By Hank Ozzy
Most Boston Metro West plumbing issues can easily be solved with DIY work. But others may require the help of a professional plumber.
Frozen and burst pipes are two of the most common plumbing problems people encounter during cold winters. Unfortunately, these issues can lead to costly repairs.
Clogged Drains and Toilets
Clogged drains and toilets are among the most common Boston metro west plumbing issues in our office. They’re a pain to deal with, but they can be solved with some know-how.
The first thing to do is to check your drain for a visible obstruction. For clogs in your sink, tub, or shower, this might mean looking underneath the drain cap, which you can do with a flashlight.
Depending on the clog’s depth, you might need a drain snake to clear it. These handy tools can be purchased at hardware stores and are easy to use.
Another common cause of a clogged drain is the grease that’s been poured down the drain. Although the oil is liquid, it quickly solidifies in the pipes and traps other debris.
To keep a clogged drain from becoming a bigger problem, limit what you put down the toilet and avoid flushing dental floss, wipes, or feminine products down the bathroom’s toilet. This will ensure that your toilet will last longer and that you’ll have fewer clogs in the future.
Leaking Faucets and Pipes
Leaking faucets are a frustrating problem that can cause enormous damage to your home and water bill. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to solve the problem and prevent it from recurring.
First, you’ll want to locate the main shutoff valve in your home and turn it off. Generally, it’s located in the basement or crawl space.
Once you’ve found the valve, it’s essential to see where the leak comes from. If you need help locating the source, call a plumber right away so that they can help you.
Next, you should tighten any loose parts causing your faucet to leak. This includes the washer and O-rings that keep water in the stem.
Also, be sure to clean your faucet regularly. This will keep it from leaking and help it to last longer. Cleaning also helps to remove mineral deposits that can cause parts of the tap to corrode and leak.
Frozen Pipes
A frozen pipe can be one of the most severe problems you’ll ever face in your home. It can lead to costly repair bills and even damage your property.
The best way to combat a frozen pipe is to take proactive steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. You can do this by keeping your home’s temperature up and insulating your pipes properly.
Frozen water inside a pipe can cause sections to swell, crack or burst, severely damaging your home. A single frozen pipe can cause thousands of dollars in property damage, so preventing it is vital to protecting your home and belongings.
To thaw out the frozen section of your pipe, turn on a faucet and run water through it at a trickle. This will help melt the ice and restore full water pressure to your system.
Sewer Backup
A sewer backup is an unpleasant plumbing issue that can be hazardous to your health. Sewage backups can occur when wastewater from your sinks, tubs, toilets, and washing machines travels in the wrong direction through the sewer system instead of going down the drains.
The sewer lines in your home connect to the municipal sewer system or a private septic tank, depending on where you live. The city or septic tank sends the wastewater through treatment facilities before it returns to the environment.
Older homes are more likely to experience sewage problems because they have cast iron or clay pipes that last only a short time and can crack or break. Tree roots can also damage these pipes, which leads to a sewer backup.
When a sewer backup happens, the first step is to shut off the water at the main valve in your house. Then, avoid flushing your toilets until the problem is solved. Getting a professional plumber to determine what’s causing the pain and fix it is essential.
The Plumbing Pros – your dedicated solution for plumbing issues. For Plumber Roseville CA needs and beyond, our skilled professionals offer services like Water Heater Replacement and Leaking Valve Repair. Trust us for dependable solutions.
