When it comes to the state of your home, there are many things that you probably want to keep in check. From the structure to the condition of its amenities and furnishings, keeping tabs on these things is important for a variety of reasons. However, this can be a difficult task for anyone who lives in their home on a day-to-day basis. After all, what appears small or unnoticeable at first can often grow into something much larger than we expect over time. Whether it’s something as simple as a leaky faucet or something more complex like sewer backup, many common plumbing problems may crop up in your home. Fortunately, most of them are relatively easy to fix if you know where to look.
Fixing clogged drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues. Clogs can be formed from many different things, but the good news is that they are usually very easy to fix. There are a few different ways you can go about unclogging a drain, but each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Using a plunger
A plunger can be an effective way to unclog a drain. A plunger creates a vacuum that can help to pull loose particles in the drain towards the plunger, clearing the drain in the process. However, plungers can sometimes be less effective if the clog is too deep.
Using a drain snake
A drain snake is a long cable that has a rotating auger on the end. You can feed the cable down the drain and use the auger to break up any clogs that you find. Drain snakes are great at removing clogs of all sizes, but they might not be the best choice if the clog is very deep in the pipe.
Using chemical drain cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners are an effective way to break up clogs in a drain, they can often be quite harmful to your pipes as well. If your main concern is breaking up an existing clog, chemical drain cleaners may be an effective solution. Just be sure to check for any warnings about using the product in your particular pipes.
Leaky faucets
A leaky faucet can be one of the most annoying plumbing issues to deal with. Fortunately, most faucet leaks can be fixed fairly easily. There are a few different things you can check when you’re trying to figure out if a faucet leak is something you can fix.
Make sure the faucet was installed correctly
While this may seem obvious, it is important to note that a faucet leak can often be traced back to a problem in its installation. If you have recently installed a new faucet and notice a leak, double-check that it was installed correctly.
Check for signs of damage
If a faucet is old and worn, it is more likely to experience problems. This includes leaking due to clogs or a loose screw. You can check for these types of problems by removing the faucet cover and inspecting the faucet handles.
Low water pressure
If you start noticing that your water pressure has dropped, it could be due to a variety of issues. Luckily, you can often correct this problem without needing to call a plumber. It’s important to first figure out the reason behind the drop in pressure before you try to correct it. This may involve checking for clogs in the lines or making sure your water heater is not overheating.
Broken Or Cracked Pipes And No Water
A plumbing issue that you may not even realize is happening is a broken or cracked pipe. If you start to notice a decrease in water pressure, this could be a sign of a break in one of your main water lines. You can check for a break in the lines by listening for a drop in water pressure and observing any changes in water flow when you open a faucet. If you notice a drop in water pressure or changes in water flow, be sure to check for breaks in your pipes as soon as possible. A break in the line can quickly turn into a very serious situation.
Cracked Toilet Bowl
If the inside of your toilet bowl has developed rust spots or a visible layer of minerals, it may be time to replace the toilet bowl. Toilet bowls are not too expensive and the process is not too difficult. It is best to call a professional to install the new toilet bowl to make sure it is done correctly. Toilet bowls can be cleaned, but they cannot be repaired. If the bowl is cracked or broken, it must be replaced. Before you replace the toilet, be sure to check your local building codes since not all areas require a new toilet when the bowl is replaced.
Blocked drains and sewage smells
If you start to notice a strong sewage smell coming from one or more drains in your home, it could be due to a blockage in the lines. It is best to call a professional if the blockage is in the main line leading from your house to the sewer system. A plumber can clear the blockage and make sure everything is flowing correctly again. If the blockage is in an individual line, you can try using a plunger to unclog the line. Check for signs of a clog, such as a drop in water pressure or a change in water flow. If you are not sure where the clog is located, try cleaning the line closest to the outside sewer drain first. If this does not work, try the other lines until you find the one that is blocked.
Conclusion
Many of the most common plumbing issues can be traced back to either worn or broken parts or improper installation of your systems. While it may be tempting to try to save a few bucks by attempting to fix these problems on your own, plumbing issues can quickly spiral out of control. Instead, it’s often best to call a professional who can come out and make sure everything is fixed properly and without causing any further damage. That being said, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of these issues occurring by properly maintaining your plumbing systems. This includes keeping an eye out for potential problems and promptly correcting them when they do arise.