You might not think about your plumbing very often, but it’s an important part of your home and needs attention when something goes wrong. Problems with your plumbing can be inconvenient and even dangerous, so it’s important to know what to look for and when to get professional assistance. Luckily, plumbing problems are not always serious emergencies but can be addressed with simple fixes at home. Here is a list of common plumbing problems and their symptoms so you can be prepared if yours happens to you too!
A sudden and unexpected burst or leaking pipe is an alarming sign that you need to get a plumber immediately. Burst pipes can be dangerous if they are in unventilated areas of your home, such as crawl spaces and attics. Leaking pipes will cause water damage to your flooring and walls. If you smell a distinct rotten egg smell, it is a sign that your pipes are leaking and need to be replaced. If you see water on the floor or walls, you should also call a plumber right away.
Dripping water from faucets or fixtures is a sign that you may have a clogged drain or a leaky pipe. If you have a clogged pipe, you can try plunging the faucets to clear the blockage. You can also call a plumber to come out and clear the blockage for you. A leaking pipe can be fixed with a pipe repair kit, but you should call a plumber immediately if the leaking doesn’t stop. If you have a leaking pipe, you will also want to make sure you have a back-up water supply in case the pipes break.
Clogged drains can be caused by hair, food scraps, and other debris that get caught in the pipes. If you have a clogged drain, you can try using a plunger or a snake to unclog it, but you should call a plumber if these methods don’t work. If you have a backed-up sewer, you will want to make sure you have a toilet auger on hand to avoid a messy and costly repair. If you have a backed-up sewer, you will also want to make sure you have a back-up water supply in case the sewer breaks.
If you have no hot water or cold water, it is likely that your water heater is broken and needs to be replaced. You can try to repair the water heater yourself, but you should call a plumber immediately if you experience no hot water. If you have a backed-up sewer, you will want to make sure you have a toilet auger on hand to avoid a messy and costly repair. If you have a backed-up sewer, you will also want to make sure you have a back-up water supply in case the sewer breaks.
If you turn the faucets and nothing comes out, it’s likely that your water main has frozen. You can try to thaw the main with hot water, but you should call a plumber immediately if you don’t have any luck. If you have a backed-up sewer, you will want to make sure you have a toilet auger on hand to avoid a messy and costly repair. If you have a backed-up sewer, you will also want to make sure you have a back-up water supply in case the sewer breaks.
You can avoid many plumbing problems by regularly inspecting your pipes and water main, and by scheduling regular plumbing maintenance. Keep in mind that plumbing problems are inevitable, but they don’t have to be expensive or disruptive. With proper maintenance and a positive attitude, you can keep your plumbing in good working order for years to come.