Did you know that an average household has been estimated to leak around 9,400 gallons of water yearly? Now, imagine if these gallons of water are put to good use. Surely, you’d agree that this amount is staggering, which points you to the conclusion that plumbing issues can slowly hurt your wallet. Apart from that, any ignored plumbing issues can bite you in the long run, especially if you’re in a situation where you’re needing water, like when you’re taking a shower and find out the water pressure isn’t in its ideal state as before. (1)
Unfortunately, many people don’t consider plumbing maintenance a priority unless it’s starting to interrupt their routine. What’s worse is plumbing issues can happen to any type of home. Hence, everyone may experience some form of water-related problems in their lives. The good news is some water issues are easy enough to DIY, especially since all you need is a couple of basic tools. Other problems, however, require you to call a respected and reputable plumber.
The challenge, therefore, is identifying what plumbing mistakes can be DIY-ed or which need to be handled by professionals. To help you out, here are some common plumbing mistakes and how you can resolve them.
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1. Clogged toilets and drains
If you own a business, a clogged toilet is one common plumbing concern you don’t wish to have. Statistics reveal around 86% of Americans consider a clogged toilet a red flag, which negatively impacts their perception of a business. Fortunately, it’s easy to spot the signs of a clogged toilet. For instance, if the water backs up or overflows when you flush it, it’s time to get the necessary tools to clear any blockage. (2)
Aside from calling a plumber to fix the problem, here’s how you can address clogged toilets and drains:
• Place the open end of the plunger over the drain and then move it up and down so you can create suction. If you can see the object or item that’s causing the blockage, use a pair of pliers or tweezers to remove it from the drain.
• If you can’t remove the blockage using pliers or tweezers, use a chemical drain. Any home improvement store sells this chemical solution. (3)
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2. Faulty faucets
A faulty faucet is perhaps the reason you’re paying too much on your water bills. One drip per second can accumulate up to 2,600 gallons of water per year, so not only will your water bill increase but your stress levels, too. This is probably why the sound of a dripping tap is often associated with insanity.
One major cause of a faulty faucet is a worn-out O-ring, the tiny rubber ring that goes on the stem screw, which helps the screw to stay firmly in place. Over time, the O-ring will suffer wear and tear, and this will result in a dripping faucet. If this is the case for you, your easiest and cheapest solution is to replace the O-ring. (1)
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3. Low water pressure
Low water pressure is a major enemy of chores that require high water pressure, such as power washing or doing the dishes. If you encounter low water pressure, the first thing to do is to check if the pressure is consistent in all of your water sources.
If low water pressure is experienced only in your kitchen, for example, it’s possibly a buildup on the aerators, blocking the water from flowing freely. To solve this, simply soak the aerator in vinegar. On the other hand, if low water pressure is consistent, call a professional to handle the plumbing problem for you. (4)
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4. Running toilet
A running toilet may be one of the most bothersome plumbing issues you can encounter. This happens when the toilet still works but constantly spews out water and produces an irritating sound. This problem may require you to know at least the basics of plumbing maintenance. If you don’t, you can always leave it to the professionals. (3)
But if you plan to fix your running toilet yourself, make sure the fill tube, the flexible tube inside the tank, is firmly attached and still directed to the overflow tube. Also, check if the chain attached to the flapper isn’t tangled. If these adjustments don’t work, you may need to replace all of the pieces, which demands professional interference.
Final words
Most of the common plumbing problems mentioned above can be easily avoided through regular maintenance. Also, checking for these mistakes can be your next DIY project. So be sure not to neglect the importance of plumbing maintenance as major plumbing problems won’t only bring inconvenience to the whole family but can also burn a hole in your pocket. Also, with care, you’re extending the life span of your unit, ensuring it’s a worthwhile investment.
References
1. “Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them”, Source: https://happyhiller.com/blog/common-plumbing-problems-how-to-fix-them/
2. “86 Percent of Americans Say a Clogged Toilet Would Negatively Impact Their Perception of a Business”, Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180227006053/en/86-Percent-of-Americans-Say-a-Clogged-Toilet-Would-Negatively-Impact-Their-Perception-of-a-Business
3. “WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS?”, Source: https://homeclimates.com/blog/common-plumbing-problems-how-to-avoid-thm
4. “5 Major Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them”, Source” https://theseeker.ca/2020/05/5-major-plumbing-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
