Warner Service knows that plumbing can sometimes be scary when it doesn’t work, especially for new homeowners. That’s why Warner has put together this list of 5 common plumbing issues and how to fix them:
Blocked Drain Traps
Have you ever wondered why sinks have that small dip in the piping underneath? That part of the plumbing is called a trap. The trap helps to keep large amounts of food or waste from getting stuck deep inside your plumbing system. The trap is actually supposed to get clogged to save the rest of the system! With this in mind, it is actually very simple to clear a trap. First, undo the trap and position a bowl or bucket underneath to keep the area clean. Then, simply use a brush or something similar to clear the debris inside. Finally, replace the trap and test to make sure there are no new leaks.
Clogged Sink Drain
Bathroom sinks have a pop-up assembly in the drain that can help to clear clogs. To clear a bathroom sink clog, remove the spring tab from the drain plug adjustment arm then remove the ball valve from the sink trap. Finally, remove the pop-up plug and remove the debris clogging the sink and test to make sure the drain is working correctly.
Stopped Toilets
Stopped toilets are among the most common plumbing issues you will experience. First, use a plunger to try to clear the clog. Be sure to use some force and use the correct plunger to apply enough pressure and clear the clog. If a plunger will not work, use a snake. A snake is a wire-like tool that will help clear the drain. Simply force the snake into the piping and clear the clog.
Low Water Pressure in the Shower
Water pressure can be caused by multiple issues in your plumbing, but the most common is limestone buildup inside the shower head. To clear this, unscrew the shower head from the hose, unscrew the spray plate and immerse the parts in a descaling solution. Leave the parts in the solution according to the directions supplied, then put the head back together and test. If worse comes to worse, replace your shower-head with a low-flow model.
Low Amounts of Hot Water
Finally, to extend the life of your hot water in your shower, you can take a couple of routes. First, be sure to maintain your water heater. Your water heater should be drained at least once a year as scale can build up on the bottom. Then, if the water still won’t last, utilize a low-flow shower head. These use less water than standard shower heads at higher pressure, therefore saving water and extending the life of your hot shower.
Warner Service knows that not all plumbing issues are easy fixes, so if you need individual attention for your plumbing system, do not hesitate to contact us to have a qualified technician examine your home and get your pipes flowing freely again.