Common Plumbing Problems and How to Solve Them Yourself

At one point, every homeowner will encounter plumbing problems in their home; some may be more serious than others but being able to identify signs can save you from a lot of trouble.

Homeowners should be aware of different plumbing issues that could arise such as leaky faucets or running toilets.

Clogged Drains

Blocked drains are messy, inconvenient and potentially dangerous if they result in waste backing up the pipes into your house. Instead of resorting to expensive, chemical-packed products try these quick fixes:

Drains usually become blocked by soap scum or hair near the drain stopper, food particles or grease which are not easily broken down. Sinks, bathtubs and toilets all share a common pipe system so any blockage in one will cause water to back up in another – often cleared with hot water mixed with baking soda or vinegar (but don’t apply too much pressure as it may damage the pipes further) otherwise use a drain snake cautiously so as not to cause more damage deeper within the pipe. If none of these methods work then professional help will have to be sought from an experienced plumber.

Leaky Pipes

When pipes start leaking it becomes a major problem that can lead to flooding, water logged walls and costly repairs. If you see puddles around the house, hear banging noises coming from behind your walls or notice an unexpected spike on your next water bill; consider calling for plumbing services immediately.

Turn off all water supplies leading into where the leak is suspected. Place a bucket under any leaking points so as to minimize damage caused by dripping water. Finally use two adjustable clamps as temporary patches.

Plumber’s tape combined with pipe clamps offer short term solutions for leaky pipes however think about using slip coupling for permanent fix – its slightly more complex but still manageable for most DIYers without calling professionals over. Don’t forget safety gear like gloves and ladder, and keep work area clean before applying resin based substances such as epoxy putty.

Faulty Faucets

Dripping faucets may not be an immediate cause for concern but their persistence should serve as a warning sign that they need fixing. Over time the cumulative effect of all those drips can add up to significant amounts of water lost which would have reduced utility bills while protecting against costly damages in houses or commercial buildings. Fixing them faster will save both money and prevent water damage within your locality.

Once you’ve identified the leaky faucet, start by shutting down its water supply. Look for shut off valves beneath your sink around where the fixtures are and turn them clockwise until they stop; alternatively shut off your main water valve if there is none within reach from under the sink.

With the water turned off, take off handle of the tap and pry out any decorative trim caps from handles to reveal a knob with a screw connecting it to rest of the spout; use spanner or wrench tool to undo this screw then proceed prying them loose completely out of their housings removing both handles/knobs entirely.

Running Toilets

If one or more of your toilets are always running, it’s time to bring in a plumber. A running toilet wastes water and can harm septic tanks as well as sewer lines.

A continuous hissing sound from a running toilet might appear insignificant at first but before long it can rapidly escalate into thousands of dollars on water and electricity bills. There may be many reasons behind such leaks so accurate diagnosis is crucial for fixing them right.

Problems with the overflow tube, flush valve or fill valve usually trigger running toilets. These parts should be looked at quickly to determine which ones are causing problems and provide ideas on how to fix them such as adjusting simple things like this or replacing some parts inside the tank if these don’t work out enough for you.

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