Every homeowner has to know the importance of good plumbing. Things naturally wear out over time, and it’s inevitable that you’re going to encounter plumbing problems such as leaks, clogs, running water, and low water pressure. Knowing about the common plumbing services and partnering with a local specialist like the London plumbers Staunch & Flow means you’ll know what to expect and prepare for.
1. Leaks in Faucets and Pipes
Leakage is a very common household plumbing problem. It’s natural for pipes to wear out over time. They can be mitigated by avoiding really strong water pressure, but they’re still bound to happen. So, the best you can do is keep a lookout and do regular inspections.
Leaks can be really small and may not seem like a big deal, but make them last a month without getting fixed, then they’ll make a considerable chunk out of your water bill. Leaks can be dealt with DIY, but if you’re not confident you can do it, it’s better to call in your local plumbing professionals.
2. Clogs in Drains and Toilets
Signs of clogs are pretty easy to spot, it’s when water doesn’t go down the drain, or the water backs up in the toilet when you flush it. Usually, they’re caused by something blocking the drain that keeps the water from flowing. Blockages aren’t so hard to get rid of, so a little DIY might be enough to fix your clogging problem. However, there are instances in which your drains are blocked by a build-up of different things that are harder to remove on the other side (i.e., hair). This is quite common with bath salts causing bath drains to clog.
There are two approaches to deal with clogs, either physically or chemically. The first thing you should try is a plunger. A plunger can work on both drains and toilets. If it doesn’t work, chemical drain cleaners ought to do the job. If you can’t remove the clog yourself, you should let the pros handle it.
3. Low Water Pressure
Another common plumbing problem, especially in old houses, is low water pressure. Low water pressure can happen for multiple reasons: a water main break, pipe leakage, or a build-up of sediments in the pipes that prevents water from flowing into your faucets and showerheads. These can be handled with DIY, but call in for professional help if you can’t figure out the cause of the low water pressure.
4. Water Heater not Working
Water heater problems can be caused by leakage, low water supply, and sediment build-up. Other than relighting the pilot light, you may want to ask a plumber or a technician to handle the repair.
5. Running Toilet
A running toilet is easy to spot and is commonly caused when the flapper valve no longer fits properly, thus not stopping the water from getting into the toilet. Other causes could be a faulty float or a leak. These are fairly easy to repair with toilet kits available in hardware stores.
Letting the toilet run overtime is going to cost you money. If the water doesn’t stop running, then you need to call a plumber.
Takeaway
Other than being common plumbing services, these can also be fixed DIY. Plumbing problems come in many shapes and sizes. Some can be handled on your own, and others need to be handled by plumbing professionals. If you don’t feel confident and you don’t know the full extent of the problem, then you should leave it to the pros or you might make it worse.