A leaky faucet and a clogged drain may seem like minor annoyances, but they have the potential to turn into massive headaches. We’ve made a list of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners and what you can do to fix them.
Clogged Drains
We’ve all experienced a clogged drain in our lives—when you flush the toilet, and the water goes up instead of down? In all clogged drains, something in the drain or pipes is blocking the flow (either partially or completely). To avoid the problem, only flush dissolvable products and only dispose of food waste with the garbage disposal.
To fix the problem, start with a plunger. If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, don’t opt for drain cleaners. Most drain cleaning products contain chemicals that will damage your pipes, leading to more issues in the long run. Instead, call a plumber, and they’ll sort out the situation in no time.
Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet may not sound like much of an issue, but one constant drip can cost you 3,000 gallons of water each year (that’s about 180 showers). Usually, this problem results from the washer that should form a seal on your tap. When damaged, the seal isn’t perfect, and a little water can sneak through.
Usually, you can solve the problem by replacing the washer. While you can tackle the issue yourself, you’ll need a few specialty tools. If you don’t plan to make a habit of fixing broken washers, call a plumber who already has the tools.
Low Water Pressure
Old and new homes alike experience problems with water pressure. You’ll notice when it’s time to take a shower and the water comes out of the showerhead much weaker than usual. Water pressure issues make day-to-day life a hassle and often let you know there’s a serious problem somewhere in your pipes. Your water main may be damaged, or there could be a pipe leaking somewhere in your home.
Regardless, call a professional and they’ll locate the source of the problem and correct it before it develops into something more serious.
Now that you know the most common plumbing problems for homeowners, make sure you address these issues before they go too far!
