Sometimes, it's hard to know what is causing your plumbing to fail. Most pipes are hidden within the house or building, making it impossible to locate the problem yourself. Here are several areas that are common causes of plumbing problems.
Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is the most common complaint for homeowners. The drips seem minor but end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water. This problem occurs when the o-ring, washer or other part of the faucet is corroded or worn down. Having certain parts re-installed is recommended after many years of usage.
Leaky Pipes
Any appliance can start leaking from the fridge to the toilet and the dishwasher. But the most common sources of leaks are the pipes. This can occur when the water pressure gets too high as it flows through the pipes. Some tree roots press against the pipes to cause cracking. Also, old age weakens the piping materials.
Blocked Drains
Plumbing fails when the drain gets blocked continuously. The more times that the drain gets blocked, it increases the number of times that the pipes get blocked, as well. The efficiency of the pipes decrease every time you send debris down through the drain.
Clogged Garbage Disposal
Most kitchen users complain about their garbage disposals getting clogged beyond repair. If the disposal stops working, it cannot grind up the food and dispose of it completely. Much of the food debris gets stuck in the sink and needs to be cleaned out manually or gets stuck in the pipes. The dishwasher can also stop working if it's connected to the garbage disposal.
Water Heater
An aging water heater becomes less effective at providing hot water for showers, dishwashers and washing machines. Old water appliances are more likely to leak, which wastes energy, causing the increase in cold showers. Repairing or replacing the water heater is recommended about once every 10 years.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that prevents flooding in the basement by collecting the water and directing it to the outside of the house. When the pump deteriorates, it no longer drains the sump properly and floods more easily.
When a plumbing leak occurs, you just want to get rid of it right away. But in order to do so, you have to know where it's coming from, which is impossible for most people. It's important to do your research, and know the most common causes of plumbing failures. Then, it's time to contact the professionals from the Mr. Rooter plumbing service to take the next step.