Sometimes minor plumbing problems can worsen if left unresolved. If you know of an issue with the plumbing in your home, don’t hesitate to fix it right away, regardless of whether or not it has become a major problem yet. The more of this maintenance that you can do on your own, the more money that you will save in the long run since you don’t have to rely on expensive plumbers all of the time.
The more that you know about plumbing the easier these minor issues will be to fix on your own.
Table of Contents
Leaking Toilet
One of the most common issues with a toilet is a leaking one. If your toilet is leaking there are quite a few things that can cause this, from an old seal due to overuse to a crack in the toilet itself. If it seems to be leaking around the seal you should replace the ring connected to the flange and caulk that area. To do this you will need to flush out all water from the tank, remove the lid, and then remove the old ring and replace it with a new one by pressing down firmly and pinching in the edges until seated.
Once you have replaced the ring, secure the bolts with an adjustable wrench and reattach the waterline. If your toilet is leaking because of a crack, run a putty knife around the base to remove the caulk that has dried out or become old. Then apply the new caulk in small amounts until the edges are completely sealed. If it is leaking because of being overfilled, you will need to adjust the float in the tank.
Toilet Won’t Flush
If your toilet is not flushing or running water when you press down on the handle there are a few things that could be causing this issue. The first thing that you should check is if it needs to be plunged. If the plunger isn’t working or doesn’t completely clear out the toilet you should replace it as soon as possible. The next thing that you should check is if there are any leaks around where water comes from to fill up the tank. If there are, tighten them down and make sure they don’t leak anymore.
If your tank is leaking between the tank and bowl you need to replace the wax ring which seals the water in. To do this begin by emptying all of the water from your tank and flushing it a few times. Then disconnect your supply line, remove bolts under the toilet bowl and lift off-tank. Remove the old seal and apply a new one that matches up with the bottom of the bowl. Once you have replaced the seal set your tank back in place, tightening bolts to secure it tightly.
Water Heater Not Working or Too Hot
If your water heater is not working properly there are many things that could be causing this issue. If you have recently changed the temperature setting on it and it still isn’t heating up enough, then there is either a lack of hot water in the water heater or obstruction somewhere in the lines. You should check all lines that lead into your water heater for any obstructions, which you can remove using something like plastic string.
If the water heater isn’t heating up enough, check for a pilot light that is not lit. If it is out you should relight it and then wait a few hours to see if it heats up again.
Low Water Pressure
If your water pressure is low, then there are a few things that could be causing this issue. One of these causes is sediment buildup in the lines leading to your faucet. Sediment will build up over time and can cause many problems because it restricts flow through those lines. You should run all the hot and cold water coming into your house to rid the system of sediment buildup.
The second thing that could cause low water pressure is a crack in one or any of your water pipes. If you have significant sediment build then this problem might even be worse if the pipe cracks completely and more sediment begins to block flow into those lines as well. If you suspect that your issue is with the pipes you should have a plumber inspect it for you.
Once you have resolved your issue, be sure to flush out any residue that could lead to buildup in the future. This is also good practice before having company over for the first time after resolving an issue because sediment can make the water appear discolored if not completely clean. By doing this you can also check for leaks that could indicate future problems.
If your pipes are just leaking, then it’s time to call a plumber if the problem persists. This is especially true if you notice any odd smells coming from the water running through them, which could mean they are rotting out and need to be replaced before things get worse.
Dripping Faucet
Dripping faucets are usually not something that you should ignore. A small leak can waste gallons of water in your home per day, which will definitely add up over time. If it is dripping slowly, then there might be an object stuck inside the drainpipe or in another part of the system causing the problem.
If it’s leaking at a faster pace, then the seal which connects the faucet to the pipe might be worn out or broken. You can check this by removing it and inspecting it closely. If you notice any cracks replace them as soon as possible because they won’t stop leaking until fixed.
Once you have solved your issue with your dripping faucet, be sure to maintain it properly so that it doesn’t happen again. This could include checking for worn or missing parts which need to be replaced instead of just being tightened down. It’s also good practice to have a plumber inspect your faucets once every year or two so they can replace any worn parts before they fail altogether and lead to bigger problems.
Low Water Pressure In Shower
If you have noticed that your water pressure in the shower is significantly lower than usual, then it could be because of a blockage somewhere in the pipes leading to the showerhead. It might also mean that there is an issue with sediment buildup and it’s time to flush out your showers lines like we
Sewer Line Issues
If you have noticed a bad smell coming from your drains, then it could be because there is a blockage in the line. In order to determine which part of the system has a problem, you should get a plumber to snake out your main lines and inspect them for any obstructions that might indicate future problems.
In addition, this will help you assess whether or not it is a good idea to install a grinder pump. In the event that there is a blockage, then this will give them access to try and clear it from where they are at rather than having to dig up your yard.
Most of these issues can be resolved by calling a plumber and professional who knows how to handle any plumbing problems. However, there are some preventative measures that you can take to help eliminate the chances of these things happening in the future. These include flushing your drains with hot or cold water regularly depending on which season it is and checking for leaks every few months.
Leaky Pipes Under the Sink or In Wall
If the issue is your main water line, then calling a plumber is probably your best option. If you can’t wait for them to come and turn off the water for you, then opening up the house and using the shut-off valve yourself may be an option. You should know how to do this before you open up your house because it will be near impossible to find the shut-off without doing so.
If your issue is with your sewer line then you should definitely call a plumber as soon as possible because this could become very serious if ignored. A blockage in the system will back everything up into your bathrooms and possibly your kitchen, which can lead to a major health hazard.
If you don’t know how to handle the problem yourself and your plumber isn’t available for some reason, then you should contact a local emergency service and pay them through an emergency line if possible. They should be able to send someone out as soon as they can find someone who is not already busy with another resident.
Clogged Toilets
If your toilet is clogged, then you should probably call a plumber. Getting the plunger out and trying to force it down might work for you, but there are some cases where the blockage is simply too severe for this solution. A good quality plunger can be bought at any hardware store or on Amazon for less than ten dollars, so it’s worth a shot before shelling out money for a service call.
The most important thing is to listen to your gut and identify when your efforts are not working because in some cases you will need the expertise of a professional plumber. If they are unable to clear the blockage then calling someone who specializes in broken or clogged pipes is your best option.
Sink Not Draining
If you don’t feel like paying for a plumber, then the same steps which you would take to clear your sink of an object (see above) should work for this as well. The main difference is that the water will drain after flushing it repeatedly and trying to break the clog up with a plunger as well as removing as much water as possible with a bucket and cloth.
If this fails, then it is time to call the plumber because there might be a broken or cracked pipe behind the sink which needs to be replaced by someone who has experience doing so. If you notice standing water in your sink for an extended period of time and have tried everything, then it is time to call someone so you can avoid flooding your house.
In Conclusion
Any plumbing job should be left to a professional as soon as you realize that you can’t handle it yourself. This will prevent the issue from becoming worse and costing more money in the long run. You might also want to call an electrician if you notice signs of electricity, which may indicate faulty wiring.
