5 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them
Your home’s plumbing is responsible for bringing clean water into your home and taking dirty water out. It’s a complex system of pipes, fixtures, and drains that needs to be adequately maintained. Homeowners can help keep their plumbing in top shape by following simple preventative maintenance tips.
1. Low Water Pressure
No one wants to look forward to a warm shower after a long day and get little to no water pressure! Maybe your sinks show that their water pressure is slightly lower. This is often caused by sediment buildup in your home’s pipes.
Over time, the calcium and magnesium in water can settle inside your pipes and restrict water flow. This is an easy fix! You can use a simple vinegar and water solution to clean out your pipes (1 part vinegar to 1 part water). Let the solution sit in your drains for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. And if you don't notice a change, then it's best to reach out to a plumber to inspect for a more significant issue.
2. Leaky Faucets
A dripping faucet is not only annoying, but it wastes water and money. A single faucet drips once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. That’s enough water to fill an entire bathtub! If you have a leaky faucet, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential.
A common cause of leaky faucets is a worn-out washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic piece that seals the connection between the faucet's moving parts and the sink's stationary part. Over time, these washers can break down and no longer create a tight seal, causing water to drip out. Replacing the washer is usually a quick and easy fix.
If you have a more serious leak, it may be caused by a problem with the valve seat. The valve seat is what the washer presses against to create a seal. If there is any damage to the valve seat, it will need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.
3. Old Plumbing Fixtures and Parts
If your home has old plumbing fixtures, it’s important to have them inspected and serviced regularly. Homes that are a little older are more likely to have lead pipes, which can leach lead into the water. If you have lead pipes, it’s important to have them replaced by a professional.
In addition, older homes may also have galvanized steel pipes, which can corrode over time and cause problems with water flow. If your home has galvanized steel pipes, we suggest having them inspected regularly and replaced, if necessary, with modern pipes.
4. Clogged Drains
One of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged drain. Clogged drains can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or grease. Foreign objects like toys, jewelry, or small pieces of food clog drains.
If you have a clogged drain, the first thing you should do is try to clear it with a plunger. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumbers’ snake that you can purchase at a local retail or hardware store. If neither method works, it’s time to call a professional.
To prevent clogged drains, we recommend using drain covers in all of your sinks and showers, especially netted drain covers to catch shed hair. You should also avoid putting any foreign objects down the drains.
5. Stay On Top of Your Plumbing With Fort Street Plumbing!
Our team at Fort Street Plumbing is always here to help. We offer various plumbing services, from simple repairs to complete replacements. Visit our website or call us today at (313) 551-5124 to learn more!
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