For as many hours as you spend each day in your house, you might not be there for problems that hit on the weekend or when everyone’s gone. Or you might leave the faucet on overnight and find out the next morning that you have a major problem.
You don’t have time around the clock to have a plumber on call. But it never hurts to have a few plumbing problems solved ahead of time, so you won’t have major issues in the future.
Knowing what pipes to watch out for can save you time and money down the road. Knowing your plumbing system inside and out will do the same.
Read on to explore the most common plumbing problems and how to address them.
1. Clogged Drain
Clogged drains can be caused by various things, such as grease, hair, soap scum, and food scraps. To prevent clogs from occurring, homeowners should avoid pouring solid materials such as food and oil down the drains.
Debris build-up can also occur in the drains due to poor maintenance. This means the homeowner is not performing proper maintenance. This can lead to slow-draining drains which can cause significant plumbing repairs down the line.
2. Leaky Faucet
This seemingly minor issue can cause all sorts of problems if not dealt with properly. From flooding, molding, and rot, a leaky faucet can cause a lot of damage to a home and also increase water usage costs. If a faucet has been leaking for a long time, it can produce a high-pitched sound and, eventually, rust.
This can cause the parts to become corroded, and in extreme cases, the pipe itself might need to be replaced. So, don’t forget to compare the cost to install new plumbing to get the best offer.
3. Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can occur in any home, but they are especially common when outside temperatures dip below freezing. When the water in a pipe freezes, its volume increases. This places extra stress on a pipe’s walls and can result in a burst.
Prevention is often the best form of protection. Homeowners should also persistently check their pipes for wear and tear, wear appropriate insulation, never forget to shut off outdoor hoses, and stay on top of regular maintenance.
If the pipe has already burst, consider hiring a plumber for a professional solution.
4. High Water Pressure
Not only can excessive water pressure damage fixtures and hoses, but it can also lead to frequent water leaks or burst pipes. Furthermore, high water pressure can significantly raise energy bills, as the pressure can cause your water heater to work harder.
Homeowners may not always recognize the excessive water pressure, as the issue may not be immediately evident.
5. Garbage Disposal Gone Awry
Garbage disposals are convenient appliances, but they can easily jam up, causing unpleasant smells and wastewater backups. It is important to remove any clogs in the garbage disposal early on.
Prompt action can prevent any further damage from occurring and get their disposal up and running again in no time.
Getting Familiar With Plumbing Problems
Most homeowners will experience plumbing problems at some point in time. These issues range from clogged drains and faulty pipes to pipes that freeze and burst.
Regular maintenance can help to reduce and even prevent plumbing issues, but it is best to have an experienced plumber come and take a look at any problem that arises. Plumbing problems don’t have to be a scary thing, especially if you have a general idea of how to fix them.
