If you live in Aledo, Texas, you have experienced at least one plumbing problem. If addressed slowly, they can easily lead to serious structural damage and expensive repairs. Here are the five most common plumbing problems and some quick tips on fixing them before they worsen:
1) Leaky Faucets
When leaky faucets drip, they can cause damage to the walls of your house or the cabinet under your sink. If you find a faucet that won't stop leaking, you may need to call a professional plumber out to make the repair if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
2) Blocked Drains
If you have a blocked drain, it may have been clogged by hair soap and other debris buildups. You can try pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain to remove buildup. If it does not work, you may have to call a plumber. Once you have your drain cleared, try to avoid letting hair & other debris go down the drain as well run water for 30 seconds after brushing your teeth or washing your face & hands. This can help flush the lines.
3) Running Toilet
If your toilet keeps running after you flush it, you must keep a few things in mind as you try to get it back up and .working properly. You should check to ensure the flapper is closed fully before each use. It should not be loose or cracked since this will allow water to drain out of the tank while it's not flushed. After this, you will want to look for loose parts or a faulty fill valve that could be allowing water to run continuously. You can try to diagnose and fix it yourself or calla professional plumber.
4) Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by several things. There may be a blockage inside your main water line coming into the house, there could be a problem with your water supplier. It’s possible a whole house filter you have in your home may be clogged. As a homeowner, know your limits. If you don’t feel comfortable diagnosing any of these things, call a professional plumber.
5) Water Heater Problems
If your water heater isn't supplying enough hot water for your home, there are several things that could be wrong. The first step is identifying what type of water heater you have. There are 4 basic types, electric tank type, gas tank type, electric tankless, & gas tankless. If you have an electric water heater, tank type or tankless, check your home’s electric panel. You may have a tripped breaker or breakers. Breakers usually trip for a reason, so before flipping it back on, go to your water heater & do a visual inspection. You may need to remove one or more panels to see the electrical connections. You will want to have a multimeter to ensure the power is off before proceeding forward. Check to ensure connections are tight, and look for signs of damaged or burnt wires. If you can’t notice anything, it may be time to call the plumber. If you have a gas water heater, call a professional plumber. Working on gas fixtures is dangerous & should only be done by a licensed professional plumber.
These repairs can be frustrating to deal with, but remember that this is your home, and the safety and well-being of your family come first. However, following the steps above will save you money on repair costs and keep your family safe.