;)
8 Common Problems A Plumber Faces | Richmond, VA
Photo By photopixel at Shutterstock
When you own a home in Richmond, VA, you need to have some understanding of what kind of problems you might have to face. This is especially important when it comes to plumbing problems because you need to call a plumber as soon as possible to get things fixed. If you need a little help staying on top of things and deciding when to call a plumber, here are some common plumbing problems that require professional help.
1. Leaks
When most people think of plumbing problems, leaks are probably the first thing that comes to mind. The thing about leaks is that they can occur in just about every single part of your plumbing system. Whether you have a pipe that’s corroded or damaged or a fixture that’s getting a little too old, there are a lot of things that can cause leaks. If you ever notice a leak in a fixture or pipe in your home, make sure you call a professional right away to get it repaired.
2. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a particularly big problem during the winter because they happen as a result of pipes freezing. When the water inside a pipe freezes and expands, it can cause the pipe to burst and leave it broken. When that ice thaws out, you have a bunch of water gushing out of the broken pipe. Fortunately, burst pipes can be prevented by insulating pipes and installing heat tape to keep them warm. If you’re worried about burst pipes during the winter, have a plumber check any pipes in your home which are located in exterior walls.
3. Running Toilet
Most of the time when you flush your toilet, it runs for a little while until the tank and bowl are refilled and then stops. A common problem, however, is a toilet that keeps running long after it’s been flushed. This might seem like a very minor problem if you’ve ever experienced it before, but it’s a lot worse than it sounds. A running toilet is constantly using water to refill the tank, which can cost you hundreds of dollars each month. As soon as you notice your toilet running when it shouldn’t be, you should call a plumber to save yourself money.
4. Water Hammer
If you’ve ever heard a loud banging sound when you run water in your home, you know what a water hammer is. Water hammer happens as a result of fluctuating pressure in your plumbing system, which can cause air gaps that cause loud noises in pipes. Fortunately, you can combat water hammer by having water hammer arrestors installed where the problem occurs. Plus, a water hammer isn’t a problem that requires an immediate repair since it’s more of an annoyance than anything. Still, it’s a good idea to call a plumber if you notice water hammer noises in your home.
5. Clogs
Perhaps the most common plumbing problem next to a leak is a drain clog. Clogs are something just about every homeowner deals with, whether it’s a minor toilet clog or a badly clogged main sewer line. For the most part, drain clogs are caused by putting the wrong things down your drains. The problem with clogs is that they only get worse with time, and they can lead to problems as severe as sewage backups. Not only should you have your drains cleaned regularly, but you should also call a professional if you have a clog you can’t get out with a liquid drain cleaner and plunger.
6. No Hot Water
Not having hot water is a huge problem, but it’s one that homeowners face all the time. A lack of hot water generally indicates a problem with your water heater, which is no surprise considering they only last about 10 to 15 years. The good news is, you can usually fix a hot water problem by replacing one or both heating elements in your water heater, and it’s not a very expensive fix. If you don’t have hot water, make sure you call a plumber as soon as possible so you can return to taking hot showers.
7. Low Water Pressure
Whether you’re showering or washing dishes, you need a little bit of water pressure in your home. If you feel like water is suddenly barely coming out of faucets and showerheads, you’ve got a water pressure problem. Water pressure problems that are confined to a single fixture usually indicate a problem with that fixture, while a lack of water pressure in your entire home means you’ve got something else going on. No matter what the problem is, you should always call a plumber to fix low water pressure problems as they could get worse if you don’t take action now.
8. Dripping Faucet
If you sometimes walk into your kitchen or bathroom and hear a faucet dripping, that’s a sign that there’s a problem with that faucet. Even a small drip can cost you quite a bit of money, and it could be as simple as spending a few dollars on a new part for the faucet. No matter how small you think a drip or leak may be, you should always call a plumber since it’s likely you’re going to save money that you would have otherwise spent on your water bill.
Give Us a Call
Keeping an eye on your home can feel like a full-time job, but having a little bit of knowledge on your side can make things a lot easier. As long as you know about these eight common plumbing problems, you can do a lot more to protect your home from serious damage.
When you need a plumber to take care of a problem in your Richmond, VA, home, you can count on the pros at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond. For all your plumbing needs, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain at 804-930-8757.
Priority Service