Whether you are a long-time property owner or have recently moved into a new home, plumbing problems can easily disrupt your lifestyle.
From a clogged drain to a lack of hot water to a running toilet, taking the time to understand some fundamental problems you may face in your house will ensure you are safe and dry when a plumbing issue arises.
In this comprehensive guide, our team will introduce you to common plumbing repairs and provide practical advice to help you navigate your next issue with your plumbing system.
Leaky Faucets
If you find a dripping faucet in your property despite being firmly shut, it’s a clear sign that it leaks. The constant dripping sound can not only be quite bothersome, but it can also save a significant amount of water over time and inflate your water bill.
Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a task you can likely handle yourself with just a few basic tools and utensils.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
- Before repairing the faucet, turn off the water supply by closing the valve under your sink.
- Now, proceed to remove the handle of the faucet, a step that might require a screwdriver, depending on your faucet model.
- With the handle removed, you should be able to identify the old washer, which is likely at the heart of your leak issue. This small disc is usually made from rubber or silicon and can degrade over time, causing your faucet to leak.
- Replace the old, faulty washer with a new one of the same size.
If your faucet continues to drip after your repair attempts, you may need professional assistance from a plumber, as it could be a more serious issue with leaky pipes.
Clogged Drains
Got a stubborn clog in your drain? This is one of the more common plumbing problems that can be quite frustrating after years of hair, soap scum, general grime and more building up to prevent the flow of water.
How to Fix Blocked Drains
- A common and often effective solution is using a plunger
- Ensure you have a good seal around the drain and apply pressure to dislodge the clog.
- Plungers can be quite effective for shallow clogs and are a must-have tool for every homeowner.
Pro Tip
Remember to clean your plunger before and after use to maintain hygiene standards.
Consider using a drain snake if the plunger can’t resolve the issue. Drain snakes can reach deeper into your pipes and break up stubborn blockages resistant to plunging.
For non-toilet blocked drains, you may use a chemical drain cleaner as a last resort, although we advise caution with their use. Some are incredibly caustic and can damage your pipes if misused. It’s important to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products to avoid any undesirable outcomes.
Again, if you can’t unblock the drain after trying these methods, it would be wise to contact professional plumbers for specialised drain cleaning. They have the tools and expertise to navigate and resolve deep-seated clogs without causing further damage.
Low Water Pressure
If you’re grabbing a shower or washing the dishes and notice that the water seems to be trickling rather than flowing, you’re most likely dealing with a low water pressure issue. While it might not be a plumbing emergency, this common problem can turn simple daily tasks into time-consuming chores.
The good news is that fixing the problem might be easier than you think.
How to Fix Low-Pressure Issues
You want to begin by identifying the root cause of the problem. If low water pressure is affecting your entire property, the issue is likely with the water supply itself. Check if road works or an issue with the local water authority’s supply are causing the disruption. Keeping informed about these issues can save you from unnecessary stress and effort.
If the problem seems isolated to a particular fixture, perhaps a faucet or showerhead, it could be due to a clogged aerator. In this situation, you can solve the problem by disconnecting the line and checking for debris. To clean a clogged aerator:
- Soak it in a vinegar solution for a few hours
- Scrub with a toothbrush
- Rinse
- Then replace it
Regularly cleaning your faucet aerators can prevent low water pressure.
If you find these steps daunting or if your water pressure remains low despite your best efforts, it is advisable to call a professional plumber. They can see if there is a mechanical issue with your pressure-reducing valve, leaking pipes, or something else.
A Running Toilet
While many households struggle with a clogged toilet and require emergency plumbing services, you may also have to contend with a running toilet and handle the issue yourself. This is where the water continually runs into the toilet bowl, and the mechanism does not reset, ready to flush.
Following a few straightforward steps could help you resolve the issue promptly.
How to Fix Running Toilets
You need to know what is causing the issue. Quite often, a running toilet can be attributed to a faulty flapper or fill valve, both inside the toilet tank. Start your process by switching off the water supply valve, usually positioned behind the toilet.
- You can then safely open the cistern and inspect it. Locate the flapper; the part attached to the chain links to the flushing handle.
- If the flapper appears distorted or worn out, this may be the root of your issue. It’s important to replace faulty components, so note what the flapper looks like – you’ll need this information when sourcing a replacement.
- Now, carefully detach the chain and remove the old flapper.
