove the debris and clean. Pop-ups are mostly held tight using a nut connected to the drain just below the sink.

Bathrooms at home may clog due to tangles of hair and soap. Removing the blockage may need a plunger or simple clippers. Alternatively, one can use baking soda and vinegar in the blockage,  which dissolves the clog. It is good to deal with this issue once detected since it worsens over time. To prevent reccurrence, buy a drain guard to restrict hair from passing through.  Alternatively, contact a company like Morris Jenkins to come and take care of the clogged drain issue, so you know you have gained a professional opinion on the situation. 

Here are some tips to help you unclog a shower drain using a plunger:

• Apply petroleum jelly to the end of the suction pad to increase the seal.
• Submerge the edge of the plunger by ensuring there is much water in the shower
• Strongly plunge systematically.

3.    Dripping Faucets

Almost everyone has had experiences with this problem since it is very familiar. This issue can increase the water bills, making you waste a lot of money in the long run.  A dripping faucet can waste many liters of water in a year if left unchecked. Dripping is mostly caused by a stiff, worn, torn, and dislodged internal washers. This issue requires the right tools to solve, but often householders can fix it by replacing the washer with a new one.

4.    Low Water Pressure

Another common problem that most households experience is low water pressure. This commonly happens in the shower or at the sink faucet. When this trouble occurs,  check if both hot and cold water is affected. If it is the case, the low water pressure is probably caused by the aerator due to deposits of Calcium in the faucet. Fixing a blocked aerator is an effortless task. To clean it, you have to remove the faucet aerator and remove any waste and return it carefully.

5.    Slow Draining Tub

This is a common problem that most households have to deal with on a daily basis. Thankfully, fixing this issue is also easy.  Drainage slows down when hair accumulates in the tub drain— slowing down the flow of water out of the pipe. In this case, the pair of needle nose pliers and a Zip-it tool can be used to remove the debris. It is always good to fix this problem immediately to avoid clogging the drainage. 

6.    Faulty Water Heaters

No one enjoys it when the water suddenly turns cold when they are in the shower. However, this is the only way to notice if your water heater is faulty.  There are many causes of faulty water heating systems. The common cause of this problem is the gathering of sediments. Sediments accumulated in the water tank can cause the water heaters to fail. In some cases, the problem can be caused by a faulty thermostat. Unless you have some experience with electricity, it is better to have an electrician deal with this case. 

7.    Jammed Garbage Disposal

It is among the common plumbing problems in this rank since most people lose the key to the disposal bin. Thankfully, you can use an Allen Wrench to unjam the garbage disposal. Aim at the bottom of the disposition. An Allen wrench will turn in all directions to free the motor.

Those are some of the most common plumbing issues at home. With knowledge, you can handle some of the problems well discussed above and minimize the cost. Although some plumbing issues may be technical, it is advisable to have some basic knowledge of common issues. You should be able to fix simple problems such as leaking faucets or a clogged toilet. In either case, you should call a plumber if the situation gets out of hand. Always remember to wear protective gear when dealing with drains. Use a dust coat, nose mask, and a pair of gloves.

8. Strange Water Smells

Strange water smells can be really unsettling and point to various underlying issues in your water system. Common odors include rotten eggs, musty or earthy smells, and chlorine. A sulfurous “rotten egg” smell is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide, which forms from decaying organic matter or certain bacteria in the water supply. Musty or earthy smells often indicate the presence of algae, mold, or bacteria in the water. A strong chlorine odor is usually due to high levels of chlorine used in municipal water treatment.

Installing a whole home water system from Leaf Home is often an effective solution. By installing a new, high-quality filtration system, all water entering your home is thoroughly treated. This system can remove contaminants responsible for unpleasant odors, including bacteria, sulfur, and excess chlorine. Additionally, it gives you consistent water quality throughout your home, providing clean, fresh-smelling water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

However, it’s also a good idea to deal with the problem that’s causing the buildup of those smells. As such, it’s vital to seek a professional to help you examine your plumbing first before you install or change anything.