7 Most Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them

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Plumbing Issues

Plumbing is a critical part of any house, and plumbing issues are usually not the kind you can just brush to the side. In many cases, plumbing problems are not that serious and can be fixed on your own. But in others, it could be a sign of a more serious issue with your plumbing or even at the structural level. This is why all issues should be taken very seriously and attended to immediately. Here are some of the most common plumbing issues homeowners have to face, and a few tips on how to prevent and fix them.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure issues usually show up when trying to turn on the taps in the kitchen or toilet. If you have low water pressure, you first have to know where it’s coming from. Check if the issue is with either cold or hot water, or both. If both water temperatures are being affected, then that could be a sign that there’s an issue with the aerator.

One of the many reasons why aerators have issues is because calcium starts to build up. The good news here is that a clogged aerator is something that can be easily fixed. All you have to do is take it out, clean any build up or debris, and put it back in. You can then check if everything is back to normal. If not, then it could be a sign of something more serious.
Low Water Pressure

Slow Draining Sink

This is one of the most common plumbing issues people have to deal with, and chances are you’ll have to deal with a slow draining sink at one point. The issue with a slow draining sink is that it can be caused by all sorts of problems, some more serious than others.

In many cases, the pop up that is responsible for blocking debris is clogged by hair and other things. So, you’ll have to unclog it to get the water flowing. One thing you could do is use a Zip-it, which is a tool that can reach into the drain and pull out any debris that is there. Another thing you could do is remove the pop up and clean it yourself. In most cases, pop ups are attached with a nut under the sink that you can easily unscrew using pliers or by hand. All you have to do is take it out, clean it, and put it back in.

Another thing you should do is check if there are any issues with the sink overflow. The overflow is there to direct water out of the sink in case it rises too high. But it also serves another important function: allowing air to flow into the drain when there’s water in the sink. This air allows water to flow more quickly down the drain. This is why you should check if it isn’t clogged as well.

You can also use a commercial drain cleaner, but this is not always recommended. You could easily make your own mild cleaner by mixing vinegar and baking soda. You first need to pour a small panful of boiling water down the drain and ad one half a cup of baking soda and one half a cup of vinegar. If you can, you cover the drain using a stopper to force the reaction down, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
Wait 10 minutes, pour another panful of boiling water, and run hot water down the tap.

If that still doesn’t work, then there could be something more serious, like pipes deteriorating for instance. In this case, you’ll have no choice but to call in help. If you’re located in Southern California, a team like wecareteam.com could help. They have over 12 plumbers on staff that will be able to help with any issues, whether it’s a clogged drain, or if you suspect that you are having more important drainage issues like roots entering your drain system. They’ll be able to run a full diagnosis and tell you the steps that will need to be taken to fix the situation without causing additional damage.

Slow Draining Tub

A slow draining tub is another common issue, and hair is often the cause here. Once again, you could use a Zip-it to clear it and catch anything that might be clogging the drain. You could also use needle nose pliers. However, know that you may have to remove a stopper before you can get to any debris.
Slow Draining Tub
It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the drain if you don’t want to experience issues. If left unattended for too long, your drain could end up being clogged entirely.

Running Toilet

A running toilet can be aggravating and caused by many issues. There are many reasons why your toilet might be running, and some might be more serious than others. You’ll first have to identify what is the exact cause of the water running and address it. It could be caused by a faulty toilet flapper, or a leaky flush valve. Both of these can be fixed on your own, but don’t hesitate to call in help if you’re unsure.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals get jammed all the time, and this is especially true with older models. These usually come with a nifty key, but many people end up losing those. However, there are some alternatives that you can use. For example, an ¼ inch Allen wrench could work too. Just insert it in the whole at the bottom of the device and turn it both ways in order to free the motor.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are one of the most frustrating issues with plumbing, and also one of the most common. Depending on your climate, leaky pipes can be the result of water freezing and expanding into the pipes. In most cases, leaks will start appearing around the joints, so it’s important that you keep a close eye on any signs of water accumulation in the ceilings or the ground. Leaky pipes can lead to very serious structural damage to your house, so make sure that you address them immediately.
Leaky Pipes

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are another frustrating issue almost all homeowners will have to deal with. Not only is it frustrating, but it can end up wasting a lot of water and run up your water bills. As a matter of fact, one single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons every year.

However, the issue is often one that can easily be fixed. In many cases, an internal washer may have become loose, dislodged, stiff, torn, or damaged over time. In these cases, you could fix it yourself if you have the proper tools. But if you don’t, you should definitely work with a professional, even if it seems like a small job.

All these plumbing issues are pretty common, and while some can be fixed on your own, it’s always better to work with a professional team if you have any doubt. Only professionals will be able to get to the root of the issue quickly and make sure that you don’t spend money on unnecessary repairs.

They’ll also be able to fix it fast before it causes some additional damage to your plumbing or property.

7 Most Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them was last modified: by