Top 10 Plumbing Problems & Helpful Tips

When it comes to your home’s plumbing system, it’s a good idea to have an idea of the most common household plumbing problems along with what to do if you face one. Here are the top 10 most common plumbing problems and some helpful tips in dealing with them.

Dripping Faucet

Drip. Drip. Drip. It’s the most annoying noise in the world if you’re trying to read a book nearby, but you can fix it simply by replacing the faucet’s washer. To extend the faucet washer’s life, avoid turning it off with too much force.

Leaking Pipe

It’s estimated that the average American household wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year because of leaks, which amounts to about 270 loads of laundry. If those same households all installed water-efficient fixtures, they would collectively save $18 billion and three trillion gallons annually. If you have a leaking pipe, it’s important to contact a professional plumber immediately to inspect the issue, ensuring you don’t waste a gallon or dollar more than needed.

No Hot Water

The most common call plumbing companies in Dwight, Illinois, receive is about a water heater issue that results in no hot water. Before contacting a plumbing company check these items:

• The light is lit if you have a gas water heater with a pilot light
• The temperature setting is high enough to provide an adequate amount of hot water
• The water heater is big enough to meet the needs of your home

Water Heater Leak

If your water heater leaks, it’s definitely time to contact a professional plumber. Leaks usually signal that the bottom of the water storage tank has started to rust, which means you’ll likely need to replace the unit.

Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is the second most common plumbing problem. You can avoid a clogged drain by watching what you put in it, especially in the kitchen. Never put fats, oils or cooking grease down a drain. Egg shells are bad, too.

Frozen Pipe

There’s no doubt the winters in Dwight, Illinois, can produce harsh conditions, and your home’s pipes aren’t immune to suffering the consequences. If your pipes have frozen, it’s imperative that you contact a professional plumber.

Here’s how to prevent freezing pipes to avoid this potentially costly and stressful repair.

• Keep your home temperature at 68 degrees or higher during the winter.
• Disconnect garden hoses, and install covers on every faucet that’s outside.
• Open cabinet doors below indoor sinks to allow the home’s heat to reach these areas.

Clogged Toilet

Rushing to the bathroom only to find out that your toilet is clogged is never a fun time. While a plunger is usually your weapon of choice for this common issue, you should contact a plumber if it becomes a reoccurring problem without explanation. Remember to only flush toilet paper, too.

Running Toilet

If your toilet makes a low humming noise without stopping after it’s been flushed, it usually indicates a problem with one of its fixtures. Turn the water off, and check for a bad fill valve or a leaky flapper.

Water Softener Issue

If your water softener isn’t working, it could be the result of any numerous issues. Unless you’re trained to work on this system, it’s best to leave the troubleshooting to a professional plumber to prevent further damage to it.

Shutoff Valve Malfunction

The best way to deal with a bad shutoff valve is to replace it with a new quarter-turn ball valve. This type of valve rarely leaks, locks up or wears out. It also only takes an hour to install.

Major plumbing repairs should be left to the professionals to avoid further damage to your pipes and other water fixtures. If you’d like more information about the residential and commercial plumbing services we offer in Dwight, Illinois, and the surrounding communities, check out our plumbing page or contact Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, Electric and Geothermal at (815) 692-4471.