Common plumbing problems include clogged drains, leaking pipes, and loss of hot water. Smart homeowners can fix some simple plumbing problems on their own. However, even if the pipes were installed by the best professionals, daily wear and tear and involuntary errors (such as pouring oil and grease down the drain) can cause plumbing problems over time. It can be difficult to self-diagnose plumbing problems or even explain the problem to plumbers. To avoid looking completely clueless, here are five common plumbing problems, how to ask about them, and what to expect from the service.
With every drip from a dripping faucet, money goes down the drain. A slow and steady drip of once a second wastes about 3,000 gallons of water per year, resulting in expensive water bills. Dripping faucets also waste a lot of water, which is a precious resource, especially during the droughts here in Oklahoma. Because there are so many possible causes, it's usually best to call a plumber if the water pressure is low, especially if the entire house is affected.
A plumber will be able to find out what is causing the low water pressure in your home and implement the right solution. A leaking faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems, wasting water and money. You can usually repair a leaking faucet by replacing a worn washer or cartridge. Hair, grease, debris, tree roots, and leaves can clog your property's drains.
If you have a well water system, wastewater could build up and slowly poison your water supply, affecting the drainage areas of your home and surrounding areas. Low water pressure is a telltale sign of major problems in your plumbing system. Clogged drains and leaking pipes can interrupt water flow and cause water to drip down sinks and showers, even when the valves are fully open. Water lines connect underground water pipes to your home and provide you with water.
That's why low water pressure or poor quality water are signs of a leak in the water line. Plumbers are used to dealing with a hydraulic hammer, and they are likely to be able to quickly resolve this common plumbing problem and recommend some solutions to avoid it in the future. When in doubt, look for a reliable and affordable plumber near you who can fix the problem without breaking the budget. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent this, but serious obstructions may require an emergency plumber to fix the problem.
However, if that's just you, you'll have to hire a plumber to find and fix the source of the problem. There are several temporary solutions for leaking pipes, but ultimately, you'll have to call a plumber to fix the problem, especially if the pipe is difficult to access. However, a professional plumber can tell you if you should repair or replace a leaking faucet, so if you're not comfortable evaluating the problem, it might still make sense to call a faucet professional nearby. If the problem isn't in your garden, you'll want a plumber to investigate the source of the problem.
Here's how to defrost pipes on your own, but in case of more serious problems and to prevent pipes from breaking in a winter emergency, you should probably call a local plumber, who can defrost pipes quickly with a heat gun. If you can't get rid of the blockage on your own or the problem is hiding in the main line, hire a plumber to take care of the problem. In addition to sending them images of your plumbing problem via text message or email, you should have some questions ready to help you quickly narrow down your options and find a plumber who is affordable, knowledgeable and with experience. DIYers can fix a faulty hose bib on their own, but it's also something a plumber can fix in less than an hour.
You can also call a plumber if you're worried about something complicated, such as installing pipes under the sink with a garbage disposal. To ensure that the pipes are well defrosted and prepared for winter, and to prevent accidental damage to your home, you should call a plumber if the pipes are frozen or if you are concerned that they may freeze. Because there are so many possible culprits, it's usually best to call a plumber to help you fix the noise of the pipes.
