Breaking Down Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing
Wintertime is often when families spend more time indoors due to the cooler weather and kids being in school for the year. Plumbing is usually the last thing on a busy homeowner's mind. Common plumbing problems pop up during winter months, but those can be prevented or quickly remedied by a plumbing service company.
How to Identify the Most Common Plumbing Problems?
Clogged drains are caused by hair, soap scum, dirt, grease, or foreign debris being flushed down drains and restricting flow by sticking to the side of the pipes.
A running toilet is usually caused by: a float height needing to be adjusted, a leaking flapper that needs to be replaced, or a refill tube that needs to be shortened. Generally, the flapper on the toilet is old and needs to be replaced because the seal has worn out and is not closing the way it should.
Clogged sewer lines are often caused by tree roots growing through lines, especially in old houses, and waste becomes trapped in the roots. Flushing non-organic material such as thick toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue, and feminine hygiene products can cause the need for sewer line repair.
Is It Time To Call a Plumber?
Expert toilet repair is simpler than fixing the toilet as an inexperienced homeowner. To fix a running toilet, replace the flapper in the toilet after draining the water from the tank.
Sewer line repair is never recommended for homeowners to attempt themselves. One preliminary action homeowners should take if a sewer line gets backed up is to go outside and find the sewer cleanout line, open the cap to release the pressure, and release the backed-up sewage water from the home. Immediately after, call a certified plumber to scope the line or use a drill to unclog it.
Can Plumbing Problems Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent a clogged drain is to not allow debris to enter the pipes. Hair-stopping drain covers help trap hair. Choosing biodegradable soaps can prevent soap scum from clinging to pipe interiors.
One can prevent toilet disrepair by checking for wear of the flapper periodically and catching the problem early as soon as the toilet starts to run rather than leaving the problem for prolonged periods.
Sewer lines should be cleaned annually to prevent tree root growth through underground pipes and clear debris lines that could lead to backed-up lines. Annual plumbing maintenance of major systems allows professional plumbers to evaluate needs and identify small problems before they become big problems.
About Cleary Plumbing & Air
Located in West Palm Beach, FL, Cleary Plumbing & Air offers 25 years of experience to meet commercial and residential customers' needs. Trusted technicians with fully stocked trucks offer free home inspections and 24/7 plumbing service to meet all challenges.
