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Common Plumbing Problems

Common Plumbing Problems

On average, home owners throughout the U.S. engage the services of a plumber about once every two years.

Well, let’s see:  does that mean that if it’s been 23 months since a plumber last set foot inside your home, a new problem is about to visit you?  Of course not.  Averages are guidelines, not timetables.  At the same time, it’s always a good idea to keep a watchful eye out for real or potential plumbing problems, especially if yours is an older home.  Early detection leads to early correction, and that typically translates into a lower cost solution.

Just so you know what can and often does go wrong with residential plumbing, here are the four most common reasons for calling a professional plumber:  

Clogged Drains & Toilets

No matter how careful you might be, clogged drain and toilet problems are always a possibility. Then again, you can help prevent them in a number of ways. First, be careful what you put down your drains or in your toilets. A toilet, for example, is not a substitute for a bathroom waste basket. Here’s another effective prevention technique: about once a month, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of distilled white vinegar down each of your drains and let that mixture sit for about 30 minutes. Next, pour about a tea kettle’s worth of boiling water down the drain. This is also good practice for breaking up an existing clog. It doesn’t work all the time, but often enough to help you save money.

Running Toilet

If your toilet continues to run past the point of the tank refilling itself, chances are the flapper valve inside the tank isn’t fully closing.  That in turn could be caused by an imbalanced float, a loose fill tube, or a loose chain that has slipped to the bottom of the tank.

Leaky Faucets

When a faucet springs a leak, it’s more than annoying. It’s a waste of water, which makes a quick resolution imperative. There are several reasons why a faucet might leak, incluing a worn-out O-ring, warn-out cartridge, corroded valve seat, or worn-out seals. Sometimes the problem can be fixed; if not, you’ll need to replace it.

Hidden Water Leaks

We know what you might be thinking: “If it’s really hidden, then what chance do I have of ever finding it?”  Trust us: sooner or later, a hidden water leak will make itself known in several ways, including: the sudden and persistent odor of mold and mildew; black mold spots on walls and ceilings; and, wet spots on carpeting over a concrete floor. The damage you should be most concerned about is the damage you can’t see.

At Messmer Mechanical, no plumbing problem is ever too small or too big for us to handle, and always with your 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Contact us for assistance any time the need arises.