Plumbing issues come in all shapes and sizes, some are inexpensive while others can be costly. Learning to identify what areas may be a problem area in your home is key to eliminating the issue before it grows into a real plumbing issue for your home. If issues are not addressed right away at the time of discover they can turn into a much bigger problem. For example, a leaky faucet could be the beginning of underlining issues that the home owner is unaware of going on. Some of the most common issues a homeowner faces are the following:
- Leaky Pipes
- Sewer System Backup
- Blocked Garbage disposal
- Faulty Water Heater
- Low water Pressure
- Clogged Toilet
- Continuously Running Toilet
- Clogged Shower Drain
- Dripping Faucets
- Slow Draining Sink
Leaky Pipes
Leaky Pipes can be a pain to deal with for any homeowner. If not handled correctly they can cause damage to floors, walls and furniture. Another issue that occurs that cause issues for homeowners is that the dampness created by the leaky pipes can attract insects that could be detrimental to your home and family. Once insects get into a warm damp place such as your walls or under cabinets it is hard to get rid of them. Leaks are more prevalent in the winter, when water freezes causing pipes to potentially expand and burst.
Winter Prevention
- To reduce the chances of pipes expanding and bursting during the colder months, allow the cold water to drip from the faucet. Also open your cabinet doors, along with allowing the water to drip, this will help prevent pipes from freezing.
Sewer system back ups can be a headache if not caught early enough. They are smelly, inconvenient, and can be expensive to fix. If you have multiple drains and toilets not working this is a good indication you may be having issues with your sewer system. There are 3 common causes: the main sewer could be clogged, tree roots could have invaded the pipes, or old sewer lines could have broken or collapsed. To help avoid these issues avoid pouring grease down your drains. Also try to locate your sewer system in your yard to see if trees could be a potential problem. Tree roots can find their way into cracks in the pipes eventually leading to them being crushed. These are just some of the things to be aware of when trying to avoid Sewer System Issues.
Blocked Garbage Disposal
You should be mindful of the tings you put down your garbage disposal. Things such as grease and foods like potato peels or corn husks can cause blockage in your pipes. When this happens, you will need to use the key that came with the disposal or a ¼ inch wrench to take off the motor to then remove the debris to unblock the drain.
Faulty Water Heater
You may not notice a water heater problem until you are trying to shower or wash dishes, and your water does not want to get hot. There are multiple problems that can cause a water heater not to work. A few of the issues you could encounter are a faulty thermostat, unlit piolet light, or buildup of sediment in the tank. If you experience these types of issues, it is best to call a professional to inspect, and to fix any issues you may be experiencing.
Low Water Pressure
Older homes tend to experience low water pressure more frequently than newer homes. A good indication of low water pressure is when water now longer gushes out of faucets, but rather trickles out. Low water pressure can be cause by underling problems with the pipes in your home. Once the pipes become broken, worn, or corroded that is caused by build-up of minerals on aerators. For both shower and sink issues you can use vinegar to clean the aerator, or you can simply replace them by making a trip to your local hardware store.
Clogged Toilets or Continuously Running Toilet
A good indication of a clog is when your toilet will not drain properly. If a plunger does not work to break the clog, then you may have to call a professional to use a plumbing snake to fix the issue.
A continuously running toilet can be caused by a faulty flapper valve. This is an easy fix, and you can pick up a toilet repair kit at your local hardware store for not a lot of money. One way to determine why your toilet is continuously running is to check for silent leaks. Add food coloring to the upper tank and check to see if it makes its way to the bowl. If it does not make its way to the bowl you may call a plumber to check for much larger issues you may be experiencing.
Clogged Shower Drain
Slow draining bathroom sinks, or shower drains can generally mean there is block or clog caused by hair and soap. Clearing the blockage may require the use of a plunger, or a snake. Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes dissolve the clog too. The problem generally gets worse over time, if not dealt with. The problem can be prevented or minimized by buying a drain guard to catch the hair.
For all plumbing related issues call the experts at Team plumbing. Our experts are highly skilled and can help with any issues you may be experiencing in your home. Call (719) 226-0711 to schedule your appointment today!
