Everyone wonders how to avoid plumbing problems in their home or office. A burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, a flooded basement, or other issues can be expensive, cause damage to your home and even put you at a health risk. Learn about common issues, how to avoid plumbing problems in your home, and when to call professionals for help.
Common Plumbing Issues
You might be surprised at how many plumbing problems are quite common. A clogged drain or toilet can happen at any time. Often, these issues can be fixed with a plunger and some elbow grease. If you pull the clog close enough to the surface, you should be able to grab it with pliers and just pull it out.
Dripping or leaky faucets and pipes can happen because plumbing gets old and seals wear out. Usually, just replacing the bad washer or seal can solve the problem. In some cases, however, it requires special tools to do it quickly.
Additionally, a running toilet could indicate that the toilet has bad guts. You can often replace these with parts purchased at a local hardware store. It’s not a difficult job, but you can always call a pro for help.
Water heater failures also happen all the time. These heaters are only rated to last around nine years. Mineral deposits can build up and reduce efficiency, and sediment can eat away at the seals and base. Specifically, water heaters are best serviced and replaced by a professional because they are complex and can be dangerous.
Another common issue seen in the home and office is low water pressure. Sometimes a water main break in your neighborhood is the culprit. In such cases, you will need to wait for the water company to fix it. If you have leaky pipes in your home, shut off the water at the main valve and call a professional plumber.
Signs of Plumbing Problems
There are many ways to spot plumbing problems in your home. Signs include low water pressure, slow drains, water stains on your ceilings or walls, mold growth on walls or cabinets, and peeling paint or wallpaper from moisture. Your pipes or toilet rattling or making strange noises can be another indicator, as can foul smells coming out of your drains. Finally, watch for unexplained spikes in your water bills. High utility costs can indicate a problem in your home.
How to Avoid Plumbing Issues
You are able to avoid plumbing issues by taking good care of your pipes. Don’t dump food scraps or cooking grease down the drain. Instead, get a compost bin and put the food there. Even if you have a garbage disposal, avoid stringy and starchy food, and don’t dump coffee grounds in there. When you do use the disposal, run the water to flush the drain.
Speaking of flushing, don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and your waste down the toilet. That means no paper towels, no cat litter, and no sanitary products.
In terms of maintenance, check your bolts regularly to be sure they are solid, and reset your toilet flapper chain, so it has the right amount of slack. Finally, if you’re traveling, turn off the water to your house to keep it from putting pressure on the pipes.
Call in the Pros at Sin City Plumbing
If you experience any signs of plumbing problems or you have these or other common plumbing issues, a professional can make sure the problem is diagnosed and repaired quickly and efficiently. Contact Sin City Plumbing today to learn more.
