Home plumbing problems can be annoying, but it is good to know that many common problems can be solved quickly without giving a call for professional assistance. From dripping taps to slow drains, gaining some insight into basic troubleshooting steps can save you lots of time and money. If you find yourself facing a complex issue beyond DIY solutions, plumbers in Reading are available to provide expert assistance.
Repairing Blocked Drain Problems
Clogged drains are perhaps the most common plumbing problem in every household. Minor clogs in sinks or showers must first be solved by using a plunger. Cover the bottom of the plunger’s cup with water to create a seal. For bathroom sinks and bathtubs, stuff the overflow hole with a damp cloth to prevent more air from entering it when plunging. If it does not solve the problem, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, add the same measure of vinegar, then let it fizz for about 30 minutes, and follow with hot water. Chemical drain cleaners harm the pipes and environment, so try to keep away from these if you can.
Repairing Leaky Faucets
That continuously dripping water becomes a perfect demonstration of wasting water; it involves more bills than necessary. Most of these leaks normally occur as a result of the washers and their spells or the O-rings deteriorating in cases. First, shut off the water supply to the faucet at the shut-off valve, the valve that is situated under the sink; for installing the faucet, take it all away from its place, take a photograph, replace it with new/all damaged parts, and place them all together. Most of the time, it is about solving the washing action that replaces the worn-out washer found inside the tap. Those cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk types usually require replacing the complete cartridge or some other specific internal parts.
Thawing and Unfreezing Pipes
The frozen pipe bursts will rise to their peaks one after the other in the winter, and this will lead to massive destruction in areas. The prevention methods are the best remedy. Foam pipe insulation should be used on pipes that are exposed in unheated spaces. Keep the tap dripping during the extreme winter season to prevent the build-up of pressure. If you have a frozen pipe, do not thaw it with an open flame but warm it gradually with a blow dryer, heating pad, or damp hot towels.
Running Toilets
A running toilet can waste several gallons of water, thus increasing your water bill much higher. Most often, the problem can be traced to defective flapper valves, damaged fill valves, or poorly adjusted floats. To find out how it can be fixed, take the tank lid off. If the flapper is worn or damaged, turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush to empty the tank, and replace the flapper.
Conclusion
Many of these self-help methods will work in most cases, but complicated plumbing problems may need to be resolved by professionals. Backed-up sewer lines, low water pressure throughout the house, replacement of water heaters – all better left to an expert. If, after trying out various options, some have yielded little or no results or you have too many simultaneous problems, consulting a qualified professional with the right tools and knowledge on complex matters becomes necessary.