Plumbing rarely crosses our mind until there’s an emergency. Then it’s too late to do anything and we need to call the plumber.
Plumbing services cost money and it can be difficult finding a reliable plumber. Instead, try avoiding these plumbing issues, and if you encounter them, this is how you can deal with them:
1. Leaky pipes
When you start seeing wet spots on your ceiling or floor, this means you’ve got leaky pipes to fix. It’s crucial to do it straight away because water can cause serious damage to your home. You can go to your local hardware place to find a joint filler but that’s only a temporary solution. If there’s a big burst, you should call the plumber immediately. The safest way to prevent this is to keep the water at the same temperature throughout the night and day.
2. Low water pressure
Water pressure is quickly detectable since water starts dripping instead of pouring in a stream.
It’s mostly found in old homes since it’s caused by broken leaky pipes and a build-up of minerals in the tap aerators. Cleaning the aerator with vinegar is the first remedy, and if that doesn’t work, replacing the tap faucet or showerhead will fix the issue. If this doesn’t help, then there’s a chance that there’s a bigger problem like a breach or a leak in pipes leading to your house. Keeping the faucet clean and using water filters can prevent low water pressure.
3. Clogged bath drains
These are easily spotted, usually when it takes too long for water to go down. The most common culprit is the hair, so be careful when washing your hair. In Australia, where water conservation is of great importance, people are aware that having good plumbing is a key to saving water, especially if you live in a place where it’s expensive to spend money on things that can be avoided. Having blocked drains in Sydney is easily fixed, but also easily preventable. Always pick up the hair strands, or use a plunger. Cooking grease and cosmetic products can also lead to blocked drains. If you want to unclog drains by yourself, you can try using baking soda to take care of the issue for a short time, but the safest thing to do is to be careful and use a drain guard.
4. Running toilet
Nobody wants to waste water so that’s why the running toilet is so bothersome. If your toilet runs water all the time, it means there’s an inner issue to be fixed. Usually, it’s a flapper valve that isn’t working properly. Other issues include loose fill tube, float apparatus or residue that stops water from flushing correctly. The best way to prevent a running toilet is to check all the toilet parts to make sure they all work properly.
5. Broken water heater
Water heaters are designed to last up to 15 years. Unfortunately, they need to be maintained in order to last. If they break, the first thing to do is to switch them off. Heaters commonly break near the supply lines so it’s important to turn them off and drain them as soon as the problem occurs. Another first aid tip is to rinse them with cold water after you’re finished draining them.
The most effective way to prevent this from happening is to regularly check your water heater. That way, it will last much longer. These types of issues need to be dealt with right away if you want to avoid further damage.
