Having plumbing problems in your home is only natural. From clogged drains to leaking pipes and faucets, these issues manifest themselves in various ways. Some can be simply fixed while others require professional help.
Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need a plumbing job until you’re hit with a major issue like a sewer blockage. Nonetheless, remaining abreast of all these issues and detecting them before they happen or immediately when they do helps you prevent their occurrence saving you a lot on energy and water bills.
That said, here are some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face today.
A Faucet That Leaks
Everyone has, once or several times, contended with a drippy faucet. Although harmless, it wastes a lot of water in the long run. Dripping faucets could be a result of a simple plumbing solution, and in other instances, it indicates a serious complication in your water fixtures.
Taps typically come with washers of the O-rings, which tend to wear, get torn, or displaced after a while. If this is the main problem, one can easily have them replaced or repaired.
There is a risk to the consistent use of these fixtures in their leaky state. They will corrode and eventually require a complete installation again.
If you have a faucet that has been leaking for as long as you can remember, and no simple solutions seem to work, it could mean that the components were not properly fixed or installed.
When this happens, it is time to seek the services of a licensed plumber who will inspect the faucets, determine the cause, and give you a permanent solution.
A Sink That Won’t Drain
A blocked kitchen sink may cause the water to slowly drain or flow. This is particularly the case if you empty tiny pieces of food particles and fat deposits on the sink as you clean.
Even in the bathroom, pieces of hair and soap can lead to blockage over time. Of course, you can easily make the water drain by using solutions such as vinegar and baking soda, chemical clog removers, and the most common tool people know how to use; the plunger.
At first, the problem may not bother you because after a while, the dirty water empties, but it is worth noting that failure to take the necessary measures will contribute to a complete blockage, requiring you to replace the entire drainage system.
A Running Toilet and a Bowl That Doesn’t Drain
A clogged toilet is the worst thing that could ever happen to you. A running one, you can contend with that for a while, but a bowl that doesn’t drain is something that cannot be ignored.
A clogged toilet is mainly caused by human waste and paper among other things that accidentally slip through, and you decide to flush. After a while, your toilet bowl will begin filling up and not draining as it should. When this happens, the go-to option is normally a plunger, but if the drain has been collecting such materials for a while, the pipes could become clogged to an extent that applying pressure remains insufficient to get rid of the problem.
At this point, you will need professional help or tools such as a sewer snake or drain auger. Such tools will help loosen up the blocked drainage.
Another problem homeowners face is a running toilet, which is usually caused by loose fittings such as the valve, the filler tube, or the floater. These components can be easily fixed with a DIY toilet kit, but if you lack the know-how, enlist the help of a plumber.
A Faulty Water Heater
Have you ever hurriedly hit the showers only for the water to run cold in the middle of a bath? If so, then the problem could be an improperly installed heater or an inappropriate size and design for your home, corrosion, or the build-up of sentiments in your water systems, failing heating elements, or broken power connections.
This problem requires an inspection from a pro. They will inspect and repair or replace your water heater.
Low Water Pressure
Disrupted water lines to your home, problems in the main reservoir like sediment build-up, and clogged or leaking pipes, are some of the concerns to look at if the water in your home does not gush out as it should.
Over time, pipes corrode, become worn out, or burst. If they occur outside your home, you may not notice until it is too late. Such a drawback causes mass wastage of water while elevating your bills.
Sometimes the pipes are not the culprits, but the aerators in your taps. If such is the case, then simply disassembling the fixtures, cleaning them, and screwing them back together will solve the problem. But seeking the help of a plumber goes a long way in giving you a lasting solution, depending on the problem.
A Garbage Disposal That Jams
Garbage disposals are extremely handy appliances for every homeowner. However, with time, depending on the type of garbage that you drain through them, they tend to jam.
The installation of garbage disposal usually comes with a nifty key that helps you fix the jam. But most people often lose or misplace it, making it difficult to fix the issue when it occurs. If you are in luck, hitting the reset button could work, but sometimes it doesn’t work.
When that happens, it is time to call a professional to help you open it up and fix the jam.
Pipes That Leak
Leaking pipes may cause your home and the basement to flood, causing unnecessary damage to furniture, floors, rugs, and carpets. They also leave your home excessively damp, which could attract insects such as mosquitoes and other bugs.
The easiest repair jobs include using fillers, tapes, and other filling compounds on pipe joints or where the leaks occur. But depending on the age and the state of the pipes, if not done correctly, the pipes may burst, causing more damage and flooding.
Using a plumber to inspect and fix the pipes is a better solution and a long-lasting one.
Sewer System Backup
This is the worst nightmare that most homeowners don’t think twice about. It is nasty, smelly, and highly unhygienic, not to mention how expensive it is to fix. The problem is usually a blockage in the sewer line caused by human interference, tree roots, clogged main sewers, or old sewers that break or collapse.
Repairing sewer system backups depend on the location of the blockage. Determining the cause of the problem is sometimes incredibly difficult. Hiring a professional is the only option you have to determine where the blockage is and to offer a solution.
The problem sometimes is with the water companies. It is important to give them a call to find out if it is their problem or yours before hiring a licensed plumber for the job.
Contact Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Regardless of the type of plumbing job you require, give Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing a call. If it pertains to your heating and cooling, whether repairs, installations, maintenance, or equipment, we can help. We also offer plumbing installations, replacements, repairs, and maintenance in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. There’s nothing our experts can’t handle for you.