Maintaining your plumbing system is essential for your home’s comfort, functionality, and value. However, plumbing issues can arise unexpectedly. It’s just part of owning a home! Unfortunately, those issues can cause inconvenience and potential damage if not addressed promptly.
Pipes Mechanical is a leading plumbing company in Chandler, Arizona, with a wide service area. We are here to assist homeowners with their plumbing issues, ensure they run smoothly, and avoid potential mishaps. This article will cover the ten most common plumbing issues you might face and how to fix them.
1. Slow Sink Drains
A slow-draining sink can disrupt your daily routine and is a tell-tale sign of a clog. Hair, soap scum, and debris often accumulate within the pipes, blocking the water’s flow. This blockage usually happens over time, so you’ll have to consider it regularly. Consider using screens on your drains to keep food, hair, and debris from entering the drain as a preventative measure.
Start by using a plunger to dislodge the clog. If that doesn’t work, remove the sink’s stopper and clear any visible debris. You can make a homemade drain cleaner safe for your pipes from baking soda and vinegar. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they will cause damage to your plumbing.
If it is still clogged, it’s likely time to call a plumber to investigate. They have the tools and equipment to safely and effectively clean your drains and ensure water flows freely!
2. Clogged Shower and Bathtub Drains
Bath and shower drains can become clogged like sinks due to hair, soap, and residue buildup. Unfortunately, a DIY fix isn’t as easy with these drains, but you can try a few things before calling Chandler plumbing services.
Begin by removing the drain cover and removing visible debris. If the clog persists, employ a drain snake or auger to reach deeper blockages. If you’re inexperienced using a drain snake, connect with Pipes Mechanical. We’ll ensure your tub or shower drain is cleared safely without causing further damage.
3. Leaky Faucet
Not only does that dripping sound annoy you, but it will waste significant water over time. Worn-out internal components are usually the culprit of a leaky tap. Therefore, fixing a drippy faucet is as easy as replacing those faulty parts.
Begin by turning off the water supply and disassembling the faucet to identify the problem. Replace the worn-out washers, O-rings, or cartridges with new ones, and reassemble the faucet. This simple fix can save both water and your sanity. Learn how to fix a leaky faucet.
4. A Running Toilet
If the toilet is running, it is wasting a lot of water. Several issues could cause it. First, lift the toilet tank’s lid and inspect the flapper. The flapper is responsible for sealing water in the tank. If it’s not properly sealed, adjust or replace it as needed. The float arm and refill valve may also require adjustments to regulate the water level effectively.
Fixing a running toilet might seem tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the parts and how they work. You can find most parts and instructions at your local hardware store. However, if you’re not sure, contact Pipes Mechanical. We can provide a plumbing service so your toilet is working correctly and not wasting water.
5. Low Water Pressure
A significant change in your home’s water pressure indicates a deeper issue. Low water pressure can also hamper daily activities such as showering and dishwashing. First, see if you can determine if the problem is isolated to a specific fixture or affects the entire house. For example, you could clean or replace clogged aerators and showerheads to improve water flow.
If the problem isn’t the fixture or not obvious to you, call a plumber. Low water pressure can indicate a leak or clog in your plumbing system. A slow leak in a pipe in the walls can cause costly water damage and lead to dangerous mould and mildew growth.
6. Leaky Pipes
As mentioned, leaky pipes can lead to water damage and higher bills. A tell-tale sign of a leaky pipe is sudden low water pressure. In addition, if you see visible water stains on the ceiling or wall, a pipe is probably leaking.
Inspect visible pipes for leaks, like those in the basement or inside cabinets, and replace damaged sections. If a pipe requires replacement, immediately turn off the water supply and contact Pipes Mechanical. Use a plumber’s tape or pipe joint compound to seal minor leaks temporarily (if you can access them) until the plumber arrives.
7. A Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet can quickly escalate into a messy situation! It is one of the last things anyone wants to deal with. If your toilet is clogged, do not try to flush it again! You could get disgusting overflow all over the bathroom floor. Instead, use a toilet plunger to create a strong seal and apply firm, controlled pressure. The plunger’s suction action can dislodge minor blockages.
If the plunger doesn’t work, consider using a toilet auger to navigate tougher clogs. However, if you do not use it properly, you can cause damage to the toilet and pipes. Tough clogs might require a plumber to remove the toilet entirely.
To avoid clogging the toilet, only flush toilet paper, waste and water. If flushed down the toilet, items like feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, and other garbage can wreak havoc on your plumbing system!
8. No Hot Water
If you’ve noticed you’re quickly running out of hot water or the water is not quite hot enough, you could have a problem with your hot water heater. First, check the thermostat on the hot water heater to ensure no one has turned it down. If that is not the case, check to ensure the pilot light is on. If it is out, relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unfortunately, sediment buildup within the tank can also reduce efficiency. So, draining and flushing the tank is something you should do at least once a year. And if your hot water heater is older than ten years, it likely requires repairs or a replacement.
9. Jammed Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can get clogged and require maintenance or service to free up. Turn off the power before attempting a DIY fix to avoid injury and accidents. Then, you can use an Allen wrench to rotate the disposal’s flywheel and dislodge any blockages you can see. If the garbage disposal still doesn’t work, try hitting the machine’s reset button. If all that fails, call in your local plumber for service.
10. Backed Up Sewer
A sewer backup is a major plumbing emergency. And a gross one at that! Household debris or tree roots in the line are common causes of sewer backups. That is why avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet and sinks is vital. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that your sewer drain is clogged—for example, multiple drains clogging around the house and sewage odours.
If you have warning signs or are already dealing with the aftermath of a backup, contact Pipes Mechanical for professional help.
Rely on Pipes Mechanical
Keeping up on regular plumbing maintenance and addressing minor issues as soon as you can is essential to maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system. Remember, while DIY solutions are effective for minor problems, seeking professional help is advisable for complex issues. Having an experienced, knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy plumber is vital.
Pipes Mechanical is one of the 10 Best Plumbers in Chandler, AZ. They offer various services, including preventative maintenance, plumbing repairs, installations, and retrofits. Pipes Mechanical can help you maintain the long-term health of your home’s plumbing system.
