Chatsworth Plumbing repairs are a part of homeownership. Some are major hassles that require a plumber, while homeowners can easily tackle others.
Clogged drains, water leaks, and poor water quality are common plumbing issues that can be a headache to fix. Learn how to spot these problems and make plumbing repair easier.
Clogs
Clogged drains and pipes are a common plumbing issue and a major headache for homeowners. If left unattended, they can result in costly damage to pipes and fixtures. Fortunately, many clogs are preventable by educating yourself on the early warning signs and taking proactive steps.
While most people associate clogged drains with kitchens and bathrooms, clogs can occur throughout the home. Even the main water lines that bring water into the house can become clogged with minerals or with other debris that blocks the flow of water. If you experience a sudden drop in water pressure or notice that water isn’t coming out of certain faucets, this could indicate a clog in the main line. In these cases, professional plumbers are required to address the clog and restore water flow.
Some clogs can be fixed with simple tools such as a plunger or drain snake. However, for deep clogs, it may be necessary to disassemble pipe segments or use a power auger. A power auger works by attaching to a drainpipe and feeding it into the clog while cranking the handle. Professional plumbers are trained to use these tools safely and effectively. They can also recommend the best method for removing specific clogs, such as using natural drain cleaners instead of chemical-based products.
In addition to preventing clogs, regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep them at bay. In particular, avoiding placing food scraps or grease down the drain can significantly reduce the risk of them causing blockages. Additionally, it’s important to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Washing down the sides of pipes with vinegar is another simple and effective way to maintain a clean and flowing system.
If the warning signs above don’t resolve your clogged drains, it’s likely time to call the professionals at Ben Franklin Plumbing. Attempting to fix a sewer line clog on your own can be dangerous and ineffective. In some cases, snaking the line can actually make things worse by pushing the clog further into the house. It’s always best to leave the work to a professional plumber who has the proper equipment and training to ensure the job is done correctly.
Leaks
Pipe leaks can cause significant damage to furnishings and structures in your home, not to mention increase your water bill. It’s important to call a plumber right away for plumbing repair when you notice the telltale signs of a leak, such as water stains, mold or wood damage, as the longer a leak goes untreated, the more expensive and serious the problem will become.
While leaking pipes may seem difficult and costly to fix, they can actually be quite easy. The first thing you’ll need to do is turn off the water supply to the affected area, which can usually be done by turning the valves under your sink or on the wall near the leaky fixture counterclockwise. This will stop the flow of water to the problematic area and give you a chance to examine the pipe and its condition.
Next, you’ll need to dry the area around the leaky pipe and wrap the affected joint with pipe tape. You can buy special types of self-fusing tape that can create a watertight seal over the leak. Just make sure to use enough overlapping layers, and that each layer overlaps at least 50% of the previous one. This will ensure that the leaky pipe is completely sealed, and that it won’t start leaking again in the future.
For more permanent fixes to leaking pipes, you can try using rubber pipe repair sleeves or rubber pipe connectors, which will provide an airtight and durable seal over the leaky pipe. You can also use epoxy putty, which is designed to fill cracks and pinhole leaks and harden at room temperature. Just be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, and shut off your water before applying the putty.
If the leak is in an underground pipe, it may be more difficult to locate and repair. In this case, professional plumbers will use a variety of different tools and equipment to pinpoint the location of the leak, including tracing and pressure testing techniques. They will also use different techniques to replace the leaking section of pipe without digging up your entire backyard, as explained in this helpful article from Flo.
Damaged Pipes
If you have a leak or a broken pipe, your first step should be to turn off the water main valve. This can usually be found in your basement or the garage. Next, locate the damaged area of the pipe. Look for watermarks on walls or ceilings, wet floors, or puddles. Once you’ve located the leaking pipe, shut off the water again by turning the valve counter-clockwise.
There are a number of ways to repair your pipes, depending on the severity of the leak or break. For smaller leaks, you can use electrical or duct tape to seal the hole. This is a quick and easy fix that can last until you’re able to get a plumber to come to your house. For larger holes or breaks, you can also use epoxy putty or liquid to repair the damage. This is a more permanent solution, but it requires some careful application and time to cure properly.
Another way to repair a leaky pipe is to use a pipe clamp. These are available at any hardware store and are fairly simple to use. They are basically a pair of metal clamps that can be placed over the broken section of pipe. To use, line up the gasket on the pipe with the hole, and place the clamp over the gap. Then, simply tighten the included bolts to secure the clamp.
If your leak is due to a cracked or crushed pipe, you can try repairing it using Sharkbite straight slip couplings. These are a bit more advanced than the pipe clamps mentioned above, but they are still relatively easy to install and can offer a more permanent fix. To install these, you will need to cut out the old damaged section of pipe, and then use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to remove the ends of the pipe. You will then need to de-burr the edges of the cut pipe with sandpaper or wire brush.
Finally, you will need to make sure that the new pipe is of the same size and material as the existing pipe. Once this is done, you can simply slide one of the couplings over each end of the cut pipe and insert your replacement pipe.
Poor Water Quality
Water quality issues impact the home in multiple ways. They damage plumbing, affect household appliances, and even cause health concerns in some cases. Water quality problems are often preventable by regular maintenance and the use of proper fixtures. If you have a problem with your home’s water, call your plumber right away to prevent serious damage and costly repairs in the future.
The first step to improving water quality is replacing old pipes. Licensed plumbers have all the tools and knowledge necessary to replace your water pipes safely and effectively. They can also assess your plumbing to make sure the new pipes are the correct size and length for your home.
If your pipes are corroded or damaged, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Corrosion occurs when acidic or basic water eats away at the inside of your pipes. This can lead to leaks, cracks, and clogs that require costly emergency repairs. It’s also a good idea to have your pipes replaced if they are more than 50 years old.
Poor water quality impacts your sinks, toilets, showers, faucets, and water-consuming appliances like washers and dishwashers. It causes them to work harder than they should to push water through your system, which can lower their lifespans and lead to higher utility bills. It can also lead to mineral buildup, which clogs drains and faucets.
Water stains are another common sign of poor water quality. They occur when a mineral deposit builds up inside your pipes, which causes the water to turn brown, red, or black. These stains can be unsightly and hard to clean from the inside of your fixtures, which can also damage them over time.
Water stains may also be caused by the copper in your pipes, which can leave brown or green stains on fixtures and plumbing. If you notice these stains, talk to a licensed plumber about installing a water filter to remove copper from your water supply. High levels of copper can lead to anemia, digestion problems, and liver and kidney damage in some people.