Moving into a new home or apartment only to discover that you have a plumbing problem is a different pain. However, every homeowner goes through plumbing issues at some point, and they can come so unexpectedly. Luckily, you can fix most of your plumbing problems at home, or if you don’t want to do the work, you can contact an affordable plumber who knows their onions. You should notice any signs of issues with your plumbing and get them fixed on time so they don’t lead to more serious issues. Here are some of the common plumbing problems and how to fix them.
- Sewer line backup: Problems with the sewer can leave a nasty smell and be extremely unhygienic. If you keep smelling an odor similar to human poop, you’re dealing with a backed-up or clogged sewer line. You may notice the smell coming from your indoor drainage as well. To avoid this problem when moving into a new home, always hire a professional plumber to inspect the sewer and every plumbing system in the house to avoid unnecessary expenses.
The fix: If this problem is on your property, you’ll have to call a plumbing service for Austin sewer replacement, which might cost more than the average plumbing problem. However, the water company is solely responsible if the problem comes from a public road.
- Clogged drains and toilets: If you notice the water doesn’t drain through but accumulates in the sink, toilet, or any other drainage system, you’re dealing with a clogged drain. This problem occurs when something blocks the drain or pipe. It could be hair for sinks and showers or a used tampon and other non-dissolvable materials for toilets. It’s worse when you’re in the bathroom after doing your business because of the smelly mess that can result.
The fix: Use a plunger to help loosen the clog by placing it over the drain or toilet and moving it up and down for suction. When you notice the material coming out, grab it with pliers or tweezers.
- Dripping faucets and pipes: Water dripping from your pipe or faucet is annoying and expensive since you have to pay the water bill eventually. Luckily, it’s easy to spot, which prompts a faster response to fix it. The problem occurs when wear and tear on the washer, making it harder to seal. It then allows for a leak problem. It can be tricky to do this yourself if you don’t have any plumbing experience.
The fix: Replacing the washer inside a leaky faucet will solve this problem. To make the process easier, you could call a professional to help fix it.
- Water heater issues: This one can be annoying, especially during cold environmental conditions like winter. You’re prepared for a nice warm bath, but you turn on the shower, and all you get is cold, freezing water that makes you jump up in pure terror. This problem can be identified when weird noises, dripping water, or discolored water comes from the water heater. Sediment buildup, mineral deposits, or constant leaks usually cause it.
The fix: Inspect the pilot light. If it’s off, there’ll be no hot water. Check to see if you mistakenly turned down the temperature. If it’s a leak, you’ll need professional help from a plumber, and if it’s a deposit or a backup, you can drain the water tank to get rid of it.
- Low water pressure: If there’s a buildup of sediment, a mineral deposit, or a water main break, you might face this problem. When it is ignored, it can become even worse. It makes rinsing items in the sink or shower more difficult. However, this issue is less likely to happen if you’re moving to a new home, but it sometimes does.
The fix: You may require the services of a plumber, but you can also do it yourself. If you think the problem stems from a deposit or buildup on a showerhead, unscrew the tap and put the aerator in a bowl filled with vinegar. If you can’t unscrew the shower head, pour some vinegar into a plastic bag and tie this around the shower head or faucet to loosen the buildup.
Having plumbing problems when you move into a new home can be annoying. However, it is important to get a professional to inspect all your plumbing to prevent them. Follow the tips in the article to fix these common problems.