Need A Plumber? Common Plumbing Problems To Watch Out For | Irving, TX
The sooner you spot a problem in your Irving, TX, home, the less likely it is that you’ll have to deal with serious damage. The problem is, most homeowners don’t know a whole lot about their plumbing system and what kind of problems they need to look out for. If you want to make sure you’re spotting plumbing problems as soon as possible so you can call a plumber before things get too serious, here’s what you should watch out for.
Leaks
Of all the plumbing problems you’ll probably deal with at some point, leaks are one of the most common. Leaks can occur in several different spots and for several different reasons, but it’s always important to get them fixed as soon as you can. As soon as you spot a leak in your home, you need to call a plumber to get it fixed.
The most dangerous leaks are the ones that occur in walls, crawlspaces and ceilings. These areas are tough to dry out, which means water can build up and cause significant damage to building materials. In some cases, you may even have mold growth in your home as a result of a leak that you didn’t stop in time.
Clogs
Clogs are another common plumbing problem that a lot of homeowners underestimate. A clogged or slow drain might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can quickly become a big deal if you don’t take care of it. Over time, clogs get worse and can eventually completely stop drain pipes from working. Before you let a clog get too bad, call a plumber to have your drains cleaned.
It’s important to note that you need to be careful if you decide to clean your own drains. As a homeowner, you shouldn’t go beyond using an enzyme-based liquid drain cleaner and a simple plunger to unclog a drain. If you can’t get a drain clog removed using these simple tools, that’s a sign that it’s time to call a professional to run a snake or auger in your drain.
No Hot Water
Hot water is essential to your daily routine, whether you’re washing the dishes at night or taking a shower when you wake up. This is why it’s important to keep up with water heater maintenance. Every once in a while, you should have a plumber flush your water heater to get rid of any built-up sediment. This routine flushing helps prevent corrosion, which means your water heater will last longer and you’re less likely to be stranded without hot water.
If your hot water suddenly stops working, chances are it’s a result of a bad heating element or thermostat in the water heater. You can replace a thermostat or heating element for a fraction of the cost of a water heater, so it’s worth doing if that’s your problem. However, any tank-related problems are a sign that it’s time to replace your water heater.
Low Water Pressure
You need good water pressure throughout your home to get things clean, whether you’re washing dishes or taking a shower. If you’ve been noticing your water pressure getting worse or if your water pressure suddenly dropped drastically, you need to call a plumber to figure out what’s causing that drop in water pressure.
If the low water pressure in your home is confined to a single fixture, there’s probably corrosion or clogging inside the fixture. Sometimes you need to replace an entire fixture, while simply replacing an aerator may fix others’ problems. Water pressure issues throughout your home are a sign of water line problems, which means you may need to have new water lines run.
Hard Water
One problem a lot of homeowners have to deal with is hard water. Hard water is a term for water with a high mineral content, and it can be a major problem for your plumbing system. Because of its high mineral content, hard water has a tendency to leave a mineral deposit in pipes, fixtures and appliances, which means it can cost you a lot of money in plumbing damage. The good news is, there is a solution.
The best thing to do if you have hard water in your home is have a plumber install a water softener. Water softeners are designed to remove some of the minerals from your home’s water supply, which means you get cleaner water running through your pipes that won’t cause clogs or corrosion. If you’re not sure whether or not you have hard water, you can always have a plumber test it for you.
Burst Pipes
Perhaps the most devastating plumbing problem you can have is a burst pipe. Burst pipes happen when the water inside a pipe freezes and expands, cracking the pipe and leaving it vulnerable to leaks. The problem is, burst pipes spew out enough water that they cause serious water damage as well as a spike in your water bill.
You can prevent burst pipes by having a plumber insulate any exterior pipes in your home. Simply insulating the pipe or the wall the pipe is located in is usually enough, although you can also install heat tape around the pipe to make sure it doesn’t freeze.
Get Help Today
Owning a home is a great experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to keep an eye out for problems so you can call a professional if anything goes wrong. Lucky for you, the plumbers at Tioga Plumbing & Electric are more than happy to help you take care of your Irving, TX, home. Next time you have a plumbing problem you’re not sure how to conquer, give Tioga Plumbing & Electric a call at 469-789-1292.
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