How Does a Professional Plumber Fix Common Household Plumbing Issues?

 Proper plumbing is crucial for any household. It not only provides clean water and removes waste, but also prevents leaks, floods and structural damage.

However, plumbing systems experience wear and tear over time. Homeowners often encounter common issues. Fixing these problems requires the expertise that a professional plumber has.

This blog discusses the usual household plumbing troubles homeowners face. It explains how an experienced plumbing professional diagnoses and repairs them using the right tools and methods.

Common Household Plumbing Issues and How a Plumber Fixes Them

Read on to learn how hiring a pro to fix your plumbing can save time, money and additional headaches.

1. Dripping Taps

Several issues can cause taps to drip, like worn washers or seals, loose valve seats or mineral buildup. Experts start by shutting off the water supply below the sink to fix a dripping tap. They then remove the faucet handle and lift out internal parts and inspect them.

Worn washers or seals are replaced and valve seats are scrubbed clean. For mineral deposits, they soak the parts in vinegar before reassembling them. Tightening the holding nut secures the faucet again. Turning on the water supply confirms an end to drips after the repair.

2. Running Toilet

This problem is typically due to a faulty flush valve, flapper valve or float switch. Running toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water annually to diagnose and fix.

A plumber first removes the tank cover to inspect the internal components. If a flapper valve is leaky, professionals replace it with a new one.

For issues with the flush valve or float switch, they make adjustments and work properly again. Finally, they check for any leaks after a test flush. Stopping unnecessary flushing saves homeowners significantly on their water bills.

3. Leaking Pipes

Pipe leaks often stem from corrosion, freezing, improper installation or external damage. Plumbing experts use specialised gear to locate the leak source.

For small leaks, a pipe patch can provide a temporary fix. However, pipes with extensive corrosion or cracks require replacing the damaged section.

The plumber cuts out the leaky portion and installs new pipe of the same size and material. Plumbing professionals use couplers and sleeves to reconnect it to existing plumbing.

Testing offers that water flows normally without leaks before reinsulating pipes. This prevents mould growth and burst pipes during freezing weather.

4. Low Water Pressure

Clogged filters, rusty pipes or undersized supply lines typically lower water pressure. Plumbing experts use pressure gauges to measure water pressure at various points.

For clogged filters, cleaning or replacement restores full pressure. Rusty galvanised pipes may need to be swapped out in favour of PEX or copper. Undersized supply pipes that provide inadequate volume also require upgrading.

Adjusting water pressure at the main home valve or installing a booster pump can further help obtain optimal pressure. Proper water pressure allows all fixtures, appliances and outdoor spigots to function as intended.

5. Slow or Clogged Drains

Slow-draining or fully clogged drains are a nuisance that plumbing professionals often remedy. They start by running augers, or drain snakes, down drain lines to remove hair, grease and other gunk. Tougher clogs warrant using a motorised drain auger that can break through tough blockages.

For drains impaired by tree roots, they utilise cable machines to cut through the root mass choking pipes. Any compromised sections of metal or clay pipe are replaced.

Plumbers may also employ high-pressure water jetting to scour drains fully clean. They confirm proper drain function before advising customers on preventive measures, like installing hair catchers.

6. Water Heater Problems

As essential appliances, malfunctioning water heaters cause significant disruption. Plumbing professionals are well-versed in diagnosing and fixing various water heater problems.

For gas heaters with pilot outages, thermocouple issues or faulty gas valves, they perform the necessary part replacements and adjustments. With electric water heaters, problems often involve heating elements or thermostats or sensors not working properly, necessitating replacement.

Moreover, for tankless water heaters, scale buildup may impede functionality, requiring descaling of the heat exchanger. With storage tank water heaters, anode rods deteriorate over time and have to be replaced to prevent tank corrosion.

7. Frozen Pipes or Plumbing

In frigid weather, pipes and plumbing can freeze, burst and flood if unprotected. For suspected frozen pipes, plumbers check for vulnerable spots like uninsulated exterior walls, unheated spaces or drafty windows.

Infrared thermometers pinpoint frozen areas based on cooler surface temperatures. They strategically open faucets to aid pressure release when thawing pipes using heat wraps or cables or hair dryers.

For burst pipes, they turn off the water supply and drain lines if required before replacing cracked sections. Installing heat tape on repaired pipes helps avoid repeat freezing. Plumbing experts can also reposition pipes or increase insulation to prevent freezing.

Conclusion

Repairing plumbing problems requires technical know-how and the proper equipment. DIY attempts often fail or make issues worse. Hiring qualified, licensed plumbing professionals is strongly recommended for any major plumbing problems or emergencies.

Having the expertise to accurately diagnose issues, experts carry out effective repairs. Their professional services also come with warranties for installation and parts. Without quality plumbing, daily household functioning grinds to a halt.

Investing in professional plumbing maintenance and timely repairs saves homeowners money over the long run. This is because it prevents costly water damage or replacement needs. For reliable plumbing that fully meets your household needs, trust only a professional plumber dedicated to superior service.