Plumbing problems can be very costly as they can lead to gallons of water wastage. Most of these issues can go undetected for long until they reach a breaking point when they will be expensive to repair. You can fix some of these issues on your own, but some will require you to look for a plumber near me.
Here are 12 common plumbing concerns that you should know about.
1. Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet is very common, and it wastes a lot of water in a day. Most of the time the cause of these leaks is a faulty internal washer that is either worn out, stiff, torn, or dislodged. The problem can be fixed with basic tools by switching off the water supply, disassembling the faucet, replacing the faulty washer then reassembling the faucet.
2. Running Toilet
A running toilet problem can simply be a leaking rubber flapper. The rubber flapper can lose shape and fail to seal the tank properly. The attached chain can also be twisted, thus preventing the flapper from sitting properly at the bottom. The toilet flushing mechanism fix is easy and cheap that you can accomplish on your own.
3. Clogged Toilet
Clogged toilets might be septic system damage, but then again it might not be a serious issue and a few vigorous plunges might clear it. If the plunges don’t work, then you will be required to call in an expert plumber with the right tools to locate the blockage that could be anywhere.
4. Clogged or Slow Drains
The problem with clogged or slow drains might be the same as that of toilets. Unfortunately, you cannot effectively plunge bathroom or kitchen sinks, and it is unhygienic. This problem requires you to call an expert plumber as some of the pipes might be hidden behind walls.
5. Faulty Water Heater
Water heater problems are a bit complicated and might need an electrician, plumber, natural gas expert, or all of them to detect the actual issue. The valves of your water heater can give way, corrosion might occur at some places, or bacteria might invade the tank and make the water smell bad.
6. Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes need to be replaced as they will damage your home. They cause wood to rot, metal to rust, and water to collect in unwanted places, thus breeding disease. This work should be done by a professional plumber.
7. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be from the utility, and it can be checked with the pressure gauge. It might also be caused by doing too much at once with your water outlets, or the water valve is halfway open. Check different locations throughout your home and if it is just one place, then the pipes of that particular fixture might be blocked. If it is the entire house, then the main pipes might be the issue.
8. Break or Leak of Main Water Line
This can happen to the public delivery line or the delivery line to your home. If it is the former then that is not your issue as the municipality is responsible for that. If it is the latter then you need to call an expert plumber to do the major repairs that involve specialized equipment and digging of your property.
9. Issues with Sewer Lines
Sewer lines are prone to blockages when you put stuff that does not belong there. They also get old and need replacing with time. This is the work of a professional plumber and you should get all the connecting lines checked too.
10. High Water Bill
Apart from using water more during dry weather and having more occupants, leaks are the main causes of increased water bills. Find them and fix them to eliminate their involvement.
11. Downspout Issues
Downspouts cause damages to the foundation, walls and the ground if they are disconnected or broken. They can become clogged and overflow back to the gutters, leading to gutter overflows. You need to check them and fix them before they damage your home.
12. Wet Spots on the Lawn
Wet spots on lawns could be caused by damaged septic systems, leaking water mains, or leaking sewer mains. This problem requires you to call a professional plumber to locate and fix it.
Conclusion
Many of the plumbing problems that occur in your home are easily detectable, preventable and repairable. You only need to be watchful of your drainage system and take action when a potential threat is detected. Failure to act upon the issue on time will cost you dearly, so you need to know your system.