subject: Common Plumbing Problems [print this page] Common Plumbing Problems Common Plumbing Problems
"There's no greater bliss in life than when the plumber eventually comes to unblock your drains. No writer can give that sort of pleasure. "
- Victoria Glendinning, British biographer, critic, broadcaster and novelist.
Plumbing is a very important component of a house, but often the most neglected. Since every house has plumbing, and it is used every day, it is but natural that it would develop problems at some stage. However, not all householders are adequately educated for dealing with plumbing problems. While the minor issues may be dealt with by the owner, professional help is advised for complex problems. Moreover, minor problems should be addressed immediately before they snowball into major issues. Some of the common plumbing problems that you as a householder can expect to face at some time are:
1. Dripping faucets - One of the most common plumbing problems and easy to fix by replacing the washer. However, ensure that the replacement washer is the correct type. The best way to be sure is to carry the faulty one to the plumbing supply store to find a matching part. Common types are the ball spring, modular and cartridge types as well as the stem/washer/seat combination. If the problem is not addressed promptly, a leaking faucet can exacerbate into constantly running water. If it's the hot water faucet, expect a hefty utility bill for your negligence.
2. Leaking handles and pipes - Leaking handles may require the replacement of the faucets metal nuts or its rubber o-ring. For leaking pipes, if the leaks are at the pipes joints, tightening the pipes may help. Worn connections (not cracks) may be repaired by wrapping plumbers tape around one of the pipe connections and then reattaching the two pipes. Sometimes, a new gasket or sealant may be needed. Some experts advise that parts may last longer if they are lubricated with petroleum jelly.
3. Plugged toilets - Always keep a plunger handy to deal with plugged toilets. A toilet snake is an effective tool for clearing stubborn clogs that are located deep in the septic line. You can add a bacterial enzyme to keep the line free of odors.
4. Blocked drains - Blockages in sinks and shower drains are common plumbing problems often caused by clumps of hair building up in the drain. Soap and food particles are other common culprits. They should be removed occasionally to prevent clogging, sometimes with a sink plunger for especially tough blockages. You can use one of several drain cleaners available in the market, or make you own using baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice.
5. Low water pressure - Low water pressure is easily detected when water flow is considerably reduced even when the faucet is fully open. You can confirm the same by looking at the water pressure gauge attached to the pump. It may be due to a line fault that requires the services of a plumber.
Although many of these problems may be addressed by the tool-friendly householder, the degree of seriousness should determine whether you call for professional help. You can prevent plumbing emergencies by entering into an annual maintenance contract with your local plumber which entails regular inspections of the houses plumbing system.
