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Common Plumbing Problems That Homeowners Face (And What to Do)

Winter’s gone, and spring’s here. Are you ready to enjoy outdoor springs and summers?

If you have a home, it’s likely you have a plumbing system that helps keep your house livable and your family healthy. Plumbing issues can be major problems, especially if you don’t know how to deal with them.

Here’s information on common plumbers needed problems homeowners face, with what to do about them.

Clogged Toilet Troubleshooting

One of the most common plumbers needed problems that homeowners face is a clogged toilet. The most common causes are objects that shouldn’t have been flushed, such as:

  • paper towels
  • feminine hygiene products
  • too much toilet paper

Troubleshooting a clogged toilet is relatively easy: the first thing to try is plunging the toilet to loosen the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a hand auger to break up the clog.

If these methods don’t work, it’s probably time to call in a professional plumber so they can remove the clog with a drain snake or another specialized tool. Whatever the cause of the clog, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as you notice it to avoid a bigger plumbing disaster.

Hunting Down Hidden Leaks

Leaks often go unnoticed until they escalate into larger problems, and proactively hunting them down can be the best way to prevent a small leak from becoming a bigger headache.

Homeowners should be aware of any discolorations or wet areas on the ceiling and wall or any puddles forming near appliances, as these may be clear indicators of a hidden leak.

In some cases, a leak may be too hidden to catch with the naked eye, in which case it would be wise to invest in a water leak detector such as a moisture meter.

These gadgets are great for finding hidden leaks and can save homeowners time and money. With that said, if a homeowner cannot find the source of the leak, it is often best to hire a professional plumber.

Sink Pipe Snarls

Sink pipe snarls are one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face. These types of problems are caused by items like hair, toothpaste, or soap scum building up in the drainpipe.

They can cause the pipes to clog up and water to back up in the sink. To troubleshoot this problem, try using a plunger to loosen the blockage.

If the plunger does not work, then the outside drain may be clogged, and a long drain snake may be needed to loosen the debris. If the outside drain is clear, then a special chemical drain opener may be required to dissolve the clog.

If all else fails, a plumber may be called in to take a look at the issue.

Septic System Misunderstandings

Many homeowners mistakenly assume that their septic system never needs maintenance when, in reality, they need to be serviced every three to five years depending on the size of the tank and the number of users.

If a septic system is not regularly maintained, the result can be backups, sewage odors, and other issues that can be costly to repair. Clogged lines or broken pipes are other common plumbing issues that can affect a home’s septic system.

Homeowners should inspect the interior and exterior of the septic system to make sure all lines and components are working properly. It’s also important to keep records of previous service and maintenance for the system to ensure regular upkeep is being done.

If homeowners have any doubts or questions about their septic system, they should contact a plumbing professional to get a better understanding of their system, its components, and what to do if a problem occurs.

Hot Water Systems

Hot water systems are perhaps one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Not only can they break down, but they can also become inefficient and lead to high energy costs.

To prevent malfunctions, homeowners should make sure they bleed any air that accumulates inside the system, ensure that the system is insulated to prevent heat loss, and that all of the valves are functioning properly.

In the event of a breakdown, homeowners should first isolate the system from the electricity supply to prevent any accidents and then contact a professional plumber.

The plumber can diagnose and fix the problem and may suggest a few preventive measures in order to avoid further issues. 

Low Hot Water Temperature

Low hot water temperature is a common plumbing problem that homeowners encounter. It is most likely to be caused by an accumulation of sediment in the water heater tank over time, which restricts the hot water flow.

To resolve this, homeowners should flush the water from the tank into a drain. Flushing the tank will remove any built-up sediment and should help return the water temperature to its desired level.

If, after flushing the hot water heater, the low water temperature persists, it’s important to have a trained plumber inspect the water heater to identify the problem and repair it. A plumber can also check for gas or electric anomalies as well.

As part of preventative maintenance, homeowners should also schedule regular inspections to ensure that their water heater is running properly and efficiently. This will help to identify any minor problems before they become full-blown issues that necessitate costly repairs.

Learn When Plumbers Needed Now

Take preventive action and inspect your home’s plumbers needed regularly to avoid costly repairs and potential health risks. If any of these common plumbing problems arise, reach out to a professional for assistance.

Don’t let plumbing issues become a major hassle – get help now!

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