Articles - Part 6

Tips On How To Stop A Faucet From Dripping

Plumbing Tips faucet repair, leaking faucet, leaky faucet 0

A leaking faucet is one of those plumbing concerns that are common in modern properties. As the faucet begins to show signs of aging, this is the first problem property owners in Columbus encounter.

If this is a situation you are dealing with, it’s time to figure out what to do as soon as possible. Letting things continue in their current state will lead to further plumbing concerns that come with a hefty repair bill.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should do to stop a faucet from dripping.

Remove the Handle or Cap

Check the Seal

Certain faucets are going to have a neoprene seal. These seals tend to break down after a while and are going to start leaking water as soon as their base weakens. To make sure this is the case, look for the seal near the cylinder.

This is a common issue with ceramic disk faucets.

Turning Off Your Main Water Line

Plumbing Tips turn off water main, water main 0

plumbing tools belt As a homeowner, it is crucial that you know how to turn off the water to your fixtures as well as to the whole house. When there is leak or breakage in the water line, everyone in your household should know how to do this easy task so expensive water damage can be avoided.

Turning Off The Water Supply to the Entire House

Leaks can happen suddenly due to a breakage in the pipes, the water heater, or for other reasons. When you know where to turn off the water supply to your house, you can prevent extensive water damage that can result in very costly repairs. You can turn off the water to your whole house by finding the main water line and turning the shut-off valves.

How To Detect Water Leaks

Plumbing Tips leak detection 0

burst pipe repair Stopping Plumbing Leaks

There are some leaks that are really obvious and readily show themselves. However, there are plumbing leaks that are not so apparent unless you really know what you are looking for. Leaks that are more difficult to find do a lot more damage compared to those that are easy to spot.

There are many Columbus homeowners who are not aware that many handles and faucets that are available these days are made out of plastic parts that crack easily when used frequently, and replacement washers are not useful in newer washerless designs. That can result in water leaks ending up puddling in a spot that might not be as easily visible and you will need to look a bit hard to see if there is any damage.

Look for the following:

Finding Clogged Sewer Lines Before They Become a Problem

Drains clogged sewer lines

A plumber snaking a line One of the worst things that can happen to your property is the development of a clog in the sewer line, if not treated properly it can spew raw sewerage into your home and property. This can be damaging to your walls, floors, appliances as well as the overall yard.

In addition, one must consider the overall cost of repairs, potential health hazards to you and your family as well is the replacement of damaged plumbing.

One way to avoid this potential hazard is to address concerns before they become serious. However, before you are able to do this you will need to know what causes them.

Is Your Plumbing Problem An Emergency?

Emergency Plumber

fixing a clogged toilet There are common household plumbing problems that you can easily handle on your own with some basic tools and knowledge. A good example is a clogged toilet where all you need is a solid understanding of how to use a plunger and some elbow grease. In fact, if you were to call a professional plumber, they would use a household plunger, too!

Of course, not all plumbing issues are an easy DIY fix. There are instances where the cause of the problems is unknown or requires a solid understanding of the plumbing system, in which case, hiring a plumber is in your best interests. Plus, handling serious plumbing problems on your own may put you and your family’s health at risk!

Understandably, homeowners often hesitate to call a professional as emergency services don’t always come cheap.

Below are three scenarios where you simply can’t disregard hiring an emergency plumber:

Signs That Your Property Has A Water Leak & The Recommended Action

Pipe Repair pipe leak repair, water pipe leak

burst pipe repair

It’s not always that you will be able to detect water leaks by carrying out a visual inspection in your property. However, even when leaks spring in hard to spot areas, they usually leave telltale signs. If you spot the signs of a water leak on time, you can be able to remedy the leaks before they cause extensive damage in your property.

Information About Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Water Heater Service water heater service

Water heater with a leak

How Do You Know When Your Water Heater Needs Repairing or Replacement?

A lot of people take a hot shower for granted. After all, a hot shower can be very relaxing after a long and stressful day of work. However, when that hot water fails to deliver, you will surely miss it. Unfortunately, many wait until it is too late to avoid losing hot water. By understanding some of the common signs of trouble with your water heater, you should be able to know whether it’s time to repair or replace it before you are stuck with a cold shower.

