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On average, Americans call a professional plumber about once every three years. Most calls are because of five to ten of the simplest problems. Here are five of those issues, along with tips on how to address them.
Leaking/ Dripping Faucets
Leaking faucets can make a huge dent in the water bill over time. One leaky household faucet can waste hundreds of gallons over the course of a year. The most common cause of a dripping faucet is an internal washer that has become worn out, corroded, or completely dislodged over time. You can fix it yourself sometimes, but it requires specific tools.
Clogged Bathtub or Shower Drain
The most common culprits of shower and drain clogs are hair, calcification, or foreign objects – hair being the most common. The best way to fix this problem is to remedy the clog, and then follow up by preventing it from happening again. To remove the clog yourself without the help of a professional, you can use a chemical drain cleaner that breaks down debris and hair. Additionally, you can use a clog-pulling tool (that catches hair around a flexible, textured stick) or a drain plunger. If the problem keeps reoccurring every few weeks or months, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Running Toilet
Running toilets can cost you hundreds of gallons of wasted water every day. Obviously, that makes a significant impact on the utility bill! The most prevalent reason for a running toilet is a loose flapper valve. A kit to fix this very problem is available at any big box or hardware store. However, silent leaks happen, as well as leaks that have nothing to do with the flapper. You can check for this by putting food coloring in the upper part of the tank and waiting to see if it makes its way to the toilet bowl without a flush. If so, a bigger problem is afoot. When your toilet won’t stop running, be sure to turn off the water first.
If you are experiencing one of these common plumbing issues, or any other problem, contact Mr. Rooter in Seattle today! We are happy to help.