Common Household Plumbing Problems

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Common Household Plumbing Problems: Fort Lauderdale, Residential Plumbers

How do you know if you should call a plumber? If you are experiencing one of the ten common household plumbing problems outlined in this blog, here are some tips to help you know what you can do on your own which will help you decide whether or not you would like a professional to evaluate your problem.

 

10 Common Plumbing Problems

 

  • Dripping faucets

Over time, the washers on your faucet wear out resulting in a drippy faucet. The best fix is prevention. You can extend the life of your faucet washers by turning your faucet off gently rather than with force.

 

  • Running toilets

When your toilet starts regularly emitting a watery humming sound minutes after flushing, there may be a problem with a part inside the tank. A common, easily addressed culprit is the flapper. If the flapper is falling apart where it hooks to the base of the tank or along the edges where it seals up the hole, it is a cheap, easy part to replace.

 

  • Clogged drains

When water takes longer to go down any drain, there is typically a clog in the drain. Prevent drain clogs with awareness of what you wash down the sink (avoid oil, hair, and excess toilet paper going down the related drain pipes). Maintain appropriately sized plungers for toilets, sinks, and tubs to dislodge minor blockages.

 

  • Lack of hot water

If you have a gas water heater, verify your pilot light is still lit and verify temperature settings on the water heater are set high enough. Ensure you have a large enough water heater for your specific needs indicating you will require a replacement.

 

  • Leaking water heaters

Rusting on the bottom or the walls of the water storage tank indicate leaks in your water heater. The most efficient way to handle this issue is through replacement of the water heater.

 

  • Leaking pipes

One of the most damaging plumbing problems in the home is leaky pipes. This issue may cause visible damage to floors, walls, and your possessions. Check pipes periodically for white lime deposits or rust and any stains along the pipe system behind the walls as these are the first visual indicators of a leak.

 

  • Leaking toilets

If your toilet is leaking, you could add an unwanted increase to your annual water bill of up to $100. It can also lead to mold growth. Sometimes jiggling the flush handle will fix your issue, but, to get to the source, call your plumbing professionals to help you.

 

  • Low water pressure

Low water pressure is an insidious issue as this is often caused by one of the other problems previously mentioned. Pipe blockages and leaks may be the cause of your lower water pressure. This problem is best addressed by a professional plumber to determine the source (which may be your neighbors’ plumbing or your regulator needing to be replaced).

 

  • Jammed or clogged garbage disposal

When you break up scraps in the garbage disposal, make sure you use cool water. If your disposal does not appear to be turning, turn off the disposal and feel around for any large items (i.e. spoons, large pits, etc). You can also press the reset button on the unit beneath your sink to attempt to clear any electrical errors. You may also agitate the hexagon screw beneath the disposal with a quarter inch key tool to manually move any large debris caught in the gears.

 

  • New installations

Whenever you decide to buy a new sink or toilet, make sure the installation is made by a professional to avoid amateur errors and possibly damaging your home.