Your water heater isn’t entirely used for showers. After all, you need hot water to do the dishes. Likewise, you need hot water to effectively wash your hands. Even brushing your teeth could get uncomfortable without it. Luckily, there are a few things that you can look for when you are trying to figure out if your water is malfunctioning and is need of repair or replacement.

1. Your Water Is Lukewarm

If you are only turning on your hot water, your water shouldn’t come out lukewarm. If your water isn’t fully heating up as it should, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. If the water that is entering your tank isn’t extremely cold because of the weather outside and you haven’t changed the settings on your heater, it is about time you call on a plumber. A professional plumber will be able to figure out what is happening with your unit.

2. The Hot Water Isn’t Sustaining

If you used to get around 15 to 20 minutes of hot water but it isn’t even reaching 5 minutes, it is a very good sign that your heater needs to be checked. Having your hot water quickly run out is one of the common signs of a malfunctioning element. However, calling on a professional will help you get someone experienced and with the expertise to diagnose the problem no matter what the issue is.

3. The Heater Has Become Audibly Loud

While your water heater may have made noises in the past, you should know what your heater sounds like when it’s functioning properly. If you start to hear a bunch of newer and even louder noises coming from your heater, it might be a sign that something isn’t working properly. This can happen after a number of years go by. After all, there can be sediment that can accumulate towards the bottom of your heater. This can end up causing hardening in that area and it can lead to rumbling from your heater. This is a common sign that you need to have your water heater professionally serviced in order to get rid of this excess sediment.

What To Do When You Have A Clogged Toilet

Toilet Repair clogged toilet

After hours clogged toiled service

While a toilet is a very important part of a home or commercial premise, we only think about it when it has a problem. One of the major toilet problems is a clogged toilet. This problem is very common and it is good to know how to deal with it. You don’t have to call a plumber whenever you face a toilet clog. You can deal with a simple clog all by yourself.

Is There Water Backing Up In Your Shower? Here Is What The Problem Might Be

Drains sewer line clog, sewer main clog

plumber snaking a shower drain

Whenever you take a shower or bath, you do it to refresh and clean yourself. That is why it can be very alarming if you see dirty water starting to back up from your shower drain. Typically, when water backs up in a shower through its drain, it indicates there is a problem with the sewer line, and there is no “home remedy” or plunging that will solve the problem and get your shower drain fixed right away. The sewer line connects to the bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet, and runs outside to the city sewer system or your septic tank.

What Is A Sewer Line And What Is Its Purpose?

The sewer line, or “sewer main”, as it is also called, is the main pipe in the plumbing system. Its purpose is to carry dirty water out of your home and away from it so it can be treated by the city water authority or your septic system. When water backs up into the shower, a clog is often the cause, and it is soiled water that is backing up. Untrained people should not touch it.

Professional plumbers have been trained to deal safely with soiled backwater, limit exposure, limit cross-contamination, and clean areas effectively that have come in contact with soiled water. Without having undergone that type of training, you could expose yourself to potentially dangerous and hazardous pathogens or bacteria.

What Clogs Sewer Lines?

There are a number of ways that sewer lines can become clogged and for many different reasons. Flushed items might cause a clogged sewer line, grease buildup in a kitchen sink can cause a clog, and tree roots that grow through a sewer line can also lead to backups and clogs. A professional plumber can help to determine what the source of your clog is, the most effective way to repair it, and what you can do to avoid subsequent backups and clogs in the future.

Finding a Reliable Plumbing Service In Columbus

Emergency Plumber emergency plumber, find a plumber near you

After hours plumber working on water heater

We don’t always fully appreciate the need for a reliable plumbing service, until our home’s plumbing our lives and suddenly goes on the fritz. Then we can’t find a plumbing professional fast enough and will often just grab the first name from a hat. The results of improper plumbing can make the situation even worse.

If a plumbing situation is small, improper service can make it big. Soon there will be other parts of the home that can be affected and need costly repairs and replacement work to restore fully. Avoid all this by choosing a good plumbing service and keeping up with regular professional maintenance.