subject: Five Plumbing Problems And Simple Quick Fixes [print this page] Maintaining your Naples Plumbing in top condition need not be too difficult. There are simple fixes to these that can be done by any novice. The 5 common plumbing problems are listed below, with tips on how to get the job done.
1. Dripping Faucet
No one likes a leaky faucet. This is not just a simple Naples plumbing concern. If left to its own devices, the leaky faucet can cost you a lot of money in water bill. Also, your entire faucet will be exposed to corrosion. Anyway, you'll need your pliers for this job. Turn off the water main valve first, then disassemble the leaky faucet, and replace the seat or the washer, or both. In most cases, the seat and/or the washer are worn out and cannot tightly seal the faucet anymore no matter how tight you twist. This is part of natural wear and tear. A simple trip to the hardware store will give you the parts you need. Bring the old part over and have them match it.
2. Drain clog
Clogged pipes and drains mean water will take too long to drain in your sink. If you're patient, that's okay. But still, every time you run that faucet, your sink will fill faster than it can drain itself, and that's just not right. Blocked pipes and drains are never cute. More than just a simple plumbing problem, it's also a sanitary issue. The usual culprit is human hair. The best solution? Physically scoop out the blockage. Wear gloves if the idea of all that gunk turns you off. If you're still experiencing clogged drains, try plain old baking soda and vinegar, or if you need something stronger: a safe declogging chemical solution. Follow the directions on the bottle for your safety. For clogged toilets, get a rubber plunger.
3. Leaky Caulk
Molds and mildew like to breed in the cracked and leaky caulk around your bathtub. Molds can cause health problems, especially if you have kids around. The easy solution? Scrub clean and disinfect the mildew to prevent further spread. Then scrape away the old caulk and simply apply new caulk. Smooth it out.
4. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are tricky and certainly not easy, but they're still part of the common 5 Naples plumbing problems because burst pipes are very common. The state of Florida seldom gets freezing temperatures during winter, but when it does, water inside pipes may freeze and expand, stressing the pipe and eventually exploding it. You'll only know about your broken pipes when the pipes thaw, causing flooding inside your house. The quick fix? Simply allow water to continuously flow down the drain thus keeping the pipes warm. Another quick fix is to put some insulation around the pipes. Be sure to insulate the pipes only from the cold air, not from the warmth of the house, or else they would still freeze.
5. Condensation on Pipes
Condensation happens when moisture during the warm months gets into the house and comes in contact with the cool pipes. Moisture turns into water in the form of beads of water coating the pipes. Often, people mistake pipe condensation for leaky dripping pipes, because the sweating can be excessive and form pools on the floor. If left to its own devices, the formation of water can cause water damage (which entails repair expenses, of course) and also health hazards from molds and mildew. The quick fix? Keep the room dry and moisture- free, or in other words, prevent moisture from coming in contact with the pipes. How do you do this? By choosing an insulator that doesn't just absorb moisture but insulates your pipes from the warm air too. Also, putting a dehumidifier in the room will minimize the moisture and prevent mildew formation.
