Troubleshooting Common Home Plumbing Issues
Homeowners often recognize that any issue they have with their plumbing could cause them a tremendous amount of money if they need to hire professional to replace or repair the problem. Even the smallest and simplest plumbing problem including a clogged toilet could cost well over $100 or even more if a plumber has to be called.
Instead of automatically picking up the phone and dialing an emergency plumber whenever there is a serious plumbing issue, it is imperative to at least try to troubleshoot the problem. By having a basic understanding of what the problem might be, you can then decide whether you have the abilities to make the repairs, or not. In any event, you can at least attempt to fix the issue during the process of plumbing troubleshooting.
If there is a problem with the faucet or sink, simply turn off the water supply on the valves below, positioned inside the cabinet. This will prevent any water from going through the faucets while you attempt to find the problem. If you find out that the supply lines were leaking, they can easily be purchased at the home improvement center in exchanged in a matter of minutes with the right tools. If not, the water valves may be worn out and require a complete replacement of the faucet system.
If there is a clogged line in the sink of the kitchen or bathroom, it may be simply a jammed drainage line full of grease or hair. Consider using a pipe cleaning chemical that can be poured over the clog. If it is grease or hair, the chemicals typically can break through and push it farther down the line to the sewer system. If not, it might require an inexpensive plumbing snake that can be threaded into the pipe to catch clogged debris in either pull it out of the line or push it farther into the drain line, and out to the septic tank or sewer system.
In addition, the P-trap underneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks can be removed. Most newly built homes have finger tightened drainpipes that can be slowly backed off and removed. Pour out the filled P-trap into a bucket to remove any clogs of grease, food particles, and hair before reinstalling the P-trap in its original location.
If the toilet will not stop running, it might be a result of a worn out flapper. Generally, they tend to last 4 to 5 years with regular use. Turn off the valve on the side of the toilet that brings in the water supply to the tank. Remove the flapper and take it to the local home improvement center for a new one. Replacing it takes only minutes. It snaps onto the side of the overflow drain pipe into the toilet bowl, and attaches to the chain connected to the handle.
The simple solutions to common everyday plumbing issues should be tackled first before deciding whether or not to hire an expensive plumber on an emergency call. This will save the homeowner both time and money.
