The drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet can drive any homeowner crazy. And while some plumbing problems require a professional touch, others can be handled by homeowners themselves.
Catching household plumbing issues early can help you avoid water damage and huge contractor bills. Read on to learn about some of the most common plumbing problems and how to fix them.
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face. They waste water and can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated. Luckily, most leaky faucets can be fixed by replacing rubber or neoprene seals, washers, and O-rings. If these fixes don’t work, a trained professional should be able to help you identify the source of the leak and make any necessary repairs.
A leaky faucet can be caused by many different issues, so it’s important to figure out the cause of the problem before attempting to fix it. For example, a leak from the spout may be caused by a corroded valve seat. This little connector is located between the faucet body and spout, and it can be corroded when water sediment builds up and eats away at it over time. This can be avoided by cleaning your faucet regularly.
Another possible cause of a leaky faucet is a loose or worn out washer or O-ring. The O-ring is a small circular disc that holds the stem screw in place. It can wear out over time or become loose due to age, which will cause your faucet to drip. You can replace the O-ring by removing the handle and disassembling the faucet. Once the O-ring is replaced, you can reassemble your faucet and turn it back on to see if it stops leaking.
If you can’t get your leaky faucet to stop dripping, you may need to replace the cartridge or the disk inside of the faucet. This can be expensive, so it’s best to contact a plumber if you don’t feel comfortable handling the repair yourself. To help you save money on these types of services, you can sign up for a home warranty plan from American Home Shield to cover these costs. They offer a variety of plans to meet your needs, so you can find the one that’s right for you. Visit their website today to learn more about their offerings and to apply for a plan.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue that can have major consequences for homeowners. They can cause a backed-up sewer system, which can be extremely costly to clean up and can also contain dangerous bacteria and viruses. If you notice that your plumbing is freezing, you should immediately turn off your water and contact a plumber for help.
The most common reason for frozen pipes is cold weather. However, it can happen to anyone, even in homes that are well-insulated. The main cause is that water expands as it freezes, which can cause the pipes to crack or burst. This can be especially serious if the pipes are located in unheated areas, like attics or crawl spaces.
To avoid frozen pipes, keep your home’s temperature at a consistent level and use pipe insulation. You can also open cabinets and closet doors to allow warm air to reach the area of your home where the pipes are. It is a good idea to have your plumbing checked out each fall to make sure everything is ready for the winter weather.
If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, the first thing you should do is shut off your water at the main valve. This will prevent any more water from entering the frozen pipe and causing additional damage. You can then try to thaw the pipe by applying heat, but be careful not to use any methods that could lead to a fire. It is best to call a plumber, as they will have specialized tools to safely thaw pipes without causing any further damage.
If the pipe is not thawed in time and it continues to burst, you may need to replace it. A plumber can also help you prevent frozen pipes by rerouting your plumbing so it is less likely to freeze in the future.
Leaky faucets, clogged drains, and frozen pipes are all common issues that can be easily fixed with the help of professional plumbing services. Taking the time to regularly check your plumbing can help you catch these issues before they become worse and save you money in the long run.
Clogged Drains
Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub or shower, clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. They can be caused by hair, soap scum, food scraps, grease, toilet paper or other debris that gets stuck in the pipes and blocks the flow of water. Many clogs can be solved with a plunger, which is inexpensive and available at most home improvement or hardware stores. However, more serious clogs require professional help to prevent costly damage to your pipes and fixtures.
Some clogs may require the use of a special snake or auger, which can be purchased at most plumbing supply or home improvement stores. If the clog is caused by a broken pipe or sewer backup, you may need to call a plumber for more extensive repairs.
Most homeowners are familiar with the conventional commercial drain cleaners, but they are expensive and contain harmful chemicals. Try a natural alternative, such as baking soda and vinegar, or white distilled hot water, to clear your clogged drain. Pour at least a half cup of baking soda followed by a gallon of hot water down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight. Repeat if necessary.
Another effective drain cleaning solution is carbonated soda. The phosphoric acid in most sugary soda products dissolves and breaks down materials that build up in pipes, including hair, grease and soap scum. This is an especially great choice for clearing a bathtub or shower drain, as the acid quickly disintegrates and removes blockages without damaging pipes.
In addition to the usual suspects, a clogged bathroom sink or toilet can be caused by caps from shampoo bottles, hair ties and children’s toys that are flushed down the toilet. A clogged kitchen sink can be caused by food waste, household materials and even small animals that get into the garbage disposal or drain trap.
If a clog cannot be resolved by plunging or using a chemical drain cleaner, contact a plumber for more extensive repairs to your pipes and fixtures. A plumbing professional can also determine if a problem is due to a broken or damaged pipe or sewer backup and recommend an appropriate solution.
Water Heater Leaks
Modern plumbing is amazing, but it’s not immune to issues from time to time. These can range from minor problems like a clogged drain to major ones such as a sewage backup or bursting pipes. Fortunately, many of these problems can be easily solved with a little know-how. Read on to learn about some of the most common plumbing problems and how to fix them.
Water heater leaks are one of the most dangerous problems you can face as a homeowner, as they can lead to extensive and costly damage. To help prevent these leaks, you should do some basic maintenance to keep your water heater working correctly.
You can usually tell if you have a water heater leak by checking for wet spots around your hot water heater. The easiest place to check is near the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR), which is located on the side of the water heater. If you see wetness or rust around the TPR valve, it’s probably time to replace it.
Another area where you may notice a leak is from the cold and hot water inlet and outlet tubes at the top of the water heater. These tubes connect to your home’s main cold and hot water supply lines, and over time they can become loose or disconnected. You can usually tighten these connections with a wrench, but in some cases you may need to replace the parts.
If you have a leaking water heater, it’s also important to make sure the anode rod is still in good condition. The anode rod is a sacrificial rod that is designed to corrode, and it’s a good idea to replace it every three years or so.
Finally, if you have a toilet that constantly runs or has a weak flush, you can often solve these problems by replacing the flapper or fill valve. However, if the problem is more serious, it may require professional help.