What Your Plumber Wants You to Know About These Common Problems

There are many common problems around your home involving your plumbing. If you are responsible for the upkeep of your home, whether you rent or own, there are some things you are going to have to deal with. Your plumber wants you to know a few things about common problems, so you can avoid making them worse before you give him a call.

Frozen Pipes

If you live somewhere that has a tendency to freeze, and you leave your pipes exposed to the elements, you will likely deal with a frozen pipe. This can happen if you turn your heat off when on a trip or if you leave your garage door open on a cold day.

To thaw a frozen pipe, you must thaw it evenly from both sides. This is challenging, but it is not the real problem that frozen pipes cause. They almost always have a crack or two, and when you do get them thawed, either using your own efforts or simply because the air warmed up outside, you are going to have water spewing everywhere. For this reason, it is always best to call a plumber if you are dealing with a frozen pipe.

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are a very common problem, yet they can be quite expensive. Every time that water drips out, your water bill goes up. This is often something you can fix on your own, saving you money. Start by taking off the handle and checking for a large metal nut inside, which many have. If it is loose, it could be the source of your leak. Sometimes a cartridge can need replacement, and replacing this will stop the leak. Mineral deposits on the metal parts can cause leaks, and they can be cleaned with vinegar and a brush. All washers, o-rings, and seals should be replaced. If this does not work, then you may need to call the plumber or consider replacing the entire faucet.

Running Toilet

Your toilet can also be a source of wasted water. If it is running constantly after you flush, or for longer than you think it should, you may want to look into having it fixed. If you can stop the running by jiggling the toilet handle, then you need to adjust the lift chain inside the tank. Disconnect the hook from its spot on the float arm, and reconnect it at the next spot. adjust the arm so that it is just above the water level.

If that does not stop the problem, use a dye tablet to check for leaks. Flush the toilet, and then when the tank water begins to fill, drop in the tablet. If there is a leak, the water in the bowl will start to turn the color of the die. The flapper valve is often the problem if you have a leak. If that does not solve the problem, you may need to replace the ball-cock assembly. Otherwise, call the plumber.