Are you struggling with a plumbing problem and wondering what to do about it? Sometimes you need to call a professional plumber, and other times you can handle the issue yourself. It can be hard to know the difference, though.
Fortunately, there are several common plumbing issues that seem to happen to everyone. Here are six of them and what to do about it.
Dripping Faucets
Faucets drip and waste water in almost every home at one time or another. Not only is it annoying, but it can also push your water bill higher than it needs to be.
Generally, this problem is related to a mechanism in the handle or a seal that has worn out over time. You can get faucet repair kits to try a DIY, or call Toronto plumbers to take care of the problem for you.
Slow Drains
Slow drains in a sink are very frustrating and also very common. Many homeowners turn immediately to a chemical cleaner, but these can damage your pipes and drains while wearing away the clog. Instead, consider an enzyme cleaner, remove the P-trap to remove the clog yourself, or use a snake to clear the drain.
The good news is that unless the clog is serious, you aren’t likely to need a plumber to visit.
Clogged Toilet
Sometimes toilet clogs are due to normal waste and can be solved simply and easily with a plunger. However, there are other times when unusual items have been flushed and there’s a more serious problem.
You can use a sewer snake or drain auger to loosen the blockage, but it has to be done carefully to avoid breaking the pipe. You may want to call a plumber if your normal plunger doesn’t work.
Running Toilet
Is your toilet continually running even though it is appropriately full? This is a common problem that can cost you hundreds of dollars in extra water usage. Often the problem is a faulty flapper valve in the tank, which is easy to repair. You can get a toilet repair kit to ensure you have everything you need.
If the flapper valve isn’t the problem, you might need a more involved fix and may want to call a plumber to help.
Water Heater Problems
Hopefully, you have a plumbing maintenance appointment each year so your water heater is monitored over time. This will help you avoid more serious problems with the unit. However, you may still be in a situation where your hot water isn’t working.
Check the pilot light under the heater and relight it if needed. If that’s already working, you probably have an issue that requires professional help to fix.
Low Water Pressure
If your faucet or shower has a trickle instead of the normal flow of water, you may have low water pressure or a problem with the faucet head. Problems with the faucet aerator can be fixed by soaking the faucet or showerhead in vinegar overnight.
If you’ve done this and there’s still a problem, you might have larger concerns with your pipes. Low water pressure can come from leaking or clogged main pipes that affect the flow of water to your fixture. Contact a plumber to inspect the system.
Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly
Your plumbing is a vital part of your home’s systems. Just because you don’t see the pipes regularly doesn’t mean you wouldn’t notice immediately if they stopped working. By handling these common plumbing problems, you’ll keep your home safe and comfortable for a long time to come.
