Replacing a new sink trap – According to Stephen Pierzchala of Marlborough, MA, USA, “Plumbing rule #1: Don’t get fancy – replace the parts with the same parts.” Photo Courtesy: Stephen Pierzchala
If you own a home, you know that plumbing problems are inevitable. At some point or another, you’ll have to deal with a clog in the bathroom sink or toilet or a leak coming from any one of the faucets found throughout your house. But while some plumbing problems are quite easy to fix on your own, there are others that should be left to the professionals to repair.
Below is a list of some of the most common types of plumbing problems that households generally have to deal with at all times of the year, as well as advice on when it’s safe to proceed with a do-it-yourself repair and when it’s best to contact a professional plumber to do the repairs for you.
The Sink or Tub Drains Too Slowly
If you find that your sink or your bathtub is draining slowly, it’s most likely caused by a clog in the pipes. This can be caused by hair that has gotten into the drain and has collected, along with soap scum and other debris, to create a barrier through which water cannot pass as efficiently.
There are many tools you can purchase, as well as liquids you can pour down the drain, to clear out the clog. If none of these work, however, you need to call in a professional who has better tools that can get to the source of the problem quickly. The longer you wait, the longer you’ll be unable to use your sink or tub and the more clogged they may become – so act quickly.
Leaks from Faucets
Faucets usually leak at some point or another, so everyone will have to face this problem sooner or later. If the water is leaking from your faucet, you may need to replace it entirely or just replace the parts that are no longer working properly.
Leaking pipes, on the other hand, can be more serious and may require the assistance of a professional plumber. However, sometimes a leaky pipe may just need to be tightened up a bit, or you may need to just apply a new sealant or gasket.
Lower Than Normal Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be the result of a number of factors, such as a faulty supply-line design, low pressure coming from a municipal water source, or obstructions in the water line. If you cannot properly diagnose where the problem is actually coming from, you should call a professional plumber who can do so for you.
If, on the other hand, the low water pressure is found only at one sink, it may just be a clogged faucet aerator, which you can remove and replace after cleaning it out yourself.
Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets are certainly unsanitary, especially if they end up overflowing. Therefore, the best thing to do is try to avoid clogging your toilet in the first place. If a clog does occur, however, be sure to have a plunger handy, preferably right in your bathroom so you can tackle the problem as soon as possible. If the clog is too much for you to handle on your own, call a plumber for help who can properly diagnose the issue and get it fixed right away.
If you are suffering from any of the problems described above, don’t leave it too long before you call a professional. The longer you wait, the more you are increasing your chances of the problem getting worse.
Jack Norway is currently working at Total Plumbing and Excavations, which has been providing Commercial plumbing services over the past 20 years. Whenever he isn’t busy, he enjoys listening to music and going for live concerts.
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