A leaky faucet or a running toilet may not seem like a big deal at first, but they can be costly. These problems can also be a sign of a more serious problem, which you should address right away.
If you know how to handle the most common plumbing issues, then you can save money and avoid major repairs in the future. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners tend to ignore.
1. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that homeowners tend to downplay. They are a hassle to deal with, but they can be a sign of a bigger problem that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
There are a number of causes of clogged drains, including hair, soap, food buildup, foreign objects, and sanitary items like diapers. If you see these things in your sink or tub, take the time to sort them and dispose of them in the trash rather than flushing them down the drain.
Another cause of clogged drains is tree roots growing in the pipe, causing it to close up. These are usually small hair-sized roots that snake through a crack in the pipe, blocking water flow.
Any gurgling noises, bubbling, or gathering of water in the toilet, sink, bathtub, or anywhere inside your home suggests a clog. If this is the case, you should shut off all the water to your house and call a plumber or drain specialist to have it cleared. For help with a blocked drain in Canberra, consider a professional plumber’s help.
2. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can be a disaster waiting to happen. They can cause significant water damage, electrical shorts, and fires.
It is best to call a plumber to help you thaw your frozen pipes. They will know how to safely thaw your pipes without causing any injury or damage.
However, you can try to thaw your frozen pipes yourself. This can be done by keeping your faucet open, which will discharge the water and steam that is created during the thawing process.
You can also use an infrared lamp to thaw your frozen pipes if you have one available. Always make sure you have a bucket and towels ready to clean up any leaks that occur during the thawing process.
Another sign that your pipes may be frozen is if you notice foul odors coming from your drains or faucets. This usually means that the ice inside your pipes has blocked any odors from food, grease, or waste that is draining through them.
3. Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing issues that don’t get addressed. A small leak can send three gallons of water down the drain each day, which could add up to hundreds of dollars in annual water bills.
It’s also an easy fix, as long as you know what to look for and what parts are involved in the process. If you’re not comfortable doing it on your own, you can call a plumber to help.
Corrosion: A corroded valve seat, which is a little connector between the valve / cartridge and the compression mechanism, can cause a leak. This is a common problem that can be prevented by regularly cleaning sediments out of the valve seat.
Other causes of a leaky faucet include a broken plumbing fixture and weak water pressure. If you suspect the leak is caused by a busted faucet, it’s best to have a professional plumber take a look at it.
4. Sewage Backup
Sewer backups are one of those plumbing issues that many homeowners ignore. That’s because they seem to be a minor inconvenience that doesn’t require immediate attention.
When sewer lines clog with hair, grease or other solid materials, they can’t drain properly and can cause wastewater to back up in the home. That can lead to a variety of problems, including costly repairs and flooding.
It’s also important to note that sewage is highly hazardous. It’s known to carry harmful bacteria, airborne contaminants and other toxins that can cause serious health problems nameviser.
A sewage backup is a serious plumbing issue that requires professional attention. It can contaminate water in your home and cause serious illness to you, your family and your pets.
