Common Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Can Face
Most people do not know how much they rely on their plumbing system until they start to face problems. While it is normal to experience plumbing issues like dripping faucets, pipe leaks or slow drains as the home ages, it is important to know when to contact a plumbing expert for maintenance or repairs. Some issues are simple and can be handled without much difficulty, but others should be left to the plumbers. Knowing common plumbing problems can help you know when to get your tools to DIY and when to contact a plumber. Here are some of the most common issues you may face as you continue to use your plumbing system.
Slow draining sinks
Is wastewater taking too long to drain into the sewer system? This problem occurs when you have a blockage in your system. The main culprits here are food remnants, congealed fat, soap and knotted hair. If they are not removed, the problem will worsen until the drain is blocked completely. You may try to unblock the clogged sink using vinegar and baking soda, a plunger, plumber's snake or a clog remover. If you try to DIY and don't succeed, you should consider contacting a plumber.
Water heating system problems
Although you rely on your water heater all day long, the system can develop some problems over time. Some of the signs that your hot water system is malfunctioning include lack of warm water, noisy heater, discoloured water, dripping water and puddles of water. Some of these cases can be handled quickly, but it is always better to allow a plumber to deal with the issues due to the potential danger and complexities. Scheduling regular maintenance can also prevent these problems. The expert will check the system to ensure it's running effectively, check the pressure valve, flush the tank to remove sediment and also look for leaks.
Reduced water pressure
Sometimes you may realise that the water in your tap is just trickling instead of gashing out. This could mean that you have a low water pressure problem, which is common in older homes. Low pressure often occurs when you have leaking pipes that are worn-out, broken or corroded. Mineral and sediment deposits can also build-up on aerators and cause this issue too.
Soaking the aerator in vinegar can fix the problem. Another option would be to replace the old aerator. If the problem is caused by a damaged piping system, then you will need to contact your plumber to replace or repair the pipes.