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6 Most Common Plumbing Problems
What do you think of when you hear the phrase plumbing problem? Do you see money down the drain? Well, don’t leave the plumbing repairs because the longer you leave it the more it will actually cost. Plumbing is essential to your daily living – hot showers, flushing toilets, drains and clean water. Any small issue if not addressed can turn into quite the calamity. Our plumbing team is experienced in plumbing and can give you cost estimates over the phone and in an emergency get to you asap.
Some plumbing problems you may be able to try and DIY plumbing before you give us a call. But if you think you need a plumbing expert then simply contact us. Let’s look at the 6 most common plumbing problems and give you free plumbing advice.
1. Leaky taps
Leaky taps don’t sound like a major problem but left unchecked they add $$$ to your bill every year. There can be a few reasons your tap is dripping or leaking.
- Incorrect tap washer size
- Tap washer has worn out or broken
- Jumper valve is worn out
- Valve seating corroded or damaged
- Poor tap washer installation
- O-ring is worn out or loose
It is ok to attempt DIY plumbing on a leaky tap if you have the confidence. Just make sure you have the correct plumbing tools like correct size washers, wrench, spanner, o-ring, jumper valve, pliers and even tweezers. And remember to turn off the water mains before you start.
2. Blocked Drains
Clogged drains can slowly build up over time and cause a total block so this can lead to a plumbing disaster. Try a quick fix with baking soda and vinegar to see if you can unclog the drain. If it’s a slow draining sink or shower drain this could possibly fix it.
- Pour baking soda down the drain (amount varies but usually a cup)
- Pour vinegar over the powder (try half a cup)
- Wait 30 minutes and then pour a cup of boiling water down the drain
- Use a plunger and check if the sink or drain is now clear
- If less blocked but still not completely clear then repeat the process.
The chemical reaction between the two products will aid in loosening any debris and food causing the clog in the shower drains or sink drains. If after a few attempts the drain is still blocked then it’s time for a Plumber.
Or you can try and fix the sink drain in your kitchen or bathroom by taking off the pipes under the sink and giving them a good clean. It could be a build-up of hair, food or grease blocking. It’s pretty simple to do. Take a picture on your mobile before you detach the two pipes so you can refer back to it when reattaching. Generally, it’s just a process of turning the plastic and loosening the pipe. Remember to put a Tupperware or ice cream container under the pipe as water will come out as you are loosening.
For more info click here
https://www.harleyplumbing.com.au/blocked-drains/cleaning-tips-and-advice/
3. Hot Water Problems
You deserve to take a nice, hot shower every day. Unfortunately, if your water is not supplying the heat, you need it can be more than frustrating. Turning on the shower and having freezing cold water flowing is quite a shock to the system! This is one of the most common plumbing problems we get call outs for we specialise in replacing old hot water systems.
We do not recommend any DIY plumbing of hot water systems as they are an important and expensive plumbing item you do not want to break. We will give you the options of costs for fixing or replacing. If your system is old getting a new one will bring savings on your bills as new hot water systems are much more energy-efficient.
Our Hot Water Repairs or Replacement Services Include:
- Any new valves required
- Change over
- Certificate of compliance
- Install and removal of units
- Operate and Test
4. Low Water Pressure
Is your water pressure not what it used to be? Leaky pipes can lead to low-pressure problems. For you to solve the problem of low water pressure, there are a few options. One is to call in an expert plumber who will come and take care of leaking pipes that may have become broken or corroded over time. Another option would be to install an inline flow regulator that can help maintain steady levels of incoming water when needed by altering its rate. If that sentence makes no sense to you – then don’t bother with DIY plumbing just save time and call us.
5. Gas leaks
A gas leak is a serious life and death situation. Gas leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and it can be silent and undetectable to smell. We always perform carbon monoxide testing when we repair your heater. Using state of the art technology we check your heater to ensure that no dangerous fumes are escaping into your home.
We clean and service the unit to ensure it is tuned for optimal heating. This in turn will reduce energy bills. We can even help with explaining to you how best to operate the heater. It only takes a few minutes to give you peace of mind and ensure your family’s safety.
6. Clogged Toilet
Clogged toilets are no joke. When the toilet bowl fills up and doesn’t drain away, it’s typically a result of a mixture of paper and human waste that has accumulated in the pipes, or as some would say, “clogs.” You can always fix blocked toilets with a plunger, but if not, you’re going to need something more robust like a sewer snake or drain auger. These are tools of the trade for plumbers not usually on hand in your tool collection so it’s time to contact us and we will get to asap.