If you want to be prepared for a plumbing emergency, read this article for helpful tips. It will answer some of the most common household plumbing questions, including: Blocked drains, slow draining tub, and roots in the pipes. Paul is an experienced home repairman who has worked as a painter, general handyman, and freelance writer. While some plumbing problems are inexpensive and easy to repair, others are more severe, resulting in damage to the plumbing system and contents of the house.
Leaky faucets
A leaky faucet is one of the most common household plumbing issues. Not only does it waste freshwater resources, it can also increase water bills. Not to mention the risk of mold and mildew growth, which you definitely don’t want. While most faucet leaks can be repaired on your own, ongoing leaks may require a professional plumber’s assistance. Listed below are some tips to prevent leaks.
To prevent a leaky faucet from happening, you must first identify the source of the leak. It could be an ill-fitting washer or a loose valve seat. If a leak is caused by either of these problems, the easiest way to fix it is to replace the faulty component. Even a small leak can waste up to 3 gallons of water a day and cost you at least $100 a year. A bigger leak can waste up to 30 gallons of water a day. To prevent such a leak, you should always turn off the faucet when not using it.
Blocked drains
If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably encountered a blocked drain at one time or another. While it can be tempting to treat it yourself with a bottle of Drano, this is not a good solution. The product you use will only damage your pipes and can actually make them worse! Instead of spending your money on Drano, consider calling a professional plumber repair to clear the blockage.
The most obvious plumbing issue is a blocked drain. A clogged toilet can back up and overflow. When this happens, something has gotten stuck inside the drain and is not dissolving. Typical culprits include grease, hair, and other non-dissolvable materials. If you suspect that your toilet is clogged, you can try using a hair guard to prevent hair from getting stuck in the drain.
Slow draining tub
The most common cause of a slow draining tub is hair. Bath products with fun scents can help you transform your bathtub into an oasis. However, they can also trap hair strands, causing the water to flow slowly. Whether it’s shampoo or conditioner, long hair can be a major cause of slow drains. Once you have long hair, the strands can become lodged in the pop-up assembly, clogging the drain.
There are a few ways to fix a slow draining tub on your own. First of all, try not to use animal based soap products in your bath or shower. These products tend to contribute to the buildup of grease in drain pipes. Use vegetable-based soaps. Another way to fix a slow draining tub is to remove tree roots. Tree roots can penetrate drain pipes and crawl near them. This will intensify the problem.
Roots in pipes
Tree roots can become a huge problem in your home and clog your pipes. They not only damage your sewer and water pipes, but can also wreak havoc on your lawn. This problem can become even worse if you leave it untreated. Residential Plumbers repair can solve the problem by using hydrojetting, drain cameras, and pip lining. If the roots are too extensive, plumbers can also install a barrier to prevent further growth. These barriers can include chemicals that discourage tree roots from encroaching on your pipes.
When tree roots invade your pipes, it is difficult to spot. Oftentimes, it will be difficult to notice until it is too late. You may notice changes in your yard, such as trees growing greener and faster. Tree roots can be difficult to remove, but they can be a big pain to repair. Roots can also make drains slow and cause strange odors. Tree roots are a common plumbing issue, but if you suspect that your pipes may be affected, consult a plumber repair to have the pipes cleaned immediately.
Read Also: Which is the Best Towing and Roadside Assistance Service?
Roots growing in septic system
There are several causes for clogged pipes, including roots growing in septic systems. Roots can also be caused by debris flushed down the drain. Other symptoms of sewer pipe damage include sinkholes and rotting odors. The rotten egg smell can be an indication of sewage sitting in pipes. Root removal is an expensive, temporary fix.
In addition to using root killers, you can try cutting back the roots of large trees around your septic system. Cutting back individual roots won’t prevent them from growing, but if you cut off enough of the roots, the tree will eventually die. Roots are intelligent, and they are drawn to water and nutrients from the septic effluent. If you’re concerned about tree roots clogging your pipes, consider hydro-jetting.
Winter frost can break a pipe
The National Weather Service recommends homeowners follow the 4 P’s of winterizing your home to reduce the risk of a broken pipe. These steps include turning off the water supply and allowing the pipes to drain. A second foolproof method involves not letting the pipes freeze. If you will not be home during the cold winter months, entrust someone to turn off the water supply and inspect the pipes. Remember that water isn’t the only cause of damage, and other factors can also create a major mess.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, use a heating pad or hair dryer to thaw the pipe. However, do not hold the heater too close to the pipe. Open flame devices, such as blow torches, can also cause a frozen pipe. Always call a licensed plumber for this job. While it’s tempting to use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe, don’t do it too quickly or it could break.
