Plumbing problems that go ignored can cost you more than you realize. Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the average household wastes over 10,000 gallons of water annually? That’s roughly the equivalent of 270 loads of laundry.
The reason plumbing problems get out of hand is that many of them go undetected. It’s not until they interrupt daily life that homeowners take notice. So, what do you do when you have plumbing problems? Do you fix them yourself? Or do you call a plumber?
In this guide, you learn about the most common plumbing problems and how to fix them. You’ll learn what plumbing issues most homeowners can deal with themselves and when to call a plumbing company.
Toilet Problems
The most common household plumbing issue has to do with the one fixture that gets used the most—the toilet.
Clogs
Everyone has had a clogged toilet now and again, and plunging can solve most clogged toilet problems. But make sure you have the correct plunger. To get rid of minor clogs, you need a plunger with a flange, which looks like a soft rubber flap. If you use a sink plunger that doesn’t have this part, you won’t get a proper seal, and plunging the toilet becomes difficult.
If you plunge into the toilet, and nothing happens the first time, try it again. Sometimes you have to do it two or three times to release the blockage. After a few attempts, if the clog won’t budge, call a plumber. Don’t use liquid drain cleaners. These products contain corrosive ingredients that, when used frequently, can cause pipe material to break down and cause leaky pipes.
You want to call a plumber to troubleshoot drainage problems to ensure they diagnose the situation properly. Sometimes, toilet clogs form deep inside sewer pipes, and no amount of plunging will fix the problem. You need professional sewer cleaning to resolve this issue.
Leaks
Leaks also affect toilets frequently. Toilets can leak around the base because of a worn-out wax ring or a loose toilet. Leaks can also form between the tank and the bowl. These leaks often cost homeowners the most money because they don’t notice them as much.
If you have a leak between the tank and the bowl, you might notice the toilet “ghost flushing” or flushing on its own. It might also run all the time. Often, what you need to do to fix this issue is to replace the interior flushing mechanisms, such as the flapper and the flusher. You can find these parts at your local hardware store or home improvement store, and it takes less than ten minutes to fix.
However, you can also call a plumber to determine the problem and make the repairs. If you have a leak around the toilet base, calling a plumber gives you peace of mind that you won’t cause further damage. Replacing a wax ring requires removing the toilet, which is heavy and can break, or you could injure yourself. Why take that risk when you don’t have to?
Lack of Hot Water
When you want a hot shower or bath, getting blasted by an icy stream of cold water, or even lukewarm water, is disappointing. A few things cause hot water issues, most of which require a licensed plumber to fix them.
Sediment Buildup
Hard water minerals don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they build and grow over time, and plumbers call that sediment. When sediment builds up in water heaters, it settles at the bottom of the tank. It can break down the heating elements in the water heater, making it difficult for the appliance to heat the water. Sometimes, too much sediment can even cause boiling hot water to flow from the tap or shower head.
Water heater maintenance can prevent this issue. Flushing the water heater once a year removes sediment buildup and prevents emergency repairs. Let a plumber handle this maintenance task to prevent personal injury or damage to the appliance.
Leaks
Water heater leaks can happen at the top of the heater or at the bottom. The former can happen if the water line coming into the heater is damaged or not connected properly. Tightening this line usually solves the problem.
A faulty pressure relief valve can also leak. This valve discharges excess water to release pressure within the tank. Mineral deposits caused by sediment can cause the valve to corrode or rust, and a leak can form. If you suspect you have a leaky pressure relief valve, skip the DIY repair and call a plumber to fix the leak and replace the valve.
Sometimes, condensation can form near the top of the tank. When this happens, it’s startling, but there’s nothing to worry about. It’s normal. Wipe off the condensation and wait to see if it returns. If it does, call a plumber to investigate the situation further to see if something else is happening with the appliance.
Have you noticed your water heater leaking from the bottom? In a situation like this, the most likely scenario is the tank’s rusting from the inside out. This usually happens when sediment has built up for a long time. Unfortunately, you can’t fix this problem, and neither can a plumber. The remedy for a water heater leaking from its base is replacement.
Sewer Problems
If you have a sewer problem at your home, you’ll more than likely notice one or more of the following issues:
- Multiple drains backing up at once
- Gurgling drains
- Bubbling drains
- Frequent clogs
- Soggy yard along the sewer line
Only licensed plumbers should handle sewer problems. They have state-of-the-art tools, like video camera inspection equipment, to identify the location and extent of the problem. Most sewer problems happen because of poor installation, tree root installation, and old age. Plumbers use sewer techniques, such as pipe bursting and pipelining, to repair and replace damaged sewer pipes without minimal disturbance to yards and concrete surfaces.
Faucet Leak
A leaky faucet can be a minor yet persistent issue for homeowners. To repair it, turn off the water supply and remove the faucet handle. The usual suspect is worn-out washers, O-rings, or cartridges, and replace them as needed. Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to check for leaks. While many homeowners can handle this basic repair, hiring a plumber might be better if the problem persists or if you’re uncomfortable about the process. A plumber can ensure a proper fix and prevent potential water damage, saving time and the thought that your repair is going to be a short term repair.
Contact Your Falmouth Plumbers Today!
If you have any of the common plumbing problems mentioned above or have another plumbing issue, don’t wait until the water has damaged your home before calling for help. At DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we provide superior plumbing services and guarantee your satisfaction and a job done right the first time. Count on us for all your home repair needs, including plumbing, HVAC, and indoor air quality solutions. We promise prompt solutions, so you can worry less about repairs and spend more time enjoying your life.
Do you have a plumbing problem you need help to solve? Contact DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today, and get to know your local Falmouth plumbers!
