Unfortunately, some people don’t consider plumbing maintenance until they experience a problem bigger than which they can handle on their own. One way to avoid costly repairs to your home is to schedule a regular maintenance check with a Camden County-based plumber like Hutchinson.
You can also take the time to do a simple inspection and go around your house and look at your plumbing. Examine all exposed pipes (under sinks and behind toilet tanks) for signs of moisture. Check for signs of corrosion on brass/copper fittings. Turn on faucets to check water pressure and drainage. Flush toilets to ensure there’s no leaks at the base.
Should you encounter a more difficult plumbing issue, it may be time to call a plumbing company that serves Burlington County, NJ and other areas like us. Don’t try to fix it yourself as you may cause more damage that will more than likely result in high plumbing expenses.
Here are some of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners face:
- Leaky pipes – A small leak should not be ignored and can lead to even bigger problems. Since leaks usually occur at joints, you can make a temporary fix until a plumber can make a permanent fix
- Clogged drains – Although this is a very common problem, wear and tear can take a toll on drains. Human hair, lint, and even mineral buildup are the most likely culprits of clogs. The good news is that most drains can be unclogged using a plunger, or tweezers or pliers if the obstruction can be easily reached and removed.
- Low water pressure – There’s nothing worse than taking a shower with low water pressure. This is most likely caused by build-up of sediments in the faucet aerators. Most aerators can be removed and cleaned, however, if weak water pressure continues after cleaning the aerators and shower heads, it may be a more complex issue.
- Dripping faucets – What’s more annoying than a leaky faucet keeping you awake at night? The continuous dripping can usually be fixed by replacing a washer. If that doesn’t work, it may be a corroded valve seat. But don’t wait too long to fix the issue as the excess water can not only cause damage, but might even result in higher water bills each month.
- Running toilets – Did you know that this can waste as much as 200 gallons a day…if you’re tired of jiggling the handle to correct the issue after flushing, you may need to replace some parts. Typically, toilets run when the flapper valve that lets water pass from the tank to the bowl is not working properly, if the float is imbalanced, or the fill tube comes loose. If the toilet continues to run after replacing these parts, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
- Water heater – Issues with your water heater should not be ignored. The most common problems you will encounter include a leaking tank, not enough hot water, water that is too hot or too cold and discolored or smelly water. If you maintain your water heater on a regular basis, the average lifespan can be from 8 to 12 years.
Following regular maintenance schedules can help you prevent costly plumbing repairs. Remember…regular inspections of your plumbing system can help you tackle problems before they become costly, emergency repairs!