5 Everyday Plumbing Issues (and How You Can Solve Them)
June 25, 2018
There are few things more frustrating than a faulty toilet, shower, or sink. Not only does a dysfunctional plumbing system serve as an inconvenience to you and your family, but it can actually cost you a significant amount of money on your water bill. If that wasn't enough, issues like leaking faucets or toilets that run constantly are incredibly wasteful and have an extremely negative impact on our planet.
While plumbing problems are common in just about every household across the country, homeowners tend to put them off for weeks or even months before addressing the issue. This is often due to the inability to resolve the issue themselves and the lack of free time to wait around for a professional plumber. Luckily, Ben Franklin Levittown offers a solution to both.
Throughout this article, you'll find a rundown of solutions to some of the most common household plumbing issues. And, as always, if that can't get the job done, our team of experienced plumbers can come out to resolve any plumbing issues promptly with our on-time guarantee.
Before taking you through some of the most common household plumbing problems and how to fix them, take a second to see just how much water (and money) you could be wasting by letting these issues go:
While almost no one denies the importance of fixing plumbing problems when they occur, the obstacle typically involves a lack of understanding of how to fix it yourself. With these five common problems and simple solutions, you can give yourself a better chance to take them on by yourself. Of course, if you still don't have success, you've got Ben Franklin Levittown to back you up with more than thirty years of experience!
- Weak Water Pressure
How awful is it when all you can think about is taking a relaxing shower, but the water pressure is so weak that you can't even enjoy yourself? If you've experienced this, you understand just how frustrating it can be.
The problem? Homeowners very rarely know what to do about low water pressure and sometimes leave it for so long that they get used to it. If this is hitting a little too close to home for you, don't fret — there is a solution. If the low pressure is only an issue in one spot, be sure to check the shower head or faucet for buildup. If you find unsightly gunk in your shower head, simply wash it by soaking it in vinegar or rubbing alcohol overnight.
However, if the pressure is weak throughout your home, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. In this case, you may want to have a professional from Ben Franklin Levittown inspect your pipes for things like mineral or sediment buildup in your system.
- Running Toilet
One of the most frequent issues that homeowners have with their plumbing is a toilet that runs and runs for lengths of time after being flushed. Not only does this create a persistent and unpleasant sound, but it wastes a massive amount of water. Thankfully, this is an easy one! If your toilet is running for what seems like days on end, simply remove the top from the back tank and check to be sure that the flap completely covers the hole at the bottom. In most cases, one part of this has been broken or shifted out of place, causing your toilet to run. These parts are relatively easy to replace and can be found at just about any hardware store. Boom. Fixed!
- Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are both the most common and most overlooked plumbing issues that face homeowners. People tend to let something like a dripping faucet go because they think it doesn't affect them. However, while it might not ruin your shower like low water pressure, it can certainly drive up your water bill.
To fix a dripping faucet, simply remove the top of the handle to reveal a series of screws, washers, and a rubber piece which is most likely the cause of your drip. Remove the necessary screws and washers and replace the rubber washer with a new piece. Once you put it back together, it should create a tight seal and relieve you of the constant "drip, drip, drip" that keeps the whole house awake at night.
- Slow Drains
Yet another undeniably common problem that is often overlooked is a slow-draining sink or shower. This typically occurs due to hair which becomes clogged in the sink or shower drain, causing the water to back up and sit while you stand in soapy water. Clogged drains are a relatively easy fix which can be taken care of with a quick trip to the grocery store. We recommend using a combination of vinegar and baking soda to push the clog out, followed by boiling water to clear what's left behind. Additionally, there are a vast number of products which are designed specifically for unclogging slow drains in a matter of minutes.
- Leaking Pipes
Last but not least, leaking pipes are a frequent source of household plumbing issues. When it comes to addressing a leaky pipe, the difficulty is not necessarily the fix, but finding the leak itself. If you've noticed persistent puddles of water, chances are high that you've got a leak on your hands. We recommend inspecting the pipes which you have access to and looking for the problem area. Once you've found it, the first step to repair is shutting off your water supply. From here, you'll need to disconnect the pipe at the source of the leak and apply a joint sealer to the area. However, if your leak is the result of a crack or hole in the pipe itself and not at a joint, the fix is not so simple. In this case, we recommend calling one of our experts at Benjamin Franklin Levittown to take a look at it for you.
When in Doubt, Call the Pros
While all of these issues can be resolved fairly simply, it never hurts to let the professionals handle it. If you're unsure about the source of a leak or plumbing issue, one of our certified plumbers can provide an affordable fix to get your system back up and running. With more than three decades of experience and our on-time appointment guarantee, Ben Franklin Levittown is your best bet for solving any and all plumbing conundrums. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!