Everyone has run into some form of a plumbing problem at one point in their lives or another. Some plumbing issues are quick and easy fixes, while others may be more complicated and could call for a professional plumber to assist.
Some plumbing problems can be a quick and easy DIY fix, but for other issues, trying to find the solution yourself could end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars more than it would to pursue professional fixes. Some problems are obvious — like a burst pipe — but how do you know what plumbing problems to fix if they aren’t obvious?
Signs You Have a Plumbing Problem
Believe it or not, plumbing problems could be present and can go unnoticed in your home for quite some time. Whether you’re always on the go or prefer to spend your time inside, you could have lingering leaks, a plumbing clog, or even a sewer line that requires repair.
Here are a few signs of common plumbing issues that you should keep on your radar:
Higher Water Bills
While paying your water bills, have you noticed a gradual increase in the amount owed on each statement? If this is the case, and you’re confident that you haven’t been using more water around the home, this may indicate that a leak is present or that your toilet may be running.
Either way, as soon as you suspect that you’re paying more than what you should be, contact a professional plumber right away to get to the root of the problem as soon as possible.
Slow Draining Water
We’ve all been there: After washing your hands, the water drains out at a glacial pace — or worse, doesn’t leave at all. While this can be frustrating, it is also a good indication of a clogged drain.
Often, a clog forms due to misusing your drain by disposing of large pieces of food or beauty products down the sink or root intrusion.
Mismatched Patches of Grass
Changes in the texture or appearance of your lawn could indicate sewer problems. If a tree root cracks your sewer line or there is another lingering form of damage, leaking sewage will over-fertilize the area and push around dirt. This will lead to those very bright patches of green grass or sunken areas.
10 Common Plumbing Problems You May Experience
Here are some of the most common household plumbing issues and how to fix them yourself or when you should call a plumber.
Leaking Pipes
Usually, leaking pipes make up the majority of plumbing issues, especially if your home is older. Pipes don’t last as long under certain conditions like extreme temperature changes that cause them to expand and contract, causing the copper pipes to break.
For a long-lasting alternative, consider upgrading your piping to PEX pipes that are used in new construction. PEX pipes can last a long time and flex to withstand extreme temperatures.
Sewer Problems
Your sewer system can get backed up and cause pretty nasty plumbing problems. When a sewer line gets clogged, your drains can become clogged as well. A licensed plumber can repair your sewer line and help prevent problems in the future.
Slow-draining Sink
Normally when a sink drains, the water quickly escapes through the drain, never to be seen again. However, if there is a blockage, you will notice that water drains much slower than it should because of a clogged drain or pipe.
Depending on how bad the clog is, you can easily unclog the sink yourself and release the blockage in the pipe. Reach for your handy-dandy plunger or snake to get the job done.
Jammed Garbage Disposal
A very common plumbing problem in most homes is a jammed garbage disposal. Garbage disposals come with a key you can use to unjam it, however, some people lose the key and are left in a pickle.
You can easily unjam your garbage disposal using an Allen wrench to turn and free the motor.
Clogged Shower Drains
One of the most common causes of clogged shower and bathtub drains is hair. Hair can form clumps that clog your drains and make it almost impossible for the water to get through as it should.
As a solution, clean your drain every few months or whenever you notice the water draining slowly. You can use a plunger, snake, or even contact a plumber for help if you can’t unclog your shower.
Low Water Pressure
Buildup from calcium and other minerals can clog your pipes while traveling through them when you run water. Over time, this sediment can cause plumbing problems that lead to low water pressure.
If you notice your water pressure is low, clean your shower head with vinegar to remove the buildup. This method can be used to remove buildup from other fixtures in your home as well.
Worn Out Hose Bibb
Hose bibbs don’t always last through multiple seasons and crack from changes in temperature, especially in cold weather. This can cause your hose to leak. Replace your bibbs regularly to avoid wear and tear.
Water Line Break
Weather conditions, like frost, can cause your pipes to crack. Even a small crack in your pipe can lead to a water line break. If you believe your pipes are cracked, contact a plumber to inspect your pipes and home for water damage and repair the damage for you.
Toilet Issues
If you notice your water bill is a little higher, but don’t see a leak in your faucets, you could have an internal leak in your toilet. If your toilet sounds like it’s constantly running, something could be wrong with its rubber flapper. To fix this issue, you can replace the flapper and help your toilet stop running.
Professional Plumbing Services in Los Angeles, CA
For immediate assistance with your plumbing problems contact Red Lilly Plumbing! Reach out online or call (323) 319-4102 to speak with a representative directly.