Plumbing issues are an inconvenient– sometimes disgusting– part of owning and maintaining a home. Some of these issues may be due to the regular wear and tear and aging that comes with using your plumbing fixtures. Others may be a result of how you use and maintain your system.
Regardless of the cause, plumbing problems should be resolved immediately to prevent further damage to your system. And more so, to your property. Fortunately, most common plumbing issues can be easily fixed on your own.
In this article, we’re sharing some common and simple plumbing issues that you can easily fix without calling professional help.
1. Clogged Drains And Toilets
Perhaps, one of the most common issues homeowners face now and then, especially with older plumbing systems, is clogged drains and toilets. Such issues can be a real nuisance and unsightly.
Clogged or slow-moving drains generally occur when there’s a complete or partial blockage in the drain. In showers, hair is usually the main culprit, as well as other items such as a shampoo lid or plastics. In the sink, food debris, grease, and oil can cause clogging over time. On the other hand, clogged toilets happen when something large or other dissolvable waste like tissue paper or other sanitary products is flushed.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can clear the blockages. For most clogs, a plunger should be enough, together with a snake drain. If a plunger can’t do the trick, you might be tempted to use chemical drain cleaners. While they may be effective, they can cause damage to your pipes. And so, try making a homemade drain cleaner instead and use it to unclog your drain.
That said, if the clog is severe or you experience a repeated clog in the same drain, it’s best to call a qualified plumbing company like Essendon Plumbing Services. You can consult them at their site and book online.
2. Running Toilet
Running a toilet is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues. Your toilet is still functional; however, it constantly runs. And as a result, you’re wasting water and money, not to mention the annoying sound that comes with it. A running toilet usually occurs when the inner parts of the toilet fail or get damaged– the flapper valve may no longer fit properly, the floater is imbalanced, or the fill tube is loose or leaking.
To fix a running toilet, you need to check each component. Check if the fill tube is still attached and directed towards the overflow tube. You can also check if the chain is still attached to the flapper and isn’t tangled. Try adjusting the float to properly hit the fill valve.
If simple adjustments don’t work, you may have to replace some or all internal tank components. You can find toilet repair kits at most home improvement stores. These kits come with complete instructions and are quite easy to install. You can also check various resources and tutorials online to help you with this task.
3. Low Water Pressure
Having weak water pressure can make doing chores or washing dishes a pain and showering less enjoyable. Low water pressure could be a sign of a serious plumbing issue, such as a hidden leak, but it could also be a simple one that you can fix on your own.
For instance, low water pressure may be caused by mineral build-up on showerheads and other plumbing fixtures. You can unscrew the end of your fixture to loosen the build-up and clean it with vinegar. Or, there’s also the option to replace the fixture.
On the other hand, if you recently had a repair done and your water pressure suddenly decreases, you’d want to check if your main water shut-off valve is fully open or not. Note that most renovation or plumbing repairs require the water to be shut off. And so, check if the valve is completely opened and that water pressure is not restricted.
If neither of these techniques yields the desired result, then there’s a chance that your plumbing has serious issues. In this case, you should call a professional plumber to check your home’s system.
image © Elf-Moondance
Wrapping Up
Dealing with anything plumbing-related may sound intimidating. And while it’s recommended to hire a licensed plumber to handle plumbing issues, there are minor repairs like the ones mentioned above that you can handle on your own.
As long as you do careful research and follow the instructions or manual provided with the products you’re using, you can go the DIY route to fix the plumbing issue and save money.
Author Bio
William Parkes is a handyman with over 10 years of service experience. He shares his knowledge in his field through writing blogs. In his free time, William enjoys boating and camping with friends.
