Most Common Household Plumbing Problems and Remedies

A typical homeowner encounters a wide variety of plumbing problems from time to time. Some are easy to fix, and doing it DIY-style can save you a decent amount of money you would otherwise spend for a professional plumber.

Having said that, here are some common plumbing issues and how to fix them:

•   Slow-Draining Sink – This is quite a common plumbing issue. The pop-up that stops the sink often collects hair and other debris over time. You need to clean the debris to make the drain flow smoothly again. You can use a plumbing tool called the Zip-it for the job. Removing the pop-up to clean it is another option. Typically, there is a nut on the drain that holds the pop-up in place. Disassemble the nut to remove and clean the pop-up. Make sure to put it back after cleaning.

•   Low Water Pressure – People often complain about getting low water pressure when the taps don’t produce water at the usual rate. First, you need to check if the problem affects both your cold and hot water. If both are affected, then the problem is most likely the aerator. Over time, calcium builds up slowly in the faucet’s aerator. This results to reduced water pressure. Fixing a clogged aerator is simple. You only have to carefully remove the aerator and clear out any build-up and debris.

•   Slow-Draining Tub – A tub that drains slowly is not a difficult problem to fix. The cause is often hair that accumulates in the drain. You can use either a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a Zip-tool to reach in, and clear the tub of the clog. A good preventive maintenance procedure would be to regularly clear the tub of debris – even if your tub is draining normally. If debris is allowed to build up, the drain will eventually get clogged.

•   Running Toilet – Another common, but quite easy to fix plumbing problem is a running toilet. A lot of different things can trigger the problem that causes your water bill to run up. To fix the problem, you need to know what exactly is causing the toilet to run. After identifying which of the toilet’s running parts is the culprit, you can stop the running water by repairing or replacing the part, whichever is more appropriate.

•   Jammed Garbage Disposal Unit – The garbage disposal unit is one of the most frequently-used appliances in your home. Thus, it is prone to experiencing malfunctions from time to time. While your unit may have come with a nifty key for unjamming the equipment, chances are, you have already lost or misplaced it. The good thing is, you can unjam the garbage disposal using an Allen wrench. The bottom part of the unit has an opening where you can insert the key or a ¼” wrench. Just turn in both directions to rid the motor of the jam.

These plumbing problems are among the most common ones you will encounter in your household. Knowing how to fix them can save you time, effort, and money.

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