Aptera's Ultimate Guide to Plumbing
Everyone experiences plumbing problems at some point in their lives. Sometimes the issues are big and complicated and require the work of a professional, and sometimes they are so small you could fix them yourself. That being said, it is wise to know what problems require an actual professional plumber. The most important thing is to have clogged drains, leaky toilets or broken faucets fixed right away before they become more serious and cause permanent damage to your home.
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Don't let plumbing issues get you down, hire a professional plumber to get the job done.
Identify The Plumbing Problem
There are so many things that can go wrong when it comes to plumbing, so it is a good idea to have a general knowledge of the most common situations and issues. Fixing plumbing issues immediately helps prevent larger issues down the line. Choosing to fix plumbing by doing it yourself versus hiring a professional plumber depends on your plumbing knowledge and experience. It may be best to spend more money on a quality plumber that will get the job done.
Leaky Faucet
If you have a dripping faucet, there are many things you can try on your own before calling someone in to do the job for you. A leaky faucet is not only irritating, but it can also increase your water bill with all of the wasted water, making it vital to fix immediately. The drip occurs when the washers in the pipes become torn, stiff or are lodged in the wrong place. This allows the water to come through and leaves you with a dripping faucet.
The first thing to do in attempt to fix the issue is to replace the washers which are typically the cause of this problem. This can be more challenging than it sounds because it requires specific tools that you may not have on hand that a plumber would. However, it is possible to fix the plumbing problem yourself with the correct tools.
There are certain sinks like ceramic taps that do not have washers in them to hold the water back, so a washer replacement would not work in this case. If the water has been dripping for an extended amount of time, the valve seat may become corroded or worn out which would require a professional to fix the plumbing issue.
Fixing a leak helps reduce your homes utility bill.
The Toilet Is Constantly Running
A running toilet is a problem that could possibly be done by a homeowner or it may take an expert to resolve the issue once and for all. It can be tiresome to continue jiggling the handle in hopes that it will not start running again. What you do not want to do is ignore the running and hope it will go away because severe damage can take place if this is done.
Sometimes the only reason a toilet starts running is because the flapper valve, which works to let water go from the tank to the toilet bowl, does not fit anymore, or because the fill tube is not tight enough. If any of these plumbing problems are the case for you, these are things that can be easily fixed by a homeowner. Just purchase a quality toilet repair kit, follow the instructions and the running should stop in no time.
It is time to call a repairman if you tried the toilet kit and it failed to work. It may be running because there is sediment that is not allowing it to properly flush and fill, or there could be an even deeper issue that only a professional will be able to locate.
Slow or Clogged Drain
Are you experiencing plumbing issues where the water that is supposed to go down the sink, bath, or toilet drain is not going down? If so, you have a clogged drain. It is possible to fix this problem by using a plunger to try and dislodge what has become clogged. You can also use a commercial drain cleaner to fully solve the issue on your own. However, these cleaners can be very harmful to the pipes if they are used too much, so if the problem continues to occur on a regular basis, it is time to hire a professional plumber.
Low Water Pressure
If you once had water that rushed out of the faucet and now you only get a tiny trickle of water, you have low pressure. The typical cause of this plumbing issue is sediment or deposits that have built up on the aerators of the faucet over the years. Those who have filters avoid this problem because any deposits that come through make their way on the filters and get changed frequently. If there is no filter, the deposits stay on the aerators and clog things up.
Perhaps you are hoping to save some money and avoid calling a professional. If that is the case, you can try cleaning out the aerators yourself. Simply remove it, fill up a bowl of vinegar solution and soak the aerator in it overnight. It does not always work, but vinegar is a secret solution to fixing plumbing dilemmas of all kinds.
If the vinegar does not work, the problem may be too big to do on your own. The low water pressure is a result of a more complex and serious issue that only a plumber can fix. There could potentially be a breach or a leak in the pipes, so if there is suddenly low water pressure in your home and cleaning out the aerators did not help, you need to call a repairman right away before damages occur to the foundation of your home.
Professional plumbers can diagnose and fix all plumbing issues.
How Much Should Plumbing Repair Cost?
Your plumbing repair costs will vary greatly depending on what damage or plumbing needs you are facing. However, there are average rates that can give you an idea of what you may expect to pay.
| Type of Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| General Service Charge | $150 |
| Fixing a clogged up drain | $100 to $300 |
| Dripping or Leaking pipes | $100 to $200 depending on the severity of the problem. |
| A water heater replacement | $1,200 to $4,000 |
DIY plumbing saves money initially, but can be costly in the end, if not done correctly.
How Can I Find Reputable Plumbers Near Me?
Finding a reputable plumber near you is easy with Aptera's streamlined pre-screening process. If you need plumbing repairs but are not sure exactly what type of repairs you need we have you covered. Aptera has quality plumbers near you that offer exceptional service at great prices. Let us find a plumber near you who can quickly fix any plumbing issues you may have ASAP.
