Plumbing is one of things that is generally ignored when things are running smoothly but becomes the center of attention the moment anything goes wrong. From broken pipes to clogged drains, there are many problems that can occur with your home’s plumbing, especially in older homes. Here are three common plumbing problems that can occur and how to fix them.
- Clogged Drains: One of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged drain. These can happen very easily and very quickly as well. One minute the bathtub is draining normally, and the next…nothing is happening and you’re left with a tub full of standing water. This can also happen with sinks. In both cases, the culprit more often than not is a blockage somewhere in the pipe that is blocking the flow of water. One possible solution to fixing a clogged drain is to purchase drain cleaner. By following the directions, minor blockages can be easily cleared up. However, if the clog is major, it might be necessary to call in a plumber to have them take the drain apart to see where the clog is. Without professional help to clean up major clogs, the problem will only grow worse until the blockage is removed.
- Leaky Pipes: Leaky pipes are one of the most common and most annoying plumbing problems in existence. While a constant dripping sound can be infuriating, depending on where the pipe is, it could also be a symptom of a larger issue. A pipe may be leaking because it is starting to fail, in which case it will need to be replaced. Leaky pipes might also occur due to being improperly installed. Unless the pipe can simply be fixed by tightening a joint, a leaky pipe will typically require the services of a plumber. By taking care of a leaky pipe promptly, more severe problems can be prevented.
- Broken Pipes: This is the most extreme of the problems listed here, but it can be fairly common during the winter. If the temperature plunges low enough, pipes can easily freeze and burst, leading to a host of problems. Pipes can also break due to age or being poorly maintained. In either case, the only way to fix a broken pipe is to promptly call a plumber so they can assess and repair the problem as quickly as possible. Depending on how many broken pipes there are, this may mean using a temporary fix first, to stop any flooding, and then returning for a permanent fix at a later date.
In conclusion, three common problems that can happen with plumbing include clogged drains, leaky pipes, and broken pipes. While clogged drains can sometimes be cleared up with common drain cleaner, leaky pipes and broken pipes will almost always need to be fixed by a plumbing service. If the pipes are properly maintained, it should be relatively easy to avoid these three problems in the future.
