Whether it’s a drip, drip, drip in the kitchen sink, or whoosh, whoosh in the toilet, plumbing issues can be disruptive. However, before you call in a plumber, arm yourself with knowledge about the most common plumbing problems and solutions.
Clogged drains and toilets, low water pressure, and leaky faucets are all common household problems that can be fixed fairly easily with the right tools. Call Plumbers in Fayetteville AR right away if you notice some issues with your plumbing.
Clogged Toilets
Your household plumbing system includes drain lines that carry waste and water away from toilets, sinks, tubs, and other fixtures. These drain lines lead to your septic or sewer line, where waste is sucked away into a tank or a municipal sewage system. Clogs in these lines can be caused by wads of flushed material that become stuck in the line, breaks or infiltration from nearby tree roots, or by the simple build-up of waste over time. A clogged toilet can be an annoying, inconvenient problem to deal with, but there are a few things you can try to clear up yourself.
If you’ve tried plunging the toilet and other clog-fighting methods but still can’t get your toilet to drain, it’s probably time to call a professional. A plumber will have more powerful tools to break up and dislodge clogs in the pipes leading into your toilet, your septic tank or sewer line, or anywhere else it might be located.
Most often, a clogged toilet is the result of a rogue piece of toilet paper or other foreign object. It’s important to teach kids and other family members not to flush anything but toilet paper and human waste down the commode, and to dispose of other materials in the trash instead.
Another common cause of clogged toilets is hard water, which can wreak havoc on your plumbing system by leaving behind mineral deposits that calcify over time, narrowing the gap through which waste can flow. If your water is very hard, consider installing a water softener to help prevent clogged toilets.
When you have a clogged toilet, fill the bathtub to about halfway with very hot water (not boiling). Then, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl over the clog. This creates a force of pressure and suction that can sometimes dislodge even stubborn clogs without damaging the porcelain. Another option is to use a drain snake, which you can buy from a hardware store or hire a professional to do for you. Be sure to follow the instructions for using the snake carefully, as a wrong approach can cause serious damage to your home’s pipes.
Clogged Drains
Your pipe and sewer system is designed to transport waste away from your home, but if it becomes blocked this can result in a range of problems. These issues could include slow-draining sinks, clogged toilets, or even an overflowing sewer line. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, and how often you use your pipes and fixtures.
While some of these issues may be due to normal wear and tear, many can easily be prevented with routine maintenance. For example, by regularly using a drain snake or chemical drain cleaner, you can help keep your pipes clear of hair, soap scum, and food waste.
It is also a good idea to have your drains professionally installed to ensure that they are positioned and configured properly to prevent blockages. While it might seem like a costly service, having your drains professionally installed can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and clogs.
The most common reason for a clogged drain is a build-up of hair, soap scum, and other debris. These items can build up in a variety of locations, such as showers, tubs, and bathroom sinks. For this reason, it is a good idea to install a mesh drain cover in your showers and bathtubs to help reduce the amount of hair that can clog them.
Toilets can also be susceptible to clogs, especially if you have small children who like to flush toys or other objects down the toilet. It is also important to avoid flushing non-flushable objects, such as wipes, paper towels, dental floss, feminine products, and diapers. In addition, it is a good idea to have your toilets regularly serviced to remove any clog-causing residue.
Another cause of clogged drains is tree roots. Over time, a small crack or hole in your drain pipe can allow tree roots to enter the system and create blockages. To prevent this, it is important to keep your landscaping well-maintained and ensure that trees are not too close to your house.
Sewer Backups
Sewage backups are one of the worst problems that can plague homeowners, and it’s not just because of the nasty smell. Raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria that can cause a host of illnesses, including gastroenteritis and hepatitis A. If you’re experiencing a sewer backup, it’s important to shut off your home’s water supply and contact a plumber right away.
A clogged toilet can be due to simple things like flushing too much toilet paper or cooking grease, but a blocked sewer line is usually a bigger issue that requires more extensive repairs. Depending on the type of blockage, it may be necessary to dig up and replace parts of your home’s plumbing system.
You can prevent a lot of sewer issues by having your pipes inspected regularly and making sure to only flush human waste, toilet paper, and products labeled as “flushable.” Even so, many homeowners end up with a sewer backup at some point.
Several things can cause a broken or clogged sewer line, including tree roots, ground movement, and poor construction. Older homes often have cast iron or clay pipes that can crack or break over time. These pipes don’t last as long as plastic sewer lines, which are becoming the standard in newer homes.
Another common problem is a damaged or misaligned lateral pipe that connects the main sewer line to your house. These are typically installed without proper support, which can lead to wear and tear over time and even collapse. If you’ve noticed sinkholes, lush spots, or pooling water in your yard, it could be an indicator that your lateral pipe has become disconnected from the main sewer line and is filling with dirt.
The best way to avoid a costly repair bill is to have your sewer line replaced with new, durable lines. While it’s not an easy or cheap project, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected against a messy, expensive backup is well worth the investment. You’ll also save money in the long run by avoiding costly damage to your entire plumbing system.
Leaky Faucets
The best way to avoid this problem is to keep an eye on your faucets and pipes for leaks. This can be done by observing moisture or wet spots on the floor, wall, or under sinks, as well as by listening for drip-drip-drip from faucets.
Over time, the seals that hold water in your pipes can degrade or break down, causing them to leak. This can occur from natural wear and tear, age-related damage, or even from pressure fluctuations. Eventually, you’ll start to notice moisture problems in the form of damp or moldy walls or floors, as well as higher-than-usual utility bills.
Leaking faucets are a common household issue that’s easy to fix. If left untreated, however, they can lead to costly water damage and increase your water bill significantly. To avoid this, be sure to regularly check for wet spots or puddles on the floor or under sinks, and look for signs of leaking such as rusting, discoloration, or visible mildew and mold.
One of the most common causes of a leaky faucet is worn-out washers that no longer form a tight seal against the valve seat. This can be caused by tearing, dislodging, or stiffening over time, and it’s important to replace the washer as soon as you notice any signs of wear and tear.
Other common causes of leaking faucets include the inlet and outlet seals, which can be corroded by water sediments or worn out from continuous use. This can be caused by the wrong type or size of the washer being used, improper installation, or a lack of regular maintenance.
If you suspect that you have a leaking faucet, the first thing to do is switch off your water supply at the shut-off valves or your home’s main water pipe. Once this is done, you’ll want to block the drain with a towel or plug. From here, you can determine what kind of faucet you have (cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk) and take the necessary steps to repair it. For cartridge faucets, for example, you’ll need to remove the handle assembly and cut off the old O-rings before replacing them with new ones.