Routine maintenance is necessary for sinks, drains and more in any home. Emergency plumbing visits can become costly and it is well worth the effort to learn to identify and resolve common plumbing problems yourself. There are plumbing tasks that can be managed by homeowners and renters. Learn more about 3 issues commonly found in residential properties.
Common problems may include fixing a running toilet.
1. A Leaking Faucet
Leaking Faucets is one of the most annoying issues that can occur in a home. The drip, drip, drip of water can be irritating to anyone attempting to fall asleep on a quiet evening. Individuals interested in green solutions are often concerned about careful water management in a home. Know that many manufactured faucets contain parts that can wear out and lead to leaks. Options to resolve a leaking faucet include:
•Tightening a bolt;
•Replacing an O-ring; or
•Purchasing a new unit.
In order to carefully match-up any hardware, bring in the parts to be replaced to the hardware store to get the right size and type for your unit. This will save homeowners and renters multiple trips to the store.
2. Drain Problems
Debris build-up can lead to slow or clogged drains. Kitchen drains typically become clogged with grease and pieces of food. Bathroom drains often involve soap and hair. Drain issues can be prevented with an installation of a hair trap in the shower drain. In addition, it is good habit to check drains regularly for buildup. Common drain solutions include:
•Use of a plunger to dislodge debris;
•Trying a chemical drain cleaner but carefully read directions and wear protective gloves and eye protection;
•Purchasing or renting a snake from the hardware store to remove a clog further down the drain pipe.
There are times when these efforts do not fix the solution. A professional plumber may need to be called in order to resolve the drain problem.
3. A Running Toilet
Like a leaky faucet, a running toilet can be irritating but also can waste much more water than a leaky faucet. How can the cause be identified? Push down on the handle. If there is no pressure when the handle is pushed, the issue may be a loose arm or chain. An easy fix is the reinstallation of the arm or chain. In addition, look into the holding tank. A flapper or flush ball may need to be adjusted or replaced. Bring any parts to be replaced to the hardware store for the right match.
Leaky faucets, slow drains and running toilets can often occur at the worst possible time. A little homeowner self-education on minor repairs is useful for those that are looking to reduce their maintenance expenses. If you do not have either the time or energy to repair the plumbing issue yourself or the suggested remediations fail to resolve the problem, calling a professional plumber can be a worthwhile solution to repair these common plumbing problems. Contact us to schedule an appointment to fix your plumbing issue today.
