Plumbing issues are among the most common problems encountered by homeowners. It is important to understand the basic principles of plumbing and the common problems associated with it, in order to be able to identify and fix the problem. This article will discuss the common plumbing problems, their causes and preventative measures, and how to repair them.
What is Plumbing?
Plumbing is the system of pipes and fixtures that carries water in and out of a home, and is essential for the functioning of any house. Plumbing systems can range from simple to complex, depending on the size and age of the home. Common plumbing problems can range from clogged drains to low water pressure to burst pipes.
Common Plumbing Problems
The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains, running toilets, leaky faucets, low water pressure, burst pipes, and no hot water. Each of these problems will be discussed in detail below.
Clogged Drains
Causes
Clogged drains are usually caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris that accumulates over time. This debris can create blockages that prevent water from flowing freely through the pipes.
Preventative Measures
To prevent clogged drains, it is important to regularly clean out the pipes with a drain cleaner or a plunger. Additionally, using drain screens can help catch debris before it has a chance to build up in the pipes.
Troubleshooting
If a clog has already formed, the first step is to try and remove it with a plunger. If this does not work, a drain cleaner can be used to dissolve the debris and allow the water to flow freely.
DIY Solutions
If the clog is too severe to be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner, it may be necessary to use a snake or auger to physically remove the debris from the pipes. This should be done carefully, as it can damage the pipes if not done properly.
When to Call a Professional
If the clog is too severe to be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner, or if the pipes are damaged, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
Running Toilets
Causes
Running toilets are usually caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve, which can become worn out or clogged over time. This can cause water to continuously run, resulting in increased water usage and higher water bills.
Preventative Measures
To prevent running toilets, it is important to regularly inspect the flapper and fill valve for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, it is important to avoid using too much toilet paper, as this can clog the pipes and cause the toilet to run.
Troubleshooting
If a running toilet is already present, the first step is to check the flapper or fill valve for any signs of wear or damage. If this is not the cause, it may be necessary to clean or replace the flapper or fill valve.
DIY Solutions
To clean or replace the flapper or fill valve, the water supply to the toilet should be shut off. After the water has been shut off, the flapper or fill valve can be removed and cleaned or replaced with a new one.
When to Call a Professional
If the flapper or fill valve is too severely damaged to be repaired, or if the water supply to the toilet needs to be shut off, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
Leaky Faucets
Causes
Leaky faucets are usually caused by a worn out or damaged washer, which can become worn out over time. This can cause water to continuously leak, resulting in wasted water and higher water bills.
Preventative Measures
To prevent leaky faucets, it is important to regularly inspect the washer for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, it is important to avoid using too much force when turning the faucet, as this can damage the washer.
Troubleshooting
If a leaky faucet is already present, the first step is to check the washer for any signs of wear or damage. If this is not the cause, it may be necessary to clean or replace the washer.
DIY Solutions
To clean or replace the washer, the water supply to the faucet should be shut off. After the water has been shut off, the washer can be removed and cleaned or replaced with a new one.
When to Call a Professional
If the washer is too severely damaged to be repaired, or if the water supply to the faucet needs to be shut off, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
Low Water Pressure
Causes
Low water pressure is usually caused by a buildup of debris in the pipes, which can reduce the flow of water. This can cause water to come out of the faucet slower than normal.
Preventative Measures
To prevent low water pressure, it is important to regularly clean out the pipes with a drain cleaner or a plunger. Additionally, using water filters can help catch debris before it has a chance to build up in the pipes.
Troubleshooting
If low water pressure is already present, the first step is to try and remove any debris that may be blocking the pipes. If this does not work, a drain cleaner can be used to dissolve the debris and allow the water to flow freely.
DIY Solutions
If the debris is too severe to be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner, it may be necessary to use a snake or auger to physically remove the debris from the pipes. This should be done carefully, as it can damage the pipes if not done properly.
When to Call a Professional
If the debris is too severe to be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner, or if the pipes are damaged, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
Burst Pipes
Causes
Burst pipes are usually caused by a buildup of pressure in the pipes, which can be caused by freezing temperatures, water hammer, or high water pressure. This can cause the pipes to rupture and cause water to leak into the home.
Preventative Measures
To prevent burst pipes, it is important to regularly inspect the pipes for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature in the home and avoid using too much water pressure.
Troubleshooting
If a burst pipe is already present, the first step is to shut off the water supply to the pipe. After the water has been shut off, the pipe can be inspected for any signs of damage or wear.
DIY Solutions
If the pipe is too severely damaged to be repaired, it may be necessary to replace the entire pipe. To do this, the water supply to the pipe should be shut off and the old pipe removed and replaced with a new one.
When to Call a Professional
If the pipe is too severely damaged to be repaired, or if the water supply to the pipe needs to be shut off, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
No Hot Water
Causes
No hot water is usually caused by a faulty heating element, which can become worn out or clogged over time. This can cause the water to remain cold, even when it is turned on to the highest setting.
Preventative Measures
To prevent no hot water, it is important to regularly inspect the heating element for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, it is important to avoid using too much hot water, as this can cause the element to overheat and shut off.
Troubleshooting
If no hot water is already present, the first step is to check the heating element for any signs of wear or damage. If this is not the cause, it may be necessary to clean or replace the heating element.
DIY Solutions
To clean or replace the heating element, the power to the water heater should be shut off. After the power has been shut off, the heating element can be removed and cleaned or replaced with a new one.
When to Call a Professional
If the heating element is too severely damaged to be repaired, or if the power to the water heater needs to be shut off, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
Conclusions
Wrap Up
Plumbing problems can be a hassle to deal with, but understanding the basic principles of plumbing and the common issues associated with it can help to identify and fix the problem. This article has discussed the common plumbing problems, their causes and preventative measures, and how to repair them.
References:
- https://www.hunker.com/13424005/how-to-unclog-a-drain
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/
- https://www.thespruce.com/fixing-faucet-problems-2718881
- https://www.thespruce.com/repairing-low-water-pressure-2718887
- https://www.thespruce.com/repairing-burst-pipes-2718955
- https://www.thespruce.com/troubleshooting-hot-water-heater-problems-2718888
Comments are closed.