Plumbing problems are an unavoidable thing for homeowners. Some of the plumbing problems are related to the old plumbing fixtures while others are part of normal wear and tear that happens with the passage of time. Some problems are related to the level of maintenance and the standard and quality of the plumbing fixtures in your house.
Plumbing is an important part of a household. People do not realise the importance of plumbing until they face a plumbing issue. Some of these issues are easy to solve and can be resolv using some DIY methods. Some problem are serious nature and they should be left to professional.
Common Plumbing Problems and Methods to avoid them
In this article, we will give you insight and knowledge about some of the most common plumbing problems that can occur in a household. You will be able to understand what problems can be solved by yourself and for which problems you have to call a local plumber.
Clogged Toilets and Drains
The most common problem in a household is the clogged drains or toilet. You can easily identify the problem. If you notice water standing in the sinks or bathroom while taking shower, it means that there is a clogged drain. In case of a clogged toilet, the symptoms are clearer. When you flush the toilet, the water backs up or sometimes the toilet overflows.
This is the sign of a clogged toilet. The only solution is to first identify the clogged drain and then perform some homemade remedies to clear out the clog. In some difficult cases, you need to call the plumber.
Cause: the main cause of a clogged drain is something that is blocking the drain from inside or sometimes outside. In case of sinks and showers, the most common cause of clogging is hair.
Solution: to unclog the drains you can simply take the help of a plunger. It is a common plumbing tool that is found in every hardware store near your house. This tool is most commonly use to unclog drains.
When to Call a Plumber: after trying some homemade methods, if the clog still remains, then this is the time to call a drain cleaner in Norwich. This means that the blockage cannot be easily remove and you need to take professional help.
Leakage in Pipes and Faucets
Leakage in faucets or pipes is a common plumbing problem in a household. However these dripping faucets can easily add a hefty amount to your monthly water bill and it can also waste lots of water. Leaking pipes are also a major problem because they can lead to many bigger plumbing issues if not resolved quickly.
Cause: there is a washer on the tap that forms a seal with the tap. If that washer is broken, damage or torn the seal is no longer there and this cause the water to leak from the faucet. In case of leaking pipes, the problem is usually at the joints. Leaks can occur due to many reasons including high water pressure or deterioration etc.
Solution: in case of leaking faucets, the main culprit is the washer. Simply changing the washer can solve the problem. Replacing a washer is not a difficult task. You can also do it yourself with the help of special plumbing tools. However replacing pipes can be a complex job and you should better call a professional plumber to perform this job to avoid any mess.
When to Call Plumber: if you have no experience of replacing a washer or if you do not have special plumbing tools, then you should call the plumber.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a common issue in old homes. However it can also happen in newly built homes as well. Low water pressure can be very irritating as it can make it difficult to rinse things and take shower. That is why it is important to resolve low water pressure issues as soon as you identify them.
Cause: one of the most common reasons for low water pressure is some issue in the main pipe providing water in the whole vicinity. It will also cause low water pressure in your neighbourhood as well. Another reason could be a leaking pipe in your home. Sometimes hard water causes elements to build up in your faucets and taps that can also cause low water pressure.
Solution: if you have identified that the cause of low water pressure is the buildup then you should start cleaning of taps and showerheads. These can be cleaned by using vinegar. You can unscrew the taps or showerheads and soak them in vinegar overnight to get rid of the buildup inside them.
When to call Plumber: call the plumber if you are unable to find out the cause of low water pressure. Also low water pressure due to leaking pipes can also not be solved through DIY methods or home remedies. This also needs the help of a professional plumber.
Running Toilet
There are many types of toilet plumbing problems but a running toilet is the most irritating of them all. Though the toilet functions perfectly well, the all time running water is causing wastage of water and it can also create humidity in your bathroom causing the damage to walls and other bathroom fixtures.
Cause: the main causes of a running toilet are leaking flapper valve, imbalanced float or loose fill tube etc.
Solution: check all the components of the toilet to find out the leakage area or problematic part. Check the fill tube is attached properly to the overflow tube. If it is disconnected, this can also cause leakage and running toilets. Next check the flapper if the chain is properly connected or not. If the flapper chain is detangled, it can also cause a running toilet.
When to Call Plumber: after replacing the components if still the running toilet issue is not solved, then you need to call a plumber.
Final Words
The above methods can help you to identify and solve common plumbing issues in your household before needing to call the plumber.
