Handling Common Plumbing Problems Around The House

Imagine waking up in the morning, getting ready for work - only to discover a common plumbing problem. The faucet isn’t turning on, the toilet can’t flush, or the shower pressure is weak - these household water problems are ruining your day. It happens to the best of us - home repair problems come up at the worst possible time. There is good news, though - many of these are simple household repairs. Those issues are easy to fix with professional technicians by your side. With our guide, you’re going to learn about the ten most common plumbing problems homeowners face, and how to find a solution to these problems. 

Causes of a Dripping Faucet and Easy Solutions

For homeowners like you, it’s frustrating to deal with leaks, clogs, and low water pressure. One of the most frustrating issues you might face is a dripping faucet. Dripping faucets waste water and increase your water bill. The cause could be a worn-out faucet washer or O-Ring. A worn-out washer is a small plastic ring inside the faucet parts. When you turn off the faucet handle, it’s supposed to stop water from flowing out. 

    Replace the Worn Parts of a Faucet 

In a faucet, which has moving parts, such as the handle, the cartridge connected to it, and internal mechanisms that turn the water on and off, the faucet O-Ring prevents water from leaking out of them. Before starting the repair, shut off the water supply, which prevents water from running. Take apart the faucet and replace a washer with a new one. It’s best to call a professional plumber if you notice corrosion or you’re dealing with a complex fixture.

Repair a Slow or Clogged Drain

One other common issue people face is a slow or clogged drain. For those of you experiencing this problem, you might notice a slow draining sink, tub, and shower drain very slowly. It’s typically caused by hair, soap buildup, and grease. Solve this challenge by using a plunger or a drain snake. Or, you could also try a baking soda and vinegar drain to remove buildup. While you’re repairing your plumbing system, it’s important to not use chemical drain cleaners that damage pipes.

Dealing With a Running Toilet

Another problem many homeowners struggle with is a running toilet. A toilet running continuously wastes water. This is caused by a faulty toilet flapper or fill valve. With this issue, try a couple of toilet repair solutions. First, you can try inspecting the toilet tank components. Or, you could replace the flapper. These solutions are considered to be the easiest DIY plumbing repairs. In your home, you might also notice problems with lower water pressure in the faucet or shower. You may experience weak water flow from faucets or shower heads due to mineral buildup or hidden leaks. Clean the faucet aerators and shower heads for improved water flow Check the water shut-off valves, too. Call a professional if you're experiencing lower water pressure throughout the house. 

            Handling Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are another common difficulty you may experience in your home. Often caused by loose fittings, corrosion, or cracks, pipe leaks can create moisture under sinks or visible dripping. Fix pipe leaks yourself by tightening connections under the sink and using pipe tape or temporary patch kits.There’s an important detail to remember about temporary pipe repair - it only works for a short amount of time and you should monitor closely.

Fix a Broken Water Heater

You may find that your water heater is not working properly. This is typically due to sediment buildup or a faulty thermostat, leading to no hot water or inconsistent temperatures. In order to repair this on your own, flush the water heater tank once a year and check thermostat settings. After trying to repair your water heater, call a professional if your water heater makes noise or doesn’t create any heat at all.

           Repair a Jammed Garbage Disposal

One common plumbing issue that might come up in your home is a jammed garbage disposal. Small leftover pieces of food or items that shouldn’t be stuck in the drain can cause the garbage disposal to not turn on or make noise. Fix this by turning off the power or using a hex key to manually rotate blades and unclog the garbage disposal. Just as a garbage disposal safety tip, it’s important to never put your hands inside the unit, which is where the blades are. 

Fixing a Backed Up Sewer

Not everything goes according to plan as a homeowner - and a backed up sewer is certainly an issue you’ll want to handle promptly. This is caused by tree roots or main line blockage, leading to multiple clogged drains and foul odors. While there aren’t too many home repairs to do without calling a professional, a drain cleaner for clogs could help with minor issues. Although this might not be the most convenient solution, it’s best to contact a specialist for professional sewage repair. 

Repairing a Faulty Hose Bib

Stay on top of your home repairs by fixing a faulty hose bib. It’s an easy DIY hose bib repair you can handle on your own. Worn packing washers or freeze damage can lead to a leaking outdoor faucet. During the winter, it’s necessary to prevent frozen pipes and avoid damage. For example, turn off the outdoor faucet to prevent water from sitting in the pipes and freezing. Drain any remaining water, disconnect the hose, and cover the outdoor faucet for extra protection. 

Fix a Sump Plumbing Failure

Last but not least, a sump pump failure is more common than you might think. When it comes to sump pump failure causes, some causes include power failure, clogging, or an aging pump. Some solutions for sump pump maintenance involve testing it regularly and cleaning debris from the basin. Make sure to call a pro when the pump is not working or won’t activate.

                                 Avoid Plumbing Problems in Your Home

Now that you’re familiarized with the most typical plumbing problems for homeowners, let’s go over how to prevent plumbing problems altogether. For example, prevent clogs by scheduling routine inspections. Learn about which items you shouldn’t flush to avoid expensive repairs. Use drain covers to prevent buildup since material slowly collects in them drains over time. Additionally, insulate pipes during the winter by covering them with a protective material to prevent freezing. Lastly, check water pressure to ensure that your appliances are working properly.

        Find an Expert Technician For Support

Although it isn’t the greatest news to realize you need professional plumbing services, it’s the best choice you can possibly make. It’s a good idea to recognize the signs you need a plumber. For example, if you’re facing persistent leaks, major backups, and water damage or mold, you should definitely call a plumber. Save thousands of dollars by avoiding costly plumbing damage before it’s too late. Taking care of these problems early is necessary for home protection and preventing water damage.

                         Hire a Professional Plumber to Fix Home Plumbing Issues

While it’s definitely a setback to discover issues with your home, there are plumbing solutions to ensure that your home runs smoothly. Although home plumbing fixes save  money, it’s not always enough. Hiring licensed plumbers ensure that your pipes get cleaned properly, your toilet flushes like it should, and that you have running water in your home. So, if you find yourself looking for an expert plumbing solution, contact JD Express Plumbing for dependable professional assistance.