Plumbing trouble can be complex and chaotic. But luckily, plumbers are experts when it comes to diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining all types of pipes, fixtures, and appliances related to water flow. From fixing a leaky faucet or clogged drain to installing hot water systems, they know how to tackle many common plumbing problems found in homes. Let’s take a look at some of the most common plumbing issues and how professional plumbers like Carlson Plumbing Company can help in fixing them.
Dripping Faucets
Drip, drip, drip. The sound of a dripping faucet can be incredibly annoying, not to mention wasteful. Did you know that a single dripping faucet can waste up to 3 gallons of water a day? That’s a lot of wasted water, not to mention the impact it can have on your monthly water bill.
The good news is that this is a problem that can be easily fixed by a professional plumber. There are many reasons why your faucet might be dripping. It could be due to a worn-out washer, a damaged valve seat, or even mineral buildup within the faucet itself.
A plumber will inspect your faucet and determine the root cause of the problem. In many cases, they will simply need to replace a worn-out or damaged washer. However, if the problem is more serious, they may need to replace the entire faucet.
Clogged Drains
More often than not, clogged drains occur due to the accumulation of hair, soap residue, food particles, and other debris that block the flow of water. If left unchecked, clogged drains can lead to unpleasant odors, slow-draining water, and even overflowing toilets.
Thankfully, professional plumbers are equipped with the right tools and expertise to fix clogged drains. In most cases, they will use a plumbing snake, also known as an auger, to clear the blockage. The snake is inserted into the drain and rotated to break up the blockage and allow water to flow freely. For more severe clogs, hydro jetting may be necessary. This is a process where high-pressure water is blasted into the drain to clear out any obstructions that the snake cannot reach.
But prevention is always better than cure when it comes to clogged drains. To avoid such problems, it is important to watch what you put down your drains. Avoid pouring grease, oil, coffee grounds, and other food scraps down the sink. Use a hair strainer to prevent hair from clogging up your shower drain, and always dispose of sanitary products in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.
Running Toilets
Not only does the constant sound of running water create undesirable noise pollution in the house, but it can also dramatically increase your water bill over time.
The most common cause of running toilets is a malfunctioning flapper valve. The flapper valve sits at the bottom of the tank and opens to allow water to flow into the bowl when you flush. If the flapper valve is damaged or misaligned, it can prevent the tank from filling up properly, causing water to continuously leak into the bowl and subsequently run down the overflow tube.
Fortunately, a qualified plumber can typically fix a running toilet with relatively minimal effort. First, they will carefully inspect the tank and flapper valve to identify any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or warping. If there is a visible issue with the valve, it will need to be replaced.
In some cases, however, the flapper valve may simply be a poor fit for your toilet model. In this scenario, a plumber may need to replace the entire valve assembly to ensure a proper connection and eliminate the risk of leaks.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can be a major nuisance for homeowners and can lead to costly water damage if not fixed promptly. The most common cause of leaky pipes is corrosion, which can cause small holes to form over time. Other causes can include faulty installation, high water pressure, and shifting foundations.
When faced with a leaky pipe, it is important to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and provide a solution. Plumbers can use a variety of techniques to fix leaky pipes, depending on the cause and severity of the leak.
One common solution is to replace the damaged section of the pipe with a new piece. This can be a relatively simple fix for small leaks but may require more extensive repairs for larger or more complicated leaks.
Another common solution is to use epoxy or Teflon tape to seal the leak. These materials create a barrier between the water and the damaged area and can often be applied quickly and easily without the need for major repairs.
With the help of professional plumbers, even the most perplexing problems can be identified and swiftly resolved. To ensure proper maintenance and sustained functionality in a home or workspace, plumbing services may be necessary on occasion.
