Do you hear that dripping sound?
That’s the sound of money going down the drain. One leaking faucet wastes about 3 liters of water a day. Expect about 20 dollars added to your monthly water bill and that’s just for one drippy faucet!
If you fancy yourself as a DIY person, you can take care of small problems like a clogged faucet or a wonky shower head. But some plumbing repair jobs require a professional’s touch. Attempting to patch them yourself can lead to bigger problems later on.
Here are some common plumbing issues and tips on when to call the plumbing cavalry.
Drips and Leaks
If you haven’t experienced this before then your plumbing must have been blessed by the gods.
Dripping shower heads, leaky pipes, and faucets are common plumbing headaches for homeowners. Not only is the “plip-plop” sound of dripping water a form of mental torture, but leaks also hurt both your wallet and Mother Nature.
Fortunately, a basic leak is one of the easiest plumbing concerns to solve. Usually, a quick trip to the hardware store to find a replacement spout or tightening some joints is enough.
But if the faucet continues to leak, the cause might be an old or worn-out washer. While it’s possible to replace it yourself, it’s very easy to botch the job if you don’t have the right tools. Calling a plumbing service is a quick and easy solution.
Professional plumbers can also take care of more serious leaks. These include massive leaks from a burst water line or problems with your water pressure.
A Clogged Faucet, Toilet or Drain
You’ll need to brandish, once again, your trusty plunger or drain snake. It’s icky and not something to look forward to, but it’s a hero’s job. You’ll have to face the dreaded hair fiend or the monster known as Number Two.
Arm yourself with magical potions such as baking soda, vinegar, or drain cleaners. After a couple of pumps and a bit of elbow grease, the quest should end with a satisfying conclusion.
But if your quest fails, the problem might be backed-up sewage or a deep obstruction. These obstacles are too tough for a novice adventurer like yourself. Further attempts to release the clog may damage your pipes.
If you’re faced with this situation, seek aid from the experts.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a frustrating problem to have. Every time you take a shower, you’re praying for more water before your eyes burn out from the soap. The most common cause is gunk build up in the faucet or showerhead.
The remedy is to clean out the gunk. You can remove the faucet or showerhead and clean it with a mixture of vinegar and dishwashing liquid. Then you simply have to screw it back on. Or if your faucet or showerhead is old, you can buy and install a new one.
But if that doesn’t fix things, the problem might be more serious. It could be due to a leak in the system from a fractured or eroded pipe. Consult a licensed professional for assessment and repairs.
The Pipes Are Calling
When the pipes call for our attention, we should deal with them immediately to prevent further issues down the line. Small problems like a clogged faucet or a leaky shower head are easy to handle by ourselves. But if your basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, call a professional right away.
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