5 Common Plumbing Problems and How You Can Fix Them

If you are having trouble with your plumbing, you are not alone. The 127,435 plumbing businesses exist, so you can call them in an emergency.

But what if the problem does not call for an emergency plumber? What if your plumbing problems can be easily fixed by you?

We’re here to help.

Though much of the United States has access to drinkable tap water, certain plumbing problems are common nationwide. We’re talking clogs, leaks, and blocked drains that you can easily handle on your own. Below are some of these problems and how you can fix them:

1. Clogged Drain

Clogs in drains happen because of any number of things. They can happen because of soap scum, hair, food particles, and grease.

Using too much liquid soap in the bath or shower can create a layer of soap scum. This scum can build up on the walls of the drain, preventing water from draining quickly. Hair can get tangled up in the pipes and gradually build up until it gets stuck in a sharp corner.

Food particles can accumulate in the pipes and create a clog. Grease and oil can stick to the inside of the pipes, reducing water flow and eventually leading to clogs.

To fix a clogged drain, the first step is to identify the source of the clog. Then, try using a plunger or a drain snake to dislodge the blockage. If that doesn’t work, use a chemical cleaner such as bleach or vinegar to break down the clog.

If these methods don’t work, call the best local plumbing service to inspect and unclog your drain. Plumbers can use chemical cleaners or high-pressure cleaning tools to resolve the issue.

2. Leaky Pipe

Leaky pipes are one of the most common plumbing issues and can happen for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, the cause is due to wear and tear on the pipe. This usually happens over time as a result of stress on the pipes from changing temperatures and water pressure.

Another cause of a leaky pipe is improper installation. Poor connections on pipe joints due to a lack of attention to detail can cause water to seep through. Corroding pipes from a buildup of rust or minerals can cause a leak as well.

Fortunately, fixing a leaky pipe is relatively straightforward, and you can do it with the right tools. Usually, this just requires replacing the worn parts of the pipe or applying putty or a sealant to the joint connections.

In more serious cases, you may need to replace a corroding or badly damaged pipe completely. No matter the cause, it is almost always a good idea to take the necessary steps to identify and repair the source of the leak promptly.

3. Faulty Toilet Flush

Toilet flush problems are generally caused by a problem with the handle or the flushing mechanism. The handle may be sticking, preventing the tank from refilling, or the lift chain may be corroded or disconnected from the handle. Another issue can be the flapper not seating properly, preventing the tank from fully emptying.

Furthermore, the toilet fill valve may have debris or limescale buildup, preventing it from filling and running properly. Lastly, a malfunctioning float or flapper valve can cause a faulty flush, either failing to open at all or closing itself prematurely. 

To fix a faulty toilet flush, you’ll first need to identify what’s causing the issue. If you can see that the flapper is too low, you’ll need to adjust it so that it is more securely held in place. If the water level is too high, you can adjust the fill valve to the appropriate height. If the fill tank isn’t properly filling, you may need to replace the broken fill valve to fix the problem. 

4. Weak Water Pressure

Weak water pressure can be because of a few different factors. It can happen because plumbing pipes are too small or too clogged or the plumbing fixtures are too old. It could also happen because of a bad water pump, blocked or corroded pipes, and low water pressure from the local municipality. 

Using too many fixtures at the same time can also be a source of weak water pressure due to increased demand for the same water supply. When water has to travel through long pipes, pressure can weaken due to losses. Poor maintenance and mineral buildup can also inhibit water pressure.

To fix weak water pressure, it is important to first investigate the underlying cause. You can clean clogged pipes can with a specialist tool such as a snake or jet sprayer. 

A licensed plumber can repair and replace malfunctioning valves. Low pressure from the local water supply may require the implementation of a pressure-increasing device.

5. Foul Odors

Foul odors in plumbing can arise from a whole range of sources. Most commonly, they originate from decaying matter such as food, grease, and organic material that has built up in traps, drains, and pipelines.

Sewer gases are often responsible for foul odors emanating from plumbing, especially in basement areas. Rising methane gases trapped in fixtures and seeping from plumbing pipes can likewise cause terrible odors. 

When pipes become clogged with silt and foreign materials, the decaying content from these pipes can cause an abhorrent smell. The build-up of mold and mildew in pipe fittings can also lead to a malodor. 

Fortunately, these odors can usually be remedied once you identify the underlying cause. To get rid of these odors, you can use chemical drain cleaners, bleach cleaning solutions, and deodorizers. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also be employed to help alleviate unpleasant odors.

Deal With Your Plumbing Problems Immediately

There are many common plumbing problems, from blocked drains to foul odors. Understanding why these problems occur and how to fix them is the first step to helping prevent them. If all else fails, calling a professional is always an option to get the job done right.

Don’t wait until water damage has occurred to address plumbing problems. Prevent your future plumbing issues at home now and have peace of mind.

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