Common Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them
When it comes to your home and it’s plumbing, it’s pretty easy to ignore the small issues — that is until they become major emergencies. For instance, we’ve all had a leaky faucet that we let go or slow draining tub, but when you put off these minor issues, you are allowing the problem to worsen.
Depending on what it is, this could lead to an expensive mess down the road, not to mention a higher-than-average water bill. So if you want to ensure you are catching all your plumbing problems early on, before they become an emergency, here are some common ones to look out for.
Being Mindful of These Common Plumbing Emergencies
Household Clogs
A clog can occur throughout your entire home, and most of them are caused by actions that can often be prevented. By knowing what the most common reasons for a clog are and working to ensure you are cautious of not taking these actions, you can start to see fewer clogs around the home. Some frequent clogs include:
Toilet clogs: One of the most common reasons for a toilet clog is what’s being flushed down it. Not all toilet paper is created equal, and though your wipes may say “flushable,” you should still throw them out instead.
The reason being is that some thicker brands of toilet paper or wipes that market themselves as plumbing-approved don’t break down quickly, if at all. This will leave them to build up in your plumbing, and they can eventually lead to a significant disaster. Instead, be mindful only to flush bodily fluids and toilet paper — nothing else.
Kitchen sink clogs: You might notice a constant slow drain in your kitchen sink, or it might not drain at all. From food scraps that build-up down the drain to putting the wrong thing down the garbage disposal, a sink clog can happen more often than you’d think. However, if you make it a point to scrape your plates when putting them in the sink and begin to be mindful of the way you use your garbage disposal, you can reduce your chance of a clog.
Shower drain clogs: To avoid the need to call in a plumber to unclog your shower or tub, your first course of action should be to invest in a hair catcher. When hair, soap, and shampoo all get mixed, it can stick to the inside of your plumbing and leave you with a gross and unpleasant situation. Not only can this buildup inside the drains, but it will also start to restrict water too. Another way to keep it from getting worse is by considering regular professional drain cleanings.
Plumbing Leaks
Now, some leaks are easy to spot. A dripping kitchen faucet or a leaky pipe in the bathroom are all things you can detect and correct quickly. Some could even be a quick DIY job. However, there are some spots in your home where a plumbing leak occurs, and if you don’t know the signs, you can miss them.
For starters, when your water bill suddenly spikes, you should never ignore it. Often, this is a clear sign that a hidden leak is present somewhere, and if ignored, it could do some severe water damage. If not spotted or neglected, you may also begin to notice a musty odor, water stain or mildew growth. If any of these signs are visible, it’s time to call a professional as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
Signs of Older Pipes
How old is your home? Did the plumbing come with it? If your home is over 50 years old and you’ve never had a full inspection of the pipe, doing so could benefit you greatly. Often, you’ll start to notice constant leaks and even rusty water coming from your faucet.
A professional can look inside your pipes and determine if it’s an isolated situation or if your entire plumbing system should be replaced. Once the issue is spotted, they can further recommend the best course of action for you.
Professional Plumbing Services in Greenville
From a small leak to a full repiping, the expert plumbers at Waldrop Plumbing – Heating – Air are ready and willing to get your plumbing back to where it needs to be. Call (864) 536-0887 or fill out our online form today!
