Keeping an eye on your utilities is a great way to reduce the impact of potential problems. Your plumbing system is no different, and it helps to be informed of the most common problems. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, you might be able to perform DIY plumbing repair by yourself. Let’s examine 13 of the most common plumbing services and what it might take to resolve them.
Common Faucet Problems
Your home has many faucets in rooms including the bathroom and kitchen. Because faucets draw water from your plumbing, common problems can decrease or block water flow. In some cases you’re dealing with the opposite problem, which is too much water leaking out of the faucet.
Faucet Spout Is Leaking
What causes this problem? Faucets with two handles are referred to as cartridge-style faucets. These cartridges are valves that regulate water flowing into the spout. When a cartridge is defective, it can result in a leak. It could also be a deteriorated valve seat, which joins the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Finding the damaged or worn-down part and replacing it should take care of the leak. If it doesn’t, more than one component could be damaged.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement parts for the cartridges or valve seat can run between just a few dollars to about $80 depending on the make and model.
Faucet Base Is Leaking
What causes this problem? A Majority of the time, a leak at the base is because the seal or O-ring has worn out. Without a secure seal, water can squeeze through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the issue can be resolved with a good cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be swapped out.
Estimated repair cost: A single O-ring costs about $2. It might be a good idea to buy a pack of several so that you can quickly manage this plumbing repair job again the next time a leak shows up.
Faucet Is Leaking Under the Sink
What causes this problem? An insecure connection is the most likely culprit. This might be where the sink’s pipes connect to the main water supply as well as by the drain or P-trap connection. Especially old faucets can be corroded to the point where they can’t maintain firm connections.
How do I fix it? Discovering the source of your leak is needed since this leak may not be instantly visible. If securing the connections doesn’t solve things, you’ll want to inspect the faucet itself.
Estimated repair cost: The cost to resolve things can vary depending on where the leak is coming from, particularly if water damage is uncovered.
Common Toilet Problems
We count on our toilets to function cleanly and efficiently. If your toilet is dealing with a problem, you’ll want to check these places first.
Toilet Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Even a partial clog can slow the drainage of your toilet. For many clogs, a trusty plunger will be your first line of defense.
How do I fix it? Lift up the flapper valve to see how the toilet is draining. Slow or no drainage is a good sign there’s a clog. You should use a plunger to try to clear the clog, or a toilet snake if that doesn’t work.
Estimated repair cost: In many cases, removing a clog from your toilet won’t cost you a thing. When the plunger doesn’t work, the clog could be further in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to contact local plumbing services in Beckley and Mount Hope.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets refresh their water supply from the tank after each flush. When too much water comes from the tank, it makes your toilet run constantly. Replacing one or several parts should resolve things.
How do I fix it? It might be the float arm, the flapper or the refill tube since a problem with any of these components can lead to a running toilet. You can watch the flushing/refilling cycle to pinpoint where the issue is.
Estimated repair cost: These components range in cost between $13 and $70. There’s a possibility the toilet is running simply because something has slipped out of place. In this case, it could be free to take care of your problem!
Toilet Is Leaking from the Tank
What causes this problem? Toilet tanks are made from materials like porcelain. Barring damage to the tank itself, the leak is probably coming from a worn-down rubber seal attached to places like the bolts, the spud washer or the refill valve.
How do I fix it? Test the water level inside of the tank, as you might be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to drain the tank and detach it from the toilet bowl. You will remove the fill valve and the connection bolts first, inspecting the spud washer when the tank is detached. Look for defective rubber or signs of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are typically only a few dollars. If the tank itself is broken, however, a replacement could cost more than $200. This may be a job for professional plumbing companies who handle the process quickly and efficiently.
Toilet Is Loose
What causes this problem? If your toilet feels wobbly or loose, it could be a damaged bolt or the wax seal ring running around the base. It can also be the toilet flange, which connects the bowl to your home’s drainage system.
