Experiencing plumbing issues is not only inconvenient, but it can be quite stressful too. In case you do encounter unfortunate plumbing mishaps, you need to get in touch with reliable plumbers immediately. If you are in Australia, you will be able to find Canberra plumbers in RydeauPlumbing.com.au. Make sure to save their number for you to call them whenever you encounter the most common plumbing problems listed below.
Faulty Faucets
One of the most common plumbing problems that you should be aware of is a faulty faucet. Not only is the sound of dripping quite annoying, but it can take a significant toll on your water bill too. To be able to address this problem, the key is in determining the root cause of your faulty faucet. There are instances wherein this issue is caused by a worn o-ring or the small rubber ring that goes on the stem screw. Fortunately, this is quite easy to replace.
The other causes of faulty faucets include an old cartridge as well as a bad valve seat or washer. The cartridge of your faucet is also known as the aerator or the mesh filter at the end of the spigot. It is here where mineral deposits can eventually build-up, which is why you should replace this once every couple of years. On the other hand, the valve seat rests between the faucet and the spout. Mineral deposits can also be accumulated here, causing them to wear out which leads to leaks.
Leaking Pipes
Another common plumbing problem is leaking pipes, particularly in old structures wherein the pipes are still made of copper. Copper is a durable material but it cannot withstand extreme changes in temperature, which means that frequent contracting and expanding of the pipes will eventually cause them to break, leading to leaks. Fortunately, more and more pipes are now being made out of PEX which proves to be more flexible and resistant to leaks.
Toilet Issues
When you notice a sudden surge in your water bill and you don’t have a dripping faucet, then leaks in your toilet may be the culprit. More often than not, these leaks are caused by a faulty rubber flapper. Over time, this rubber flapper can lose its shape and fail to properly seal the tank, paving the way for leaks. There are instances wherein the chain attached to this flapper is twisted. When it does, the flapper cannot sit properly on the bottom.
Fortunately, it can be quite simple to change the entire flushing mechanism of your toilet. You can even perform a toilet leak test using food colouring.
Clogged Drain
Clogged drains can be caused by various issues. When it comes to clogged toilets, some of these can be resolved by simply using a plunger, but the most serious ones can usually be only addressed by professional plumbers. For clogged sinks and drains though, it is better to call a professional plumber because pouring toxic chemicals in an attempt to unclog your drain may only worsen the problem.
The blockage in your drainage can be caused by hair, soap, toilet paper, and other foreign materials. The best way to prevent any blockage in your drain is to use a drain catch to easily remove the objects that fall down your sink.
The Bottomline
Exert the extra effort to explore some of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners often encounter. When you are aware of these issues, you will be able to act on them promptly. Alongside this, make sure to keep the number of a professional plumber ready because you never know when they will prove to be handy.
