1. Clogged Drains
The underlying problem causing a clogged drain can depend on how many drains are clogged up. If only one of your drains is clogged or draining slowly, it’s likely the clog is located under the sink or shower that isn’t draining properly. If all your drains are clogged up, you’ll need to call a plumber to figure out why or have them clean out your sewer drain.
To attempt to clean out a clog at a sink or in your shower yourself, remove the pop-up or tub stopper and use needle-nosed pliers to remove the hair and other debris from the drain. To remove the pop-ups or tub stoppers, unscrew the nut holding them in place.
2. Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet should be fixed right away. You can try replacing the washers and the O-ring inside the faucet yourself since those are common reasons for leaks in faucets. Turn the water off to the sink first (there will be a shut-off under the sink which may be located inside a cabinet).
While it may look like just a little bit of water is being lost, the amount of water adds up over time. Fixing a dripping faucet will save you money on your water bill and keep the leak from causing further damage to your faucet.
3. Clogged Toilet
Toilets can clog up for a variety of reasons. If it is clogged up with toilet paper or other items that were flushed, using a plunger will likely clear the clog. Make sure you know where the flapper is located in your toilet bowl so you can stop the water if it starts to overflow.
If the plunger doesn’t clear the clog, the problem may be a blocked plumbing vent, toilet trap, or main sewer line. For each of these problems, you’ll need to call a plumber to have them fix it.
4. Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can occur anywhere in your plumbing system. Pipes, joints, and seals crack or become corroded over time.
Even if you see water on the floor or water damage in your wall or ceiling, pinpointing the exact spot that is leaking can be difficult. Water can travel along a pipe and come out in a completely different area. Have a plumber locate it for you.
5. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in sinks and showers is frustrating. It may be a simple fix such as cleaning mineral buildup from an aerator or showerhead.
If the problem is more serious, it may require new plumbing installations such as new pipes, main supply line, water valves or pressure regulators.
Fix Common Plumbing Problems ASAP
While it might feel like you can save money by not getting some of these common plumbing problems fixed, keeping your plumbing maintained and working properly will save you money in the long run.
It can also prevent further damage to your plumbing or prevent the need for most costly repairs down the road.
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