Plumbing issues are usually inconvenient and expensive. But they can become even more complicated if you address them slowly. Here’s what you need to know about the most common plumbing problems and when to call an emergency plumber:
Frozen pipes
If your pipes are frozen, don’t wait to thaw them out. Call a plumber who can safely and quickly restore water flow to any part of your home.
If you have a frozen pipe, one of the worst things you can do is turn off the water supply. This can cause irreparable damage to your pipes and will require significant repair work even after they’ve thawed out.
A de-icer works by lowering the freezing point of water so that it will not freeze at temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit (-1° Celsius). The best way to apply this product is by mixing it with an activator first. Avoid using heaters or other heat sources near pipes—they may accelerate thawing but could also cause burst pipes if there’s too much pressure from expanding ice inside them. A torch will never fix a frozen pipe.
Clogged drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues. A clogged drain can cause severe damage to your home and health and blockages that result in flooding, mould and infestations.
Your kitchen sink is probably the most used drain in your house, so it’s essential to keep an eye on this area for possible problems. You should also check all other drains frequently for signs of problems like slow draining or water backing up into sinks or bathtubs. If you notice any such things happening, call a professional immediately.
Leaking water heater
If your water heater is leaking, there are a few things you can do to determine whether it’s time for repair, replacement or maintenance.
- Check for leaks. If your water heater is over ten years old, it could be time for repair or replacement. Water heaters have an average lifespan of 8-12 years and begin losing their efficiency around the 8-year mark. Leaks in a hot water tank may not be an immediate cause for concern. Still, they will eventually lead to more significant problems, such as corrosion on plumbing pipes and fixtures near the hot water tank due to condensation buildup inside the tank.
- Test the tap water temperature with a thermometer: If it’s consistently below 120°F (49°C), there may be something wrong with your heating system that requires an emergency plumber.
Broken toilet
A broken toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems in homes. If a toilet is leaking or if it’s not flushing well, there are several things you can do to fix it.
First, check all the water supply lines leading into and out of your toilet to ensure there aren’t any leaks. If you find one, turn off its valve and call a plumber to get that line repaired as soon as possible.
If there are no obvious signs of leaks, but your toilet still isn’t working correctly, try removing each tank bolt individually and then reinstalling them in reverse order (i.e., with bolts 1 through 4 first). This may be enough for your issue to go away on its own!
If none of these options works for you—or even if they do—you’ll probably want to hire a professional plumber who can diagnose what’s wrong with your toilet and repair it accordingly.
Sewer backup
If you’ve had a sewer backup, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. This issue often requires significant repairs to your pipes and drains beyond most DIYers’ scope. The best way to avoid this problem is by regularly having your sewer lines flushed out or cleaned by a professional technician.
Plumbing issues can be a headache, but they don’t have to be. With these tips, you can avoid plumbing issues and save time, money and stress.
