There are many different reasons you might need to call a plumber, but the more you know about some of the more common issues, the better your chances of spotting them before they get worse. Here are four plumbing problems and how to diagnose them.
Clogged Toilets and Drains
This is one of the most common plumbing problems. If your toilet frequently gets clogged, it is an issue that you can address yourself. You can identify clogs in your toilet and drains by looking for these signs:
• Slow or no water flows from your toilet bowl or faucets.
• Water remains in your bowl or bucket longer than usual.
• There is a bad smell coming from the toilet.
• More particles are going down the drain than normal (such as hair and soap scum).
You may have a clog to address if you see any of these signs.
Leaking Pipes
There are many different types of leaks from the water pipes, depending on where they are located within your house. You can tell if there is a leak at the joint by turning off both ends of the pipe and seeing if any water comes from the joint. You should also check where each pipe connects to the mainline. If there is a leak in your mainline, the entire system will need to be replaced. You can find the mainline at the water meter in your house or by checking your service bill.
Lost Heat or Hot Water
A common problem you can encounter is when you try to turn on the hot water, but there is no hot water. In most cases, this indicates a leak somewhere in the system. It may also be due to a broken pipe. This is often the result of a faulty water valve. It would be best if you are always cautious. Think Gas explains why being prepared is the key to preventing further damage from happening in the event of a plumbing emergency that could cost you time and money in repairs.
Running Toilet
A running toilet is another sign of a serious plumbing problem. This can be caused by a faulty flapper, a faulty fill valve, or a bad flush mechanism. This is an easy problem to fix once you diagnose the issue in most cases.
Each of these problems has different types of fixes. Depending on what kind of plumbing problems you are facing, you can make a call to a plumber or try to fix the problem yourself.