Your home’s plumbing system is essential for keeping your family comfortable and your property safe. But, we all know how frustrating it is to have to deal with a plumbing repair or to look for the best plumber in Bligh Park or the surrounding area. They never are enjoyable, and they almost always occur when you least expect them to. However, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself from having to deal with an expensive plumbing repair. Here are five common plumbing problems and their solutions:
1. A dripping faucet
A dripping tap is often associated with insanity. This persistent, rhythmic sound is permanently etched in your brain. It becomes a habitual sound even when you aren’t at home.
One drop per second is equivalent to 2600 gal/year. Your patience will decrease as your water bill rises. Do not panic. Give the drip a diagnosis. Look out for the things below:
Bad Valve Seat/Washer
The valve seat and washer that hold the faucet in place are located between the faucet and the spout. These connections can wear down or become loose and cause a leaky spout. Mineral deposits can also cause corrosion of the valve seat.
If the washer isn’t exactly the right size, you could also have problems. A poor seat can cause friction, which will lead to water leakage and the loosening of the washer.
Damaged O-ring
The O-ring can be replaced for a quick and inexpensive fix. It is a small rubber ring that attaches to the stem screw. This helps to keep the handle in its place.
As the handle is pulled and pushed, this ring wears out. You’ll eventually notice a leaky base at the handle.
Damaged Cartridge
The aerator is another major contributor to leaks. This is the mesh filter located at the end of the spigot or bib. Mineral accumulations that block the aerator over time can occur.
Water pressure will drop as it clogs, and the seals and gaskets will be under stress. These should be replaced every two years.
2. A toilet that won’t flush
If a toilet won’t flush correctly or if it won’t stop when the handle is pressed, it could be clogged and needs to be flushed. A toilet that will not flush properly might also have a leak in the line that supplies water to the toilet. This can also cause a leak. The best way to check a toilet’s functionality is to flush it. If your toilet doesn’t flush, the problem may be either of these:
1. A broken flush valve
2. A stuck lever or lever stem
3. A jammed seat or piston
4. A stuck handle
5. A blocked valve or hose
6. A clogged bowl
7. A blocked flush valve
8. An overfilled toilet bowl
9. There is too little water in the tank.
If any of these apply to you, you can attempt to resolve them on your own. You might need to call a professional to fix the issue if none of the aforementioned issues have been resolved.
3. A leaking pipe
Most plumbing problems are caused by pipes, especially in older houses. Modern-day houses use PEX and PVC pipes for heat and cooling systems, water piping, and electrical cable insulators. But older structures still frequently have copper pipes. However, they can easily leak and corrode when they get old, and replacing them with brand-new copper pipes is costly. You should attempt to repair any plumbing issues yourself if it’s something as simple as tightening a nut. You can do this by taking out the old pipes and replacing them with either PEX or PVC pipes, depending on the application.
PEX is perfect for water piping, as it can withstand hot water, but it can’t resist high pressure as much as PVC pipes can. Also, in terms of longevity, PVC can last up to 70 years, compared to PEX ‘s 40 to 50-year lifespan. In terms of cost, PEX is much more expensive than PVC.
4. Clogged Drains and sink
Clogged pipes are another source of frustration for homeowners. Drain cleaners can be tempting when things get very bad. However, some drain cleaners are so harsh that they can cause your pipes to weaken over time. It is best to use a drain cleaner only if needed and as much as the instructions say.
To avoid future clogging, you should install a mesh drain cover to make it easy to access any objects that might fall into the sink. If the clogging is somewhere you can’t reach, contact the nearest plumber in your area to do an inspection.
5. Water Heater Problems
It can be a shock to discover that your water heater has stopped working. If your home is not hot, cold water showers with hot water will not be fun. A hot water heater typically lasts 8 to 13 years. However, it can be shortened if you aren’t careful.
Corrosion & Rust
Water heaters can only be as effective as the enclosures around them. If they are inside your house, you have a better chance of getting them to go to work. However, water heaters can become more susceptible to damage from outside elements.
The anode rods protect against corrosion, but they gradually lose their potency. The rods deteriorate over time and can cause corrosion.
Dirt build-up
The hard water can contain various minerals that could settle at the bottom of the tank. This sediment can block water flow and cause water loss when it is pumped into your home. To prevent permanent damage to your water heater, you will need to have it professionally cleaned.
Wrong size and pressure
All water heaters may not be suitable for every home. A smaller heater is needed for a home with 1-2 bedrooms than for one that has 4-5 bedrooms. Your heater will fail to last if it is too small and used for prolonged periods.
Water heater heating elements require cooling. Otherwise, they could become damaged. It is vital to ensure that the water pressure is set correctly for your needs. Water pressure too high can cause the heater to last less time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plumbing problems are inevitable whenever something needs to be fixed. In order to avoid these problems and get the job done right, it’s important to know some of the common ones and their solutions. By doing so, you can minimize the chances of having to call a plumber late at night or run into a plumbing headache on your way home from work.
Apart from this, if you want to know about A Guide To Various Types of Pool Enclosures then please visit our Home improvement category
