10 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them
Plumbing problems are a reality for both homeowners and business owners. While some issues can seem daunting, a licensed plumber can quickly sort them out. But what happens when a registered plumber isn't available? It's helpful to know the common plumbing problems and how to fix them. This knowledge can save you both time and money when you need it most.
Here is a guide to 10 common plumbing problems and practical solutions you can try yourself.
1. Leaky Faucets
Licensed plumbers know that encountering a leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems in residential and commercial properties. If you cannot call an emergency plumber near you, try to fix it by switching off the water source underneath the washbasin.
Using a wrench, unscrew the tap handle and detach the valve. Change the washer or O-ring inside the tap, as these are frequently the source of the leak. Finally, reassemble the tap, turn the water back on, and see if the leak is gone.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a more prevalent plumbing problem, resulting from grease, hair, soap, or food scraps over time. You can try utilising a plunger to remove the blockage. If plunging does not work, try a solution of baking soda and vinegar accompanied by hot water to dissolve the buildup. Use a plumber's snake to remove the debris for difficult blockages. Avoid working with chemical drain-cleaning products since they might harm pipes—take this advice seriously from a registered plumber.
3. Running Toilet
A toilet that does not stop running might waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. You can resolve it by lifting the toilet bowl lid and checking its flapper valve. Should the flapper be worn or broken, immediately change it. Local plumbers at Your Local Tradesman always check that the chain connecting to the flapper is not excessively tight or loose enough to malfunction. Then, they modify the float valve whenever necessary to manage the water level in the storage tank.
4. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure may render regular activities like bathing and cleaning dishes laborious and exhausting. You can deal with it by checking the tap’s aerator or showerhead for debris and contaminants—clean it using vinegar. After that, examine if the main waiter valve is open. If several fixtures have low pressure, there could be an issue with the main water line, and you may want professional assistance
5. Dripping Pipes
Dripping pipes are a huge hassle and headache for residential and commercial properties because if they are not repaired, it will cause severe water damage. If you encounter this situation, immediately shut off the water supply to the compromised pipe. You must secure the pipe fittings with a wrench and if tightening does not fix the problem, switch the broken pipe piece or apply pipe sealant to prevent spills. Suppose this method still does not work, you may need to call a fully qualified plumber who will finish the work successfully.
6. Frozen Pipes
In regions with lower temperatures, frozen pipes may explode or collapse, causing extensive water damage. Should you suspect you have blocked pipes, turn off your water supply straight away. You can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater to thaw the frozen piece of the pipe. Remember to never use an open flame to defrost pipes. Once you are done thawing, inspect for cracks or leaks and replace any damaged pieces of pipe. Do not deal with it yourself if you have doubts about fixing the issue—call a same-day plumber near you for a better solution.
7. Water Heater Problems
A failing water heater might leave you without hot water when you need it the most. You can get the job done by examining the thermostat parameters on your water heater. Local plumbers’ trick is to identify if it is set excessively low, they will adjust it to reach the required temperature. Moreso, if you have an electric water heater, check the circuit breaker and reset it as needed.
8. Sewer Line Backup
A sewer line backup can cause major problems, including foul odours and wastewater backing into your home. Call a plumber immediately to inspect the sewer line. In some cases, the issue may happen by a clog or tree roots blocking the line.
9. Worn-Out Garbage Disposal
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can make kitchen clean-ups a hassle and stressful. An advice from a professional registered plumber is to turn off the power to the disposal. If there’s an obstruction, use tongs or pliers to remove it. If the disposal still doesn’t work, you might have to replace it or have a reliable after-hours plumber for your emergency plumbing job.
10. Leaky Hose Bibs
In the winter season, a leaky outdoor faucet or hose bib is common. As a quick fix, you can first shut off the water supply to the hose bib from the inside of your house. Unscrew the bib and inspect the washer or O-ring for damage—replace the broken parts then reattach the bib, and turn the water supply back on. While handling this may sound easy, it can be quite tricky. Call a local Adelaid plumber for excellent and proper service.
Our team of experienced and friendly local plumbers at Your Local Tradesman is dedicated to ensuring that every job is done right the first time. Our services are available 24/7 and we even answer your questions about where to find a plumber that offers payment plans near me.
Book our Adelaide plumbers to resolve your leaky faucets, blocked drains and sinks or even deal with complex plumbing installation.