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Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

Chemical drain cleaner

Most home and building owners tend to ignore the importance of plumbing to a building’s integrity until they experience a problem with it. In other words, being aware of the common plumbing flaws, how to prevent them, and measures to take when you have a plumbing problem is pretty essential.

At some point, your building or home will age. And, naturally, you may face problems with your plumbing system. If you already have such nuisances, you can equip yourself with the expertise to find a viable solution. As we all know, simple problems might result in more significant and costly fixes. This article will discuss the common plumbing problems and give you tips on how to fix them.

1. Running Toilet

The sound from a leaking faucet can be irritating but listening to a continuously running toilet is worse. A running toilet is often annoying since you still have to use them even though it’ll continue making noise and waste a lot of water.

Causes

A non-stop running toilet is often a result of failure in the proper functioning of the toilet's mechanisms. This can be from a leak, imbalanced float, loose tubes, and many other defaults.

How to Fix it

Since there are multiple reasons for the running toilet, you'll probably have to check out the toilet's inner systems to find where the issue is. You can find yourself a toilet kit that comes with all the necessary supplies to help fix your toilet. However, if you don't know how to do it yourself, it is advisable to call a professional to avoid the risk of causing more costly damages.

2. Slow Draining Sinks and Bathtubs

A slow draining sink and bathtub is a very common plumbing issue you can easily notice and hopefully fix. You may have to wait for a long time to get enough water for a bath or shower, and this can cause headaches during bedtime.

Causes

Slow draining sinks and bathtubs occur when some materials partially or entirely clog the drain, causing little or no water flow. Depending on where the blockage exists, the reasons tend to vary.

  • Kitchen sinks

Check for things that may cause blockage, including food, grease, household materials, or other solid particles that flow into the drain.

  • Bathtubs

Hair is the primary material that causes bathtub blockages. Sometimes, hair ties, toys, and caps from shampoo bottles can cause clogs too.

How to fix it

First, use your plunger to determine if you can unclog your drain on your own. This is one of the easiest ways to eliminate any small material build-up inside the drains. If the blockage is visible, try using a small pair of tweezers to pull it out. In case the clog is severe, you can use chemical drain cleaners and drain snakes.

3. Clogged Garbage Disposal

Clogged garbage disposal often tops the list of popular plumbing issues. If you have installed a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you may be sending a broad range of items down the drain each day. This could, in turn, result in major problems with your plumbing system.

Causes

A clogged garbage disposal is usually a result of larger food portions and wastes going down the drain. As a result, these waste food materials accumulate over time, blocking the disposal system.

How to fix it

One of the best solutions for this issue is to use a chemical drain cleaner. However, be careful as the chemicals used can cause severe damage to the metal blades and plastic parts inside the unit. It would be best to find a professional to help you with this process and avoid other expensive damages.

4. Dripping Faucets

A dripping faucet is one of the most common plumbing flaws you can face in your home. And with our skills, you can find a quick and reliable solution.

Causes

It is most likely that the small piece of the item inside the faucet, usually the washer, has been damaged. The cartridge might have become old, and the O-ring is worn out, making it harder to restrict water flows fully.

How to fix it

Try to replace the washer, O-ring, and cartridge in your faucet to solve this plumbing issue. If you notice that the faucet requires special tools or expertise, be sure to contact experts.

5. No Hot Water

Finding that there's no hot water in your home during cold times can be quite disappointing. A well-functioning water heater is vital, especially if you enjoy having nice warm baths and showers after a long busy day. Seeing water leaks, hearing weird and loud noises, and huge puddles of water around the water heater are signs that your heater isn't working.

Causes

Regrettably, there is no single clear cause for a hot water problem. It may be due to the build-up of minerals from rust, corrosion, hard water, or aging.

Solution

First, switch off the water heater as the sediment accumulation can become drastic if the heater is on. Since most problems with water heaters are quite complicated, we recommend you seek help from professionals.

Contact Dr Rooter of Lexington

Having a smoothly running plumbing system is quite essential for your home’s efficiency. It’s helpful to be aware of the common plumbing issues, their causes, and how to fix them whenever they arise.

Are you looking for professional help concerning problems with your plumbing system? Dr Rooter of Lexington has got you well covered. We are a full-service plumbing company dedicated to serving commercial and residential properties with exceptional customer satisfaction. Call us any time of the day whenever you want your plumbing issues to get fixed professionally.

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