Did you know that an average household water leak can result in nearly 10,000 gallons of water loss per year? Or, that an estimated 10 percent of homes have a leak that wastes more than 90 gallons per day?
These household leaks, when added up nationwide, account for nearly one trillion gallons of water lost per year. Of course, water leaks aren’t the only reason that you’d need to call a plumber.
But they provide a sobering reminder of just how much is at stake when plumbing problems arise. Common plumbing issues can also result in flooding, drywall damage, and sewer blockages, all serious recipes for disaster.
10 Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Will Experience
Fortunately, remaining proactive can prevent many of these issues. Read on to learn about 10 signs of plumbing trouble and what to do.
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Leaky Faucets
What’s the most likely culprit when it comes to drippy fixtures? An internal washer that’s worn, torn, stiff, dislodged, or somehow otherwise damaged. With the right tools or call to an expert, this proves a quick fix.
Clogged Shower and Bath Drains
Hair and soap prove your most likely perpetrators when it comes to clogged drains. Use a snake or plunger to loosen and remove these unwanted accumulations. A mixture of vinegar and soda can also help dissolve such blockages.
Slow-Draining Sinks
If you can finish a full episode of Game of Thrones before your sink drains, then you have a problem. Like clogged shower and bath drains, you can get things moving with a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Or, give the plunger a try.
Non-Stop Running Toilets
Toilets that won’t stop running share a lot in common with leaky faucets including massive loss of water. In fact, you can lose up to 200 gallons of water per day due to a toilet that won’t stop refilling.
With a toilet repair kit, handling this problem proves a straightforward fix. That said, other factors such as sediment might also be at the root of the problem.
If your water bill remains high after a DIY attempt to fix the problem, you may need to call in a professional plumber to check for silent leaks.
A Backed-Up Toilet
Got a clogged toilet that’s not responding to a plunger? Then, you may need to bring in a drain auger or sewer snake. Consider calling in professional plumbing services to handle this messy, albeit necessary job.
Failing Water Heater
While a quick dip in cold water proves invigorating for so-called Polar Bear Swimmers, there’s nothing worse than a shower that goes cold right about the time you’ve shampooed your hair and are covered in soap suds. Ugh!
The culprit? A faulty water heater. Things to check for include a pilot light that’s gone out and a sediment build-up that’s impacting tank function. To avoid trouble, have a professional inspect, fix, and maintain your water heater.
Garbage Disposal Woes
It’s hard not to love your garbage disposal. These are among the handiest gadgets out there when it comes to handling food waste. But what if your garbage disposal fails?
Start by hitting the reset button. If this doesn’t do the trick, then use the key that came with your garbage disposal or a 1/4 inch Allen wrench to open up your device and remove the jam manually.
Lack of Water Pressure
Have your showers turned into mere trickles? Then, you’ve got water pressure problems. Poor water pressure points to bigger trouble such as leaky pipes, a build-up of sediment, or mineral deposits on the aerator.
Lack of water specifically in the shower could also point to mineral deposits on the shower head. If you suspect a problem with your aerators or shower head, soak them in vinegar. A new showerhead may also be in order.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can cause massive damage to a variety of areas in your home including floors and furniture. The dampness that results from such leaks can also lead to cockroach and mold infestations.
For a quick fix, think fillers, compounds, and tape. But you’ll want to replace the piece of pipe in question, as well as its associated fittings, in the near future.
Backed-Up Sewer System
There’s nothing fun about a sewer back up. From the smell to the inconvenience and the price to fix it, this scenario represents a true nightmare.
Common causes for sewer backups include:
- A clogged main sewer
- Tree roots in your pipes
- Old sewer lines that collapse
Fortunately, if the sewer blockage occurs in the middle of a public road, you may not need to pay for repairs. Your water company should fix it. But if it happens on your property, then you’ll need to call in a plumber.
Plumbing Problems 101
As you can see, many basic plumbing problems prove fixable. But you need to keep a few things in mind. Always turn off your main water line before beginning any repairs.
Before diving into a project, have the right tools and equipment on hand and dress to get messy and wet. For plumbing problems that get out of hand, keep a professional plumber’s number on speed dial.
Ready for more tips to keep your home beautiful and comfortable? From home renovation to interior decorating, we’ve got you covered. Check out our latest blog post.
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