It’s not uncommon for plumbing problems to pop up in a home. They could include anything from a leaking pipe to a clogged sink. The average homeowner should know what some of the common plumbing issues are, as well as when it’s time to call in an expert.
Leaking Faucets
Nothing is more annoying than trying to sleep with the sound of a dripping faucet in the bathroom. While it may not seem like much water is leaking, over the course of a year, hundreds of gallons of water could be wasted.
Many times, a dripping faucet is the result of a worn-out washer. When the faucet is turned off, the job of the washer is to create a water-tight seal that stops water from leaking. Once the washer becomes worn out and old, it doesn’t work well.
Depending on the age of your faucet, the washer may or may not be able to be replaced. If not, the faucet may need replacing.
Low Water Pressure
If there is a break in the main water line that runs from the city line in the street to your home, this could result in low water pressure from your faucets and showerheads. However, more times than not, this problem is a direct result of excess mineral build-up in your faucet aerators.
The aerator easily unscrews from the faucet and can be cleaned or replaced. With showerheads, the aerator can be soaked in a vinegar solution for a few hours. The vinegar may help to break down the mineral deposits.
If the problem persists, it may be a more serious problem involving a break or leak in your water lines. In that case, a plumber will need to be called in to fix the problem.
Toilet Continues to Run
After you flush the toilet, can you still hear it running after several minutes? This may be a result of a flapper no longer fitting properly, or an imbalanced float. There are toilet repair kits sold at local home improvement stores that will help with these common problems. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to call in an expert.
Clogged Drains
If water isn’t draining from your sink or bathtub, a clog is likely the culprit. You can use a regular household plunger to try to push the clog through the pipe. After using the plunger, flush the drain with hot water.
If the problem persists, you can try using a “snaking” tool or an un-bent wire hanger to try grabbing the clog out of the sink.
Still clogged? Call in a professional plumber.
If you are uncomfortable performing any of the above DIY diagnostic or repair work, it will be a smart idea to call in an expert.