Plumbing issues are a known headache for homeowners, and can strike at any time. From leaky faucets to clogged drains these issues can disrupt your day and lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. However, there are many plumbing problems that can be tackled with some basic DIY knowledge and tools. In this article we will discuss the most frequent household plumbing issues and give you a solution on how you can solve it before calling a Detroit area plumber.
Leaky Faucets – A dripping faucet is not only annoying but can waste a good amount of water. The most common reason your faucet is probably leaking is because of a damaged or worn out washer.
DIY fix: Turn the water off (main supply) remove the handles with a screwdriver. Once you have the inner workings of the faucet accessed, replace the worn out washer with a new one. Reassemble the faucet, turn the water back on, and check for leaks.
Clogged drains – Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem in bathroom and kitchens. They can lead to slow drainage and unpleasant smells to address this problem try this:
DIY fix: Use a plunger or a drain snake to clear the clog. Plunging it creates pressure that can dislodge blockages. A drain snake can remove debris from your pipes. Avoid harsh drain cleaning chemicals, as they can damage your plumbing system.
Running toilets – A running toilet can constantly waste water and inflate your water bill. This issue is commonly caused by a faulty flapper or a bad fill valve, bur can be easily fixed.
DIY fix: Open the tank of the toilet and inspect the fill valve or flapper. If the flapper looks worn or damaged replace it with a new one. If the fill valve is the worn part consider replacing that. This two parts for the toilet are fairly cheap and you can find them both in the plumbing isle at your hardware store.
Low water pressure – Can make daily tasks like showering or washing dishes a little frustrating. Several factors can cause this issue, including mineral build up on your faucet or pipes.
DIY fix: Remove the aerator from the faucet and clean it. You can soak it in vinegar to get the mineral deposits off. If that doesn’t solve the problem the mineral build up might be in your pipes and that would need the assistance of a Detroit area plumber.
Noisy pipes – Banging pipes can be an unsettling sign for your plumbing system. This can happen from loose pipes or water hammer.
DIY fix: Install hammer arrestors this will absorb the shock of moving water preventing the noisy pipes. Tighten the pipes with brackets or straps that might be causing the rattling.
Frozen pipes – In colder climates can be a major plumbing set back in the winter. When water freezes it expands and that cause pipes to bust leading to water damage.
DIY fix: Insulate your pipes that are not in heated areas, such as your attic or basement. During the colder months let your faucet drip to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.
Plumbing issues can disrupt your daily life and lead to costly repairs if not taken care of in a timely matter. However you can solve a lot of these issues with basic DIY plumbing skills and tools. As a homeowner you want to maintain a smooth running plumbing system. Its essential to know your plumbing limits though and know when to call in a plumber for fixes that are beyond your expertise.