It’s all fun and games until plumbing problems arrive, right? While no problem is ever welcome, plumbing issues can make even the simplest tasks like washing your hands or taking a shower impossible.
And plumbing issues never seem to be in the middle: they’re either easy and cheap to fix, or difficult and pricey enough to pay for a vacation.
That’s why it’s crucial to check for plumbing problems before starting a kitchen or bathroom renovation.
Not only that, but it’s also important to keep away from sketchy contractors, who can be the root of your plumbing problems.
But, even if your plumbing was done by the most skilled professionals, regular use and carelessness (such as flushing oil and grease down the toilet) may eventually lead to the need for repair.
We can all pretty much agree that fixing plumbing issues on your own or explaining them to a plumber can be challenging. But, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of them in the first place.
Identifying and Dealing with Common San Francisco Plumbing Problems
As we’ve mentioned above, it’s definitely a good idea to know about the most common issues your pipes can face so you’ll know when to take action. Here’s what you need to know:
Dripping faucets
Having to cope with a constantly dripping faucet can be quite annoying. This issue is typically caused by worn washers and loose pipe connection points.
A leaky faucet could also be the result of mineral deposits that have built up over time and have either clogged or impacted the aerator.
Using the faucet frequently may make the problem worse by causing additional debris to become lodged in the aerator.
Slow-draining sink
The clogging of a drain or pipe can cause a sink or bathtub to drain slowly. The fundamental problem may be anything from built-up filth and sludge to underground tree roots that are squeezing the pipes to death.
An obstruction in the drainage system can be caused by hair, grease, and other things that have become lodged in the pipe. Before taking any steps to fix a problem, it’s important to first discover the root of it.
Leaky pipes
When pipes leak, it could mean there’s a bigger problem with the plumbing.
It could be a sign of a broken joint or seal, or it could mean that the pipe is old and has weakened over time. Leaks can also occur in faucets and fixtures because of corrosion, too much pressure, or even slight swaying during installation.
Tree roots or unusually high temperatures may be blamed in some instances for bursting pipes. Before starting plumbing repairs, it is best to locate the source of the leak by checking for obvious damage to the pipes.
Clogged toilet
Many different things can cause a toilet to become clogged. The most common cause of this is improper disposal of trash in the toilet. Poor flushing habits, throwing too much toilet paper in the toilet at once or using too little water while flushing solids (even when using a dual flush toilet), are other common causes of clogged toilets.
Low water pressure
There are several factors that can cause you and your loved ones to experience low water pressure.
For instance, high residential water demand, damaged or clogged pipes, and malfunctioning backflow valves are just a few of the causes of low water pressure. Mineral deposits inside the pipes can also lead to a decrease in water pressure and circulation.
Low pressure can also be caused by leaks in plumbing fixtures if they are not properly sealed.
A Guide to Common San Francisco Plumbing Issues
Now let’s talk about some of the solutions to these problems, shall we?
Solution no.1
Replacing old washers and retightening connection points are common methods for repairing a dripping faucet.
If mineral deposits on an affected aerator are to blame for the problem, you can either take it apart, clean it, and put it back together properly, or you can get a new one.
Solution no.2
When a sink or bathtub drains slowly, you might need to use a plunger to remove any obstructions. If the obstruction is further along the pipe, you can use a drain snake (also known as an auger) to break up the clog and flush it out.
Chemical drain cleaners are also a good idea, but their usage should be limited and carefully monitored due to the risks involved.
Solution no.3
Leaky pipes are difficult to repair without plumbing expertise.
The source of the leak can be easily fixed if it is something obvious, such as a broken or deteriorated joint or seal.Before trying any sort of repair, it is essential to find out what the pipe is constructed of. Depending on the problem and the material, fixing your plumbing may include anything from adding epoxy to pipe joints to replacing pieces of old pipe to tightening fixtures or clamps.
However, it would be best to phone professional plumbing experts like San Francisco plumbers if the issue isn’t obvious.
Solution no.4
There are only a few easy steps involved in unclogging a toilet. Make sure the bowl is completely full of water and no materials are left behind.
Put some pressure on the obstruction with a plunger to get it out of the drain. After you’re done plunging, make sure the p trap at the bowl’s base is clear of any leftover debris or residue.
Solution no.5
Low water pressure is typically an easy problem to address yourself. If you want better water pressure, it’s a good idea to inspect your faucets and hoses for buildups of silt and mineral deposits.
If your aerators are clogged, cleaning them out could definitely increase water pressure. Also, if your water pressure is low, using a pressure gauge might help you figure out why.