Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them
The following are typical bathroom plumbing issues, their common causes, and how to repair them. Some difficulties are easy to handle if you have some basic tools and a desire to learn, while others will almost certainly necessitate the assistance of a professional plumber.
Overflowing Clogged Toilet
One of the most common bathroom plumbing problems is an overflowing or clogged toilet. This happens when a blockage gets stuck in the upper part of your drainpipe or somewhere along the line between your toilet and the main sewer line at the street and causes water to back up into the bowl. There’s a reason why almost every home or apartment owner keeps a plunger in the bathroom, and usually, this is enough to get the toilet flowing again. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a plumbing snake to clear the drain pipe. However, suppose your toilet is clogged or overflowing frequently. In that case, there’s a good chance that there’s a more significant issue somewhere in the system, indicating you’ll need to call for expert help from our Lake Elsinore plumbers.
Running Toilet
A running toilet is one of the most common (and annoying) plumbing problems that homeowners face. This happens when water continuously leaks from the tank into the bowl, even when the toilet is not in use. Usually, this is caused by a faulty flapper valve or fill valve, and it can be relatively easy to fix if you have the patience. In some cases, you may be able to solve the problem yourself by replacing these parts; but in other cases, you may need to call a professional plumber for assistance.
Clogged Bath or Shower Drain
Another common bathroom plumbing problem is a clogged shower drain. This can be caused by soap scum, hair, and other debris accumulated over time. Often, a plunger will do the trick to clear the clog. Or you can use a manual plumber snake. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner but be careful with chemical drain cleaners as they corrode your pipes, causing holes and require replacing over time. Also, if not treated, the clog will usually get worse over time.
PRO PLUMBER TIP: Hair and debris blockages may be prevented or reduced by purchasing a drain guard to catch the hair.
Slow Draining Sink
Like a clogged shower, a slow sink drain is often a common plumbing problem in many residences. A clogged pipe can sometimes be the culprit, while other times, it’s an obstruction higher up the line. Or something much simpler like you might have accidentally left something like dental floss that has slipped into the drain and wrapped around the sink stopper or hair has accumulated near the drain that is causing problems.
If you’re experiencing a slow draining sink, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. First, try using a plunger to clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, you can remove the sink stopper and then inspect the drain using a flashlight to see what is causing the obstruction and then remove it. If you cannot see a blockage, you can use a manual plumber snake to clear the obstruction further down the line. Finally, call our local plumbers to get it fixed ASAP if none of these methods work!
Leaky Pipes
If you notice water leaking around your sink, shower, walls, or floors in your bathroom, you likely have a leaky pipe. Leaky pipes may be more than a nuisance; they can also harm furnishings, walls, and floors, and the damp areas can cause problems, as it encourages cockroaches and other insects.
The best way to repair this problem will depend on what type of pipes are in the wall and where the leak is located. Leaks generally occur at the pipe joints, and occasionally tape or fillers may help for a limited period of time, but to solve something more permanent, you’ll need to replace a pipe or the associated fittings, which will necessitate the assistance of a plumber.
Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet can be annoying, but it’s also wasteful and can increase your water bill and cost you money unnecessarily. However, there are a few things you can do to try and fix a dripping faucet on your own. The most common reason for this problem is that the faulty washer needs to be replaced. To do this, turn off the water supply to the faucet, unscrew the cap at the top of the faucet, and remove the washer. Then, reseat the washer and screw on the cap. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the valve seat or O-ring. If you’re uncomfortable doing this kind of repair yourself, don’t worry – our local plumbers can help! Just give us a call!
Low Water Pressure
Is water just trickling out of your faucets or much slower than usual? If so, this may be a symptom of low water pressure often found in older homes. It can be as simple as a clogged aerator caused by a build-up of sediment and mineral deposits which can often be fixed by using a scale remover, or your low water pressure can be linked to a number of problems, one of which is leaking pipes that have deteriorated over time. If only the hot water is weak, it’s probable that the problem is with the shut-off valve on the hot water heater and that it isn’t properly open. If you are experiencing low water pressure, our local plumbers can help identify the cause and recommend a solution.
Sewer Smells
If you smell a foul odor coming from your drains, there is likely a clog in the sewer line. Occasionally the smell can be caused by a dry p-trap, and adding water to the trap will fix the problem. However, if you cannot identify or correct the source of the smell, you may be dealing with a clogged main sewer line caused by many things such as grease, tree roots, and other debris.
Sewer System Backup
A sewer system backup is a serious plumbing problem that should not be ignored. If you experience this, it means that the wastewater from your drains and toilets are backing up into your home or business. This can cause extensive damage to your property and can even be dangerous. If you experience a sewer system backup, call our local plumbers right away! We’ll send someone out to assess the situation and take care of it for you. But, don’t wait – this type of problem can only get worse over time!
We Can Help!
Bathroom Plumbing Problems can be inconvenient, but they’re also easy to fix. If you experience a clogged drain or toilet, low water pressure, and other bathroom plumbing problems such as leaking pipes and sewer smells, call our local plumbers who are ready and waiting to help! We’ll send someone out right away so that we can take care of the problem for you. You don’t have to live with these inconveniences – let us get them fixed today!
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