Keeping an eye on your utilities is a great way to reduce the impact of potential issues. Your plumbing system is no different, and it helps to be aware of the most common problems. Depending on the extent of the problem, you might be able to perform DIY plumbing repair on your own. Let’s review 13 of the most common plumbing services and what it might take to solve them.
Common Faucet Problems
Your home has many faucets in rooms including the bathroom and kitchen. Because faucets draw water from your plumbing, common problems can restrict or block water flow. In some cases you’re dealing with the opposite problem, which is too much water dripping out from the faucet.
Faucet Spout Is Leaking
What causes this problem? Faucets with two handles are known as cartridge-style faucets. These cartridges are valves that regulate water running into the spout. When a cartridge is damaged, it can result in a leak. It may also be a deteriorated valve seat, which links the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Locating the broken or worn-down part and replacing it should resolve the leak. If it doesn’t, more than one component may be damaged.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement parts for the cartridges or valve seat can run around just a few dollars to about $80 depending on the make and model.
Faucet Base Is Leaking
What causes this problem? A Majority of the time, a leak at the base is because the seal or O-ring has worn out. Without a secure seal, water can squeeze through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the issue can be resolved with a thorough cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be replaced.
Estimated repair cost: An individual O-ring costs about $2. It could be a good idea to purchase a pack of several so that you can swiftly handle this plumbing repair job again the next time a leak appears.
Faucet Is Leaking Under the Sink
What causes this problem? An insecure connection is the most likely culprit. This could be where the sink’s pipes hook up to the main water supply as well as by the drain or P-trap connection. Especially old faucets may be corroded to the point where they can’t sustain stable connections.
How do I fix it? Discovering the source of your leak is important since this leak might not be easily noticeable. If securing the connections doesn’t resolve things, you’ll want to examine the faucet itself.
Estimated repair cost: The cost to resolve things can fluctuate depending on where the leak is coming from, particularly if water damage is uncovered.
Common Toilet Problems
We count on our toilets to work cleanly and efficiently. If your toilet is dealing with a problem, you’ll want to check out these places first.
Toilet Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Even a partial clog can slow the drainage of your toilet. For many clogs, a trustworthy plunger will be your first line of defense.
How do I fix it? Lift up the flapper valve to observe how the toilet is draining. Slow or no drainage is a good sign there’s a clog. You should use a plunger to try to remove the clog, or a toilet snake if that doesn’t work.
Estimated repair cost: In many cases, clearing away a clog from your toilet won’t cost you a thing. When the plunger doesn’t work, the clog could be deeper in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to contact local plumbing services in West Jefferson.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets replenish their water supply from the tank after every flush. When extra water comes from the tank, it makes your toilet run constantly. Exchanging one or several parts should take care of things.
How do I fix it? It might be the float arm, the flapper or the refill tube since a problem with any of these parts can result in a running toilet. You can watch the flushing/refilling cycle to narrow down where the issue is.
Estimated repair cost: These components vary in cost between $13 and $70. There’s a chance the toilet is running simply because something has fallen out of place. In this case, it might be free to take care of your problem!
Toilet Is Leaking from the Tank
What causes this problem? Toilet tanks are made from materials such as porcelain. With the exception of damage to the tank itself, the leak is probably coming from a worn-down rubber seal fixed to places like the bolts, the spud washer or the refill valve.
How do I fix it? Check the water level inside the tank, as you may be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to empty the tank and detach it from the toilet bowl. You will remove the fill valve and the connection bolts first, examining the spud washer when the tank is free. Look for defective rubber or evidence of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are usually only a few dollars. If the tank itself is cracked, however, a replacement can cost more than $200. This may be a job for professional plumbing companies who handle the process quickly and efficiently.
Toilet Is Loose
What causes this problem? If your toilet appears wobbly or loose, it may be a damaged bolt or the wax seal ring running around the base. It may also be the toilet flange, which joins the bowl to your home’s drainage system.
