6 Typical Plumbing Issues Your Plumber Can Help With

Plumbing problems are never fun and often require the help of a qualified plumber. Leaky pipes need to get fixed as soon as possible to prevent expensive damage. A little knowledge can help keep problems from turning into major plumbing repairs.

The following are some common plumbing issues you may face, what causes corrosion and leaky pipes, and how a plumber may need to solve the problem. Some you may be able to roll up your sleeves and tackle yourself, others need to be handled by a plumbing repair professional.

Leaky Faucets

Dripping faucets are among the most common plumbing issues. Most everyone will experience this problem with their taps at some point. Drips are annoying and can be a costly misuse of water. Just one faucet dripping can waste hundreds of gallons of water over a year. In most cases, the cause of dripping faucets is a worn or damaged washer.

Low Pressure

When water from a tap is down to a trickle, it indicates low water pressure. Low water pressure happens due to leaks, breaks, wear and tear, and corrosion in the plumbing. It can also be caused by sediment and mineral deposit build-up.

Garbage Disposal Jam

Garbage disposals are handy devices that get a tremendous amount of use. They may occasionally jam. Disposing of certain food types like coffee grounds or potato peels, dropping silverware down them, or using them without water, can cause the disposal to stop running. Fortunately, pushing the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal usually works. Try the reset button before calling your plumber.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are an annoyance that left unchecked can cause all manner of destruction to walls, furniture, electronic equipment, and floors. Dampness can promote mold growth. Most pipe leaks occur at the pipe joints. It's advisable to replace the pipe and fittings. Leaks occur most often during the winter and can cause the pipes to burst.

Broken Water Heater

There is nothing more aggravating than discovering that you don't have hot water. When the water heater doesn't work, it may be as simple as a faulty thermostat, a blown-out pilot light, or sediment in the tank. Most often, you'll need a plumber to inspect and repair or replace the water heater.

Running Toilet

A running toilet is another irritating problem that can make your water bill jump. A faulty flapper valve is usually the cause. As much as 200 gallons of water could get wasted if you wait too long to call a plumber.