Upon obtaining a replacement flapper, you should continue with the ticking off of the following steps to complete your repair:
- Install the new flapper back into position. Carefully reconnect the chain, ensuring it’s neither too tight nor too loose. An improperly connected chain can lead to future running toilet issues and should be avoided.
- With everything back in place, turn back on the water supply valve.
- Then, proceed by flushing the toilet to check if the problem has been successfully mitigated.
In some instances, a drastically defective float valve assembly might be the cause of your running toilet.
In such cases, you might consider replacing the entire toilet tank float valve assembly. As this task is much more technically demanding, it might be worthwhile to enlist the services of a professional plumber.
Issues with Your Hot Water Heater
Warm showers are no less than a treat, especially on a chilling morning or after a torrid day. But when they turn cold instead, it’s clear that your hot water heater is acting up.
Here are some common issues you may have with your water heater and potential solutions that you could try before calling in the professionals:
Insufficient hot water
If your hot water system isn’t doing its job and providing an adequate supply of hot water, it could be due to a thermostat set too low. To rectify this, simply increase the thermostat setting. But if the water is still not hot enough, the heating elements could be faulty, which requires a professional’s touch.
No hot water
If you have a gas water heater that is not heating water at all, check if the pilot light is out. For the uninitiated, a pilot light is a small gas flame that stays lit continuously and ignites the main burner when water heating is needed.
You can usually relight it yourself by following the instructions in your heater’s manual. If these efforts don’t unfreeze the situation, it’s time to call in the professionals (especially if you fear a gas leak might be the culprit).
Rust-coloured water
If the water flow is murky brown, it signifies that your heater’s water tank is rusting from the inside or your home’s galvanised iron pipes are decaying. If it’s the latter, your plumber might recommend pipe replacement. If it’s the tank, well, you might need to shell out for a new water heater.
Loud hot water systems
A noisy water heater can be extremely frustrating. If your heater makes sounds, like popping or high-pitched whistling, it could indicate sediment build-up in the tank. Consequently, water gets trapped and starts to boil, leading to these sounds. The best solution is to schedule regular maintenance and drain your water heater periodically to prevent sediment build-up.
How to Avoid Common Plumbing Issues
Understanding your plumbing system’s basic components will help prevent the most common plumbing problems, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance.
Know Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
One key preventive measure you can adopt is to familiarise yourself with the location and operation of the main water shutoff valve. Knowing how to shut off the water supply quickly can significantly reduce water wastage and potential damage in the event of a major leak or pipe bursting.
Use the Right Tools, Equipment & Methods
When it comes to toilet clogs or a blocked drain, using porcelain-specific augers can be highly effective and safe for your system. It’s crucial to avoid caustic drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time and lead to more serious plumbing issues. Similarly, avoid pouring grease down the kitchen drain, which can solidify and cause blockages.
Follow All Instructions
As part of your preventive measures, carefully follow the manufacturers’ instructions when installing or repairing fittings and use protective gear where appropriate. Remember, safety comes first! When undertaking plumbing repairs, keep in mind the proximity of gas lines and electrical wiring to avoid accidents.
Know When It’s Time to Call Professional Plumbers
While taking on DIY plumbing repair is great, it’s also important to understand when it’s time to call a professional. Knowing your abilities’ limitations could save you from exacerbating an issue and incurring greater costs.
For example, do you have a sump pump on hand to remove wastewater if your basement floods? Do you know how to address emergency plumbing issues like damaged sewer lines?
Remember, staying diligent and acting promptly on small issues can help you avoid larger ones in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent leaks could considerably increase your water bill. You must learn how to deal with dripping faucets and fixtures effectively.
- Learning how to unclog your drain properly can save you significant time and money. Just remember that caustic drain cleaners should be avoided due to potential pipe damage.
- A toilet that continuously runs can expend a significant amount of water. Familiarising yourself with the anatomy of your toilet can help solve this issue.
- Water heaters can face numerous complications; understanding common issues can guide you towards effective solutions.
- Adopting preventive measures, such as avoiding pouring grease down the kitchen drain, can help mitigate the risk of plumbing issues.
- Knowing the location of your main water shutoff valve could be beneficial in preventing severe damage during critical plumbing issues.
Ready to work with the experts for specialist plumbing repairs? Contact us at Woden Valley Plumbing & Gasfitting to get started.
