If you’ve ever had any experience with plumbing, you know that things can often go wrong without warning. The older plumbing installed in homes and businesses is generally made up of cast iron and PVC pipes. These materials are reliable and effective, but they do have their flaws. If your home or business has plumbing that has been in place for a number of years, you may begin to experience problems. Even if your plumbing system is in good shape, problems can arise at any time. You should expect minor issues now and then, but if you experience more than that, it might be time for a plumber to come out and look at your system. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Leaking Pipes
One of the most common problems with plumbing is leaking pipes. A leaking faucet or a broken pipe can cause a lot of damage if left unattended. You can try to fix most leaking faucets yourself by tightening the washers or by replacing the faucet handle. If you cannot fix the faucet and it continues to drip, contact a plumber to come out and fix the problem. Broken pipes can be a messy and expensive problem. You may be able to fix a broken pipe by replacing it, or you may need to replace the entire section of pipe. Pipes made of PVC are notorious for breaking due to the material’s flexibility. If you suspect your pipes are made of PVC, contact a plumber as soon as possible.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be frustrating and messy. If you have a clogged drain in your kitchen or bathroom, you may have to dig a few trenches and employ some heavy-duty plumbing tools to get it unclogged. The most common cause of a clogged drain is hair and other debris. If you have a clogged shower drain, you can try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to dislodge the blockage. If these methods do not work, you may need to call a plumber to come out and fix the problem. Another common culprit of a clogged drain is fat and grease from cooking or from your kitchen sink. Food scraps and other food byproducts can quickly clog a drain, especially if you have a high water volume. If you live in an apartment complex, the landlord may not have an easy way to stop the flow of water from the drains. If that's the case for you, you'll have to find another way to stop the clog from making its way back up.
Dropped Hose
Dropped hoses can be dangerous. They can trap you in your home and cause you to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have a dropped hose, it’s time to replace it. Hoses can develop holes in them over time due to normal wear and tear. Hoses are generally inexpensive, so it won’t cost much to replace one. If you have a high water volume, you may also have to add a shut-off valve to your water supply to prevent a flood. If your home is in a flood zone, you may not be allowed to shut off the water supply.
Running Toilet and Shower
If your toilet and shower are constantly running, there is a problem. If you have a toilet that is constantly running, the float valve in the tank may need to be replaced. If you have a shower that constantly runs, the water temperature may need to be adjusted. If you have a constant running toilet or shower, it’s probably an indication that there is a problem with the water supply to the house. If the water supply to your home is broken, it’s best to shut off the main water supply and contact a plumber to come out and fix the problem.
Bad Odors in the Home
Bad smells in the home can be caused by a variety of problems. If you are smelling a rotten egg smell, it may be a sign that your sewer line is backed up. Rotten eggs are caused by hydrogen sulfide, and a backed-up sewer line can cause hydrogen sulfide to build up in your home. If you are smelling gas in your home, it is likely a natural gas line that has been disconnected and is no longer being used. If you are smelling sewer gas in your home, it is likely that a clogged sewage line is causing the gas to come up through the drain and into your home. If you are smelling mildew in your home, it is likely that a pipe has sprung a leak and is letting water seep into your home.
Conclusion
You can avoid most plumbing problems by being prepared. Always check and turn off your water when you’re not using it. If you have a toilet that is constantly running, this could be an indication that the toilet is leaking. Make sure to contact a plumber to address any plumbing problems you may have.