How do I fix it? Securing the bolts is easy, as is replacing them. If the problem is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be mindful not to damage the toilet bowl. Some homeowners favor having professional plumbing services in Beckley and Mount Hope when the toilet has to be disconnected.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement bolts are inexpensive, with replacement flanges averaging $20 or so.
Common Low Water Pressure Problems
Bad water pressure can make all kinds of household tasks more challenging and time-consuming. It’s particularly annoying when it affects key fixtures such as the showerhead or the kitchen sink.
Low Water Pressure in the Shower
What causes this problem? If your shower’s water pressure is too low, it could be a problem with a valve or mineral buildup inside the showerhead. A dirty shower can be cleaned, but damage to the showerhead might make replacing it the most cost-effective option.
How do I fix it? Let the shower head sit in vinegar for a long time. This should clear away sediment or other clogs. Adjusting the pressure valve might also help. If the pressure is still too low, swapping to another showerhead may resolve things.
Estimated repair cost: Cleaning the showerhead is free, and it’s suggested you attempt this first just in case. When swapping to a different make and model, the cost will fluctuate depending on what you go with.
Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink
What causes this problem? Two common causes of bad water pressure in your kitchen faucet are a clogged aerator or a clogged cartridge. The aerator is right near the spout, putting air into the water as it passes through. Cartridges control the flow of hot vs. cold water.
How do I fix it? Cleaning the aerator may resolve your water pressure problem. Replacing the faucet’s cartridges could also handle things.
Estimated repair cost: Replacing the aerator can cost around $5 and $25 depending on which model you get. Cartridges often average $45 to $60.
Common Drain Problems
A problem with your drain can slow cooking and cleaning down. And if it’s completely backed up, you’ll have to clear it before you can use the sink or tub again. Since drains are only configured to carry water outside of your home, problems revolve around being unable to do so.
Drain Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Big objects, mineral buildup and other materials can collect in the drain, stopping it up. This can happen gradually or all at once depending on the nature of the clog.
How do I fix it? There are many options for unblocking drain clogs. Some chemicals can help push clogs into the rest of the plumbing while a drain snake reaches in and pulls solid material out. Deeper clogs may need special attention.
Estimated repair cost: The cost for these materials is relatively low, between $8 and $30. If you can’t clear the clog, local plumbing services in Beckley and Mount Hope can help.
Drain Is Slow
What causes this problem? This is most likely a clog in progress. It hasn’t entirely blocked the drain yet, but an obstruction has formed.
How do I fix it? You can likely handle this with chemicals or a snake. In a few cases it may fix itself, but you don’t want to risk it developing into a complete clog.
Estimated repair cost: Materials will probably cost between $8 and $30 based on brand choices. The particular nature of the clog could make one or the other more useful.
Common Burst Pipe Problems
A burst pipe is a severe issue that can damage not just your plumbing but parts of your home around it. Ultimately any burst pipe problem will be traced back to the damaged piping. In some cases other problems like water damage or low water pressure will appear first.
Burst Pipe That’s Frozen
What causes this problem? Expanding ice or trying to twist a frozen pipe free can cause this problem. Most homes are warm enough to keep the pipes from freezing, but severe cold and low use can lead to freezing.
How do I fix it? You’ll want to wait until the pipe is thawed out before you can initiate repairs. The water supply will be turned off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has occurred, you might need further plumbing repair.
Estimated repair cost: Costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Large sections of piping are more expensive, particularly if they are made from a high-quality material. You may pay anywhere from $30 to more than $150
Burst Pipe That’s Behind a Wall
What causes this problem? Damage, corrosion and even pests can result in a broken pipe in your home. With the added trouble of the piping being hidden away behind a wall, this could be a task more suitable for local plumbing companies in Beckley and Mount Hope.
How do I fix it? Replacing a broken pipe requires getting to the piping itself. This can be more difficult when the pipe is behind a wall. You might have to clear a large enough piece away where work can be managed comfortably.
Estimated repair cost: This problem might need specialized tools and experience thanks to cramped working conditions and corroded piping. If you don’t have this equipment on hand, the job may be more suitable for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can locate burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary considerably, usually around $150.