Blog

Photo By turk_stock_photographer at istock

Plumbing problems are a nuisance. In some cases, they can be costly too. In this article, we’ll talk about the common plumbing problems in homes and what you can do about them. We will also give you tips on how to avoid plumbing nightmares.

Contact a plumber in Granbury, TX if you need help with either repair or installation.

Common plumbing problems:

Low water pressure

Low water pressure can be an annoying plumbing problem especially if you are in a hurry and it takes forever to do the dishes or take a shower. To remedy this, it’s important to know the primary cause of the problem. You may contact a plumber so they can thoroughly check your plumbing system, give you a proper diagnosis and then help you resolve the issue.

While waiting for an appointment from a licensed professional, you may want to check the water pressure of your hot and cold water. One of the common reasons for low water pressure is sediment buildup. However, keep in mind that low water pressure can also be a symptom of a serious plumbing issue like water leaks or corroded pipes.

If the problem is the aerator, consider soaking that into vinegar to clean. Check your showerheads as well and clean them. Contact a plumber in Granbury, TX if you do not know how to remove the showerhead and reinstall it.

Dripping Faucets

Some homeowners ignore a minor dripping faucet not knowing that they will be wasting hundreds of gallons of water if they do not get a plumber to fix it.

One of the reasons for a dripping faucet is incorrect installation. This is why it’s important that you work with a licensed plumber for the installation of any plumbing fixture. You may think you can save money by doing it yourself or hiring a handyman who might not be experienced with plumbing. When you waste hundreds of gallons of water, you will be paying more for your bills and damage the structure of your home too. The best solution is to contact a plumber if you do not know how to fix dripping faucets.

Slow Drainage

Drains clog when the homeowner isn’t aware of what goes down the drain. Grease, large food particles, hair, soap scum are the main culprits of a clog.

To fix this, some homeowners would resort to using chemical-based cleaners to temporarily fix the clog. Keep in mind that cleaners do not permanently fix the problem, it can even add to the problem. They can damage pipes in the long run.

The best solution to fixing slow drains is to hire a plumber in Granbury, TX for professional drain cleaning. Licensed plumbers are equipped with the right tools and equipment to check what’s causing the clog, and they can remove this to improve your drainage system. Getting a professional drain cleaning helps you avoid other problems caused by a clogged drain such as bad odors, harmful particles in the air and pest infestation.

Leaky Pipes

Just like a dripping faucet, a leaky pipe can waste hundreds of gallons of water if it’s not repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Leaky pipes occur when the water pressure is too high or when homeowners forget to insulate their pipes during the winter. When the temperature reaches below zero and your pipes are exposed, chances are the water will freeze and the pipes will burst.

Other reasons include corrosion, cracked pipes and a stubborn clog. If you do not have plumbing skills, it’s best to contact a plumber in Granbury, TX so they can do a proper inspection of your plumbing system, find out the root cause of the problem and fix the issue permanently.

If you delayed resolving your leaky pipes problem, repairs may be more costly. When the problems occur, contact a professional immediately. Remember that plumbing emergencies happen when homeowners ignore minor problems. Call a professional for help right away to avoid costly repairs and replacements.

Clogged Bath

It can be uncomfortable if you are in the shower but the water is already in your ankle. Bathroom sinks can also clog and the culprits are usually soap scum and hair. You can remedy this by using a plunger or by using vinegar and baking soda solution to dissolve the debris. Keep in mind that this may not always work, especially when it’s not just a minor clog. The best thing to do would be to contact a plumber in Granbury, TX. Professionals are better equipped with tools that can help them effectively fix a clog.

Running Toilets

If your toilet constantly runs and no one is using it then you have a problem. You can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day if this isn’t fixed. This usually occurs when the flapper valve is broken. Contact a plumber right away so they can help you resolve it.

Other causes of running toilets are sediment build-up or a silent leak. When the water bills suddenly skyrocket then the culprit may be a silent leak. You can check if there is a leak in the toilet by putting some food coloring in the tank. Wait for about 15 minutes and check the toilet. If the color changes, you have a leak. Call a professional immediately so they can help you fix it and you do not waste wastewater.

Faulty Water Heater

Imagine when you are running late for work but you can’t shower as the water is suddenly cold. When the water heater doesn’t dispense hot water, the problem could either be the thermostat or the pilot light. It could also be because of a sediment build-up in your water heater tank.

Water heater issues can be avoided when the homeowner performs regular maintenance of their heater. They need to flush out the sediments at least once a year or hire routine maintenance with a licensed plumber to ensure that the water heater runs efficiently.

