What Are Some of the Most Common Plumbing Problems?
Any homeowner can tell you that plumbing-related issues are among the most frustrating problems that can occur in your house. Every second that goes by while you’re dealing with burst pipes, a leaky faucet, an overflowing toilet, or other typical plumbing disasters can feel like an hour until a plumbing pro can arrive and save the day. We asked a plumbing service in Boulder, CO about the most typical plumbing problems they see, along with what you can do to help prevent them from occurring. Here’s what they said:
A Nonstop Toilet
We know, it sounds like a bad joke but…is your toilet running? If so, you’re not alone- this common plumbing issue appears less than serious on the surface but can cause a great deal of wasted water and low pressure, not to mention a very annoying, constant sound. If your toilet continues to run for long periods of time, after it has been flushed, a loose flapper- the rubbery seal that lifts and lowers as the toilet is flushed- may be to blame. Flappers loosen with wear over time, causing the seal to loosen too. The result? A toilet that sounds like it is constantly flushing. Since this can add up to 200 gallons of wasted water per day, it’s important to alert your plumber as soon as you notice it.
Leaky Pipes
Springing a leak in one of your pipes is no laughing matter, but it is a pretty common complaint heard by plumbers. During the cold winter months, it’s typical to experience a leak when heat from inside the home causes frozen pipes to expand and burst. It’s common for major damage to flooring, furniture, and other household items to occur due to the resulting flooding. Keep leaky or burst pipes at bay by making sure they are properly insulated in order to stay warm. It’s also helpful to run a small water trickle from your faucets on the coldest nights of the year, along with keeping your under-sink cabinet doors cracked open. This will allow heat from inside your home to circulate and warm the pipes.
Water Heater Problems
You know it’s going to be a bad day when you step into your shower, turn on the faucet, and get pelted with a blast of ice-cold water! If you’re dealing with this, water heater issues are likely the culprit, and can seriously affect your family’s ability to bathe, run the dishwasher, do laundry, and perform other important everyday chores. Worst of all, a broken water heater can rack up significant energy and water bill costs, wasting money you could have used for other things! Ask your plumber about yearly water heater maintenance to help prevent against heater failure, but keep in mind that even the most well-cared-for water heater is only designed to last 8 to 12 years. Your plumber can help you determine whether your water heater can be repaired or if it’s in need of an upgrade.
If plumbing problems are threatening to wreck your day, don’t panic- your preferred plumber can help you get back on track quickly, making your plumbing woes all seem like a bad dream.