If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ll have to deal with a plumbing problem at some point. Your plumbing system is a complex system of pipes that carry water to and from your home. Common problems can include a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a broken pipe. In most cases, these problems can be fixed relatively easily if the homeowner knows what they are doing. However, some problems may require the help of a professional plumber.
If you are in need of a professional plumber, it is important to find a service with expertise and years of experience. Depending on where you live, you can do a search for “plumbers in Albuquerque,” for example, to find a plumbing company in your area. A plumbing service can take care of any issue and help restore normal plumbing function to your home. However, if you do encounter a smaller plumbing issue, it’s helpful to know how to troubleshoot problems. Let’s take a look at some common plumbing problems.
Leaky Faucet
If your faucet is leaking, the first step is to identify the type of faucet you have. There are three general types: compression, cartridge, and ceramic disc. Each type has its own way of being repaired.
Compression faucets have a washer that needs to be replaced when it becomes worn. To do this, turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove the handle by unscrewing it from the valve stem. The washer is located under the handle. Replace it with a new one and reattach the handle.
For cartridge faucets, you’ll need to replace the entire cartridge. Shut off the water supply and remove the handle. Detach the cartridge by pulling it straight out. Insert a new cartridge and reattach the handle.
Ceramic disc faucets don’t usually leak, but you’ll need to replace both discs if they do. Shut off the water supply and remove both handles. Detach discs by pushing them in from either side and replacing them with new ones. Reattach handles and turn on the water supply. Leaky faucets can be a pain, but often the solution is simple.
Clogged Drain
The easiest way to take care of a clogged drain is to use a plunger. With enough force and vigorous movements, you can create enough suction to dislodge most clogged drains. However, if you don’t have a plunger or the clog is particularly stubborn, there are other ways to troubleshoot the issue. One way is to use a chemical drain cleaner. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle carefully, and always wear gloves when using them.
Additionally, you might try to use a metal hanger. Straighten out the hanger and bend one end into a hook shape. Reach into the drain and try to snag the clog. If you can’t reach it, you can also try bending the hanger so that it forms a J-shape, then use the hook end to try to snag the clog. If neither of those methods works, you can try using a shop vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Put the attachment over the drain and turn it on high power. The suction could pull up whatever is blocking the drain.
Running Toilet
If your toilet is constantly running, it can be annoying and wasteful. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem. The first step is to identify what might be causing the issue. There are several common causes of a running toilet, including a worn flapper valve, a clogged or dirty toilet bowl, and an improperly adjusted flush valve.
Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem, there are a few fixes you can try. If your toilet is running because of a worn flapper valve, you can replace it yourself fairly easily. If your toilet is running because of a clogged or dirty bowl, you can try cleaning it out using a plunger or even a snake. If your toilet is running because of an improperly adjusted flush valve, you may need to adjust it yourself or call in a plumber for help.
If you’re dealing with a plumbing issue, you’re not alone. Plumbing problems are some of the most common household issues. Fortunately, many of them can be easily fixed. With a little understanding, most homeowners can troubleshoot basic plumbing issues. However, for any issues that you are comfortable addressing, it is important that you call a professional plumber to help correct the problem.
