South Hill Plumber

Ready To Be a Plumbing Problem Superhero? Here is How 

No matter where you live, you should prepare yourself to experience different types of plumbing problems. Generally, individuals residing in homes will have a typical challenge with plumbing; in many cases, some plumbing issues are significant and can only be fixed by a professional. However, you can fix certain plumbing issues without calling a plumber who may attach a hefty price for completing the job. With specific instructions and good household practices, you can effectively overcome plumbing problems.

Low Water Pressure

While low water pressure could be a sign of a bigger problem in the future, in many cases, it can be a result of sediment build-up, which can be easily fixed. Sediment refers to any debris that includes rust, sand, and calcium deposits; these types of build-ups can gradually develop in pipes and water heaters. Once you begin to experience low water pressure at your sink faucets, you first need to check if both the cold and hot water are being affected. 

If you have checked both the faucet’s hot and cold tap and the water pressure is low, then the aerator may be the problem. The type of sediment that usually builds up in the aerator is calcium deposits. Once it slowly builds up in the faucet aerator, the water pressure will lower, and eventually, the aerator will become blocked. However, a blocked aerator is a simple fix. Firstly, the aerator needs to be removed so that it can be cleaned by removing the build-up. Once the aerator is properly cleaned, you can put it back into place and test the water pressure again.

Clogged Kitchen Sink

Different disposal measures should be put in place to dispose of any grease and certain food products. Once grease has reached a cooling temperature,it solidifies and then sticks to the pipes, which will cause a blockage. However, after a while, the build-up of grease in your pipes will have to be professionally handled. Therefore, to avoid a costly plumbing bill, there are important measures to be put in place to prevent this problem. Any greasy foods or grease from foods should be placed in the garbage, so durable garbage bags must be used to avoid a mess or a hazard.  Apart from grease, small food particles and other items can wash into the pipes and cause them to become blocked. You can avoid blockage by keeping a colander or strainer in the sink. To ensure that the pipes in your kitchen sink remain free of grease build-up and other items, throw boiling water in your sink a few times per week. This will not only help to keep your kitchen pipes clear but will also help to keep your sink free from excess bacteria.

Clogged Bathroom Sink Drain or Shower Drain

Clogged sink and shower drains occur regularly and are relatively easy to fix without calling a plumber. If the water slowly drains from the sink or the shower/tub, it would most likely be due to soap residue or hair build-up. Once you notice that the water is draining slowly, you need to get a bathroom filter to prevent the hair and larger soap particles from flowing into the drain, which will cause it to become clogged. To loosen any soap residue or hair that may be lodged in your drain, hot water can be effective in having it cleared.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal units are very convenient, and there are various reasons why garbage disposal could not be functioning correctly. Also, there are many complicated ways to fix these problems. In instances such as these, it would be best to have a professional take care of the issue. However, there are preventative measures that you can implement to ensure that it does not end up being an expensive problem.

The most important preventive measure is to ensure that you do not overload your dispenser. Food particles measuring more than a cup should not be placed in the garbage disposal at once. It is also imperative that no eggshells, large bones, starchy foods, coffee grounds, plastic, or any foods containing grease goes into the disposal. 

To keep the disposal unit in good working condition, once or twice a month, ensure that you clean your disposal unit with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar or with disposal cleaner that is available for purchase in your local stores. It is important to note that while garbage disposal units can clean themselves if used according to the instructions, additional cleaning should be done regularly to ensure that food particles do not attach themselves to the drains and grind chamber. 

This can cause a blockage as well as unpleasant odors to permeate through your home. To remove unpleasant odors, vinegar, lime juice, or lemon peels can be used, also ensure that the disposal is switched on before food is placed into it as well as water should be running while the disposal is in use. Once to twice per month, ensure that you grind one cup of ice cubes to prevent the disposal unit from being jammed.

Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet may be the most common plumbing problem you may experience. The clog may result from many things since people tend to flush various items other than toilet paper. Once a toilet becomes clogged, there are various methods you could try to have it cleared before you finally decide to call a plumber. 

When trying to unclog a toilet, the first thing to do is to ensure that water is prevented from flowing into the bowl; you can do this by switching the water off. If you have a strong plunger that is specific for use in a toilet, then you should try clearing the clog with the plunger first before trying any other method. Another effective way to unclog a clogged toilet is with hot water and liquid soap. 

However, liquid soap should be used sparingly to avoid bubbles and foam. This process may have to be repeated and incorporated with the use of a plunger. A plumbing snake or a simple tool such as a wire hanger can be very useful in clearing clogs. These options tend to be time-consuming, but a little patience can save you a plumbing bill. 

Another relatively simple option is store-bought cleaners or drains cleaning solutions which can be very helpful. These items should be written on your grocery list so that the next time you have a clogged toilet, you can always start with the easiest option first.

While a plumber in Rogers AR can fix any plumbing problem you might encounter, it is always good to know easier and less costly options. However, once you have not had any success after trying to fix the problem with methods you are knowledgeable of, you should call a professional to avoid making matters worse, costing you more.