We’re all bound to experience issues with residential plumbing at some point. Whether it’s a sudden leak, a dripping faucet, or low water pressure, bathroom and kitchen-related problems can be a real pain to deal with. Usually, our first instinct is to call a plumber. While that’s certainly encouraged for situations that require immediate intervention, with the right knowledge and tools, there are certain minor things you can take care of yourself. Here are some expert-approved tips for dealing with common plumbing issues at home.
Low Water Pressure
Could anything be more annoying than weak water pressure? It leaves you unable to enjoy a shower or wash dishes properly. To remedy this, start by checking whether the low pressure is affecting your hot and cold water. If it is, the main culprit is often calcium deposits that accumulate in the aerator and obstruct water pressure.
To restore it, carefully remove the aerator and soak it in vinegar to dissolve any sediments or debris. Use a toothbrush to scrub it clean and a toothpick to poke off any loose deposits, and install it back. This goes for faucets and showerheads, which you may need to replace altogether to achieve stronger pressure.
Leaky Pipes
Leakages in your piping system that go undetected can damage your furniture and floor, which can end up seriously hurting your wallet. These can be due to excessive water pressure, but also corrosion, clogs, broken seals, or even cracked pipes.
If you need help identifying the root cause and are looking for a plumber Washington Township locals depend on, or anywhere else on the East coast, know that having your pipes regularly inspected by a professional will help you avoid leaky pipes, especially during winter when freezing water in the pipes can cause them to burst. Some online research should point you towards plenty of reliable options.
Dripping Faucet
The sound of water dripping from a faucet is a notoriously irritating nuisance. Beyond that, it can cause great water wastage and cost you money. Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple fix. The culprit is often worn-out O-rings, which are small rubber rings placed on the stem screw to stabilize the handle. Start by carefully unscrewing your faucet, look for any faulty rings, and replace them with fresh ones. With a few simple tools and some prior plumbing experience, you won’t ever be bothered by dripping faucets.
Drainage Problems
Having a slow or clogged drain is among the most common residential plumbing issues. That being said, it’s important to tackle them as soon as possible to avoid disasters or potential health hazards. Generally, problems with localized drainage are caused by a build-up of hair, soap, or other foreign materials stuck inside the drain. To ensure they stay in optimal shape, conduct regular cleaning of your drains. However, if this happens to affect multiple areas of the home, it’s better to call in the experts for a full inspection.
Running Toilet
Running toilets can cause immense water wastage, up to hundreds of gallons. The culprit here is usually the flapper valve, which controls the water passing from the tank to the toilet bowl. With wear and tear, it can start to lose its shape and become faulty.
Thankfully, a basic toilet repair kit will allow you to repair the issue. Also, be sure to check for toilet leaks: Simply place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet’s tank, and if it travels down to the bowl, you know you have a leak. In parallel, know that built-up sediments and minerals may also affect your toilet’s flushing and filling.
Obstructed Garbage Disposal
Dealing with a jammed kitchen sink disposal is another frequent pitfall. Now, if you’ve lost that useful key that helps unjam it, you can use a ¼ inch Allen wrench to unjam your garbage disposal. Be sure the power is turned off before attempting to do so. You’ll see a dedicated opening at the bottom of the installation, where you’ll insert the special wrench and turn it both ways to free up the motor.
Faulty Water Heater
Not being able to enjoy a warm shower after a long day can be seriously disenchanting. The absence of hot water is almost always due to a defective water heater. Although they are built to last for many years, water heaters can succumb to a faulty thermostat or an accumulation of sediments inside the tank. Now, given the sensitive nature of electrical connections and other heating elements involved inside these installations, it’s best to call a professional for a safety inspection.
Ultimately, no one is safe from experiencing challenges with plumbing at home. And while you’d be right to contact a licensed plumber for more serious issues, as we’ve seen, a number of everyday inconveniences can be fixed quite easily. Think about how much you stand to save by maintaining your own plumbing system, DIY-style!
