Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing is something that most people view as necessary, so when plumbing problems happen, many homeowners panic. Here are a few of the most common plumbing problems I've found that homeowners deal with:

1.  No Hot Water – This is the most common reason people call plumbers. If you lose hot water, there are a few things you can check before you call us:

• If you have a gas water heater, make sure the pilot light is lit.
• Make sure you have the temperature on the water heater high enough to provide adequate amounts of hot water. I recommend between 130-140 degrees.
• Determine whether the water heater is large enough for your family's needs. If the water starts out hot enough then runs cold after a while, the water heater is working properly. You may just need a bigger one.

2.  Clogged Drains – The second most popular issue people call me about is clogged drains. Honestly, this problem can often be avoided by just being careful about what you put down your drains. Usually the kitchen sink drain is the most clogged drain in the house.

3.  Dripping Faucets – This annoying problem happens as the washers in your faucets start to wear out. A couple of things that will slow this process down is installing a water softener and using less force when you turn your faucets off. 

4.  Leaking Pipes - The plumbing problem that can cause the most extensive damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings is water leaks. It's a really good idea to check your pipes regularly for the beginnings of rust or white lime scale. These can be the early indication of a leak.

5.  Leaking Water Heaters – Truthfully, the best way to deal with a leaking water heater is to replace it. A leaky water heater is usually caused because the bottom of the water storage tank has rusted through. Unfortunately, there is no repair for that. However, there are some things we can do to prolong the life of your water heater, such as installing a water softener and performing a flush out service to remove sediment buildup and reduce corrosion.

6.  Running or Leaking Toilets – If the toilet continues to run into the bowl after it's flushed, or if you hear a low humming sound, that's an indication that some part of the toilet is out of order. Sometimes simply jiggling the handle can fix the problem. If not, give me a call and we'll take a look at it.

7.  Malfunctioning Garbage Disposals – When garbage disposals start acting up, it becomes a messy problem in a hurry. The best way to prevent problems with your garbage disposal is to make sure you run cold water through it before, during, and after you use it.

If you have any questions about how to prevent or repair plumbing problems, just contact us. We are happy to answer any questions and, in most cases, we can quickly diagnose the problem.