Precision Plumbing | Plumbing Issues You May Have and How to Fix Them

Clogged Toilet

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems and can be a very frustrating issue to deal with. A clogged toilet is usually caused by a blockage in the pipes, most often caused by items that should not be flushed down the toilet, such as paper towels, feminine products, and toys. In order to fix a clogged toilet, the first step is to use a plunger. Place the plunger over the hole in the toilet bowl, making sure to have a tight seal. Then, pump the plunger up and down vigorously for a few minutes.

This should create enough suction to break up the clog and allow the water to drain. If a plunger does not work, try using a toilet auger. This is a long metal tool with a crank on one end. Insert the auger into the toilet bowl and turn the crank to push the auger down the drain. This will break up any blockages in the pipes. In some cases, the clog may be too far down the pipes for a plunger or auger to reach. If this is the case, you may need to call a professional plumber to have the pipes cleared out.

Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet is a common plumbing problem that can quickly become a nuisance. Fortunately, it’s usually a relatively easy fix. First, you’ll want to determine the source of the leak. There are two common causes of a leaky faucet: a worn-out washer or a broken valve seat. If the leak is coming from the handle, the culprit is likely a worn-out washer. To replace it, turn off the water supply, unscrew the handle, and remove the retaining nut. The washer should be visible. Replace it with a new one and reassemble the pieces.

If the leak is coming from the spout, the valve seat may be damaged. To fix this, you’ll need to remove the valve stem. This can be done by unscrewing the packing nut and removing the handle. Next, use a wrench to remove the valve stem. Once the valve seat is exposed, you should be able to tell if it’s damaged. If it is, replace it with a new one. Then, simply reassemble the pieces and you’re done!

Clogged Drain

One of the most frequent plumbing issues is clogged drains, which if left unattended can be a real pain. Hair, grease, soap residue, food particles, paper products, and other substances can all clog pipes. When water cannot flow freely, it backs up in the pipes, which can cause toilets, sinks, and bathtubs to overflow.

The first step to fixing a clogged drain is to identify the cause of the problem. If you can locate the source, you can usually remove it manually. This could include using a plunger to dislodge a clump of hair or using a plumber’s snake to remove a deeper clog.

If the clog is too deep or is caused by something that can’t be removed manually, the next step is to use a chemical cleaner. These cleaners contain strong chemicals that will help break down the material causing the clog. However, many homeowners prefer to use a natural cleaner to avoid damage to their plumbing system.

Finally, if these solutions don’t work, you may need to call a plumber to help you unclog the drain. Plumbers have a variety of tools and techniques to clear clogs and can usually get the job done quickly.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing problems. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including blocked or corroded pipes, faulty valves, or a faulty pump. To fix low water pressure, start by checking all valves to make sure they are fully open. If they are, check the plumbing system for any signs of damage or corrosion.

If there is corrosion, replace the pipes and valves. If the pipes are blocked, use a plunger or snake to clear the blockage. If the pump is faulty, replace it. If none of these solutions work, contact a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.

Running Toilet

The flapper valve, which is the rubberized seal at the bottom of the toilet tank, can malfunction, resulting in a running toilet, a common plumbing issue. This results in constant water flow from the tank into the bowl, which can be both inconvenient and costly. To start repairing a running toilet, make sure the flapper valve is clean, positioned correctly, and debris-free. Try adjusting or cleaning it if it isn’t. You will need to replace the flapper valve if this does not resolve the problem.

To replace the flapper valve, first shut off the water to the toilet using the shutoff valve located on the wall behind the toilet. Then, flush the toilet and hold down the handle until all of the water is gone from the tank. Next, remove the lid from the tank and locate the flapper valve. Unhook the flapper valve from the flush lever arm and lift it out of the tank. Finally, take the new flapper valve and attach it to the flush lever arm, then place it into the tank. Once the flapper valve is secure, you can turn the water back on and test the toilet to make sure it is running properly.