Welcome back to the American Bath Remodeling blog! Today we want to talk about common plumbing problems people tend to have in their homes. It is quite common to call your plumber every two to three years to have something fixed. Depending on the age of your home may also affect how often you need to call a plumber to your home.
We all know there are different types of plumbing problems in each house. Whether you live in an apartment or home there are bound to be some sort of problems. While there are plenty of different problems we want to list out some of the most common plumbing problems you may also be experiencing.
1. Dripping Faucet
Dripping faucets can be extremely annoying, especially when you hear that water hit the sink as you are trying to fall asleep at night. You may have even ignored this noise for quite some time, but those small drips add money onto your water bill. While it may seem like small amounts of water by doing nothing about it you can waste gallons upon gallons of water each year.
2. Slow Draining Sink
If your sink is slowly draining you do not want to use any drain cleaner. These can actually ruin your pipes and in the end cause complete blockage overtime. Depending on the sink can also make what is causing the blockage different. Your kitchen sink is likely to have food particles and fats stuck where the bathroom sink is likely to have hair and soap creating a blockage. This slow draining can be fixed by using a snake, baking soda and vinegar, or even warm water.
3. Clogged Drains
Similarly to slow draining sinks clogged drains are often caused by food particles, or hair and soap. While certain steps will help to get rid of the blockage they often are temporary fixes. A great way to prevent hair and other items from getting into the drain is by using a drain guard to catch any unwanted items. If you are unable to unclog the drain yourself be sure to call a plumber.
4. Low Water Pressure
A common plumbing problem is certainly low water pressure, especially in older homes. Low water pressure could be caused by a multitude of things such as a leaking pipe, build-up in your aerator, corrosion in a pipe, or just simple time to change your shower head/faucet. If there is buildup in your aerator it is rather easy to fix by tying a bag of white vinegar around the shower head or faucet and letting it soak for a few hours. This will help to break down any of the build-up in your aerators.
5. Leaking Pipes
You may think leaky pipes only happen in the winter months, but they are common year-round. If you begin to see wet spots near the ground or ceiling it is often because the pipes break near the joints. While there are temporary fixes to a leaking pipe such as tape and fillers the problem will persist over time. The best option is to replace a piece of the pipe or other fittings it may need. During winter months you want to be sure that you keep water running to prevent pipes from freezing over!
6. Faulty Water Heater
As you turn your shower on the water is ice cold and you hope it gets warm within a few minutes, but sadly it never does. Believe us, we know this is the worst feeling! There are many issues that can cause your water heater to suddenly shut down. This could be caused by the pilot light going out, a faulty thermostat, or even build-up in the tank. No matter the issue it is best to have a professional come and take a look at the water heater. However, if it is the pilot light and you are comfortable relighting it yourself then that can be a simple fix.
7. Running Toilet
We all know how costly a running toilet can be, and this is one of the most common plumbing problems in every home. Nearly 200 gallons a day can be lost with a running toilet. Often times they are faulty flapper valves that control water passes from the tank to the bowl. This can be a quick fix by taking a trip to the hardware store; however, if you are not comfortable changing the valve you can certainly call a plumber.
While some of these common plumbing problems may seem simple they can lead to serious damage and wreckage in your home or building. Without proper plumbing care you may wrack up a large bill. However, look for the signs of leakage and call a plumber when necessary. If you are looking to remodel your commercial bathrooms contact us for your needs!