Introduction
Your plumbing will fail sometimes.
And it’s usually unexpected; without telling signs to give you a hint.
While a lot of them would need you to call your local plumber, there are minor ones that you can fix. All you need is a little knowledge of how it works and the determination to get it done.
We believe in you!
Here are some common plumbing problems to expect as a homeowner and their DIY fixes:
Top 10 Most Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them By Yourself
1. Leaky Pipes
The bulk of the plumbing work in any home comprises pipes. The material used in making some pipes is copper, while others use PEX. When there is a change in temperature, copper pipes will usually expand or contract and could break. The pipes they make with PEX flexes.
Irrespective of the material used in making your pipes, pipes leak. If you allow the leaks for a long time, you would lose so much water. This will increase your water bill. Leaky pipes are common during winter because the water in them freezes and makes the pipe burst.
DIY Solution:
The first step to fixing a leaking pipe is to identify the point of leakage. After that, turn off the water supply in your home. You can repair the leakage by using adhesive putty to seal up the part of the pipe the leak is coming from.
When you’re done fixing the leak, restore the water supply. Allow the water to run through the pipes and check if the leak persists. This is a temporary solution that will prevent your pipes from leaking.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogging in the drain happens when you are not very careful about what goes through the drain. Pouring oil and fatty substances down the drain or allowing food waste to get into it can lead to clogged drains.
DIY Solution:
To unclog your drains, a simple home remedy will help. First, mix one cup of baking powder with half a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Cover the drain with the drain plug and wait for about 10 minutes.
The mixture will bubble down the drain and loosen it. After that, boil water and pour the hot water down the drain. This will help flush out the debris from the pipe.
3. Low Water Pressure
This is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems anyone can have. It happens when the water flowing from your tap or shower does not gush out, rather it trickles. Washing dishes or using the shower becomes a slow and annoying process when the water pressure is low.
DIY Solution:
The quickest way to fix this issue is to clean inside the faucet or showerhead where there is a blockage in the aerator. At other times, you might need to change them. If this does not solve the problem, check the pipe or valve. Having leaks somewhere can reduce the water pressure.
4. Running Toilet
A running toilet would cost you so much because you will use up so much water for as long as it persists. The commonest reason for a running toilet is when the flapper valve is faulty. It is the flapper valve that controls the movement of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
DIY Solution:
With a toilet repair kit, you can fix the problem of a running toilet. However, if you are not familiar with the inner workings of a toilet, it is best to call a plumbing professional in Missoula to fix. This is important so that you don’t cause more damage and end up spending more to fix it.
5. Slow-draining Sink
Where there is a blockage in your plumbing, it could prevent water from flowing smoothly through your sink.
DIY Solution:
You can use a drain snake. It will help to remove hairs that could block the sink.
You can also use a plunger to remove the blockage. When you have removed whatever that was blocking the sink, pour hot water down the sink. The hot water will remove any grease that is lurking in the sink.
6. Water Heater Problems
Nobody wants to have problems with their water heater, especially during winter. Thankfully, we’ve got a solution for you if this problem occurs, so you can go back to enjoying your water heater.
DIY Solution:
If the problem is because of a build-up of sediments, you can clean it up. However, if the thermostat is bad or the pilot light won’t come up, you need professional help.
7. Jammed Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are appliances in the home. It is under the kitchen sink. It is the object between the drain and the trap of the sink. Jammed garbage disposal could be because of food particles or other objects getting stuck in it.
DIY Solution:
When this happens, use the reset button to fix it. You can also open it using the key or a wrench. After loosening it, you can unclog it and fix it back.
8. Leaky Hose Bibb
The hose bibb could lose its integrity and crack when there are changes in temperature. When this happens, the hose leaks. With a leaky hose bibb, you will lose a lot of water and increase your water bill.
DIY Solution:
Use hose bibb that is frost-proof. This will reduce the hose bibb’s rate of leaking. That way, they will serve you for a long time despite the changes in temperature.
9. Sewer Problems
When your sewer system emits nauseating smells or gets clogged, you need to check it and fix the problem. The problem could come from a blocked main sewer or the sewer lines have collapsed due to age.
DIY Solution:
While you can try flushing down your toilet when you have a sewer problem. This is only a temporary measure. Call for help from experienced professionals who can identify the problem and fix it.
10. Dripping Faucets
It is common to have your faucet dripping non-stop all day. The rhythmic sound becomes a part of your home. You can even hear the sound in your head when you are away from home. The constant drip causes you to lose water and increases your bill.
DIY Solution:
The problem is mostly because of worn-out O-rings. It could also be because there was an improper installation of the faucet. With a plumbing kit, you can replace the faulty O-ring. You can find the right size of O-ring at Walmart or Home Depot. Or shop for it online on Amazon.
If you get stuck with using the DIY tips we shared to fix these common plumbing problems, contact us. We provide professional and trustworthy plumbing services in Missoula.
