As a homeowner or renter, plumbing problems can pop up when you least expect them. Yet, the majority of these issues can stay undetected for a while. When left unattended, they can result in costly repairs. Plumbing problems arise due to the system’s wear and tear or aging.
Most of these issues may seem simple to solve, but you can cause additional problems if you try doing the repairs by yourself. That said, you need to hire a certified and experienced plumber to work on any plumbing issue, whether big or small. Below are some of the plumbing problems that you may encounter.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are one of the leading plumbing problems that people encounter in their homes or apartments. You may not realize the amount of water lost from the faulty taps until you pay a hefty water bill.
It mainly happens when a damaged internal washer becomes stiff, dislodged, or torn, allowing water to drip. If the issues persist, corrosion may occur, which only makes it worse. Therefore, as soon as you notice any dripping faucets, call a professional plumber to fix them.
Leaking Pipes
A leaking pipe, whether minor or severe, can cause extensive damage to your floors or furniture. With time, small leaks escalate and may lead to other larger issues that need replacements or fittings. The damp conditions also encourage mold growth.
The problem can stem from damaged pipe joints, stubborn clogs, cracked seals, pipe corrosion, and incorrect pipe laying. The longer you take to fix leaky pipes, the more damage they cause to your home and plumbing system.
Sometimes, fixing leaky pipes such as the U-joint under the sink may seem like an easy task, but it can be very messy when done wrongly. Let a professional plumber handle the problem to minimize risks.
A Clogged Or Running Toilet
There is nothing as frustrating as a toilet bowl that fills up but never drains. Mostly it occurs when you flush undissolved waste into the toilet. Other times, it might be due to a mix of paper and human waste. You can try fixing the issue with a sewer snake, auger, or plunger. If the blockage does not loosen up, contact a plumber immediately.
Other times, your toilet could function well, but too much water continually runs. With a running toilet, you might waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, resulting in higher bills. The issue happens when the inner toilet parts fail to work correctly. It can result from worn-out flash valves, corroded toilet handles, refill tube problems, or sediments affecting the flushing or filing activities.
You can make some simple modifications like adjusting the float and adequately positioning the fill tube. If such adjustments fail to work, you might need to replace some toilet tank components, and such a task requires professional assistance.
Faulty Water Heater
After a long, busy day, there is nothing as devastating as getting in the shower, only to realize that you have a faulty water heater. The leading cause of water heater issues is the accumulation of sediments. They reduce the heater’s efficiency, limiting its ability to supply hot water throughout the house. When this happens, you can drain the tank and clear off these blockages.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the wrong size or type of heating system can cause plumbing issues. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment cannot use a similar-sized heater with a five-bedroom home. If the tank has leaks, it can also affect the heater’s efficiency. In such a situation, have a professional fix the leak.
Sewer Problems
Having a backed-up sewer is the last plumbing problem you would want to encounter. It results in foul odors all over your home. A clogged sewer line also affects all other drains in your house. For instance, your sink and the bathroom may start to create a water pool.
Sewer problems arise when you flush hard-to-breakdown items like food particles or makeup wipes. Once they combine with other materials, they form concrete, resulting in a backed-up sewer.
Also, if big trees are next to your house, the roots can squeeze their way into the sewer. It isn’t easy to diagnose, but an experienced plumber can make a quick assessment and help you out.
Low Water Pressure
If the water from your tap only tickles instead of gushing out, there could be pressure issues. Deposits, buildup, blocked sewers, hidden water leaks, or pipe corrosion are the leading causes of low water pressure.
You can try cleaning the aerator in your kitchen or bathroom faucets using vinegar. If the issue persists, contact a licensed and well-trained plumber. This way, you will prevent expensive future repairs.
Worn-Out Hose Bib
A hose bib can’t last through several seasons, especially if you live in icy regions. After a long cold season, the bibs cracks due to the sudden temperature change. Even when there is a minor opening, water can leak for a long time, causing a spike in water bills.
On the other hand, large leaks can spill all over the place, damaging your property. Those who wish to avoid constant hose bib replacement should consider installing frost-free hose bibs to reduce persistent leaks.
Clogged Or Slow Drains
When there is a blockage restricting water flow, then your sink will drain slower than expected. It’s a prevalent plumbing problem since sinks easily collect soap, hair, fat, or food remnant. Routine cleaning will help minimize such cases.
If you experience slow drains, the only way to restore water flow is by cleaning out the trapped debris. You can use a plunger or a chemical clog remover. If ignored, it will worsen with time, and your sink will be blocked entirely.
Keep in mind that a clogged drain can also result in health hazards, and you need to fix it as soon as it happens. If you experience multiple clogged or slow drains, chances are there is a larger problem in the sewer line. In such a case, you need to seek professional help from an experienced plumber.
Call On HomeX!
When you experience any of the above plumbing problems, you must act as fast as possible. A simple leak or clog can turn into a significant problem requiring emergency services or expensive repairs.
While there are some simple problems that you can fix, more complex plumbing tasks requires a professional approach. For most homeowners, the DIY route appears as an economical alternative to handle plumbing issues quickly. However, since you don’t have the required experience and appropriate tools, you will likely spend too much time on a project, and you’ll end up calling a professional to complete it.
An experienced plumber can handle all projects accurately and even diagnose any other underlying issues in your system. Anytime you need help with your plumbing system, contact HomeX Plumbing & Rooter. We provide our reliable services across Anaheim, CA, and the surrounding areas.
Our plumbers can handle pipe installations and replacements, slab leaks, water heater repairs, commercial plumbing, and gas line plumbing services. We also offer bathroom plumbing, green plumbing, and drain installations & cleaning services. To schedule an appointment and enjoy any of our services, call us now, and we will be glad to serve you.