A plumbing disaster can cost you dearly in the form of large bills and the mess it brings with it. The plumbing system of a house is best kept well-maintained. Little things such as avoiding disposal of materials down the drain that are not mean for it, ensuring regular maintenance(at least once a year) etc. can go a long way.
Keeping an eye out for the plumbing red flags and tending to them in a timely manner will save you the hefty bills as well as the inconvenience and hassle of a plumbing disaster later. Moreover, you will also be spared the over charged bills due to leakages and the damage to your property due to unnoticed leaks or drips.
Staying vigilant and watchful of some plumbing red flags around your property and ensuring regular maintenance will prolong the life of the plumbing system and keep it running seamlessly. Below are some of the most common plumbing reflags that you should actively keep an eye out for.
Dripping Faucet
First up in our list is the most common plumbing disaster. The dripping faucet is a common sight and one that is often ignored and not taken seriously enough despite the constant dripping noise becoming a nuisance. Luckily, however, there is a quick and easy fix available. Figure out whether the drip is originating from the hot water tap or the cold water one. All you need to do then is take out the handles and tighten the bolts. If that doesn’t seem to fix it, then you will have figured out that the issue is actually with the washer. Although, this is quite an easy fix as well, but if you’re not feeling particularly crafty, you can always acquire our dedicated services.
Slow Draining Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink is often causing troubles for the plumbing system. This is where most food waste such as peels and bones are shoved down the drain. This then leads to clogged lines and choked pipes. The problem can be especially severe if you have a double bowl sink connected to a garbage disposal. In this case, there could either be grease buildup in the drainage, or the trap might be blocked. Try the hot water and baking soda trick if you notice slow drainage. If none of this works, you should look into professional plumbing services.
Blocked Bathroom Drain
It is hair coupled with all the grease build up from conditioners and moisturizers that is the culprit in a clogged bathroom drain situation. A snake trick usually solves the problem. A household hanger is used to mimic a snake which is used to unclog the drain manually. You could also try unclogging your drain by gushing hot water through it.
Garbage Disposal Running but not Working
Another troubled area to look out for is the garbage disposal. Hard to crush waste such as bones and food peels get stuck in the disposal. It may sound like a no brainer, but stop throwing solid waste into it. That said, a convenient way to fix this is to hit the reset button beneath the disposal or to try the hot water trick once again. If these don’t work, you can get professional help.
Faucet Water is Running Red
Keep an eye out for this one. If you turn on the faucet and see red water gushing out, this is clear indication that the pipes are now rusty. This will require more than just a DIY trick as it does not have a quick or easy fix. For situations like these, you will have to seek professional help since taking on the project by yourself without any prior experience can be dangerous.
Running Toilets
Running toilets are often ignored by home owners. Over time, however, this seemingly insignificant amount can add up to a number of dollars in overcharged bills. Besides, the tank is never completely filled when you require it. The culprit here is the flapper in the tank which doesn’t go all the way down to the bottom of tank to completely shut it and hold the water in. In plumbing terms, this is called fill valve malfunctioning. This can usually be fixed at home, but a plumbing service can take better care of the issue.
Leaking Toilet
Watch out for any cracks in the bowl or the floor seal. These are often the cause behind a toilet that is leaking. A simple dye test using a food color can ascertain if the leak is actually from the toilet. If the color of the water around the bowl changes in a while, it means there are cracks that need to be repaired.
Slow Water in the Shower and Sink
If the water has been slow through the shower and the sink, might be a pipe line has burst somewhere in the plumbing system. The first thing to do in a situation like this would be to shut off the main water valve to reduce any more possible damage to your property. Then immediately call a plumber or professionals to look at the issue.
That Sewer Gas Smell
This foul smell most definiately should'n't be ignored. The origins of this horrid smell in in the U pipe usually, which is placed underneath the sink or toilet. When this trap is flooded with water, sewer gases finds their way into the vent and fresh air mixes into the system. A leak or a crack in the trap causes the water to evaporate and the sewer gas to release into the bathroom. You need to call in a professional to help remedy your problem.
In conclusion, these aforementioned red flags must be watched out for. Discovery of these potential plumbing issues in a timely mannor will help you maintain a good plumbing system, to ensure that do not have the inconvenience and expenses of major plumbing woes. If you’re facing any of these plumbing issues, you should contact our Mesa Plumbing and our professional staff will be more than happy to help you with them.