We all have things in our home that go by the wayside more often than we’d like to admit. That’s why it’s so important to actually take the time to address common plumbing problems in our home that we want to avoid so that they don’t cause more significant problems down the road.
There are costly mistakes that many people make by ignoring the early warning signs of issues in their homes. The most common plumbing problems are often overlooked and cause homeowners to pay expensive repair bills. Let’s take a look at a few.
Leaky Pipes
A leaky pipe is no joke. Depending on where the leak is, if it impacts your home’s foundation, it could lead to a total collapse of your house!
Leaky pipes could cause you several problems within your home, including damage to your walls that is very costly to repair. They can also lead to an increase in your water bill too! If you sense that you have a leaky pipe, your best bet is to call a plumber immediately to take a look before it causes any property damage.
Additionally, it can also become a health hazard. If you have water leaking in your home and into your walls or floors, it can cause mold to grow. Those mold spores get into the air in your home and can cause some health issues, including exacerbating asthma and even respiratory infections.
There have been many health conditions linked to mold in homes, so you’ll want to take care of your leaky pipes before issues arise.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are not just annoying, but they can make a big dent in your water bill. Each of those drips adds up!
Dripping faucets are usually caused by an internal washer being worn out, which is a very minor repair and an often DIY-able fix. However, sometimes the issue is a bit more severe and, if left unchecked, can lead to an entire replacement of your sink or pipes.
Clogged Drains & Disposals
From kitchens to bathrooms, drain clogs are a common occurrence. In most cases, you can use a clog removing chemical or even a homemade one. If that doesn’t help and you are still experiencing clogging issues, it’s time to call in a professional. A clogged drain, over time, can cause damage to your pipes if left unchecked.
In bathrooms, hair is often the culprit of a clogged tub drain. It can be treated the same as a sink clog with a chemical drain clog remover. As previously stated, if the clogging continues, give a plumber a call. It’s usually a very simple fix and can be handled rather quickly. You can avoid clogs or costly repairs by cleaning your drains at least once a month.
If you experience a clog in your disposal, it’s likely food has gotten in that should not have been put down the drain; not all food is made to go into the disposal. If there is a disposal clog, it’s a bit more tricky than a quick sink drain to remedy.
First, turn off the disposal, then turn off the electricity at your breaker box. Only once you’ve ensured the electricity is off can you try to stick your hand in the disposal and dislodge the food. If you’re too nervous to do this on your own or aren’t sure the electricity is off, just give a plumber a call, and they’ll have someone out to fix it in no time.
As with most clogs, a clogged disposal can cause damage to pipes over time if left untreated.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is easy to spot in most cases. If you get in the shower and you notice your water feels different or comes out less forcefully than normal, it’s safe to assume something is up with your water pressure.
Calcium and minerals in your home’s water system and in your pipes and plumbing fixtures can cause a buildup over time, which is why it’s a very common issue with older homes. This buildup restricts water flow, causing the water to come out in a weak stream.
Not only is low water pressure annoying, but it can also cause the quality of life in your house to plummet. It makes everyday tasks like showering, doing laundry, and doing dishes frustrating.
In some cases, it could be a problem with your water provider. They could be experiencing issues or regulations in your area that they are forced to comply with. In either case, you can call your water provider and see if this is the cause. If not, it may be your home’s valves that you’ll have to check next.
If you’re unsure of how to do that, you can call a licensed plumber to see if they can find the root cause. Additionally, if you have a pressure regulator, you can test it to see if this is the issue, and if your pressure regulator is failing, you can call a technician to come out and repair it for you.
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