The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems come in all shapes and sizes. And they always seem to show up at the most unexpected time. Here, I will list the 5 most common problems and how to solve them.

Dripping faucets are so common that it’s rare to find someone who hasn’t come across this issue. It’s not just a source of irritation, the waste of water can push up your water bill and cost you tons of money.

The cause of dripping faucets in most cases is an internal washer that has become stiff, torn, worn, or dislodged over time. Fixing the problem is often achievable by the average householder, but needs the right tools.

Slow draining sink. This problem is normally caused by a blockage that is restricting water flow. Your kitchen sink drain may contain things like congealed fat and food remnants. In a bathroom sink, the blockage is more likely to be caused by knotted hair and soap.Methods for clearing a clogged sink might involve using a plunger, pouring down baking soda and vinegar or a chemical clog remover, or using a plumber’s snake. If the problem isn’t solved, then it will likely worsen over time, until eventually the drain is completely blocked.

How to Unclog a Sink Drain Using Chemicals: 

Be sure to follow all the directions on the packaging and make sure not to use too much.

Wear gloves and goggles for safety.Don’t mix chemicals. This can produce poisonous gas.

Pour chemicals down the drain.

Note: Chemicals can cause damage to your drainage pipes if used repeatedly, so I would recommend not using to this method lightly.

Also, this can get quite dangerous so seeking a professional plumbing solution might be the safer option.

Clogged bath or shower. As with slow draining bathroom sinks, bath and shower drains generally get blocked up by clogs of hair and soap. Clearing the blockage may require the use of a plunger, or a snake. Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes dissolve the clog too. The problem can be prevented or minimized by buying a drain guard to catch the hair.

Clogged toilet. When the toilet bowl fills up and doesn’t drain away, you’ve got a clog. The blockage is normally caused by mixture of paper and human waste. Clogged toilets can normally be fixed with a plunger. If that doesn’t work then a sewer snake or drain auger can be used to loosen up the blockage.

Running toilet. A running toilet can be quite costly. The most common culprit is a faulty flapper valve which controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. This is fairly straightforward fix with a toilet repair kit available at any hardware store.Less commonly, toilet runs may also be caused by sediment affecting the flushing and filling. If your water bills seem high, check for silent leaks. Put some food coloring in the upper tank and see if it makes its way to the bowl without flushing.

And there you have it. Most of these can be solved easily by yourself but if you do not have the time, you can always contact an 24 hour emergency plumbing company for a more professional approach.