A home plumbing issue can be a huge hassle to deal with. Thankfully, not all plumbing issues are serious and most of them can be resolved with simple quick fixes. However, it is important to identify the issues in time and have them repaired before they cause any major damage. Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked plumbing issues.
I have a major water leak in my home. What should I do?
The first thing to do is to turn off the water supply at the emergency shut-off valve. Then, call a professional plumber that undertakes emergency repairs.
Where is my emergency shut-off valve located?
Surprisingly, many people don’t know where to locate their emergency water shut-off valve, especially if they have never had to shut off the water supply to their home. It is important to know where the main shut-off valve is located because you might have to shut off the supply in case there is a burst pipe or you need to repair the leaks. This valve is normally located around the inside of the perimeter of the house, in the basement, or crawlspace under your home. The best thing to do is to check your home inspection report. It would contain a notation of where the emergency valve is located.
Why do I have cloudy water?
Cloudy water is commonly a result of tiny air bubbles that form inside the water distribution system of your home. These bubbles give it a cloudy appearance. It happens more commonly during winters as cold water tends to trap air more easily compared to warm water. Other common reasons include particulates or sediment in the water. If this is the case, your home could benefit from a water filtration system.
Why does my drain get clogged?
Usually, the drains become clogged because we don’t pay attention to what goes down the drain, especially the kitchen drain. It’s not always the large pieces of debris that cause clogging. Oftentimes, leftovers and cooking oil are disposed of down the kitchen drain, which can cause them to become clogged. Bathroom drains often get clogged due to oil residue from the shampoos, soap, and hair. So, it is important to be careful of what goes into your drain and if required, use a drain cleaner to clear off the blockage. Avoid using drain cleaners that contain harsh chemicals because these are highly toxic and can also damage your plumbing.
Why does the toilet keep running?
This is also one of the most common questions asked. The common reason is that the flap at the bottom of the toilet tank is not sealing shut. Take off the tank cover and flush the toilet. Check if the rubber flap is closing completely. The unsealed flap causes the water to run continuously because the float ball trigger fails to activate since the water never fills to the required level. You can try repositioning the flap to help it seal properly.
Why do we run out of hot water quickly?
There are several reasons why this may happen. It could happen when the lower element of the water heater is not working, which means only the top portion of the tank would heat. It could also happen if the reset button of the water heater trips. In the case of gas water heaters, the dip tube could be the problem. When it becomes shorter over time, it can cause cold water to mix with hot water.
Facing plumbing issues?
We are available to undertake emergency plumbing repairs. Give us a call and we will ensure that your plumbing problem is taken care of quickly.