Common plumbing problems include leaky pipes and taps, problems with water pressure, as well as clogged drains and toilets. You may think you can repair all your plumbing problems yourself, but you will soon realize you actually need the assistance of a qualified plumber.
Plumbing repair will give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to plumbing repairs.
Common Problems
If you live in an older home, or as your home gets older, you’re very likely to run into plumbing problems.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are unfortunately extremely common. You will discover this problem when the water back up as you take a shower, or you empty your bath or sink. Your toilet bowl may back up and overflow. When the blockage is removed your toilet and drains should return to normal.
You can try to use a plunger on your clogged drains before you contact a plumber. You will have to place the open end of the plunger over the drain and then create suction by moving the plunger up and down. If you can draw the blockage out, you can try to remove it with a pair of pliers. You might also be able to buy a plumbing snake at a home improvement store that can remove the blockage.
Call a plumber if you can’t remove the blockage yourself or when you experience repeated clogs in the same drain. If you’re using caustic drain cleaners, you could end up causing damage to your pipes.
Water Pressure Problems
Low water pressure can often occur in older homes and get worse with time. This is an annoying problem, as you may struggle to even take a decent shower. There could be a few causes for this problem, such as an issue with the water main, or a pipe might be leaking in your house.
One way to test is to turn off all taps, check your water meter and then wait a few hours to check for potential leaks. If you have a leak, it will be reflected on your water meter.
Leaking Pipes and Dripping Taps
Dripping taps are usually not a plumbing emergency, but the leaks could add a lot of money to your monthly water bill. This can also add up to a huge loss of water.
Leaking pipes are a big problem, as they can cause serious damage if you don’t have the problem repaired immediately. You might see water pooling below the pipes.
Issues With Your Water Heater
Are you looking forward to a hot shower, only to be doused by freezing water? Are there noises coming from your water heater, or water pooling below it? You might need a professional to look at your heater.
Before you call a plumber, you can do a few checks yourself, such as seeing if the pilot light turns on if you have a water heater that runs on gas. If this light doesn’t go on, the heater can’t produce warm water. You can also check if the temperature wasn’t turned down by accident.
Your water heater will last longer if you maintain it to prevent problems. Make sure you check the pressure valve regularly and flush the tank to remove sediment. Also, check the tank for leaks.
Final Thoughts
Plumbers are trained to handle your plumbing emergencies. If you feel confident and you have the right equipment, you can try to fix smaller problems yourself. However, if you suspect a serious problem, contact a plumber, as you don’t want to end up causing damage and ending up with worse problems in the long run.