How do I fix it? Tightening the bolts is easy, as is replacing them. If the problem is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be mindful not to damage the toilet bowl. Some homeowners favor having professional plumbing services in West Jefferson when the toilet has to be disconnected.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement bolts are inexpensive, with replacement flanges averaging $20 or so.
Common Low Water Pressure Problems
Inferior water pressure can make all kinds of household tasks more challenging and time-consuming. It’s particularly discouraging when it is affecting key fixtures like the showerhead or the kitchen sink.
Low Water Pressure in the Shower
What causes this problem? If your shower’s water pressure is too low, it can be a problem with a valve or mineral buildup within the showerhead. A dirty shower can be cleaned, but damage to the showerhead could make replacing it the most cost-effective solution.
How do I fix it? Let the shower head soak in vinegar for a long time. This should clear away sediment or other clogs. Adjusting the pressure valve might also help. If the pressure is still too low, swapping to another showerhead might fix things.
Estimated repair cost: Cleaning the showerhead is free, and it’s suggested you try this first just in case. When swapping to a different make and model, the cost will vary depending on what you go with.
Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink
What causes this problem? Two common causes of bad water pressure in your kitchen faucet are a clogged aerator or a clogged cartridge. The aerator is right up against the spout, adding air into the water as it passes by. Cartridges regulate the flow of hot vs. cold water.
How do I fix it? Cleaning the aerator may address your water pressure problem. Replacing the faucet’s cartridges could also handle things.
Estimated repair cost: Replacing the aerator could cost around $5 and $25 depending on which model you choose. Cartridges often average $45 to $60.
Common Drain Problems
A problem with your drain can slow cooking and cleaning down. And if it’s completely clogged, you’ll have to clear it before you can use the sink or tub again. Since drains are only configured to carry water out of your home, problems center around being unable to do so.
Drain Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Big objects, mineral buildup and other materials can accumulate in the drain, stopping it up. This can happen gradually or all at once depending on the nature of the clog.
How do I fix it? There are many options for clearing out drain clogs. Some chemicals can help move clogs into the rest of the plumbing while a drain snake reaches in and drags solid material out. Deeper clogs might need special attention.
Estimated repair cost: The cost for these materials is fairly low, between $8 and $30. If you can’t remove the clog, local plumbing services in West Jefferson can help.
Drain Is Slow
What causes this problem? This is most likely a clog in progress. It hasn’t completely blocked the drain yet, but an obstruction has formed.
How do I fix it? You can likely clear this with chemicals or a snake. In some cases it may solve itself, but you don’t want to risk it turning into a complete clog.
Estimated repair cost: Materials will likely cost between $8 and $30 depending on brand choices. The specific nature of the clog might make one or the other more useful.
Common Burst Pipe Problems
A burst pipe is a severe issue that can affect not just your plumbing but parts of your home around it. Ultimately any burst pipe problem will be traced back to the damaged piping. In some cases other problems like water damage or low water pressure will appear first.
Burst Pipe That’s Frozen
What causes this problem? Expanding ice or trying to wrench a frozen pipe free can result in this problem. Most homes are warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing, but severe cold and low use can lead to freezing.
How do I fix it? You’ll want to wait until the pipe is thawed out before you can begin repairs. The water supply will be shut off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has occurred, you may need additional plumbing repair.
Estimated repair cost: Costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Large sections of piping are more expensive, especially if they are made from a high-quality material. You may pay anywhere from $30 to more than $150
Burst Pipe That’s Behind a Wall
What causes this problem? Damage, corrosion and even pests can result in a broken pipe in your home. With the added trouble of the piping being tucked away behind a wall, this may be a task more suitable for local plumbing companies in West Jefferson.
How do I fix it? Replacing a broken pipe requires getting to the piping itself. This can be more problematic when the pipe is behind a wall. You may have to clear a large enough section away where work can be managed comfortably.
Estimated repair cost: This problem may need specialized tools and experience thanks to cramped working conditions and corroded piping. If you don’t have this equipment already, the job might be more appropriate for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can find burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary considerably, usually around $150.