It’s not always easy to know what you should do when your plumbing is acting up. There are many different emergencies that can occur, all of which require a different type of response. To help keep yourself safe, we have put together this blog post with common plumbing emergencies and how to fix them, which you should save and reference later!
Why is it important to know the most common plumbing problems?
If you’re not familiar with common plumbing problems, then you might not know how to fix them. This means that you could end up paying more money than necessary, or potentially do something that makes the problem even worse!
If you’re in need of plumbing services and don’t have a plumber on call, then this blog post is here for you.
It is important to be familiar with the most common plumbing problems is because they can occur in any home, at any time. If you know what to do when these emergencies happen, you’ll be able to handle them quickly and efficiently – without having to call a plumber!
Problem #1: Clogs.
The first most common plumbing problem is a clog. There are several plumbing fixtures in your home that can become clogged, including sinks, toilets, and showers.
Clogs can be caused by a variety of things, including hair, food particles, and soap scum. If you notice that your sink or shower is draining slowly, or if the water doesn’t drain at all, then it’s likely that you have a clog.
What causes a clog?
In most cases, a clog is caused by something small that becomes lodged in the plumbing fixture. This can be anything from a piece of food to human hair.
Some other things that might lead to a clog are:
- Grease: grease buildup in a kitchen or bathroom sink can cause a clog.
- Foreign objects: if something falls into the toilet and gets stuck, it can cause a clog. A foreign object is anything that’s not waste or tissue paper made specifically to be flushed.
- Tree roots: tree roots can grow into sewer lines over time, leading to blockages and clogs.
- Damaged pipes: damage to plumbing pipes can lead to clogs, and if this is the case, then you’d best call a licensed plumber!
How do you fix a common clog?
If there’s a clog somewhere in your home, then there are a few things you can do. First, try using a plunger to dislodge the clog. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumbing snake (also known as a drain auger) to clear it.
Here is a list of things you can do to try and fix a bathroom sink clog.
If neither of those methods works, then it’s time to call in the professionals! A plumber will be able to clear the clog quickly and easily. You can call Western Rooter & Plumbing today for a free same-day quote over the phone, and we will always provide you with a free sewer video camera inspection with any mainline cleanout service.
Problem #2: Water Leaks.
In plumbing, a water leak refers to any situation in which water is escaping from a plumbing fixture or pipe. We specialize in repairing leaks of all sizes, and we can also help to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
A water leak isn’t always easy to detect – sometimes you might not notice that there’s a problem at all until something goes wrong!
Water leaks can be caused by any number of things, including:
- Cracks in the pipes: water leaks can be caused by cracks that form in the inner lining of plumbing pipes.
- Temperature changes: temperature fluctuations cause expansion and contraction inside of plumping.
- Faulty seals on fixtures: if the seals around a fixture are faulty, then water can leak out.
- Faulty joints: if pipes aren’t properly connected to each other with fittings and fixtures, they might become loose over time – causing leaks.
- Pipe corrosion: corrosion is when the inside of a pipe becomes corroded, leading to cracks and leaks.
Water leaks can cause serious damage to your home if they’re not fixed quickly. Not only will the water leak itself cause damage, but it can also lead to mold and mildew if it sits for too long.
How do you fix a common water leak?
If there’s a water leak inside of your home, then the first thing you should do is shut off the main valve that supplies your home with water (usually located near where the pipes enter your house). If this isn’t an option, then you’ll have to turn off the water at the meter.
Next, you should find and correct the source of the leak. If a pipe has corroded or cracked, then it will need to be replaced entirely. Sometimes though, a simple repair is all that’s needed – for instance if there’s damage around a fixture but not beyond it.
There are many DIY videos on YouTube you can search that will help you fix the most common leak situations, but if the leak isn’t immediately visible, then it’s best to call a plumber.
Problem #3: Burst Pipes.
