The Most Common Plumbing Problems

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Almost all homeowners and renters have the tools needed to handle minor plumbing problems. If you can do repairs around the home, then you should be able to handle the small tasks of replacing a drain cover or changing a worn washer. However, if you have bigger plumbing problems, you will need to enlist the help of a professional. Attempting to fix small problems like leaking toilets could lead to bigger problems down the road.

Plumbing maintenance

To prevent costly repairs in your home, you need a consistent maintenance schedule. Because many plumbing issues tend to sneak up on you, a careful inspection is necessary to detect small problems before they snowball. Hidden leaks under water heaters and sinks are not just a nuisance; they do end up causing structural problems. When water seeps into the walls, it causes mold growth. Moreover, wood floors and porous tiles can warp or discolor when wet. An inspection is the basis of any maintenance schedule.

When going through your home, look at the plumbing. Inspect all the exposed pipes for signs of leakage. Check for signs of corrosion on copper and brass fittings. Corrosion usually occurs on damp metal; therefore, rusted metal might indicate a slow leak. When checking for leaks, turn on showers, tubs, and sinks. If the water pressure is lower than usual, that could also be a sign of leakage. How quickly does the water drain? Slow draining water could mean clogged passages. Also, flush your toilet to see if it leaks at the base.

Common plumbing repair jobs

Conducting a thorough inspection will not prevent the occasional leak or clog. Here are some of the common plumbing problems that you are likely to come across:

  • Dripping faucets – not only is this problem annoying, but it also drives up your water bill. A single dripping faucet can send hundreds of gallons of water down the drain in one year. When water is turned off, silicone or rubber-based washers create a watertight seal, preventing water from forcing itself out of the tap. Over time, washers are damaged and allow the faucets to drip. When this happens, you might need the services of a plumber.
  • Low water pressure – when water only trickles out of the faucet, you have a low water pressure problem. The issue could be originating from the municipal water supply. However, the more common cause of low water pressure is the buildup of deposits on faucet aerators. If you have a filtration system, it will filter the deposits. On the other hand, if you do not have such a system, the sediment will collect on the inside of your showerheads and faucets.
  • Leaky pipes- leakages mostly occur at joints. This is why fitting compounds and commercial joint filters take up a lot of space in hardware stores. Using these products only produces a temporary solution. The permanent repair would include replacing an entire length of pipe and its fittings.
  • Clogged drains – when water is draining very slowly, you may have a partial or complete clog. In most cases, a plunger will unclog the drain. However, if you are always unclogging your drains, it may be time to call the professionals.

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When do-it-yourself plumbing repairs do not work, you should contact Basking Ridge Plumbing for professional help. This might save you a lot of money in the end.