Woman sitting near leaking sink calling for help
Indoor plumbing is an almost invisible and constant part of our daily lives. Instant hot or cold water is something we just expect, and human waste is just disposed of when you push down a handle.
Potable and safe water is available instantly for drinking, cleaning, and to cook with. So what usually happens when things start going wrong? Do you know what to do? Here is an overview of the most common plumbing issues and the options available to fix these problems.
Leaky Fixtures
If one of your taps are dripping or your shower in one of your bathrooms, this is not an issue regarded as an emergency!
But when that drip starts to drive you crazy, the temporary solution is shut the water off that supplies your home. From here, you should be able to fix the leak on your own, if you are willing to.
The more common causes associated with leaky fixtures usually has to do with parts that are worn out and easy to replace. This usually includes the O-ring or washer. You can replace these parts on your own. In less common cases, there might be a break inside the faucet, that might require more expertise in order to replace.
Blocked Drains
When it comes to blocked drains, you might have noticed that this problem was on its way when the water started to drain more slowly out of the drain.
When you start noticing that your sink or bathtub takes longer than it should to drain the water out, this is usually a sign of a blockage that has started to interfere with how the water drains.
Over time, the partial block will become a complete block and this is when no water is going down the drain at all. Start with the traditional methods first. This includes a plunger that may help to clear the blockage. A drain cleaner is your next option, but take care as some chemicals are corrosive and can damage pipes that are old. Try the mechanical method first, before you move onto the chemical ones.
Overflowing Toilet
This is similar to blocked pipes, but it has more unpleasant or even potentially dangerous or risky consequences.
Since a toilet can release a lot of water with just one flush, if you have a blockage or clog inside your sewer drain, that water can come back up and overflow onto the bathroom floor.
With a blocked toilet, first, try the traditional method of plunging or use a plumber’s snake/auger. If this fails to work, it is best to hire a professional.
Burst Pipes
When it comes to plumbing emergencies, depending on the size and scale of this issue, it is often one of the worst types.
If a water pipe bursts in your home, this means water has started to leak out into an area like your basement, or any other area of your home where there are water pipes laid out. This can result in significant water damages to your ceilings or walls.
If the burst occurs in a sewage drain-pipe, this could mean that used water, which includes your toilet water could be seeping or flowing into your home.
The break type and the location is going to determine how extensive and costly your repairs will be. If you are faced with a large plumbing emergency, rather avoid taking any chances. Serious problems such as burst water pipes require a swift, professional, and quality response, otherwise, the value of your property and your family are at risk until this problem is resolved.