Any homeowner knows that taking care of a home is a big job. There are lots of aspects that need regular maintenance to keep everything running smoothly, and when something breaks or malfunctions, it can be disastrous.
Plumbing issues are a common hardship and come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Some are severe and require a professional to come in to fix, and some are minor and can be easily fixed by yourself without much know-how.
Here are some of the most common plumbing problems that you can DIY and save on hiring a plumbing company to come and fix.
Leaky faucets
Dripping faucets are such a common problem, it’s hard to find a homeowner who hasn’t dealt with this issue at some point. You want to fix a dripping faucet as soon as you notice it because it can actually have an impact on your water bill. The cause is usually an internal washer in the faucet that has been dislodged over time or has become worn, stiff or torn. With the correct tools, all you have to do is replace the washer.
If you notice water leaking from the pipes and not the faucet, this is a sign of a bigger problem that could warrant calling emergency plumbing services. Water leaking into the floors or walls can cause major damage to your home, so getting that taken care of as soon as possible is crucial. Powerhouse Plumbers can handle your plumbing emergencies and get everything back into working order.
Slow draining sinks
Slow draining sinks and shower drains are usually caused by a blockage that restricts the water from flowing freely. Kitchen sinks may be blocked by food remnants while bathroom sinks and shower drains are often blocked by hair and soap. Before you call a plumber, try to unclog it yourself. You can try using baking soda and vinegar, a plumber’s snake, or using more intense chemicals. Be warned that drain chemicals can cause damage to your pipes if used too much, so treat this more like a last-ditch effort.
Low water pressure
If you’ve noticed the water coming out of your tap has slowed to a trickle, this is most likely due to low water pressure. It may not necessarily be a major issue, as it’s most often caused by a build-up of sediment and mineral deposits on the inside of the faucet. To clean it, remove the tip of your faucet and take apart the pieces, including the aerator, which is the piece that gets blocked by the mineral build-up. Soak the aerator in vinegar for a few hours (or overnight, if there’s a lot of build-up) to clean it, give it a rinse, and then put your faucet back together. When you turn the tap back on, the water should come out normally.
Running toilets
A running toilet can also run up your water bill as you’re losing up to 26 gallons per day. The most common reason for a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve. This valve controls the water that moves from the tank to the bowl. It can easily be fixed with any toilet repair kit that you can get at the hardware store.
Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash
