Top 10 Home Plumbing Repair Problems
Plumbing is one of the main things that most homeowners view as a necessity rather than a luxury. As a result, when plumbing problems occur and things stop running smoothly, homeowners panic. Home plumbing repair is one of the most common and frustrating issues all homeowners must face at some point; however, knowing how to fix basic plumbing issues can save money and unnecessary frustration. According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau, the following are the top ten home plumbing repair problems:
No hot water – water heater issues are the most common reason people call plumbers. If this issue arises, there are a few steps to take to determine if the hot water issue can be repaired without calling a professional:
- For those who have a gas water heater with a pilot light, make sure the light is lit.
- Ensure the temperature setting on the water heater is set high enough to provide adequate amounts of hot water.
- Check to make sure the water heater is big enough to meet one’s needs, especially in new homes.
Clogged drains – the second most popular home plumbing repair issue. Clogged drains can often be avoided by being careful about what one puts down drains—especially the kitchen sink drain, as this is the most used and clogged drain in the house.
Dripping faucets – a common annoyance most homeowners encounter as the washers in faucets wear out. It is possible to extend the life of one’s faucet washers by not turning the faucet off with too much force.
Leaking pipes – a plumbing problem that can cause extensive damage to floors, walls, and belongings. To prevent a small leak from worsening, it is a good idea to check pipes periodically for rust or white lime deposits that can indicate the beginnings of a leak.
Leaking water heaters – the best way to deal with leaking water heaters is to replace them. Leaks typically indicate rusting through the bottom of the water storage tank, and there is no repair for such a problem.
No heat – broken furnaces or boilers can result in extremely miserable winter nights. To combat this, the best thing to do is check the heating system to make sure it is working properly before the weather gets cold.
Running toilets – usually indicated by a low humming noise or if the toilet continues running into the bowl after the toilet has been flushed. Running toilets usually suggest that some part of the toilet is out of order.
Leaking toilets – one of the most frustrating and potentially expensive home plumbing repair problems. Leaking toilets can add more than $100 to one’s annual water bill. To repair a leaking toilet, sometimes simply jiggling the flushing handle can fix the problem. For issues in which this is not the case, however, it may be necessary to call a professional.
New faucet installation – many homeowners replace faucets for decorative reasons. In most cases of installation, plumbers guarantee their workmanship, but not the faucet itself. However, most plumbers can sell and install new faucets.
Malfunctioning garbage disposals – this can be an extremely messy and frustrating problem to fix. The best way to prevent garbage disposals from malfunctioning is to maintain them by running cold water into them.
When in doubt regarding how to properly fix home plumbing repair problems, it is always best to contact a professional plumber. He or she will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and provide an estimate as to how much the problem will cost to repair.