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6 Common Plumbing Issues – How to Fix Them

Welcome to the article on the 6 common plumbing issues & how to fix them!

Understanding these 6 common plumbing issues that the majority of households and commercial premises face can be invaluable and you can easily do it by hiring plumber san diego.

Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can prevent damage escalation and save time and money on extensive repairs.

If at all you run into problems or require assistance, it is recommended that you seek the guidance of your licensed local plumber.

Dripping Taps

A dripping tap can be irritating and distracting, but over a prolonged period of time if left unaddressed, can be a significant source of water wastage. 

Understanding the simple causes and easy fixes can give you the basic skills to solve this issue before it potentially turns into something more heinous and expensive like potential flooding.

  • Causes:
    • Corroded Valve Seat
    • Loose Parts
    • Worn-out Washers
    • Damaged Cartridges
  • Fixes:
  1. Gather the necessary tools
  2. Turn off the water supply
  3. Disassemble the faucet
  4. Replace washers or cartridges
  5. Check and clean other components
  6. Reassemble and test

Identifying these common causes and following these steps can get your dripping tap fixed in no time.

Clogged Drains

Clogged or blocked drains can be more than just a nuisance, they can cause serious damage to the pipe system if left unattended. 

Identifying and resolving this issue before it has the chance to set in, can be a simple task.

Fixing clogged and blocked drains can be completed using various methods, based on the location of the blockage itself.

  • Causes:
    • Foreign Objects
    • Food Waste
    • Hair
    • Grease and Oil
    • Soap Scum and Mineral Deposits
  • Fixes:
    • Plunger
    • Boiling Water
    • Baking Soda and Vinegar
    • Drain Snake
    • Chemical Drain Cleaners

It is important to note that if the procedure seems at all beyond your capabilities it is important to request the services of a qualified plumber.

A qualified plumber will have the appropriate high-tech tools and expert knowledge on how to operate them to get the big jobs fixed in a timely manner.

These expert tools & services include:

  1. CCTV Drain Camera
  2. High Pressure Jetting

Running Toilets

A running toilet, like a dripping faucet, can be annoying and irritable. 

It can also be another cause of water wastage over an extended period of time.

Attending to this before the potential of it eventuating into something worse like flooding is definitely advisable.

Several components within the toilet tank itself can lead to this very issue, 2 of the common culprits are listed below.

  • Causes:
    • Malfunctioning Fill Valve
    • Faulty Flapper
  • Fixes:
    • Remove the Tank Lid
    • Check the Flapper
    • Adjust the Flapper Chain
    • Clean or Replace the Flapper
    • Check and Adjust the Fill Valve
    • Test and Fine-Tune

Remember to shut off the water supply to the toilet before making any repairs. 

Regular maintenance is advisable to avoid leaking and corrosion on all appliances and parts of the plumbing installation.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes can cause significant damage to your home’s aesthetics through stains and slumps in the gyprock walls and ceilings. Over time this could pose a risk/hazard of giving way and leaving a big hole in the ceiling or wall.

Rotting of the timber frame can also pose a risk/hazard to the structural integrity of the premises.

There also lies the potential to cause harm to your health and general well-being through mold build-up around the leak

  • Causes:
    • Corrosion
    • Loose Connections
    • High Water Pressure
    • Pipe Damage
    • Pipe Corrosion
  • Fixes:
  1. Shut Off the Water
  2. Drain the Pipes
  3. Identify the Leak
  4. Dry the Affected Area
  5. Apply Pipe Sealant
  6. Use Pipe Clamps or Compression Fittings
  7. Replace Damaged Sections
  8. Test for Leaks

As mentioned before, a licensed plumber has the high-tech equipment to handle big leaks. If at all you find yourself outside of your comfort zone trying to deal with these issues, then call the best plumbers in oxfordshire (if you reside there) immediately. This may help ensure that the pipes don’t face any additional problems.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure within the premises can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to have a nice warm shower on a freezing cold day.

Being able to solve this issue can be a rewarding fix and get you in the good books with everyone else within the premises.

  • Causes:
    • Faulty Pressure Regulator
    • Clogged or Faulty Fixtures
    • Pipe Leaks or Damage
    • Mineral Deposits
    • Water Supply Issues
  • Fixes:
    • Clear Clogged Pipes
    • Repair or Replace Leaking or Damaged Pipes:
    • Check and Adjust the Pressure Regulator
    • Clean Faucet Aerators and Showerheads
    • Contact the Water Provider

This is one of the most frustrating of all plumbing issues and of course it is usually not the easiest of fixes, but hopefully it hasn’t had time to worsen and it can be rectified efficiently.

Water Heater Issues

Hot water systems are essential for most if not all premises, especially those in colder climates. Though the technology is quite good these days, just like everything they still experience their share of breakdowns and malfunctions.

Knowing how to identify these issues can only be beneficial.

Here are 2 common problems and a series of steps to troubleshoot and address them.

  1. Insufficient Hot Water
    1. Check the Thermostat
    2. Inspect the Heating Elements
    3. Flush the Tank
    4. Inspect the Dip Tube
  2. Strange Noises
    1. Sediment Buildup
    2. Expansion and Contraction
    3. Faulty Heating Element
    4. Check the Anode Rod

Troubleshooting and repairing a water heater can be complex and potentially hazardous. If you are unsure about performing these steps or if the problem persists, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a licensed plumber or water heater technician.

It is also important to have regular maintenance conducted to aid in avoiding any of these issues.

Thank you for taking the time to read  common plumbing issues & how to fix them. I hope this has given you an insight into the plumbing world and may aid you in any future issues and plumbing decisions you have to make.

If issues persist or you are in any way uncomfortable with performing any of these tasks please contact your local plumber.

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