If you’ve ever had a plumbing issue in your home, you’ve probably been in a bind. Whether your drain is backed up or your pipes rattling, or you’ve noticed mold growing in your plumbing, you’ve likely wondered what to do next. Thankfully, there’s a quick and easy solution for these common issues. Continue reading to learn how to solve them yourself! This article explains the basics of plumbing repair and how you can save money, time and frustration by repairing these problems yourself.
Clogged drain
Whether the problem is a temporary or chronic occurrence, a clogged drain can be a very frustrating problem. Fortunately, this issue can often be prevented. Knowing what to look for is your best insurance against a disaster. Here are some ways to recognize a drain clog. Using these tips will help you keep your plumbing in good working order. Here are some common causes of drain clogs:
Hair can clump and get stuck in drains. It also combines with other substances and attaches to the parts of the pipe, causing stubborn clogs. Commercial drain cleaners can damage pipes, so we recommend using a homemade mixture of baking soda and vinegar. If all else fails, you can try a plumber’s snake to help you out. Alternatively, you can use a drain strainer. Using a strainer is a good idea to prevent hair from going down the drain.
Leaky pipe
If you’ve had a leaky pipe, you probably know how annoying it can be. These plumbing issues don’t fix themselves, and the longer they are left unchecked, the worse they can get. Luckily, there are some easy ways to fix a leak on your own. Use a garden hose and a rubber patch kit to plug up the leak. Then, you can try using duct tape to cover the area around the pipe. If you’re handy with duct tape, you can also make a rubber gasket by wrapping a few layers of the material around it. However, this may not hold up for very long, and you’ll need to call in a professional for a leak.
While a leak can be embarrassing and frustrating, it does not necessarily mean your home is doomed. If you get a leak, you can prevent it from turning into a much bigger issue. Not only can a leak cause water damage to your home, but it can also lead to foundational damage to your house. In order to stop this problem, it’s important to fix the leak as soon as possible.
Rattling pipes
If your pipes are rattling, you might be experiencing a plumbing problem. Pipes are usually strapped or mounted. When the mounts get loose, the pipes will rattle and may cause the noise. To fix the rattling pipes, you must secure them. However, this may require you to cut through the walls to access the pipes. If you cannot reach the pipes, you should consult a plumbing expert for help.
You can determine if your pipes are rattling by identifying the material they’re made of. Copper pipes tend to produce more noise than PVC or PEX pipes. If you can identify the type of noise, you can work on the problem. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace the entire pipe. The noise could be caused by several things, including a loose pipe. You should also check for cracks in the pipe and make sure the connection is secure.
Mold growing in plumbing
There are several warning signs that your plumbing system might be infested with mold. One of the first is a black dot or speck of mold on a metal object. If these areas are leaking, mold will quickly spread and damage your pipes. Mold can grow in your pipes, softening system, or water storage tanks. It can also grow inside water-running appliances, such as faucets. It is critical to repair any leaking items as soon as possible.
The main symptoms of mold growth are wet and dark areas. You can eliminate mold growth by cleaning the plumbing regularly and using bleach. However, never pour boiling water directly into a plumbing system. Bleach, while effective in killing mold, is harsh on pipes and may be toxic. For the best results, consult a professional plumber and get the pipes checked. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or baking soda. If these do not work, consult your local health department for advice.
Foundation-related plumbing issues
You may suspect that your foundation-related plumbing issues are caused by the pipes inside your home, but it’s not always easy to tell. There are several ways a plumbing system can become damaged, including deterioration of older cast iron systems and improper installation of newer PVC type systems. In addition, foundation lifting can disturb a plumbing system that’s near-failure, which can accelerate the failure process. As a result, plumbing contractors will generally not guarantee that your pipes will stay intact.
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Another way to identify if you’re experiencing foundation-related plumbing problems is a recurring problem with your drain line. These problems can be a symptom of other, more common plumbing problems. You should have your pipes replaced or repaired if you notice a consistent increase in water bills. Regardless of whether your water bill increases or decreases, a foundation-related plumbing problem is most likely the cause. Listed below are some of the most common signs that your home may be having foundation-related plumbing problems.
