As a homeowner, you’ll have to fix plumbing issues as they come up in your house. Some problems are pretty easy to fix. Faulty faucets, leaking pipes, and low water pressure are common plumbing issues that cause homeowners to panic and immediately call the nearest plumber.
Fortunately, many of these problems can be fixed with just basic skills and tools that you already have at home. Here is a guide to help you solve and avoid the most common plumbing issues.
Fix Plumbing Issues: Repairing Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in the home is a problem that can usually be solved in a few simple steps. First, check the hot and cold water pressure. If the problem affects both your hot and cold water, you could have an issue with the aerator in your faucet. Calcium deposits and sediments usually build up slowly in the aerator, resulting in low water pressure.
Carefully remove the aerator, clean out all the debris, and then put it back on. If that doesn’t fix it, try soaking the aerator in vinegar or purchase a replacement at your local hardware store.
If low water pressure affects multiple locations of the home, it may be due to a more complex problem.
Fixing a Faulty Faucet
Another common plumbing issue many homeowners are familiar with is a dripping faucet. If you have just one faulty tap, the repair is usually simple and shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Turn on the water to the sink in question and then shut off the water supply (located under the sink). Turning on the faucet helps to reduce pressure. Remove the handle altogether and disassemble the faucet. Keep the pieces in order as you remove them, so it’s easier to put the faucet back together when you’re finished.
Remove all damaged gaskets and mineral deposits inside the valve. You can use vinegar to help loosen the mineral deposits. Replace worn-out or broken parts once you’re done, and then reassemble your faucet. Turn the water back on and let it run for some time to remove air from the pipes.
Unclogging Your Bathtub Drain
Baths and showers usually get clogged with soap scum and hair over time. To fix the clogging, you will need a drain snake. Feed the snake down the drain as far as it will go and then pull it back out. It has barbs that will catch the debris and dislodge the clog. If that doesn’t work, most conventional drain cleaners will help to loosen any difficult clogs. Just follow the bottle’s instructions and let the cleaner do its work.
Avoid These Common Plumbing Issues
- Don’t over-tighten to avoid damaging sensitive connections and fittings.
- Prevent any clogs in the first place. For example, avoid flushing hair, food remains, grease, or vegetable peelings down the sink.
- Don’t flush anything that’s not flushable down the toilet. Only flush toilet paper in the toilet to avoid clogs and damage to your plumbing.
- If you drop something down the drain, remove it immediately using a wet-dry vacuum.
Repairing the above common plumbing issues will help save you time and money. However, if you plan to work on more complicated tasks like complete bathroom renovation, exposed shower plumbing, or sewer system backups, it is always best to call in an expert for help.
Anderson Home Inspections offers inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Central Ohio. Contact us to request our services.