Common Plumbing Issues and how to fix them
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a plumbing problem in your home. Whether it’s a clogged sink, a leaky faucet, or a toilet that won’t flush, plumbing issues will most certainly and quickly put a damper on your day.
Fortunately, most plumbing problems are relatively easy to fix. This article will look at some of the most common plumbing issues and how to fix them. However, when you are in doubt, call your trusted plumbing company to help alleviate the problem.
Clogged Sinks
So, one of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged sink. If your sink is clogged, the first thing you should do is check the trap for debris. The catch is under the sink and is usually shaped like a P or an S. If there’s debris in the trap, remove it and flush the sink with hot water.
If the trap is clear, but the sink is still clogged, you may need to use a plunger or a plumber’s snake. To use a plunger:
- Simply place the toilet plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down.
- Use enough force to create a seal between the plunger and the drain.
- Use a rubber plunger rather than a suction cup plunger for best results.
To use a plumber’s snake, insert it into the drain and turn it clockwise. The plumbing snake will travel through the pipes and help to break up any clogs along the way.
Toilets That Won’t Flush
If your toilet won’t flush, the first thing you should do is check the flapper. The toilet’s flapper is located at the bottom of the tank and is responsible for sealing it when it’s not in use. If the flapper on the bathroom is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.
If the flapper is not damaged, the problem may be with the float. The float is located in the tank and helps to regulate the water level. If the float is too low, it won’t allow enough water into the bowl to flush correctly. Adjust the float until it’s set at the proper level.
If neither of these solutions fixes your toilet, you may need to call a plumber!
Leaky Faucets – Check The Washer
If you have a leaky faucet, the first thing you should do is check the washer. The washer is located under the handle and is usually made of rubber or plastic. If the washer is damaged, replace it with a new one.
The problem may be with the seat if the washer is not damaged. The seat is located under the washer and may be cracked or worn. You may then decide to remove the seat and replace it with a new one.
If neither of these solutions fixes your leaky faucet, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
Low Water Pressure – Check The Shut-Off Valve
If you have low water pressure, the first thing you should do is check the shut-off valve. The shut-off valve is located near the water meter and is responsible for regulating the flow of water into your home. If the shut-off valve is turned too low, it will limit the amount of water that flows into your home and cause low water pressure. Turn the shut-off valve clockwise to increase the flow of water.
If the shut-off valve is not the problem, the problem may be with the pipes. If the lines are old or corroded, they may restrict the water flow. To fix this problem, replace the old pipes with new ones.
Wildlife
If you have a squirrel in your drain pipe, you can do a few things to try to get it out. First, pour some boiling water down the line. This will hopefully startle the squirrel and make it climb out. So, If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger to create suction and push the squirrel up and out of the pipe. If all else fails, you may need to call a professional to remove the squirrel.
In any case, getting a squirrel out of your drain pipe is not difficult and can be done with patience and perseverance.
