Updated Oct 20, 2022
Updated Oct 20, 2022
Plumbing problems in your home can be very costly, not just to your monthly water bill, but also because of the potential water damage that can happen in your home if an issue is neglected for too long. How do you know which common plumbing problems you can fix on your own and which require a professional? Keep reading to learn about the issues you can tackle yourself.
If you’re unsure you have a plumbing problem, some signs could include visible water spots on the floors and wall, standing water in a bathtub or sink, leaking pipes and faucets, the sound of a continuously running toilet, or a spike in your monthly water bill.
Others signs may be more difficult to notice, such as a slow drain, dripping faucets, low water pressure, odd sounds in the pipes, and unpleasant smells. Most of these common problems can be fixed by taking a trip to the hardware store and buying the necessary materials and tools.
Below are a few ways to address the plumbing issues you’re experiencing in your home.
A dripping faucet may not be high on your priority list to fix as it doesn’t seem to cause any harm to your home, but if left untreated, a leaky faucet can waste hundreds of gallons over the course of a year and increase your monthly water bill.
Often, the cause of a dripping faucet is due to an internal washer being torn, dislodged, or if the faucet has become brittle over time, allowing water to escape even when the tap is off.
Here’s how you can fix a dripping faucet:
A slow drain is typically caused by a blockage in the pipe that slows the water flow out of your sink. Kitchen sinks can often get clogged by fat and other food remnants that get washed down the drain, whereas bathroom sinks typically get blocked by hair, soap, and other beauty products.
Make sure to clear a slow draining sink before it becomes completely blocked and causes pipes to burst. You can try the following to clear a blocked drain:
Unlike a slow draining sink, shower and tub drains can become completely blocked due to hair, soap, and other product buildup over time. If you find yourself showering in standing water, you may have a clogged drain.
Like a slow draining sink, you’ll need to remove the buildup to clear the pipes and prevent a blockage that could lead to a burst pipe.
The sound of a continuously running toilet is annoying, especially when trying to sleep at night. Not only is it an annoyance, it can cost homeowners more money by wasting gallons of water each day. This problem can be tackled with the right tools, patience, and time. A running toilet can be caused by any of the following problems:
House Method has provided a detailed explanation of how to fix a running toilet. Additionally, you can go to a home improvement store to purchase a toilet repair kit.
A clogged toilet wastes water and can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, in most cases, you can solve the issue on your own. Here are a few ways to unclog a toilet:
If you’ve noticed a significant drop in water pressure in your home, it may be a symptom of a bigger plumbing problem. A drop in water pressure, especially in older homes, may indicate a leaky pipe that has become worn over time. However, it could also be a buildup of sediment on showerheads or faucet openings.
Here are a few steps to help you fix low water pressure:
If you still notice low water pressure, call a professional plumber to investigate and confirm you don’t have leaky pipes that could cause a lot more damage to your home if not addressed.
Garbage disposals dispose of those leftovers we scrape off dishes with just a flip of a switch. However, if you put the wrong items down your disposal, such as vegetable and potato peels, too much food, metal, or plastic, or if you run the disposal without water, it can become jammed.
Here’s how to unclog a garbage disposal:
Here are a few more tips to consider when trying to fix the plumbing problems in your house:
You may need to hire a professional, such as ABC services, to take care of a plumbing repair if any of these emergencies arise:
It’s helpful to have a recommendation for a plumber prior to needing one should an emergency arise.
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