Every day, the professionals at O’Connor Plumbing get calls from customers like you who are dealing with pesky plumbing problems. While some of them are significant and not quick fixes at home, others are common and relatively quick fixes. We delve into some of these repairs on our YouTube channel here! Here’s what every renter and homeowner should know about the most common plumbing problems.
1. Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are high on the list of the most common plumbing problems, and many customers don’t hesitate to call our team because the sound of water dripping can be so annoying. Beyond the sound of water dripping, the wasted water can make a difference on your water bill over time. Did you know that a single faucet that is leaky can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a single year? In some cases, the cause of a leaky faucet is an internal washer that became dislodged, worn, torn or stiff over time. Newer faucets use internal cartridges that can malfunction. Once the bad part is replaced or put back into the right spot, the dripping should stop completely.
2. A Clogged Shower Drain
Another one of the most common plumbing problems can be found in bathtubs and showers across the country—clogged drains. A slow-draining or completely clogged drain, particularly in the shower, is typically caused by soap residue and hair. Depending on the severity of the clog, professional equipment might be necessary. A plumber’s snake cable can clear the pipe and remove all, or most of the residue and hair from inside of the drain. It’s important to deal with slow-draining drains and clogged drains quickly, as the problem will not improve without external intervention. In the future, it’s a good idea to use an inexpensive drain guard to stop hair and other large pieces of debris from slipping down the drain.
3. Clogged Toilets
A clogged toilet is not only one of the most common plumbing problems, but it can also be a huge nuisance if you only have one toilet in your home! Unlike clogged shower drains, a clogged toilet is typically the result of too much toilet paper, human waste or things that should not be flushed building up in the toilet. A plunger can normally do the trick and have your toilet emptying properly in no time. If a plunger cannot dislodge whatever is inside of the toilet, a drain auger or sewer snake can also be used. Make sure that everyone using your toilet knows which products should not be disposed of in your toilet, including wet wipes and sanitary napkins.
4. A Running Toilet
Did you know that a running toilet can lead to up to 200 gallons of water lost over the course of a single day? You didn’t read that wrong! A faulty flapper valve or other issue can force your toilet to keep running until the problem is fixed. A plumber can efficiently swap out the flapper valve with a new one that will seal properly. In some cases, a toilet running could be caused by a leak elsewhere. If you have noticed a spike in your water bills, add food coloring to the upper tank of your toilet. If it makes it down to the bowl but you haven’t flushed the toilet, it’s a sign that something is leaking between the two and using up more water than necessary.
5. Low Water Pressure
This might be one of the most annoying most common plumbing repairs, as homeowners often don’t notice the loss of water pressure until they are stepping into the shower or trying to do the dishes. If you find that water is slowly trickling out or you are unable to achieve good water pressure, there could be a wide range of things at fault. This is often a problem in older homes that have outdated plumbing. Old galvanized piping could be the cause, and a plumber can determine the best solution.
If the low water pressure is only in your shower, the most likely culprit is an accumulation of mineral deposits and sediment in your shower head or aerator. Soak the aerator in white vinegar to clean it. The showerhead can also be soaked in vinegar or replaced entirely. This process helps to get rid of all mineral build-up and should be repeated as often as needed to maintain great water pressure in the shower.
Where Can I Find A Solution To The Most Common Plumbing Problems?
O’Connor Plumbing is the preferred plumbing company of countless Ashburn area residents. We put our customers first and go above and beyond to meet their unique needs. For a quote or to learn more about our water heater services, call us today at (833) 744-4644 or by clicking here.