Whether you’re a new homeowner or an experienced home owner, chances are that plumbing issues will pop up from time to time. Some are minor enough that you can handle them yourself, while others require professional attention.
Many of these problems are relatively simple to resolve, but if you neglect them for too long, they could result in serious damage to your plumbing and house. Don’t let these common plumbing issues get you down — follow our tips to fix them like a pro!
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are a common plumbing issue that doesn’t get addressed as much as it should. They can cost you money on your water bill every month, cause mold and mildew growth, and leave stains on your sink and other areas of your home.
A leaking faucet also causes a lot of waste in your home, and it can even damage your plumbing system. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to fix your dripping faucet on your own.
First, you should inspect all of the parts on your faucet. If any of them are old or worn, they should be replaced.
You can also check the seals on your faucet. These seals are crucial pieces of your faucet’s mechanism, as they prevent water from leaking from the spout into the drain.
When these seals are damaged, they’re no longer effective. In some cases, they can also become contaminated with sediments from the water. These substances can corrode the valve seat, which connects your faucet to the spout.
Clogged Drains
If you’re like most homeowners, clogged drains are one of your biggest plumbing nightmares. They often happen at the worst possible time, and they cost a fortune to repair.
But, if you know your home’s pipes and drains inside and out, you can usually fix these issues yourself before they get out of hand — and even prevent them from happening in the first place.
In many cases, clogged drains are caused by a simple issue that can be easily resolved with a plunger or other DIY remedies. But other times, they indicate a larger problem that can’t be solved without professional help. For help with blocked drains in Geelong a professional plumber can help with that issue.
The most obvious sign that your drains are clogged is backed-up water or sewage in your bathroom sink, toilet, or shower drains. However, if you hear a gurgling sound, see bubbles, or notice a pool of water in your floor drain or kitchen sink, it’s also a sign that your sewer line has a clog.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing issues that don’t get addressed. It can leave you frustrated and unable to do your daily tasks, such as showering, washing dishes, or cooking.
The cause can be a simple one, like leaks or clogs, but it can also indicate an issue with the main water valve or a pressure regulator that’s malfunctioning. Fixing clogs, fully opening any valves, and replacing the pressure regulator can give your water flow its much-needed boost.
Another potential cause is that the meter valve isn’t fully open, especially if you recently had work done to your home. This valve is typically located in an underground box or on an exterior wall of your home, and it regulates how much water comes into your home.
Alarming Noises
Most homeowners don’t even realize that they have plumbing issues until they are in the midst of an emergency. As a result, they don’t take the time to fix them before they become an expensive and potentially dangerous mess.
Fortunately, many of these problems can be fixed before they cause serious damage to your home. Whether it’s a dripping faucet or a slow drain, these small and easily fixable problems can lead to much bigger and more costly ones down the road.
While the best way to tackle these common plumbing maladies is by calling the pros, you can do some of your own research and arm yourself with the information needed to get the job done right. With a little planning, you can prevent most of these problems from happening in the first place and ensure that your home is running smoothly. The following are some of the most common plumbing problems that you should be aware of so that you can catch them in the early stages.