Each owner at some time in his/her house meets with plumbing problems. Some issues can be actually of insignificance, for example, a leaky tap, while others come in the form of severe issues like a blocked drain. Recognizing how to address these issues can assist in cutting down some time and cash.
Leakage problems can be as small as a drip or a persistent shower problem or as large as a serious underlying issue. Luckily, a number of issues are generic, which means their remedies can easily be done without the assistance of a specialist. We will discuss each of these problems in detail and give you detailed instructions on how to address them.
Dripping Faucets
Leaky taps are annoying. Not only do they waste a lot of water which may increase your water bill, but they are also noisy. In many cases, the culprit is the washer or the O-ring, and both can be replaced if needed. First of all, shut off the water supply. Next, demount the faucet handle, and then, install a new washer in place of the used one.
Slow Draining Sink
Slow draining in a sink is often an indication that the sink has developed a blockage that hampers the passage of water. This is often solved by using a plunger to clear the blockage by forcing it through the drain path. If that doesn’t work, then use a plumber’s snake because they help to clean blocked drains. To clean kitchen sinks, prepare a solution by combining baking soda and vinegar, then pour this mixture into the drain to address the grease accumulation.
Problem With the Bath or Shower Drain
Hair and soap are common substances that are likely to block bath and shower drains. A residential plumbing remedy to this situation is to remove the material causing the blockage using a plumber’s snake or a wire hanger? If the above methods do not help, try a chemical drain cleaner, however, these are generally hazardous for your plumbing system.
Running Toilet
One of the problems that can involve a lot of water usage is the constant running of the toilet. This could be as a result of a problem with the flapper valve, which is the part that regulates the water that flows from the tank to the bowl. Ensure that the flapper valve is intact and if not, then replace it with a new one. Also, the fill tube must be intact and the float level must not be situated at a wrong position.
Leaky Pipes
There may be leakage issues right at the pipe joints or where fittings are made. As a residential plumbing solution, you can opt to use waterproof tape or a pipe sealant you can find at the hardware store. However, in order to achieve a more long-term fix, it could be the best thing to replace the affected section of the pipe. Before starting this repair, you should always ensure that the main water supply has been turned off.
Conclusion
There are many residential plumbing issues that occur in houses which are basic and may easily be solved without involving a plumber. Using the correct approaches and following the tips indicated above, you can easily solve these problems. Do not forget though, that maintenance is instrumental in avoiding most of these problems, so it is advisable to monitor the plumbing system and fix minor problems before they escalate.
