The plumbing system in your home is a large network of pipes that supply water and remove waste. The most common problems that must be fixed include blocked toilets, leaking pipes, and water heater repair. Some of these problems can be set at home, but others are more complicated and may require professional help.
Clogged Drains
Unclogged drains can be a major problem for homeowners. If left unchecked, they can cause serious damage to your pipes. It can sometimes become clogged or damaged and require plumbing repair in Canby.
Preventing them is best. Grease, soap scum, and hair can easily adhere to your drain walls and slow the water flow. Pouring hot water regularly down your gutters will help to keep them clean.
Installing drain covers in your sinks and bathtubs is also great. They are available at most hardware stores and cost very little. Investing in prevention is better than spending thousands of dollars replacing or repairing pipes.
Other preventative measures include using garbage disposals sparingly, not flushing kitty litter down the toilet, and throwing away any trash that is not labeled as “flushable.” Stringy items such as dental floss, animal fur, hair, or yarn can also knot up your drain lines.
Leaking Pipes
Pipe leaks are annoying; they can be quite costly if left unchecked. They can damage water, stains, warped and stained walls, and even invasive black mold growth.
While some pipe leaks are caused by corrosion, most occur due to improper installation or bad artistry during the initial piping process. Whether your leaking pipes are old or new, it is important to take immediate action.
The first thing you should do is shut off your water supply. Find your water valve, usually in a garage or basement, and turn it off. After doing this, use a bucket to catch the drips and water pressure until a plumber can arrive. You should also remove any soaked items, dry the area, and clean off any dirt or debris from the pipe. Then, apply a pipe repair clamp according to the package instructions. This will seal the leak until a professional can replace it. In the meantime, you can also place a bucket or stack of rugs underneath to catch the water flow.
Water Heater Repair
There are a few issues you can try to fix on your own with a water heater, but many require the help of a professional. The most common problem is a leaking tank, which usually means the unit needs to be replaced. If you see puddles around the unit, shut off the power and call a plumber.
Another common issue is a rotten egg smell caused by sulfate bacteria in the hot water tank. It can be prevented by draining and flushing the tank regularly.
Common problems include a defective thermocouple or gas control valve, blocked vents, and dip tube damage. If you notice these issues, shut off the power to your unit by going to your breaker box and switching off the switch for your water heater. You should also turn off the water flow to your house until a plumber arrives. You can also try to relight the pilot light yourself, but you should only do this if you know how and have read the safety manual.
Water Heater Replacement
Even the most careful homeowners can run into water heater issues. If yours is on the older side and prone to problems like sediment buildup, it may be time to replace it with a new one. Our plumbers can help you find the right model for your home and install it quickly and efficiently.
If you see puddles of water around your heater, that’s a sign that it leaks. It’s typically caused by internal structural problems, like rust and corrosion, which can’t be fixed with a simple repair. In most cases, a leaking tank must be replaced immediately to prevent water damage in your basement or garage and protect your valuable belongings from flooding.
When you’re ready to change your old tank-style water heater for a newer, energy-efficient model, turn off all the water in your house at the main shutoff and open the drain valve on the existing water heater. Then disconnect the gas line and solder copper adapters to 6-in. lengths of 3/4-in. Copper tubing, adding short, plastic-lined nipples to shield against galvanic corrosion (Photo 2).
