The Five Most Common Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them

Plumbing is one of the main things that most homeowners view as a necessity rather than a luxury. As a result, when plumbing problems occur and things stop running smoothly, homeowners panic. Home plumbing repair is one of the most common and frustrating issues all homeowners must face at some point; however, knowing how to fix basic plumbing issues can save money and unnecessary frustration. Here are some of the most common Plumbing Problems that we see here at Daniels Plumbing, and some tips on how to avoid them.

Clogged Drain

No plumbing problem is more common or more frustrating than a clogged drain. Drains can usually be cleared easily and inexpensively, but taking some simple precautions will help you avoid stop-ups. Proper disposal of kitchen waste will keep sink drain clogs to a minimum.

• Use a drain screen     Hair and soap scum are major culprits in clogging bath and shower drains. Use a drain screen to catch the debris and clean the screen regularly.
• Don’t pour grease down the drain When you finish cooking, let the grease harden and scoop out as much as you can into the garbage. If you pour grease down the drain it will harden in your pipes.
• Don’t pour anything else down the drain     Avoid putting any other chemicals down the drain. Even in a laundry room sink, you’ll clog the pipes. Chemical drain cleaners can even erode pipes, so use them sparingly.
• Clean your sink stoppers Pop-up stoppers can accumulate build-up and should be cleaned regularly.
• Pour boiling water down the drain Pour boiling water down your drains once a week. Make this a regular part of your cleaning routine to clear the pipes of any scum and build-up.

Clogged Toilet

Toilet Clogs are also one of the most common plumbing problems.

The best way to prevent a clogged toilet is to avoid flushing things that can cause a clog in the first place. Toilets are only designed to flush toilet paper and liquid and solid waste. Everything else should be thrown away in a garbage can. That means you should avoid flushing paper towels, napkins, tissues, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls and any other common bathroom items.

If you don’t already have a garbage can near your toilet, consider adding one. This will make it much less tempting to dispose of garbage in your toilet.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is certainly an annoyance for homeowners. Not only can it increase the time it takes to do things like shower, wash dishes, and water outdoor plants, but it also significantly increases how much water is used doing these simple tasks. There are many things that can cause low water pressure, but there are several things you can do to resolve the problem on your own.

Most homes have two main water supply valves—the customer valve, located in your water meter box, and the home valve, located on the exterior hose faucet at the front of your house. If either of these valves is even slightly turned away from the “on” position it can drastically decrease water pressure.

Leaking pipes will also decrease water pressure noticeably. It can be difficult to determine if you have a leak, but the best way to check is to look at your water meter. To read your meter, shut off all faucets both inside and outside your home. Read the meter and leave the water off for at least two hours. Go back and read the meter again. If your usage has gone up, there’s a good chance you’ve got a leaking pipe somewhere. Call a licensed plumber right away to prevent extensive damage.

Water Heater Issues

Usually, the hot water heater is one of the last appliances that you think of when you think of maintaining your home. It is more of a set-it and forget-it appliance, right?

If you want to make sure your investment and your hot showers remain intact follow these simple suggestions for maintaining your hot water heater.

By following an easy water heater maintenance schedule you will be able to prevent many unforeseen problems and keep your heater running at top efficiency. Of course, you should check with your manufacturer for any specific maintenance schedule but if you keep to this simple checklist you will be right on track.

Check the T & P Valve (Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve)

Inspect the Anode Rod

Flush the Water Heater

Set the Temperature

Insulate the Heater

Jammed Garbage Disposal

• Never pour fats or cooking oils down drains. They solidify in pipes. Instead, wipe grease from pots with paper towels and throw in trash.
•  Avoid putting stringy, fibrous or starchy waste in the garbage disposal. Poultry skins, celery, fruit & potato peels, for example, cannot be sufficiently broken down.
•  Make sure the disposal is running when you put food into it. Don’t wait until it’s full to turn it on.
•  Try to address any plumbing problems before the holiday and before guests arrive. However, in holiday emergencies, don’t hesitate to call 281-351-6661  for 24 hour emergency service.
•  Use paper plates. Simply put, it will encourage your guests to throw away their plates when they’re done rather than marching into the kitchen to rinse them off and clogging up your disposal with uneaten leftovers.
•  As always, know your limits. Often, minor plumbing problems turn into plumbing catastrophes if not handled properly.

You don’t have to navigate owning your own home alone: let us help! Especially with plumbing, it can be a terrifying adventure when you aren’t sure that what you’re doing is right. Trust us–it’s easier to give us a call before the problem starts than it is in three feet of flood water from a burst pipe.

If you are looking for a plumber in The Woodlands, Tomball, Houston, Spring or surrounding areas call us at (281) 351-6661 or contact us online to get your plumbing problem taken care of quickly. We have 24 hour service 7 days a week and there are no special charges for after- hours calls.