subject: Common Plumbing Problems And Solutions [print this page] Believe it or not, when it comes to the integrity of your home, plumbing can play a rather large role. Capable of causing a great deal more than temporary trauma, Plumbing issues can cause serious water damage. To avoid this it's a good idea to look at common plumbing problems and solutions.
Leaks are the commonest plumbing issue. They're refined Plumbing issues that develop more over a period of time. Fixing a leak relies on whether it is leaky caulking, a leaky flapper in your toilet tank, or an even a leaky pipe. To mend leaky caulking you have to take away the caulk, clean all the areas affected and leaks, and apply new caulk.
A worn down flapper can keep the water in your toilet from fully shutting off. Your best bet is to turn off the water and flush the toilet, so as to drain the water. Replace the flapper with one of the same size, which is easily purchased at a hardware store.
To fix a leak in a pipe you need to tighten any loose mechanical joints, that may need different techniques. It's an excellent idea to consult a pro before attempting this on your own.Clogging is the second commonest problem. These Plumbing issues are characteristic of toilets, bathtubs along with floor drains.
To mend a tub block, try removing all hair and build up from the drain and use a good chemical drain cleaner. If chemicals do not work you are going to need to scrub the drum trap, which is much tougher to do. You can obtain access to it either thru a panel behind the tub or the ceiling of the room underneath it.
Take away the plug from the bottom, clear any build up blocking it, and place a new gasket on the plug before placing it back. A clogged toilet is best cured with a plunger, but often the block is too grim. In which particular case you must utilize a "Snake" to get rid of it. Floor drain clogs are sometimes due to tree roots that have grown through the pipe. To mend this you're going to require a "Sewer Tape", which is used to break through the block.
As with any other problem, Plumbing problems vary in severity. Although many can be done on your own, it is always wise to seek the aid or advice on issues you are unsure of or that are too difficult for your abilities.