If your water heater is more than 10 years old and is constantly causing you problems, it may be time to get a new replacement.

To remedy a faulty water heater, call a plumber in Granbury, TX so they can do a proper inspection, diagnosis and resolution.

Broken Sump Pump

Sump pumps are very important in every home especially when they have a basement. It can help prevent basement flooding. However, when they are not properly maintained, sump pumps may fail right when you need them to work.

When there is a coming storm, check your sump pump to ensure that it still works. Consider getting batteries should there be a power interruption.

The primary causes of a broken sump pump include stuck switches and clogged pipes. Sump pumps that are more than 10 years old may also fail. Another reason could be improper installation. Work only with a licensed plumber to ensure that your sump pump works smoothly and efficiently.

Broken Garbage Disposals

Your garbage disposal can only do so much. While it can help you break down some food particles, it’s not designed to grind potato peels and large food particles. They get jammed when you do not use them properly or when you suddenly run them without water or when you accidentally dropped silverware. Be extra careful when using your garbage disposal so you don’t break it.

To fix the problem, try pressing the reset button. If it doesn’t work, call a plumber in Granbury, TX so they can help you resolve the problem.

How to Avoid Plumbing Nightmares

Plumbing emergencies occur when a homeowner fails to address a minor plumbing problem. When they notice a small leak or a clog, the best thing to do is not wait for it to become a costly problem. They can set up an appointment with a plumber in Granbury, TX so a licensed professional can thoroughly inspect the entire plumbing system. They can point out potential problems and resolve issues in a timely manner.

Below are some of the things you can do to avoid costly and time-consuming plumbing emergencies.

Schedule a Routine Maintenance With a Professional Plumber

While it’s important for homeowners to do plumbing maintenance of their own like periodically checking for pipes or hoses, it’s always best when a professional does the checking. There are problems that can’t be seen by the naked eye and a good plumber can see this, with the help of some plumbing tools.

With regular maintenance, potential problems can be avoided and resolved right away. It can avoid costly problems such as corroded pipes and stubborn drains.

Get Professional Drain Cleaning Service

You can avoid the hassle and hazard clogged drains can bring to your home and your family. At first, it will start with slow drains and you’ll think that it may resolve on its own. Over time, it will progress to an even bigger problem and your drain will be completely clogged. This is a plumbing emergency as it can attract pests to your home, damage your home’s foundation and negatively affect your family’s health when bacteria spread in the air.

Apart from not throwing unwanted stuff in your drains, getting a professional drain cleaning regularly ensures faster drains. You will have peace of mind as you know that you have someone taking care of your plumbing.

Know Where the Shut Off Valves Are

When plumbing problems occur, the first thing a professional would do to fix the issue is to turn off the main water supply. It’s crucial for a homeowner to find out where the shut-off valves are so they can turn off the main water supply when there is a leak.

Some homeowners do not know where they are located so they end up with plumbing emergencies such as flooding and then damaging furniture or flooring because you forgot or don’t know how or where to turn off the water.

They are usually located in the basement – if you are in a rental property, talk to the owners and ask where it’s located and make sure that you inform family members just in case you are not home. You can avoid water disasters with this simple tip.

Install Leak Detection Devices

Leak detection devices are invented for a reason. It can detect water in homes, automatically shuts off the water supply and then alerts the homeowner that there is a leak.

Speak with a professional for the installation of these devices. They are incredibly helpful and can prevent plumbing nightmares such as flooding.

Get a smart device as much as possible as they have more advanced features like detecting potential leaks or having the ability to detect moisture. Some advanced leak detection systems can also check for sudden fluctuations in the water temperature and sends an alert to the homeowner. You can place these devices in areas prone to flooding like the basement or beneath your sinks.

Check the Water Pressure

High water pressure can significantly strain your pipes and plumbing. If you do not do something about it, it can lead to major plumbing leaks.

You can test it by using a gauge and if it’s more than 80 psi, hire a professional so they can install a water pressure regulator for your home. It should be reduced to about 55-75 psi.

Also – during the winter, make sure that you insulate the pipes to avoid freezing. They may burst and leak if the water inside them freezes.

Regularly Check for Leaks

Periodically check your faucets, underneath sinks and toilet for standing water. You can also check your appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines to make sure there is no leak. Then call a professional right away so they can help you fix the problem.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Do you need a plumber in Granbury, TX? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth helps homeowners with plumbing repairs, maintenance and installations. We take pride in our commitment to provide the best service in the area. Contact us today for an appointment.