5 ways to prevent and avoid plumbing failures

What are the most common plumbing failures?

Problems with the water heater

Plumbing faults: Problems with the water heater are generally easy to spot. Go take that nice hot shower, but instead you get wet in the frozen water. Dripping water, puddles of water, discolored water and noises coming from the water heater are other signs of a problem. In some cases, you can fix the problems yourself, but many water heater problems and repairs require professional help due to the complexity and potential danger.

How to troubleshoot the water heater: check the light if the water heater is running on gas. If the indicator light is not on, the unit will not produce hot water. Check the temperature setting to make sure it has not been accidentally lowered. If you think the problem is mineral deposits, drain the water tank to remove the sediments. If you see water accumulating on the floor, call a plumber, as the tank is probably leaking and may need to be replaced by a professional.

How to avoid problems with the water heater: maintenance of the hot water heater helps it to work efficiently to prevent problems. Check the pressure valve regularly. Periodically rinse the tank to remove sediment. Look around the tank from time to time to check for drips and leaks which could indicate a larger problem.

Low water pressure

The common plumbing problems in old homes often revolve around low water pressure, but the problem can also occur in new homes. Low water pressure can occur suddenly or worsen slowly over time, depending on the cause. Whatever the reason, the low water pressure makes rinsing and showering difficult, so solving the problem is a priority to return to normal water use.

What causes the problem: low water pressure has some possible causes. An interruption in the water supply can reduce the pressure at the tap: this could be the problem if even your neighbors suddenly feel low water pressure. The same pressure loss occurs if a pipe leaks inside your home. Close all taps, check the water meter and wait a few hours without using water to check for leaks. If the water meter changes, you probably have a leak. Another potential cause is the accumulation of minerals and sediments in the pipes or aerators of the faucet and in the shower heads. This accumulation slows the flow of water, resulting in low pressure.

How to solve the problem of low water pressure: if you think that accumulation is the problem, start with aerators or showers where you have water pressure problems. Unscrew the tap end of the tap for cleaning. Soak the aerator in the vinegar overnight to loosen the build-up. If you can't remove the aerator or shower head, put the vinegar in a plastic bag. Tie the bag around the faucet so that the aerator or shower head are in the solution. Other problems often require the help of a plumber to restore the water pressure.

How to avoid low water pressure: install a filtering system to keep the minerals out of the pipes to avoid future accumulations. Check the pipes regularly to find and repair leaks in a timely manner.

Running toilet

Toilet plumbing problems come in many forms, but a running toilet is one of the most annoying. The toilet still works, but runs constantly, wasting water and making an annoying noise.

What causes the problem: A constantly running toilet often occurs when the internal functioning of the toilet no longer works properly. The flap valve often lets the water flow if it no longer fits properly. Other potential causes include an unbalanced float, a loose fill tube, or a leak. Check for a leak by putting food coloring in the tank. After about 20 minutes, check the bowl to see if the color has entered the water due to a leak.

How to fix a running Toilet: Check each component to find the specific problem. Make sure that the filling tube, a thin flexible tube inside the tank, is still connected and directed towards the overflow tube. Adjust the float to make sure the fill valve closes properly. Check the chain attached to the tab to get the correct length and to make sure it's not tangled. If simple adjustments don't work, all internal tank components may need to be replaced.

How to Avoid a Running Toilet: While toilet problems cannot generally be prevented, you can regularly inspect components to make sure they are all functioning properly.

Tips for managing plumbing repairs

Tackling plumbing repairs can save you money, but a mistake could cost you much more and cause damage to your home. Keep these tips in mind if you plan to fix a plumbing problem on your own.

Make sure you fully understand the problem and the solution. If you are not comfortable with the purpose of the project, call a professional instead.

Make sure all the supplies and tools necessary for the entire project. Nothing is worse than joining the project only to discover that you need something else. Make sure all the components you buy fit snugly and work in your plumbing system.

Tips for calling a plumber

Some plumbing projects are best left to the professionals. If you need a plumber, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose a reputable local plumber.
• Contact the plumber as soon as possible to avoid long delays for plumbing repairs.
• Always call a certified plumber for major problems.
• Be prepared to explain the problem.

If you have plumbing problems and live in the central Maidstone area, contact Maidstone Plumber Emergency. Whether you have problems with toilets, pipes, drains, water heaters or showers, we provide a reliable service to correct your problems.

Call 01634776917