Our Top 5 Plumbing Problems & Tips To Avoid Them
Plumbing is one area of life that is so necessary that we often don’t think about it until major issues arise. It’s second nature to turn on the faucet to wash our hands or to flush the toilet, but it becomes a glaring issue when they aren’t working.
Sometimes issues arise and aren’t really the fault of anyone in particular, but a great deal of plumbing issues are actually completely avoidable given the right knowledge and action. In our September blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common plumbing issues, what normally causes them, and give you tips for steering clear of these common issues.
Water Heater Issues
Water heater issues come in a variety of forms, but many of them lead to the same end result: no hot water. Water heaters can have problems due to mineral deposits, leaks, and other issues. Unfortunately, unlike some other entries in our list, water heater problems can stem from many places, especially depending on the kind of water heater you have.
To keep water heater problems at bay, your best bet will be to learn more about your water heater and what is optimal for it. In addition, you may want to have regular maintenance scheduled for your heater as well. A professional may be able to spot potential issues ahead of time, which could save you money down the line.
If you’re looking for simple DIY ways to fix your heater, simple things like checking the pilot light, checking your temp settings, and even draining your tank to flush out sediment. However, we very strongly recommend that you hire a professional to fix any water heater problems you may encounter.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is another very common problem that is most often experienced in older homes or buildings but can be an issue in any type of property. Sometimes low water pressure is a sudden occurrence, while other times it can happen over the course of months or even years.
Low water pressure can have its roots tied to a few potential causes. Leaking pipes can cause this problem, as well as a water main break in your area. Minerals and sediment in your pipes or faucets could also be the cause, or your low water pressure could be caused by some combination of these factors.
To fix low water pressure, you may need to investigate the aforementioned causes to see if they may be causing the issues. Sediment or mineral buildup can be easily solved by soaking the ends of your faucet/shower in vinegar or some other substance that removes buildup. Other issues may need to be addressed by a seasoned plumber to be sorted out correctly.
Leaky Pipes & Faucets
Homes, apartments, and businesses all struggle with leaking faucets or pipes. Chances are that you’ve seen leaking faucets before, be it at home, school, the office, or other locations. A drip, drip, drip noise is what normally alerts us to a leaky pipe, but sometimes a puddle of water is what tips us off as well.
The pitter-patter may seem just a little annoying, but it actually contributes to massive unnecessary water usage. In fact, fixing the leaks in your home could save you as much as 10 percent on your water bill. It’s estimated that leaky faucets account for 1 trillion gallons of water being used just in the U.S. alone.
Leaky faucets are normally caused when the washer that creates the seal on your tap is damaged in some way. This can be because of stiffening, dislodging, tearing, or other damage, but it leads to the seal being broken and water dripping. Typically this is just due to wear and tear, but the seal could be damaged by a bad repair job or maintenance as well.
If your pipes are leaky, it’s probably an issue at a joint. This also can be caused by simple wear and tear or by poor repairs.
If your problem is simply a bad washer, you may be able to easily address that on your own. However, leaky pipes could be a more involved job that requires the expertise and skills of a professional to avoid a mess or worse.
Running Toilets
Running toilets are probably not as common as some of the other issues we’ve discussed, but boy are they annoying. They make a constant, annoying sound and waste astronomical amounts of water. This isn’t a problem that stops the toilet’s main function, but it definitely needs to be addressed.
To fix a running toilet, you’ll need to check the various components of your toilet to pinpoint the issue. That means checking the fill tube is attached, adjusting the float, checking the flapper chain, and other components.
Slow Or Clogged Drains/Toilets
The last issue on our list is also one of the most common, and for good reason. One of the keys to any system working is the absence of flow blockages, so clogs obviously can stop your system very quickly. Clogged drains typically have more subtle signs, whereas a toilet clog is more immediate.
For clogged drains, the cause can normally be connected to hair, shampoo, or other normal bathroom items that simply couldn’t pass through the system. For toilets, it normally is because an excessive amount of toilet paper was used, or materials were flushed that shouldn’t be. When water is partially or completely blocked from flowing, problems begin to arise.
Choose New Age Plumbing For Your Plumbing Needs!
No matter what problem arises in your home or business, New Age Plumbing has the personnel and the equipment needed to complete the job. From regular maintenance to major emergency repairs, you can expect our team to be there for you when you need us.
To learn more about our plumbing services or how we can help you, give us a call (915) 822-1865 today to speak with a member of the team!