I’ve been doing plumbing in Guelph for many years now. I always advise homeowners of how important it is to not only maintain their plumbing but to have a bit of knowledge around common plumbing issues and repairs that can be done easily. You see, not every plumbing issue requires a replacement. Sometimes a simple thing, like putting on a new rubber washer is all it takes to sort out the issue. So I’m going to share with you the top plumbing issues most homeowners face, and how to determine if its a repair or a replacement issue you can repair yourself.
Top Guelph Plumbing Issues
Hot Water Isn’t Working
You’re tired at the end of the day and all you are longing for is a nice hot shower. But when you step in and turn the water on, you’re greeted with nothing but cold water. If the issue is a lack of hot water, check these things first:
- Is your water heater run on gas? Check to see if the pilot light has gone out.
- Is your water heater big enough to meet the needs of your home? If not, you may need to upgrade.
- Make sure your temperature settings are good enough to provide the right amount of hot water.
Leaking Water Heater
This is another common issue that occurs for homeowners. There are some instances where you can fix the issue yourself, but in most cases, you will need a plumber for this job. Most leaks in water heaters are a signal that the floor of the tank is beginning to rust and degrade. This means it will need to be replaced.
Dripping Faucets
This is one that all homeowners face at one time or another. Dripping faucets can be annoying and wasteful. Dripping faucets are usually an easy fix and tend to be caused by rubber washers that have degraded over time. Washer replacements can be purchased at any DIY or plumbing supply store for very little.
Leaking Pipes
A simple leaking pipe can cause a 10,000-gallon loss of water per year if not fixed. It can become quite costly. In many cases, the issue is down to a degraded pipe connector that has become loose or the pipe itself. This is a repair that you can do yourself by simply replacing the pipe or connector in question.
In cases where the pipe issue is larger or not easy to get to, you will need a plumber to come out to inspect things. Doing this early on will save you on any costly repairs later.
Running Toilet
Like a faucet that keeps dripping, a running toilet can cost you money over time. Most issues with a running toilet are due to the tank fixtures, such as the fill valve or flapper. These are easy enough to replace and you can buy replacements at any DIY or plumbing supply store.
Clogged Drains
Another common household issue, this is one that can be avoided if your drains are properly maintained. You need to pay close attention to what you pour down your drains for a start. For example, never pour fats, cooking grease, or oils down a drain. Once they cool, they for, a blockage that will require a heavy-duty unclogger to get rid of. Over time, it can cause more issues that will require the assistance of a plumber to sort out.
If you have an issue with your plumbing that you can’t figure out or that is too big to tackle on your own, give our Guelph plumbing services a call today!