At some point, most homeowners and renters will experience a plumbing problem. Many are easy to fix, but some can be dangerous if not addressed quickly.
Knowing how plumbing problems usually start can help you recognize them early on, so you can call a plumber before the problem gets worse. Here are some common plumbing issues and how they usually start:
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. They can affect a single sink, toilet or tub, or multiple drains throughout the house. Kitchen sinks are prone to clogs from food scraps and coffee grounds, while bathroom drains are often blocked by hair. Most clogs are easily remedied using a plunger or plumber’s snake, but slow draining is an indication that there may be a larger problem, such as a tree root blockage in the sewer line, that will require professional snaking.
The most obvious clue that a drain is blocked is when it’s nearly impossible to flush the toilet. A clogged toilet can also cause wastewater to back up into baths and sinks. The best way to diagnose a clogged drain is to shut off water to the entire home and call a plumber or drain specialist.
Other signs of a clog include foul odors, which are caused by a wad of goop or something else accumulating inside the pipe. A gurgling sound when water drains is another indication that oxygen has been trapped inside the pipe, causing bubbles to form and release smelly gases. A clogged bathtub or shower drain is typically easier to diagnose than a clogged kitchen sink or toilet, because those drains sit lower in the pipe and are less likely to get clogged with hair or other debris that can be washed down a drain.
If the clog is near the toilet or a drain pipe, it may be an easy fix with a wire snake or drain auger. For a clog farther down the line, a professional will usually need to use an electric snake or motorized auger.
Taking preventative measures can help avoid clogged drains, like never placing anything down a drain that doesn’t belong there and regularly cleaning your drain traps with a drain cleaner such as Hercules R-D Root Destroyer. It’s also a good idea to have your drain lines inspected for root invasion every couple years, which can be done by a qualified plumbing technician. These professionals can spray a special formula, such as Hercules Root Destroyer, into the external drain line to stop root growth and prevent clogs before they happen.
Leaky Pipes
One of the most common plumbing problems is leaky pipes. This can range from a slow drip under the sink to a flood of water causing damage to your home’s structure and exposing you and your family to dangerous bacteria. Pipes can leak from worn threading at connections, cracked or broken joints and dislodged sections of pipe. It is important to inspect all your plumbing pipes regularly and take steps to prevent them from leaking.
The best way to stop a leaky pipe is to make sure the water supply is completely shut off. This can be done by turning off the water at the main valve located on your property or by using a shut-off valve on the specific line that is leaking. It is also a good idea to check the surrounding area for visible signs of leaking, such as dark spots on walls or ceilings or dampness.
If you are unable to shut off the water supply, there are several ways to temporarily fix a leaking pipe. Some of these methods may require you to remove the leaking section of pipe and install a new one, while others are simple enough that you can do them yourself.
There are many different products available to help you repair a leaky pipe, but the most important thing is that you do something quickly. If you let a leaky pipe go, it could lead to massive water damage and a costly contractor bill.
You can use a variety of materials to seal off a leak, including epoxy putty and rubber patches with hose clamps. Choose a type of repair material that is suitable for your home’s pipes. For example, if you have galvanized pipes, choose a repair solution made specifically for this material.
A rubber patch with a hose clamp is an inexpensive option that works well for small leaks in most home’s plumbing systems. To use this method, first clean the area around the leak thoroughly and then place an appropriately sized piece of rubber patch over the damaged part of the pipe. Next, wrap the pipe with a hose clamp, evenly tightening it for a strong seal.
Sewer Backups
Sewage backups are not only a messy and unpleasant plumbing issue, but they can also pose serious health threats for your family. A clog or blockage in your home’s main sewer line can cause wastewater to back up into drains, toilets and sinks. This is a very dangerous situation that requires the help of a professional plumber as quickly as possible.
The main sewer line connects your home to the public city sewer line or your own septic system. All of the wastewater and sewage that you use passes through these pipes. Over time, these lines can become clogged with debris like twigs, roots and other organic growth. Additionally, these lines can crack or burst due to environmental factors like heavy rains.
A clog or blockage in your main sewer line will cause all of your home’s drains to back up. This is why it’s so important to watch for warning signs of a problem. Slow-moving water, gurgling noises from sink and tub drains, or a wet floor in the garage, basement, or laundry room are all signs of a blocked sewer line.
If you notice black water backing up into your home, immediately shut off your home’s main water valve and call a plumber, and vitally, a good one like the Stockton plumbers. This will help prevent sewage from flooding your home and causing expensive damage. Additionally, you should turn off any electricity that is in the area of the sewer backup to decrease potential damage from electrical shock.
Sewage is a dangerous and toxic substance that should never be touched, especially if you’re dealing with a severe backup. If you have to come into contact with it, wear protective clothing such as a face mask, goggles and rubber gloves. Additionally, you should open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Lastly, you should inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the situation to see if it’s covered under your policy. If it is, your insurance will guide you through the process of filing a claim and repairing any damages. Also, be sure to turn off your home’s main water supply and don’t use any sinks, tubs or toilets until the sewage has been cleared.
Water Heater Issues
If you’re not careful, plumbing problems can be an expensive and time-consuming hassle. Many common plumbing problems can be avoided by regular inspection and routine maintenance. It’s also important to know when to call a professional plumber for help with your home’s pipes and fixtures.
A dripping faucet can drive you crazy, and it’s often a sign of a bigger problem. If left untreated, a leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water and cause significant damage to your home’s pipes. This is why it’s so important to always check under sinks for dripping faucets and to make sure all plumbing components are tight and secure.
Low water pressure is another common plumbing issue that can be a big headache. It can affect the whole house, making it difficult to wash dishes or take a shower. It may be caused by a blockage somewhere in the pipes or by a faulty valve. If you’re having low water pressure in your home, it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible so they can diagnose and fix the problem.
Over time, your water heater can develop sediment buildup that stops the heating element from working properly. This can lead to hot water that doesn’t last long or may even cause the tank to burst. If you’re having issues with your water heater, call a residential or commercial plumber immediately for a water tank flush and tune-up.
Another common plumbing issue is a gas leak from the water heater. This can be extremely dangerous for your family and needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you smell gas, see signs of a leak, or hear bubbling from the water heater, turn off your gas and call a plumber right away.
Clogged drains are a huge nuisance and can be very dangerous for children and pets. It’s important to use a drain cleaning product regularly and never put food down the drain that you shouldn’t. It’s also a good idea to have a drain guard installed to prevent debris from blocking your drains.