Essential Plumbing Repairs Every Homeowner Should Know

Knowing plumbing basics is a great way to prevent long-term damage to your home. Familiarize yourself with where your breaker box, water heater, and the main water valve are located to shut off your water supply in an emergency quickly.

Plumbers Longmont deals with common plumbing repairs daily, so they know what to look for and how to fix it efficiently. This leads to fewer problems and less expensive fixes overall.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. When water or waste pipes become blocked, they can result in a foul smell that permeates the entire home and can even cause sewage or septic system backup.

You can prevent clogged drains by regularly cleaning your kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and garbage disposal. However, more serious clogs might require professional help.

If your drain clogs frequently, consider investing in a snake or auger to remove the obstruction from the pipe. Using a snake is relatively simple: remove any stoppers, feed the metal cable into the clogged drain opening, twist and pull it back and forth until the clog breaks up, and flush away the remaining clog material. This method is much more effective than simply plunging a clogged drain, and it doesn’t cost as much as calling a plumber. It also doesn’t involve the use of chemicals. It’s important to know when to call a professional, though.

Leaky Faucets

A dripping faucet might seem harmless, but it can cause water to accumulate in parts of your home and lead to mildew and mold. It also wastes money on your utility bill. The good news is that it’s usually easy to fix a leaky faucet.

Start by shutting off the water supply valves under the sink (you’ll need a wrench for this). Next, look for leaks around the spout. A worn-out washer or o-ring may cause leaks at this point. You might even need to replace the entire cartridge or valve seat.

The most common problem is a corroded valve seat. This is because sediment within the water clings to the seat and causes it to wear out over time. The other common problem is a worn-out O-ring. These are small discs that help the handle stay in place, so dripping at this point usually means the O-ring needs to be replaced. To do this, remove the handle and use a wrench to loosen the stem nut.

Leaking Pipes

You’ll inevitably experience a leaking pipe at some point as a homeowner. These leaks can be super damaging, especially if left untreated. They can damage floors, walls, and ceilings and even cause structural problems in your home.

While you’ll want to call a professional plumber for a permanent solution, there are some quick fixes you can try until they can get there. The first step is to locate the leak. Luckily, most leaking pipes are fairly easy to spot. Look for puddles, wet spots, and water stains in your home’s flooring or walls.

Once you’ve located the leak, shut off your home’s water supply by turning off the valve closest to the leaking pipe. Then, use a pipe repair clamp to seal off the leak. Just make sure to purchase the right size clamp for your pipe’s diameter and crimp it tightly. Then, turn your water back on and test for any additional leaks.

Broken Sewer Lines

A broken sewer line is a serious problem that can lead to health issues and property damage. Fortunately, there are some signs that you can watch for to know when it’s time to call in the professionals.

If your toilets are constantly gurgling when flushed, it could be a sign of a blocked or damaged sewer line. The gurgling noise is created when air pockets in the pipes break apart under pressure. If left unchecked, these pockets can eventually lead to a complete blockage.

Another common symptom of a broken sewer line is wet spots on your lawn. These wet spots are caused by sewage seepage from the broken line.

A third common sign of a broken sewer line is increased rodent and insect activity. Rodents and insects love to make their homes in sewage pipes, and they can squeeze through even the smallest cracks. Inspect your sewer line immediately if you notice an increase in these pests.