A burst pipe is usually a plumbing nightmare. If a pipe bursts, then it will cause water to begin flowing out of the burst area. This is usually an incredibly messy situation and can lead to significant damage if not dealt with quickly.
Here at Western Rooter, we see burst pipes all the time – especially in older homes, built before the 1970s.
What causes a pipe to burst?
There are a few things that can cause a pipe to burst, including:
- Freezing weather: when the temperature outside dips below freezing, the water inside of the pipe will freeze and expand. This can lead to cracks in the pipe, which over time will turn into full-blown ruptures.
- Too much pressure: if there’s too much pressure on a pipe (usually from backed-up wastewater), it can cause the pipe to burst.
- Old and rusty pipes: over time, old and rusty pipes will become brittle and might eventually burst.
How do you fix a burst pipe?
This is a trick question, actually – you should never try to fix a burst pipe yourself unless you are a licensed professional with access to the proper equipment and tools. The process of fixing a burst pipe is a dangerous one, and you could end up causing more damage to your home.
If there’s been a burst pipe in your home, then contact Western Rooter right away for help! We’ll be able to assess the situation quickly, and will have everything under control before you know it. In most cases, we can fix the problem without needing to replace your pipes entirely, saving you time and money.
Problem #4: Sewage Backups.
A sewage backup in your home on in your apartment is a serious and potentially hazardous problem. Not only will it cause a foul smell, but it can also lead to extensive damage to your health if not dealt with quickly.
What causes a sewage backup?
There are several things that can cause a sewage backup, but the most common one is when there’s too much water pressure on the sewer line. When this happens, the sewage will start to back up into your home through any available opening – such as cracks in your pipes or drains.
Some other factors that can cause a sewage backup are:
- Clogged or blocked drains: If you have a clogged or blocked drain, then sewage might have a hard time moving through the line. This can increase water pressure and cause sewage to back up – sometimes all the way into your home!
- Broken or cracked pipes: If a pipe has broken or cracked, then sewage may be able to find its way into your home.
- Sewage ejector pump failure: If you have an ejector pump in your sewage system, and it suddenly fails for no reason, then the backup might travel upwards through other drains until it reaches your house.
How to fix backed-up sewage pipes:
If you’re experiencing a sewage backup in your home, then it’s best to call a professional plumber right away. They will be able to assess the situation and will know how to fix the problem quickly and effectively.
In some cases, they may need to replace entire sections of your sewage system – but this is usually only necessary if there’s significant damage. If you call Western Rooter, then we will be able to perform trenchless sewer repair on your sewer line, which means less cost and we won’t have to dig up your yard!
Problem #5: Running Toilet.
Finally, there’s the issue of running water in your toilet. This is probably one of the more common calls we get here at Western Rooter, next to severe drain clogs. If your toilet has been running non-stop for hours, then you have a problem on your hands.
What causes a toilet to run?
There are several things that can cause a toilet to run. In fact, we wrote an entire blog post talking about it. But, to recap, here are 6 of the most common issues that can cause your toilet to run:
- Your toilet handle may simply be stuck!
- Your home’s water pressure may be too high!
- Your toilet’s float is too high!
- Your flapper is getting old and needs to be replaced!
- The refill tube isn’t sized correctly for your toilet!
- A blockage somewhere is causing a constantly running toilet!
How can you fix a running toilet?
Well, firstly, you should read our blog post about this topic, which talks in-depth about what to do to diagnose the problem, and then how to fix each potential cause.
If you’re looking for a quick-and-dirty ‘fix’, then just push down on the toilet handle to see if it stops running. If not, then try pushing up on the flapper – this will stop your toilet from constantly refilling itself after it’s flushed!
If all else fails, call Western Rooter & Plumbing: (626) 448-6455!
We hope this blog post has been helpful!
If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned plumbing emergencies in your home or apartment, then don’t wait – call Western Rooter & Plumbing today! We’re here to help 24/hours a day and will have everything under control before you know it. In most cases, we can fix the problem without needing to replace your pipes entirely, saving you time and money.
