What Are the Most Common Plumbing Repairs? Understanding Common Issues and Solutions

There’s nothing worse than coming face-to-face with a plumbing issue in your home. From leaky faucets to clogged drains, plumbing issues can often feel overwhelming and daunting, especially if you’re not sure what could be causing the problem. To help you prevent (and fix!) common plumbing problems, this post will break down some of the most frequent repairs that come up and offer solutions for each one. Keep reading for an informative look into all things related to plumbing repairs.

Leaky Faucets

This is a plumbing issue that arises due to wear and tear, coupled with the buildup of mineral deposits in the faucet’s mechanism.

When a faucet leaks, it doesn’t just drip water. Over time, the droplets can accumulate and result in significant amounts of wasted water. In fact, a single leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year, equivalent to the amount of water it takes to fill 180 bathtubs.

Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet isn’t a complex task and can be accomplished by either replacing a worn-out washer or cleaning out mineral buildup. You may need a trusted plumbing contractor in Portland who can also assist in identifying the cause of the problem and offer a long-term solution, which may include installing a new faucet or repairing any damaged pipes.

Clogged Drains

As anyone who has ever faced the clogged drain issue knows, it’s downright frustrating. Not only does it stunt your daily routine, but it also puts a damper on your mood and energy levels. The possible causes of clogged drains can be hair buildup, soap scum, food particles, and other debris. Regardless of the cause, the root of the problem lies with unremoved material that blocks the pipe, resulting in water and waste being unable to flow through freely.

So, what can you do to address clogged drains and prevent the issue from recurring? There are several solutions you can employ. First, regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place. For instance, use hair strainers in the shower and bathtub to prevent hair buildup or dispose of food debris correctly instead of sending them down the drain.

If you already have a clogged drain, though, you can try a variety of methods to eliminate it. Plunging the drain with a plunger may be effective for smaller buildup, but for significant problems, you may need the services of a licensed plumber. In such instances, professional plumbing services can provide an assured long-term solution and a thorough inspection to resolve any other underlying issues.

Running Toilets

A running toilet occurs when the flapper valve, which is responsible for controlling the flow of water from the tank to the bowl, fails to seal properly. The result is that water continues to leak into the bowl, causing it to continuously refill and drain. This can also happen if the fill valve fails to shut off properly.

So, what’s the solution? Well, the first step is to identify the cause of the issue. If it’s a faulty flapper valve, it can be easily replaced with a new one. If it’s an issue with the fill valve, it may need to be adjusted or replaced altogether. However, it’s important to note that if you’re not experienced with plumbing, it’s best to leave this task to the professionals, as it can be dangerous and cause further damage if not done correctly.

It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the toilet tank to prevent any buildup that could cause further issues down the line. Using a toilet cleaner that contains bleach will help to disinfect the tank and keep it clean.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are caused by a variety of reasons, including extremely cold weather, poor maintenance, corrosion, and damage to the pipe. When a pipe bursts, it can cause extensive water damage to your home, leading to costly repairs. Moreover, the resulting flooding can be dangerous, causing slips and falls, as well as electrical hazards if the water comes into contact with electrical outlets or appliances.

The good news is that there are several ways to address a burst pipe. Firstly, it’s essential to turn off the water supply to your home to prevent further flooding. Secondly, call in a professional plumber who can locate the damage and offer an appropriate solution. Depending on the severity of the damage, the plumber may need to repair or replace the damaged section of the pipe.

It’s important to remember that preventing burst pipes is always better than dealing with the aftermath of one. To avoid burst pipes, it’s important to have your pipes inspected regularly by a professional plumber. They can identify any issues before they become major problems. Additionally, when temperatures drop, it’s essential to keep your home heated to prevent the pipes from freezing, which can cause them to burst.