1 in 10 American adults needed a plumber in the last year. Over 1 million needed them over 10 times.
Plumbing problems are one of the most common issues homeowners face. They’re also likely to face them more than once, especially if they try a faulty DIY fix.
Read on to learn about 5 of the most common plumbing problems you may face and how to fix them.
1. Dripping or Leaking Faucets
10% of homes in the US have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water a day. Fixing them can reduce your water bill by 10%.
If your faucet is leaking, start by shutting off the water. Find the shutoff valve by looking under the sink.
Once it’s off, pop open the cap and unscrew the handle. On cartridge faucets, you can remove the cartridge, but on compression faucets, you’ll have to unscrew the valve stem first.
Find out which part is malfunctioning:
- The o-ring
- The seal
- The rubber washer
Clean the old valves with old vinegar to remove any mineral deposits. Reassemble the sink and turn the water back on, checking for any remaining leaks.
2. Low Water Pressure
Diagnosing low water pressure requires a process of elimination. Check your pressure gauge. Look at the water valve to see if it’s fully open.
Check every location that uses water in your home, such as the:
- Washing machine
- Showerheads
- Faucet
If only one has low pressure, that’s the source of the problem. If not, it’s one of the main pipes, and fixing that’ll require the help of a plumber.
3. Clogged or Running Toilets
Toilets account for 30% of a home’s water consumption. They’re also a common source of plumbing problems.
If your toilet bowl fills but won’t drain, it’s clogged. Try to get rid of it with a plunger, snake, or drain auger.
If your toilet won’t stop running, there’s an issue with the flapper valve. A simple toilet repair kit can help you fix it. You may also have sediment buildup. Check for it by putting food coloring in the upper tank to see if it goes through without flushing.
4. Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can cause other plumbing problems such as dripping faucets and water rot. They need to be diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible.
Get replacement parts or use tape, compounds, or fillers as a temporary fix. If you have old pipes, call a plumber as soon as you notice a leak so that you won’t have to replace the entire system.
Fix this problem before the winter. Otherwise, the pipes can freeze, expand, and burst.
5. Faulty Water Heater
This plumbing issue is easily noticeable. You’ll either get too much hot water or not enough. There are several reasons this might happen, including:
- Rust
- Mineral buildup
- Not enough electricity
- Age
Preventing this from happening requires a routine. Have each part of your heater checked or replaced every few years. Get a new one when it gets old.
Where to Find a Local Plumber for Plumbing Problems
The most common plumbing problems are dripping or leaky faucets, low water pressure, clogged or running toilets, leaky pipes, and faulty water heaters. They’re also one of the most common reasons to call a professional to your home to fix them.
McWilliams & Son has a team of professional HVAC and plumbing experts. Contact us today for help with all your plumbing problems.
