We use plumbing every day whether it’s to wash the dishes or take a hot shower. With constant use, it’s no surprise homeowners run into issues with their plumbing. Here are some helpful tips to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Know the location:
- Water Shutoff Valves
- Gas Shutoff Valves
- Circuit Breaker Panel
1. Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets waste water and can cause costly damage if they aren’t taken care of promptly.
Common Causes of Leaky Faucets
Some common causes of leaky faucets include bad o-rings, corroded valve sets, worn-out washers or seals, and loose or broken parts.
Repairing a Leaky Faucet
The first step to repair a leaky faucet is to shut off the fixture’s hot and cold water supply to prevent more damage. Next, turn the faucet handles on to make sure water doesn’t come out of the faucet. This double checks the shutoff is working correctly and relieves any pressure inside the faucet. You can remove the faucet handles and examine the valve assembly for damage. Replacement parts may be available at your local hardware center but repairs are usually best left to the pros.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a nuisance and create a mess. You may have a clogged drain or toilet if you notice the water is draining slower than normal, you can smell bad odors near the drain, you hear gurgling sounds, or water is backing up. The sooner the slow drain is identified and fixed, the easier the repair and less mess.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can happen in sinks, showers, toilets, and even the laundry room. Some common substances that buildup and cause clogged drains include hair, grease, soap scum, and food waste. Personal hygiene products that are not toilet paper should not be flushed down the toilet, this includes “Flushable Wipes”. Starchy foods should not go through the garbage disposal.
Fixing a Clogged Drain
One of the simplest ways to clear a clogged drain is to use a plunger. To use a plunger, place it over the hole in the toilet or sink, then push and pull the plunger. The pressure will cause the clog to break up. Afterwards, send hot water down the drain for a few minutes to clear any remaining debris.
If the plunger doesn’t take care of the problem. Give Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing a call. Our plumbing department is equipped to handle clogs throughout your home.
3. Water Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Water
If you’ve turned on your shower, faucet, or bath and the water is running cold, this is a sign there could be an issue with your water heater.
Common Causes of Water Heaters Failing
There are two types of water heaters – electric and gas. For electric water heaters, losing power or a broken heating element may be the reason your water is running cold. For gas water heaters, the cause could be an issue with the pilot light, burner, or gas connection.
Fixing a Water Heater
Water heaters are complicated and usually repair work should be completed by a professional. There are a few basic troubleshooting options to use before calling a plumber.
For electric water heaters, the first step is to check whether the power source is working. Look to see if the breaker has tripped, and if so, the issue may be with faulty wiring, loose connections, or the heating element is damaged. These issues should be dealt with by a professional.
For gas water heaters, check that your gas is on and the pilot light is on. If it is not, we recommend using the official owner’s manual for your unit and following the steps presented to reset and reignite the light. Because working with gas can be dangerous, we recommend contacting a professional to deal with gas water heater issues.
4. Dripping Pipes
Dripping pipes are messy, annoying, and can become costly when water is wasted.
Common Causes of Dripping Pipes
Dripping pipes can be caused by temperature changes, clogged pipes, damaged joints, tree roots, corroded pipes, and degraded seals.
Fixing Dripping Pipes
A temporary fix may be possible, but it is always best to have parts replaced or repaired by professionals who can identify the root cause of issues. A small drip can turn into a big gush of water in the blink of the eye. When in doubt, shut off the water.
5. Outside Faucets (Hose Bibbs)
Outside faucets are prone to damage and freezing because they are exposed to the elements. You may use your outside faucet for the first time in the spring and have a leak inside you didn’t know about or dripping where the hose connects.
Common Causes of Damaged Outside Faucets
Leaving a hose connected over the winter does not allow an outside faucet, even a “frost-free”, to drain properly. The water stays in the faucet. When the water freezes, it expands, it can split pipes open or damage seals.
Fixing Outside Faucets
The best fix for an outside faucet is to prevent it from breaking. Always disconnect hoses when not in use. If it has an indoor shutoff, close it during cold months. New installation, replacement, and repairs are best left to the professionals.
Still Stuck? Call the Professionals at Henry Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing
Your plumbing system is a complex feature of your home. While some issues are easily diagnosed and fixed, most require help from professional plumbers. At Henry, our team is available to help whether you need a new plumbing system installed, or just have a leaky faucet that needs to be repaired. Find out more about our Residential Plumbing Services here, or contact us today to discuss your plumbing needs.
