4 Common Plumbing Problems and DIY Fixes
Faulty pipes, clogged drains, and water heater issues are just some of the most common house plumbing issues. When left unattended, these problems can be disastrous and damage your furniture, appliances, carpets, floors, and even your electrical system.
Of course, there are minor plumbing problems that you can handle while waiting for professional plumbers to arrive. The first step is to shut off the main supply and assess the situation.
Here are some of the most common plumbing problems and DIY fixes to solve them.
Leaking Pipes
In fixing leaking pipes, it’s essential to identify where the leaks are. However, you should remember that water leaks in a particular area on your floor.
After finding where the leaks are located, you should shut off water and power to the area that needs repair to avoid safety hazards. The next step is to call professional plumbers to address the problem.
In deciding who to call, it’s crucial to assess the extent of the damage. Some plumbers specialize in water supply systems, gas fitting, roofing, and pipe relining.
After calling a professional plumber, you should start cleaning and removing the water to minimize moisture damage and possible accidents. If the water leak is significant, it’s recommended to contract janitorial services nearby.
Clogs and Partial Clogs
Clogged drains and toilets are also common plumbing problems at home. To quickly unclog a clogged toilet bowl, one way is to squeeze about ¼ cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
Let the dish soap sit for about 5-10 minutes to reach the clog down the drain. Add hot water and give it some time to sit afterward.
Moreover, you can also use baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains or toilets. Start by emptying water if your toilet bowl is filled to the brim.
Afterward, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar. Wait for the bubbles to appear and follow up with hot water after 30 minutes.
Repeat the process if necessary and see if it drains. If the clog is still challenging to fix, it’s better to call a plumbing professional right away.
Faulty Water Heater
Faulty water heaters are inconvenient, especially during colder months. Water heater problems are usually water temperature issues, leaks, discolored water, and odd noises.
For water temperature issues, make sure to check the power switches and the thermostat. If your water is not hot enough or might be too hot, your water heater might be undersized, or the thermostat is faulty.
Since this problem is complicated, it’s better to contact a professional if the issue persists after checking the power switch or the thermostat.
You should check loose plumbing connections for water leaks and tighten them adequately to minimize the leak. However, if the heater is still leaking, it’s also recommended to contact a professional immediately.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure at home can be pretty inconvenient. The first step to fix this problem is to check whether the water meter valve is fully open.
Moreover, you should check the other main shutoff valve, usually located near the central city supply pipe. If your house underwent a repair recently, then the partially unopened valve after repair might be the cause of low water pressure.
Aside from unopened valves, a faulty pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve can also cause a reduction in water flow. While it’s better to contact a professional to fix this, you can replace it yourself using the same brand and size.
However, you should make sure to close the water meter shutoff valve before replacing it. Afterward, you can test the pressure by using a water pressure gauge.
And that concludes our quick guide to fixing common plumbing problems. If you have more tips and suggestions, you can share them with us!