Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, you may have some essential tools to fix minor plumbing emergencies. Some issues, such as changing a drain cover or a worn-out washer, don’t require professional attention.
However, ignoring the need to hire a professional plumber for serious issues such as leaking toilets or slow drains may cause a lot of damage in the long run. For plumbing emergencies that require advanced skills, look for a Local Orange County plumber if you are a resident of the area. For the rest, you can ask for recommendations for a qualified plumber from friends or family or search for a skilled plumber near me.
Common Plumbing Repair Tasks
Despite having a regular home inspection schedule, occasional leaks and clogs, especially in older homes, are inevitable. With time your septic system may develop problems and cause your drains and toilets to clog. Such issues are common but require the attention of experts.
Dripping faucets
Dripping faucets can be such a nuisance, they’ll not only interrupt your sweet sleep and drive you crazy around your home, but you’ll pay more for your water bill. According to the experts, only one faucet sends over 100 gallons of water in a year to the drain.
Water enters your home through the pipes under pressure. Whenever you turn off your taps, silicone-based or rubber washers, create a watertight cover to prevent more water from passing via the pipes to the outlet.
However, with time, washers get torn, dislodged, or stiff, and therefore allow some water to pass through, which explains the annoying drip. You may be tempted to repair the washer by yourself, but don’t forget that such a repair job can be a monumental challenge and require the use of specialized tools. Besides, not all sinks use washers, and so the task may be more complex than you thought. In case of dripping faucets, call a skilled plumber.
Running toilet
Your toilet could run because the flapper regulator through which water passes to the bowl does not fit well. Also, maybe the filling duct is loose, or it could be an imbalanced float. There are various reasons that could cause your toilet to run, and a professional plumber can help identify the root cause. If you decide to repair a running toilet without establishing the leading cause for the leakage, you’ll only make things worse.
Leaky pipes
The last thing you need as a homeowner is a leaky pipe. That’s because no one can stand the unpleasant smell emanating from leaking pipes. Leaking is common at the joints. Your plumber may recommend joint fillers, but that’s a temporary solution. The best solution for leaking pipes is replacing the pipe’s fittings or part of the pipe. Also, replacing a leaking U-joint below your sink isn’t cumbersome, but things can get messy. By leaving such repairs to the experts, you’ll save yourself the stress of cleaning up the mess.
Clogged or slow drains
If your drains can’t pass water or they are slow, it’s apparent that there’s a clog- either complete or partial. In such a case, a plunger can help by using air pressure. However, they can’t eliminate the clog completely. Also, constant use of corrosive materials may destroy your pipes. To avoid such, engage a skilled plumber, and your drains will be as good as new ones.