There are varying plumbing problems that come up in any home. Some of the plumbing problems occur more often compared to others. The good news is that the most common plumbing problems are the easiest to fix. You can fix some of these problems yourself without having to call in a plumber. Here is a list of some of the most common plumbing problems.
Low water pressure
When there is the low water pressure at the faucet, it is normally because of a clogged-up aerator. The first thing you need to do when you notice there are low water pressure checks is whether it is affecting both the hot water and the cold water. If this is the case, then it is definitely the aerator. With continued use, calcium deposits usually build up and clog up the aerator. Fixing this is very simple. All you need to do is remove the aerator, clean it, and put it in. Get rid of all the calcium buildup.
Slow draining sink
Every now and then, the sink starts to drain water very slowly. This is usually because the pop-up used to stop the sink has gathered a lot of debris and is clogged up. To correct this, you need to clean out all the debris. To do this, you need to remove the pop-up and clean it then re-install it. The pop-up is usually held tight using a nut that is attached to the drain right under the sink. You can loosen it by hand or use a pair of pliers if it is too tight, then clean it and re-install it.
Slow draining tubs
As you use the tub, hair builds up in the tub drain and clogs it up. This may cause the tub to drain water slower than you might like. You can use a pair of needle nose pliers to reach down and release the hair that is blocking your drain. If your tub has a tub stopper, you may want to consider removing it before commencing your hair-finding mission. The best way to deal with this kind of clogging is to do a regular cleanup of the hair. If the tub is left without being unclogged for long, the hair may end up clogging the entire drainage system. Since there is no way to prevent hair from getting into the tab, regular maintenance is the way to go.
Running toilet
Another very common plumbing problem is a running toilet. However, it is very easy to fix. There are several things in the workings of a toilet than can cause it to run. The solution is to first identify the cause of the problem. You can inspect the toilet at different stages of use and identify the problem. Once you find out the source of the toilet, you can either replace it, if it is replaceable, or repair it if you can.
Jammed garbage disposal
Garbage disposal comes with a key meant to use to unjam it. Sadly, most people lose this key very easily and do not know what to do when the garbage disposal jams. Luckily, you can also use an Allen wrench to unjam the garbage disposal. There is usually an opening at the bottom of the garbage disposal. Use a ¼-inch Allen wrench to free the motor by turning it both ways.
Washing machine hoses
The most dangerous maintenance item in the house can be a washing machine hose. You should always turn off your taps after each washing to prevent extensive water loss in case a hose raptures. You have to be careful with the hoses as they are subjected to high pressures during the washing and may rupture without warning. For your own peace of mind, you should consider reinforcing your water hoses.
Failure of gas water heaters
In the event that your gas water heater fails to heat your water, you should do some diagnosis before resorting to any action. First, with the gas on, turn the control knob to PILOT. This will ensure that the banner does not go on when you are doing your inspection. Then remove the cover at the bottom to see if the burner and or pilot light. If the pilot has gone off, follow the instructions given on the tank to switch it back on. If the pilot refuses to light, then the thermocouple may be faulty in which case you need to call in your gas utility specialist.
If the burner is not on, you should replace the cover and set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is not on, then adjust it and turn on a hot water tap. Wait for a few minutes and observe if the water heater burner ignites. In case it fails to ignite, leave the water running and adjust the temperatures up and down until it ignites. If you still cannot get it to work, then it would be wise to call in an appliance repair technician.