Plumbing problems are a nuisance for businesses and home owners alike. Age, location or just normal wear and tear can all wreak havoc on plumbing fixtures and lead to component failure. Some plumbing problems are actually caused by outside influences that the average home or business owner could not have prevented – such as construction mishaps or freezing temperatures.
We’re going to highlight some of the most common plumbing problems and outline their potential causes.
Water pooling near underground pipes – If you see standing water on the ground above where your home or business’ drain pipes run, a busted pipe underground is the most likely culprit. Pipes can bust for all kinds of reasons, but the most common scenarios are damage from roots, construction digging or frozen temperatures.
Clogged drains – Clogged drains are caused by foreign objects or debris that gets trapped within the drain pipes, preventing the flow of water. The kitchen sink, toilet and bathtub drains are where most backups begin due to hair, grease, toilet tissue and other objects that accumulate. However, drain pipes can also become clogged from these substances in other sections of the plumbing, too – such as the underground pipes.
Leaking indoor pipes – Worn gaskets and broken couplings are the most common causes of leaky indoor pipes. If not addressed quickly, leaking indoor pipes can lead to structural damage within the home as well as facilitate the growth of harmful mold and mildew.
Leaking toilets – Leaking Seattle Plumber toilets are usually caused by a worn gasket on the tank or by a faulty waterline at its base. Prolonged leaking from either component can also lead to structural damage and the growth of mold and mildew.
Dripping faucets– Dripping faucets are caused by worn washers or gaskets within the handles that turn the water off and on. Both can usually be replaced at a minimum cost, but sometimes the installation of newer faucets may be required.
Low water pressure – Low water pressure is a very common complaint and is most commonly caused by calcium deposits on the screens of the faucets where the water comes out. The calcium buildup prevents the water from flowing freely from the faucet, which causes a decrease in the pressure of the faucet’s flow.
Water heater issues – Water heaters generally last several years – perhaps a decade or more. However, once you start experiencing problems with a water heater – such as leaks or a pilot that won’t stay lit – it’s probably time to replace it -as there are no easy, long term fixes for such problems.
Many of these common plumbing problems are DIY projects that don’t require the services of a licensed plumber. However, if you aren’t sure how to approach your plumbing problems, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber to take care of them for you. That way, you can avoid any additional damages or issues that may arise during the repair process.