As a homeowner, you will occasionally have to service minor plumbing issues in the common areas of the home such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Most of these issues can be simply solved with a handful of tools and some time, but it’s important you are aware of the signs before they become major issues. Let’s go over some of the most common plumbing issues you will see in your bathroom, as well as some easy solutions for them.
Slow Drainage
This is a big problem in most homes, especially if the bathroom is being shared by several people. Over time, hair combined with soap scum, hair products, and personal products creates a slimy blockage that makes it difficult for water to drain properly. Slow drainage is most common in the shower drain, but it can also happen in the bathroom sink. To fix this problem we recommend cleaning the drain manually without the use of chemical drain cleaners which are notorious for corroding home plumbing systems. Instead, while wearing gloves use a bent wire hanger to pull the hair and other debris out of the drain. If you are still having issues, you can also use a plunger to loosen or flush out the remaining buildup.
Low Water Pressure
If you are experiencing low water pressure, or the water seems to trickle and then gush in an inconsistent way it can mean a couple of different things. Start by unscrewing the aerators on the bathroom sink as well as the shower faucets and thoroughly clean them to remove any kind of sediment buildup. If after cleaning the aerators you are still having issues, contact a plumber right away to diagnose the water pressure. Usually, the low water pressure is a result of the city water supply having issues, or it can indicate a leak somewhere else in the home.
Leaking Faucets
While a leaky faucet may seem like a minor issue, you would be shocked by the amount of wasted water that goes right down the drain. Not only does a leaky faucet make an annoying sound, but it can also translate to a spike in utility costs if left unchecked. More often than not, a leaky faucet can be fixed by replacing corroded and broken washers, gaskets, and O-rings. Plumbing hardware is designed to be durable, but it certainly won’t last forever.
No Hot Water
A hot shower may be the best part of your day, so when you turn the knob and realize there is no hot water it can be especially annoying. If the hot water was working up until just before you tried to use it, then it could be attributed to the pilot light going out. Pilots lights can be blown out by a draft or dripping water but should be fairly easy to relight if the instructions on the side of the water heater are followed exactly. If the pilot light is not the issue, it may be that the tank is clogged with sediment. Again, instructions for how to drain your water heater can be found on the side of the unit. If you have either tried both of those solutions and they haven’t worked, or you are uncomfortable working with a water heater then our team would be happy to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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