Most of us don’t have expert knowledge of plumbing which means that we can’t deal with plumbing emergencies by ourselves. Trying to fix them yourself can be very frustrating. Such problems are complex and require expert knowledge and equipment.

Delaying the repair of such problems can also increase the damage as this sort of neglect can actually affect the structure of your home and result in higher costs. Water flooding can cause damage to the flooring and walls which can result in repair costs. Water damage to furniture and belongings may also require costly replacements. It is better to call professional plumbers in Houston, TX to fix the issue at once.

Before taking some preventive steps, take out the time to get educated on some common plumbing issues. You can only accomplish preventive measures effectively if you know what causes these problems. The most common problems that you can face are outlined below.

Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems in the country. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they cause around one trillion gallons of water waste in the United States alone. With high water consumption and low resources, we need to take care of such issues at once.

Water waste aside, leaky faucets and pipes can increase higher costs in terms of water bills. Energy bills may also begin to rise as more energy will be used to heat water. They can also lead to corrosion, rust, and mold. Mold is dangerous since it increases health problems and has an unpleasant smell. Leaky pipes can also cause structural damage which will mean costs in slab repairs.

The best course of action is to call professional plumbers Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg in Houston, TX at once. They can replace any pipe or faucet that is leaking in the house. This can reduce the chances of higher cost and damage. Ask the plumber to reduce the water pressure as well. High pressure increases the chance of pipe leaks and reduces pressure on appliances.

Sewer System Backup

Sewer backups occur when pipes develop clogs which prevent the waste from flushing out properly. Symptoms of sewer system backups can be:

  • Bad odor emitting from the pipes
  • Gurgling toilets
  • Puddles forming in the bathroom

Repairing this issue is of high priority and plumbers in Houston, TX can help you out. Sewer line backups can actually cause damage to the structure of your house. Floors and walls often absorb such water which makes them unstable and increases the deterioration. Sewer line backups may also increase pressure on pipes causing the pipe to collapse or fail. This means additional repair costs.

This problem can also be a huge health concern. Stagnant water actually attracts mold and fungus. They can create respiratory problems and emit an unpleasant odor. Sewer water itself is unhygienic and smells bad.

There are some preventive measures you can take to prevent sewer backups which are:

  • Never put grease down the drain: When you pour it down the cool pipes can solidify the grease. This creates sludge against the drain pipes causing clogs.
  • Hair clogs: Always clean the bathtub or shower properly before leaving. Soapy water plus hair can create huge blocks in the pipe. Collect and throw the hair in the trash.
  • Never throw solids: Some items come with the label of ‘flushable’ like wet wipes, but you should avoid throwing them down the drain anyway. Despite being a common habit, don’t throw paper towels down the drain. They don’t break down easily as they are built for durability.

Broken Water Lines

This type of pipe failure can be caused by a variety of issues. Tree roots can infiltrate pipes and block water. They can also loosen pipe fittings causing gaps in the water line. Earthquakes can also cause the foundation to shift and put pressure on pipes. If you have old pipes installed that can increase chances of collapse.

They can be the cause of a lot of water waste if they aren’t fixed quickly. This will result in high water and energy bills. The water pressure in your house may also decrease making a lot of simple tasks like washing dishes impossible.

Broken water lines aren’t always easy to detect. Some ways to detect if a water line is broken are:

  1. High water bills due to high water waste
  2. Low pressure of water due to water leaks
  3. Soggy or wet ground around the pipe
  4. Soft spots in the soil or lawn
  5. Low quality of water as dirt may infiltrate broken water lines

If you experience any of the symptoms above it is better to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg. They can fix the issue immediately.

Clogged Sinks

Sinks may begin to malfunction and not drain water properly. This can cause a lot of problems as overflowing water can be a nuisance. It can also result in a nonfunctional kitchen or bathroom.

Most people recommend using a drain cleaner, but this isn’t a long-term solution. The hydrochloride in drain cleaner can cause corrosion and an increasing chance of water leak. More effective solutions include:

  • Use a metal wire to push or pull a clog through the pipes.
  • Soak the drain in baking soda, hot water, and salt overnight.
  • Use baking soda and vinegar as it will burn through any blockage in the pipes.
  • Use a plunger to pull out any clogs in the sink.

You may want to call a plumber in Houston, TX if the sink continues to create problems. They can remove the pipe and clean it properly before reattaching it. Don’t attempt to do this yourself as it may create higher costs later.

Make sure to call an expert in plumbing like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg as they are properly trained. They will also make sure the plumbing system in your house is up to date to prevent future problems.