Did you know that an average water leak can waste over 9,000 gallons of water each year? If you leave plumbing problems unchecked, you may spend more and cause significant damage to your home.
However, plumbing issues can be hidden so that you don’t know anything is wrong. Then, when it gets to the point that you do notice it, the damages and costs for repair are significant. Don’t let your plumbing problems interrupt your lifestyle. Instead, prepare for them and focus on prevention.
Sometimes, you can do the work yourself, but other times, it’s best to call a plumber. Consider how long it’s going to take you, as well as how much patience you have for this type of work. Think of hiring a professional for repairs.
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Most of a home’s plumbing problems come from the pipes, especially if the house is old. Newer piping is made from PEX, but older pipes use copper. Though copper is stronger, it doesn’t do well in extreme temperatures. Since it contracts and expands, it is likely to break while PEX is going to be more flexible.
Corrosion is also a significant concern for copper pipes and requires a lot of maintenance to prevent leakage.
You can do a few things to prepare the pipes for winter and call a professional plumber when you do notice a small leak.
A dripping faucet is sure to be one of the most annoying sounds in the world. It’s often rhythmic, but persistent and can get etched into your brain. Though the noise gets on your nerves, a single drip a second can be about 2,600 gallons of water a year.
Therefore, your water bill is going to increase, but you can fix it, and it depends on what’s causing the problem.
An average hose bibb isn’t going to last many seasons, especially if you have exceptionally cold winters. It’s bound to lose its integrity and then crack from extreme temp changes.
When this happens, the hose is going to leak everywhere. It can be a silent leak and still waste a lot of water each month. You can find heavy-duty brands that are frost-proof to help you avoid having to replace them all the time.
Toilet leaks usually go unseen because you don’t often see a mess on the floor. Internal leaks from the tank go down the drain, which costs you more and is hard to spot.
Running toilets are noticeable and can cost you hundreds of gallons of water each day. Usually, the rubber flapper is to blame, as it can lose its shape and stop sealing the tank.
The chain on the flapper might get twisted. This prevents the flapper from sitting on the bottom to seal it. However, flappers are quite cheap and easy to fix. Many homeowners can handle this repair themselves.
If you have a lot of rain or snow, the sump pump can fail. This piece of equipment requires a lot of maintenance to avoid failure. When getting a new one installed, make sure you use a professional plumber to ensure that it’s done right.
Clogged pipes are another of the common plumbing problems you may notice. It can happen to the sinks, toilets, and drains in your home. Often, you can snake or plunge them out yourself, but a professional is usually better because they know what to do and can help you prevent issues from recurring.
Many problems can arise with the water heater. Often, you are going to have no hot water. Sometimes, this happens because the appliance is the wrong size or set for improper pressure. You might have to install a second water heater or a brand new one that is the right size.
Sediment can also build up in the tank and cause hard water. This sediment gets pumped into the house, too, and can clog the system or reduce water flow. A professional cleaning can help with this problem.
Leaks are also an issue at times and can require immediate and emergency repair. You may even notice a rusty or metallic smell or that it takes forever to get hot water.
Your water lines can be damaged by tree roots and other things, but winter frost is the most common culprit. If there’s a tiny leak in the waterline, freezing weather can break it entirely. Make sure to have the water lines inspected for cracks periodically.
Of the common plumbing problems, sewer issues are the hardest to diagnose. There could be a clog or a backup somewhere. This means water can pool up in the sink or tub or overflow the toilet.
Consider hiring a licensed plumber and work toward preventing these issues in the future.
Often, homes sit next to trees to help with shading and cooling. However, if the tree roots grow into the sewer line, it can break, push, or squeeze the lines. An experienced plumber is needed to diagnose this problem and help you take care of it.
Low water pressure can be a problem when you’re showering or trying to wash dishes. Sometimes, you can buy a new faucet or shower head. However, it could be the pipes or valves. Consider hiring a plumber to help you find the issue and get it fixed promptly and correctly.