How to Fix Common Plumbing Problems

How to Fix Common Plumbing Problems

One of the most common issues experienced in homes is plumbing problems. These problems come in various levels of complexity ranging from relatively inexpensive and straightforward repairs such as a dripping faucet or running toilets to significant problems such as a sewer system backup or a major pipe leakage. Some of the most common plumbing problems are easy to fix while complex ones such as fixing boilers should be handled by professionals-www.plumbingforce.co.uk/boiler-services/boiler-installation/. Such simple problems require basic DIY skills as well as necessary plumbing tools for each job. Below are some of the common plumbing problems and how you can fix them in turn saving a substantial amount of money.

  1. Leaky Faucets

Dripping faucets are not only a source of irritation but also wastes copious amount of water, which could push the water bill leading to enormous, loses. The primary cause of leaking faucets is an internal washer that has become stiff, torn, worn, or dislodged with time. Leaky faucets can be fixed by replacing the washer using proper tools and the right washers to achieve a watertight seal and consequently a delightfully silent faucet.

  1. Slow Draining Sink

Slow draining sinks is another common plumbing problem and can be quite frustrating. The primary cause of this problem is a blockage that restricts the flow of water.  Congealed fats, food remnants, knotted hair, and soap are some things that cause blockage and restricts the flow of water. There are several methods you can use to unblock a clogged sink. You can use a plumber’s snake, a plunger, baking soda, and vinegar or by using a chemical clog remover. To sort this problem, you would want to wear safety goggles, and gloves then use any of the method used below. When using chemicals, take care not to mix them as they could form poisonous gases or corrode your pipes and affect your water flow.

  1. Low Water Pressure

You have probably experienced low water pressure either at the sink faucet or in the shower. This issue is certainly frustrating and can hinder your bathing experience. A number of reasons including a blocked shower head or buildup of scum can cause low water pressure. The first thing you should do when you notice this problem is to check whether it’s affecting both the hot and cold-water pipes. If both the cold and hot water pipes are affected, the probable cause of the problem is the aerator blocked by the buildup of calcium deposits. You can easily fix the aerator by cleaning out any debris and putting it back.

  1. Running Toilet

A running toilet renders your bathroom unusable and could even damage your house if the water spills over. A running toilet could be due to a flapper valve allowing more water or an improperly balanced float, or a fill tube issue. Running toilets are relatively easy to fix by yourself using toilet repair kits. Depending on the issue, you could fix or properly replace the toilet fill valve, the toilet flapper, and a leaky flush valve. You can also try clogged toilet repairs NYC if you are around this place.

  1. Jammed Garbage Disposal

A congested garbage disposal is also among the common plumbing problems but can easily be solved. While most people prefer using a nifty key to unjam the garbage disposal, an Allen wrench is quite useful in an unjamming garbage disposal. You simply insert the key at the opening at the very bottom of the garbage disposal and use the ¼ inch Allen wrench to turn in both directions to free the motor.

  1. Pipe leak

Leaky pipes are not only a nuisance but also damage furniture and floors as well as cause dampness, which generally damage the house. Pipe leaks are usually because of worn-out fittings and almost happen at the pipe joints. Pipe leaks can be repaired by using tape, compounds, and fillers, which provide a temporary fix. A permanent solution to leaking pipes would be to replace the entire piece of pipe or the related fittings. It is crucial to understand that pipe leaks occur mostly during winter since water freezes and expand, causing pipes to burst. You can, however, prevent pipes bursting in winter by allowing cold water to drip from the faucet or by keeping the thermostat set at the same temperature both day and night.

To conclude, while you can easily undertake these plumbing repairs by yourself, it’s crucial to use the right tools and take necessary plumbing precautions before undertaking a repair.