10 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them
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10 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them (Part 2)

ByLizbeth Andaya

Plumbing can be one of the most common problems for a homeowner. With many plumbing companies around, finding a plumbing company to help you might seem easy. But sometimes, we must fix a few minor problems ourselves before calling for professional help. As we continue from our previous blog topic, here is additional information about the common issues and the simple ways to fix them:

6. Defective water heater

how to solve defective water heater

One of the worst things that can happen while taking a supposedly warm and soothing bath in the shower is when your water heater suddenly malfunctions and you get cold instead of hot water. If your water heater breaks, your only choice is to have it fixed by a plumber.

7. Sewer line back-up 

sewer line backup

Having a backed-up sewer system can be quite a stressful and unhygienic experience. If you keep sensing that persistent foul odor resembling that of human waste, it’s a telltale sign of a clogged sewer line. You may notice an unpleasant smell coming from your drains in the bathroom or kitchen. Fixing a sewer system backup may cost a lot of money, especially if the problem happens on your property. You must bear the expenses and hire a plumbing expert to determine the blockage’s location. However, if the backup problem is located within a public road and the water company is at fault, it will fix it for you. Nonetheless, to avoid such issues in the future, you have to be careful with what you flush down your toilet and drain. The rule is not to treat your toilet and drain as a trash can. Another cause of blockage in your sewer line is tree roots invading and damaging your pipes.

8. Jammed garbage disposal 

jammed garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are quite handy for they grind whatever food substances that get through your drain. However, this equipment can also get worn out and sometimes become clogged up, especially when you run it without water and when nasty debris or silverware has gotten inside. When this happens, the first thing you do is turn the disposal off and open it. If you can’t open it using its key, a plumber can help you fix the problem.

9. Running toilet 

running toilet

Usually, a leaking toilet can be due to a leaky flapper, an overflow pipe at the wrong height, or a bad fill valve. If the leak’s source is at the toilet’s base, it means the wax seal under the toilet has failed; thus, water pools around the base. Good thing that fixing a running toilet is easy and can be done without calling in a plumber, provided you have a few essential tools such as pliers, a hacksaw, and maybe a new fill valve to replace the defective one. Still, some of the tricks you can do for the repair work are:

  • checking the flush valve and the fill valve to determine the source of the leak;
  • inspecting the flapper; and lastly,
  • using food coloring to determine a silent leak.

10.  Clogged toilet

clogged toilet

Toilets failing to drain and the toilet bowl filling up occur when your toilet is clogged. Clogged toilets result from throwing nasty debris like tissue paper and plastic into the toilet bowl, which causes obstruction. Such practice must be avoided. You can use plumbing tools like the plunger, snake, or auger to fix clogged toilets. If you repeatedly have the same issues, then hiring a professional plumber is the answer.

Fight plumbing problems and expensive mistakes.

Knowing common plumbing problems helps homeowners be prepared for what needs to be done at home to solve the issue before it worsens beyond repair. Licensed plumbers are available to assist us with our plumbing needs. While it’s true that plumbing professionals are the right people to ask for help when faced with plumbing disasters, it still goes a long way if homeowners are aware of preventive measures and the basics of fixing plumbing mishaps.

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