Five Common Plumbing Problems (And How to Solve Them)
If you live in Midlothian, TX, you know that plumbing problems can come out of nowhere. From leaky faucets to clogged toilets, plumbing issues are always a pain. The good news is that there are some common plumbing problems that you can quickly fix on your own! Keep reading to learn about five common plumbing problems and how to solve them.
If you have a leaky faucet, the first thing you should do is check the washer. The washer is under the faucet’s handle and is responsible for preventing the water from dripping. It will need to be replaced if the washer is old or damaged. Once you’ve replaced the washer, reassemble the faucet and turn on the water to see if the leak has stopped. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the entire faucet.
If your leaky faucet is still giving you trouble, it may be time to replace the entire unit. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s pretty simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a new faucet in no time:
- Turn off the water to your sink. This is usually done by turning the knob to the left.
- Use a wrench to remove the nuts holding the faucet.
- Pull out the old faucet and clean up any debris or gunk that may have accumulated around the base.
- Place the new faucet in the hole and hand-tighten the nuts to hold it.
- Turn on the water and test your new faucet to ensure no leaks
2. Clogged Toilets:
Clogged toilets are probably one of the most common plumbing problems. If your toilet is clogged, your first course of action should be to use a plunger. Put the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and pump up and down until the water starts draining. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a toilet auger. Insert the drill into the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and twist until you feel resistance. That resistance is caused by the blockage being pushed through the pipe. Continue twisting until the blockage is cleared and flush to see if water flows freely. After trying these methods, you may need to call a plumber if your toilet is still clogged.
3. Running toilets:
A running toilet can waste a lot of water—up to 200 gallons per day! If your toilet is running, it’s most likely because of a problem with the flapper valve. The flapper valve is located at the bottom of the tank and stops water from flowing into the bowl when it’s not needed. Over time, flapper valves can become warped or damaged, which prevents them from sealing properly and causes water to leak into the bowl. To fix this problem, replace the flapper valve with a new one.
Replacing the flapper valve is a relatively simple task that can be done in minutes. First, turn off the water to the toilet by shutting off the valve behind it. Next, flush the toilet to empty the tank. Once the tank is empty, remove the lid and locate the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. Use a pair of pliers to remove the old flapper valve and insert the new one. Be sure to attach it securely so that it forms a tight seal. Finally, turn the water back on and test the toilet to ensure it is no longer running.
4. Slow Drains:
Several things can cause a slow drain— a buildup of hair, soap scum, or grease in your pipes, being just a few of them. The best way to clean out your pipes is by using a drain cleaner—you can find these at any hardware store.
If your drain is still slow after using a drain cleaner, there could be a more significant issue. Your pipes may be cracked or damaged, requiring professional help to fix them. Another possibility is that tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line and are causing blockages. In this case, you’ll need to call a plumber to clear the bases and repair your pipes.
No matter what the cause of your slow drain is, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible. A slow drain can quickly become clogged, leading to significant water damage in your home. If you’re having trouble fixing the problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
5. Plugged Garbage Disposal:
A plugged garbage disposal is usually caused by food scraps or grease buildup in your disposal’s blades or housing unit. To fix this problem, you’ll need to unplug your disposal unit and remove any visible debris from around its blades with a utility knife or pliers. Once you’ve removed all visible debris, pour half a cup of baking soda down your disposal unit, followed by half a cup of vinegar, and let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water for several minutes. If your disposal isn’t running correctly after this, you may need to replace its blades or housing unit.
If your garbage disposal is jammed or clogged, you should first turn off the power to avoid injury. Once the power is off, use a plunger to try to clear the jam or clog.
Conclusion:
Plumbing problems are always a pain—there are no two ways! However, if you know what you’re doing, they don’t have to be as difficult (or expensive) as they seem! By following these simple tips and tricks, you should be able to fix any common plumbing problem that comes your way quickly!
Encore Plumbing is the best plumbing company in Midlothian, TX.
If you’re looking for a plumber in Midlothian, look no further than Encore Plumbing! We’re your one-stop shop for all your plumbing needs, and we’re always here to help—no matter what time of day or night it is!
For more information, visit our website or give us a call today!