At Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC, we know that plumbing problems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from relatively minor issues to larger and more costly ones. In order to take the right approach in fixing any plumbing issues that you may encounter, it is crucial that you know what some of the most common plumbing problems are.
Today, Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC will be highlighting 5 of the most common plumbing problems that you should be on the lookout for. We will also be sharing the best tips for fixing these common plumbing problems. If any of these common issues pop up in your home, call on our experienced emergency plumbers immediately. Acting quickly could save you a lot of time and money!
Clogged Drains
By far one of the most common plumbing problems our plumbers come across are clogged drains. Depending on where you are experiencing clogged drains in your home, there are a number of causes associated. In regards to kitchen sinks, for example, clogged drains are often caused by food and other substances that don’t break down. This can include non-food items, fibrous foods, and grease and oil. Each of these substances can build up in your pipes and cause clogged drains over time.
In the case of bathrooms, clogged drains are incredibly common and the major culprits here are hair and soap. With the use of a shower or tub, hair eventually builds up in the drain and causes a clog. While soap, in itself, is not always the main cause of a clogged drain, soap can cause a massive buildup in your bathroom drains when combined with hair. This causes the formation of solid clumps that buildup in the drain, resulting in a clog. At the same time, bars of soap can also consist of grease and/or fat that shouldn’t be washed down the drain.
How to Fix Clogged Drains
If you suspect that you may have clogged drains in your home’s plumbing system, it is highly recommended that you call your local emergency plumber to fix the problem. While there are many DIY fixes to be found online, many of these solutions are temporary or can result in more serious problems for your plumbing system.
One such solution that is recommended by many online resources is the use of chemical-based drain cleaners but these cleaners are risky as they can be corrosive, causing further damage to your plumbing system. At Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC, we always recommend contacting a plumbing repair provider to clear the drain in question quickly and effectively.
Dripping Faucets
Nearly everyone has encountered the common plumbing problem of a dripping faucet at one time or another. Aside from being a particularly frustrating issue to come across, a dripping faucet can also cause your water bill to skyrocket and cost you money. In fact, a single dripping faucet left unrepaired can result in hundreds of gallons of water wasted over the course of a year.
The cause of a dripping faucet is, most commonly, due to an internal washer that has become damaged in some way. This can cause water to flow freely over time if the internal washer becomes torn, frayed, or dislodged. So what can be done?
How to Fix Dripping Faucets
Unlike many common plumbing problems, a dripping faucet is a relatively simple problem to address yourself. That being said, this problem should only be treated as a DIY project if you have both the necessary knowledge and tools to handle the repair yourself. For one, you must be able to accurately identify what kind of faucet you have whether it be a compression faucet, ceramic-disk faucet, cartridge faucet, or ball faucet.
It is important that you can accurately identify which type of faucet you have as the methods used to repair each of the types vary. In most cases, replacing your faucet’s washer should rectify the issue. If you feel that you are ill-equipped to handle the issue yourself, it is highly recommended that you contact your local plumber as they have the knowledge and tools needed to fix the problem once and for all.
Faulty Water Heater
If you have ever gotten into the shower only to find that the water suddenly goes cold, it is highly likely that you are dealing with a faulty water heater. There are multiple reasons that can cause a water heater to fail. A few of the most common causes of a faulty water heater are a pilot light that goes out or a buildup of sediment in the tank itself that causes it to malfunction.
At Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC, we also recommend proper water heater maintenance to increase the longevity of your home’s water heater. This is the most proactive measure that can be taken in preventing problems with your water heater.
How to Fix a Faulty Water Heater
The repair of a faulty water heater is in no way a DIY job. If you suspect that you have a faulty water heater, it is recommended that you contact a licensed professional to inspect and repair your water heater. The repair of a faulty water heater can be a complicated process and the damage that can be done when trying to take on this common plumbing problem yourself can be costly.
Clogged Toilet
If you have noticed that your toilet fills up but doesn’t drain, you have a clogged toilet on your hands. This common plumbing problem is most often caused by a blockage of a mixture of paper and human waste, resulting in the toilet’s inability to drain as intended. This is an especially frustrating plumbing problem to have to deal with and fixing the issue should be addressed immediately.
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet
While about 90 percent of incidences of clogged toilets can be fixed with the use of a plunger, it isn’t completely uncommon for a clogged toilet to require the use of a toilet snake. While a toilet snake can be found easily enough in your local hardware store, it is highly recommended to call a plumber if you are unable to unclog your toilet with the use of a plunger. After all, this could be indicative of a larger problem with your toilet that may call for it to be pulled up completely. For this, you’ll need the help of a professional.
Running Toilet
While a clogged toilet can be an extremely frustrating problem, a running toilet can be incredibly costly. When a toilet is left to run, an estimated 200 gallons of water can be lost in a single day. This can have a serious impact on your water bill as time goes on.
The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve, the device that allows water to pass from the tank to the bowl. Although less common, a running toilet can also be caused by the buildup of sediment in the tank which can affect the process of flushing and filling.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
Seeing as the most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve, the best way to repair the problem is usually replacing the valve in question. For those with a knowledge of toilet repair, this problem can be corrected easily enough by using a toilet repair kit as can be found in most hardware stores.
At the same time, there are other reasons that your toilet may be running and many of these issues require the knowledge of a professional plumber. For those looking to get their running toilet repaired quickly and efficiently, it is recommended to reach out to a plumber who can have the problem repaired in no time.
Plumbing Problems? Call Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC and Drains!
If you are currently experiencing any of these common plumbing problems, you’ll need the help of our skilled plumbers! No matter the problem, large or small, Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC is made up of a team of experts that can take care of the issue in a quick and cost-effective manner. Contact us today! Our emergency plumbers are on standby to help.
