In any household, plumbing systems require constant upkeep. Even in the best of circumstances, plumbing issues are inevitable. Even if you diligently check your pipes once a month, sooner or later you’ll encounter trouble: clogged drains, broken water lines, and frozen pipes are just some of the problems that can arise in any home. Luckily, there are ways to head off these problems before they cause any serious damage or create unhealthy living conditions for you and your family. A comprehensive plumbing inspection can save you time and money in the long run by catching problems before they escalate into catastrophe. In addition to regular maintenance, there are a few other things you can do to keep your plumbing in good working order and prevent costly repairs in the future. Keep reading to learn more about common plumbing problems and how you can prevent them before they become full-blown crises.
Leaking and frost-free faucets
If you hear water dripping from your faucet or notice a drop in the flow of water coming out of your faucet, that’s a sure sign of a faulty washer or faulty valve. To fix this problem, turn off the water supply to the area in which the faucet is located and remove the faucet head(where the handle on the faucet is located). There should be two washers below the faucet head: one for hot water and one for cold water. Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the washer that is frozen and replace it with the one that is still intact. If you can’t remove the old washer, simply replace it with a new one. Now, turn the faucet back on and test the faucet to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Water leaks and drips
Water leaks and drips can be caused by any number of issues, including worn-out pipes, poorly installed pipes or faulty plumbing fixtures such as faucets or shower heads. If you suspect a water leak or drip, look for telltale signs such as discoloration on the drywall or other surrounding surfaces, water stains on the floor or nearby walls, or even bubbling paint. If you find a water leak or drip, turn off the water supply to the affected area (if it’s a drip, shut off the water to the entire house) and contact a plumber to come out and fix the problem. Otherwise, you may end up with a very expensive repair.
Leaking toilets
Toilet leaks are usually caused by broken or damaged flapper valves, loose toilet fillers, or worn-out flapper seats. Toilet leaks can be costly to repair and may require a plumber to come out and make repairs. To determine if your toilet is leaking, turn off the water to the toilet and then press on the tank with both hands. If you feel any resistance, the toilet is working properly and there is no leak. If you do not feel any resistance when you press on the tank, the toilet is leaking and may require repair. If you find that you have a toilet that is leaking, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. First, turn off the main water supply to the toilet, flush the toilet, and then check to make sure there is no water left in the toilet bowl. If there is any water left in the bowl, the toilet is still leaking.
Clogged drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues that can occur in a home. There are many different types of clogs, but most of them are easy to fix. If your home has a garbage disposal, it’s important to remember to run it with cold water only, and to clean out the disposal regularly. If you have a clogged toilet, try to dig past the clog by using a toilet auger. If you are unable to dig past the clog, a plumber can come out and clear the clog for you.
Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes are fairly common, especially during the winter months. To prevent frozen pipes, make sure you adequately insulate any exposed pipes and keep the temperature in your home above freezing. When the temperature dips below freezing, it is important to turn the water off to exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. If your pipes do freeze, you can thaw them out by running very hot water through the pipes. You may need to contact a plumber to come out and thaw frozen pipes for you. If you live in a place where the winter months can be very cold, you may want to consider investing in a frost-proof pipe cover for exposed pipes.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues can be a stressful and expensive ordeal, especially if they go unaddressed for too long. A plumbing inspection can save you time and money by catching problems before they escalate into disaster. While it may be difficult, there are a few things you can do to prevent plumbing issues from happening in the first place.