Plumbing systems are essential to homes, providing us with the convenience of clean water and efficient wastewater removal. However, even well-designed plumbing systems can encounter issues over time.
From leaky faucets to clogged drains, plumbing problems can disrupt your daily routine and lead to costly repairs if left unattended. Fortunately, many of these issues are preventable with basic knowledge and proactive maintenance.
By understanding the most common plumbing problems and taking preventative measures, you can ensure the smooth operation of your plumbing system and avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Blog Post Summary
- 1. Burst Pipes
- 2. Clogged Drains
- 3. Overflowing Toilet
- 4. Sewer Line Backups
- 5. Worn-Out Fixtures
Join us as we explore common plumbing issues and practical tips to safeguard your plumbing, saving you time, money, and the stress of unexpected disruptions.
1. Burst Pipes
When living in colder climates, it’s important to be aware that water flowing through your pipes can freeze and expand, exerting undue pressure on the pipe walls and ultimately leading to cracking or bursting. This is particularly common in pipes that are in unheated basements, crawl spaces, or exterior walls.
In order to prevent this issue from occurring, it’s recommended to insulate any exposed pipes. Keeping your home heated during cold weather can also help avoid frozen pipes, even if you’re away. For added warmth around your pipes, try opening the cabinet doors under sinks to promote warm air circulation.
High water pressure can also put a strain on your pipes, especially if your plumbing system is old or weak. Over time, high water pressure can weaken the structure of your plumbing and lead to cracked or burst pipes.
As a mitigation measure, you can have one of our plumbers install a pressure-reducing valve in your plumbing system. This will help prevent undue stress on your pipes and plumbing fixtures.
2. Clogged Drains
Hair and soap scum are some of the primary culprits behind clogs in bathroom drains. It’s worth noting that hair strands can easily tangle with soap residue, leading to blockages over time. To avoid this, we recommend you install drain screens or covers in sinks, showers, and tubs to trap debris before it enters the pipes in your home.
Additionally, it’s important to regularly clean both sink and shower drains by removing and cleaning the drain covers. This will help prevent the buildup of debris and ensure water can flow freely.
Kitchen sinks are also prone to clogs caused by food particles, grease, and cooking oil. Even though grease and cooking oil are in a liquid state when they go down, they can collect and solidify in the pipes, leading to blockages.
It’s advisable not to pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in a sealed container. Scheduling routine maintenance with us can ensure we identify and address potential clogs early before they fester and cause extensive issues.
3. Overflowing Toilet
When a toilet overflows, it’s usually due to a blockage in the drain pipe. This can happen when excessive amounts of toilet paper, wipes, foreign objects, or a combination of these items are flushed down the toilet.
To avoid this issue, it’s important to only flush toilet paper and bodily waste down the toilet. Wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should be disposed of in the trash.
Additionally, if your plumbing vents get clogged, it may result in slow drainage and potentially lead to overflows. These vents are primarily situated on the roof, allowing fresh air to enter the plumbing system, which consequently improves drainage and water flow.
As a mitigation measure, you can have our plumbers come and inspect your plumbing vents. We’ll also clear all debris particles and other obstructions before leaving, ensuring proper air circulation and smooth water flow within your plumbing system.
4. Sewer Line Backups
If you’ve ever experienced a sewer line backup, you know how frustrating it can be. Often, this happens when tree roots have infiltrated and grown within your sewer pipes, causing blockages and hindering wastewater flow. In order to prevent this issue, it’s best to avoid planting trees near your sewer lines. However, if you must plant trees, opt for ones with noninvasive root systems.
In the event that you already have trees growing near or above your sewer pipes, it’s best to schedule professional root barrier installation services to prevent future issues.
You can also schedule routine professional sewer line inspections with us. This will allow us to detect potential issues early, eliminating the chance of sewer backups that can catch you off guard. If you live in an older home, it’s advisable to schedule professional sewer camera inspection services to assess the condition of your pipes.
It’s also worth noting that older clay or cast iron sewer pipes can deteriorate, crack, or collapse over time, impeding proper water flow. In this case, it would be best to install a backwater valve to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home during sewer line issues.
5. Worn-Out Fixtures
Did you know that plumbing fixtures like faucets and handles can wear down over time due to frequent use? This can cause them to operate less smoothly, with faucets becoming difficult to turn on or off and showerheads delivering uneven water flow. Leaky or malfunctioning fixtures can also lead to water waste, resulting in higher water bills.
In order to avoid these problems, it’s wise to invest in fixtures made from durable materials. Although quality fixtures might have a higher upfront cost, they’re likely to last longer and provide better overall performance.
Additionally, if the water in your house has a high mineral content, calcium and magnesium can accumulate in your plumbing fixtures. This buildup can cause corrosion, reduce water flow, or impair the performance of your plumbing fixtures. Using harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive scrubbing can further damage your fixtures and cause them to deteriorate even faster.
This can negatively affect the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom. To prevent mineral buildup and preserve the finish of your plumbing fixtures, we recommend cleaning them regularly with mild, nonabrasive cleaners. This will help extend their lifespan.
Work With a Reliable Plumbing Company
Are you looking for skilled plumbers to take care of your plumbing issues? Look no further than Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter. Our team of experts is well-versed in all aspects of plumbing, from simple repairs to complex installations. We take pride in our professionalism whether it’s customer service or on-site work.
You can expect us to be punctual, communicate respectfully, and maintain a neat appearance. On top of that, we’re BBB-accredited, so you can be confident that you’ll receive top-quality service from us.
We offer a variety of services, including water, gas, rooter, and emergency services. We also stay up to date with the latest plumbing technology and techniques, allowing us to provide fast and efficient solutions.
Don’t let plumbing emergencies turn into costly disasters. Contact Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter today for the best plumbing services in San Jose and the surrounding area.
