Many homeowners will likely experience plumbing problems at some point in time and require residential plumbing services to restore the problem. Fortunately, most common plumbing problems are a relatively easy fix, however, some can also be quite detrimental. That’s why it is important to be aware of how to identify these issues, what to look for, and what you can do to fix the issue.
Read on to discover the three most common plumbing problems and what can be done to restore them below.
1. Dripping Faucets
Arguably, the most common of all plumbing problems is the dripping faucet. It’s quite rare to find a homeowner or any property owner that has not experienced the dripping faucet issue. Unfortunately, this is not only an irritating occurrence, it can cause your water bill to surge as well. In fact, if a single faucet continues dripping for over a year, it can lose hundreds of gallons of water. Often, the source of the problem is internal, with the washer becoming too worn or stiff and dislodged after extended use. Fortunately, this problem can be solved easily with the correct tools and handled by a professional plumbing service.
2. Slow Draining Sink
A slow draining sink is often caused by a drain blockage that could be preventing normal water flow. This is likely due to a build-up in the drain from certain foods or fats in the kitchen sink. Whereas, a drain blockage in the bathroom sink is likely the result of soap or hair build-up. Unclogging the sink is relatively easy with the right tools and when handled by a professional. However, it’s imperative to have this problem looked at as soon as possible, because it will worsen if neglected over time.
You can sometimes unclog the sink on your own at time, with the following tips:
- Remove hair buildup from the drain with thin needle nose pliers
- Unthread the union nut for the P-Trap, empty contents into garbage and thread the P-trap back on. Check for leaks after, to ensure a proper seal.
3. Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of valuable water each day. The main source of the problem is often a broken or faulty fill valve that manages the water flow that passes from the tank into the bowl. This can cause the toilet to begin filling when not required and waste water. Another root source of the issue could be sediment impacting the ability of the flapper to seal properly, after flushing. Sometimes wiping the gasket off that the flapper seats on in the upper tank, can solve this minor issue. If the water bill seems to be high, you should look inside the upper tank of the toilet for “silent leaks”. This means that water is passing through the flapper seal at a very slow rate. Once enough water has passed through, the water level in the tank will drop enough to activate the flush valve to refill the tank. Add a few drops of food coloring to the upper tank of your toilet and let it sit for 20-30 minutes without flushing. After 20-30 minutes, if the water in the bowl has also become colored, you likely have a faulty/worn flapper that requires replacement.
Oliver Plumbing & Heating is the residential plumbing service and commercial plumbing service for all of your needs. Our highly experienced, professional team of plumbers offers renovations, installations, and even furnace repair and replacement to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. We are committed to providing efficient and effective services, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services at your convenience. Contact us today for a free estimate on our services.