Household plumbing issues are more prevalent than expected. Leakage can cause the loss of gallons of water per house, and when combined, the loss is jaw-dropping. Little drops of water, they say, make an ocean; tiny drops from leaky pipes or faulty faucets can accumulate to create a bigger problem.
Fortunately, there is a solution for every plumbing problem in your home. One way is to troubleshoot the problem, especially if you know the source. However, if it is a constant issue, it may be time to hire residential plumbers to fix it professionally. Doing this prevents water damage and expensive repairs.
Common Residential Plumbing Issues and Solutions
Several plumbing problems are common in homes, and knowing what to look for is crucial. Sometimes, the issue requires immediate attention, and you must quickly find a temporary solution while waiting for a plumber. What do you do? Let’s discuss some of these issues and how to solve them.
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Pipe Leakage: Turn Off the Water
Leaking pipes is one of the most common plumbing issues in residential properties. You may not notice it quickly, but the dripping pipe worsens over time, becoming a potentially expensive repair. It is prevalent in basements, bathrooms, or kitchens, where the damage can be the worst.
If you notice a leaking pipe, turn off the water supply to the house. There is usually nothing else to do but wait for the plumber to arrive. Replacing the pipes is not a layman’s job, so contact a trained plumber as quickly as possible.
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Expired Hose Bib: Wait for the Plumber
A hose bib is a small faucet that allows you to connect the main line to the house exterior. You can channel water to the outside of the house for easy access using the bib, but like other faucets, it may develop faults and start leaking over time. The danger of hose bibs is that you may not immediately notice the leakage, which costs the house lots of water. This is particularly applicable if the faucet is in a less-traveled part of the exterior.
Like leaking pipes, the best thing to do when you notice an expired bib is to turn off the main water valve. That will mean not having water in the house, but it should drive you to find a reliable plumber to fix the problem. Unless you have the training, it is best to have a trained professional replace the hose bib.
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Damaged Faucets: Use the Dedicated Valve
Most faucets are designed to last a long time. Because they are usually inside the house, they are shielded from weather elements that can quickly cause damage. However, they do not last forever; after some time, you will notice dripping from one or more. Dripping faucets is not strange, but you must fix them to save costs.
Ensure they are fully closed and monitor the dripping. If it continues and worsens over time, turn off the valve controlling the water supply to that part of the house and call for assistance. It is better to shut off the dedicated valve than the main valve. That way, you can use water inside the house while waiting for help.
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Leak in the Toilet Tank: Check the Flapper
Toilet leaks are the worst, especially when it happens inside the tank. It is easier to notice and fix, although not entirely better, if the leakage is outside and on the floor. Lots of water on the restroom floor is enough to alert anyone to a plumbing problem.
However, when the pipe inside the tank is faulty, water will continuously drain and refill, costing you an arm and a leg in bills. If you suspect an issue with the toilet plumbing, check the flapper. The flapper is a rubber part that sits at the bottom and seals the tank. If it gets out of shape, the tank leaks water. Straighten or replace it if necessary, or have a professional do the job.
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Insufficient Water Pressure: Increase the Pressure
Sometimes, the supply from the main source is too slow, and the pressure is weak. When that happens, you notice that the water in the house is insufficient. While the municipal may have issues with water supply, sometimes, the problem may be a clogged water line. However, there is no way to know unless you properly inspect it.
Flush the line with lots of water; this may take some time if the pressure is low. If that does not work, consider replacing the line or specific faucets since they may be faulty. Ensure the main valve is fully open and functioning well, as it can determine how the pressure operates. Click here to understand how to check pressure in your home.
Hiring Residential Plumbing Professionals for Peace of Mind
Researching and learning what makes a reliable plumber is vital to getting the best results. You cannot simply pick the first professional on a list; find out all you can and select several while at it. Compare their experience and record of success before deciding. The following are ways to find the best professionals in your area.
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Get Feedbacks
Your first step is to ask for recommendations and check online reviews, that is if the service company has an online presence. Find out what people have to say about its service. Did it do a good job? How long did the repairs last? How is the customer service and communication? Answers to these questions should help you make an informed decision.
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Check Experience
Another critical aspect is the experience of the plumbing professional. Many active years in the field usually equate to experience, but this is not always the case. Speak to other users and read up on what the service has done in the past. Customer reviews should also tell you much about the service so you know whether to choose another option.
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Compile Quotes
When choosing a service to work with, getting more than one price quote is to your advantage. It is easier to place them side by side and compare the services and prices than to check them individually.
Therefore, get four or five quotes from trusted professionals and pick the one that best suits your needs.
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Check Licenses and Permits
Every plumber must be licensed by the appropriate authorities. They must also have a work permit for that area and insurance to cover costs. If these are not in place, it is best to look for other options. Check out this resource, https://buildersacademy.edu.au/, to learn how to become a plumber in Australia.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues should be easy to fix if you know what to look for, such as a leaking pipe, faucet, a damaged hose bib, or low water pressure. Getting a plumber is excellent, but knowing how to fix the problem temporarily is also great. When hiring a repair professional, ensure they have permits, licenses, insurance, and experience. You will save on costs that way.
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