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You probably know how important it is to keep your plumbing system in good shape, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to actually do it. Not only can plumbing problems be expensive to fix, but also it’s difficult to figure out when you’ve got a problem that you need to call a plumber for. Fortunately, a little bit of research goes a long way when it comes to learning about your plumbing system. As long as you’re keeping an eye out for these six plumbing problems, you can keep the water flowing in your Tampa, FL, home.
1. Drain Clogs
Of all the plumbing problems you’re likely to have at home, drain clogs are probably the most common. There are a lot of different ways to clog drains, and sometimes it’s not even something you’re doing consciously. However, a clogged drain can cause serious problems in your home, including damage to pipes, sewer odors and more.
If you notice one of the drains in your home starting to run a little slow, call a plumber. You can try using an enzyme-based drain cleaner to unclog the drain, but you shouldn’t go any further than that if it doesn’t work. When it comes to running a snake or auger, leave it up to a professional.
2. Low Water Pressure
Depending on what you’re using water for, it’s important to have good water pressure. If you’ve ever showered or washed your hands at a home where the water pressure is very low, you know how tough it can be. Even more importantly, low water pressure is often a sign that you’ve got a problem somewhere in your plumbing system, particularly when water pressure is low throughout your Tampa, FL, home. A plumber can help determine the cause of your low water pressure and get it fixed so you can stay cleaner and keep your plumbing system in good shape.
3. Running Toilet
Chances are you’ve dealt with a running toilet at some point in your life. If you’ve ever left the bathroom and come back 15 or 20 minutes later only to notice that the toilet is still filling with water, you’ve had a running toilet. This might not sound like a very big deal, but a running toilet is actually one of the most expensive plumbing problems you can have. The water a running toilet uses can cost you hundreds of dollars each month depending on how often the toilet runs. The good news is, fixing a running toilet is often as simple as a plumber replacing a leaky flapper valve.
4. Leaks
From tiny little pinhole leaks to massive holes in pipes that gush out water, there’s no good kind of leak to have. Even a small leak can waste a lot of money and cause a considerable amount of water damage, so you should always call a plumber if you think there’s a chance you may have a leak in your home.
Another thing to consider is having a smart leak detection system installed in your home. These leak detectors are designed to measure the flow of water from your meter and into the house, picking up on any sudden changes in water flow and pressure to determine when you might have a leak. If your smart leak detection system thinks you have a leak, you’ll be notified. Some leak detection systems can even estimate where the leak is.
5. Burst Pipes
If there’s one thing you need to work to prevent in your home, it’s burst pipes. While burst pipes aren’t the biggest problem in Tampa because it doesn’t always get that cold, they can still affect homeowners in the area.
A burst pipe occurs when the water inside a pipe freezes. When that water freezes, it expands to the point that it can longer fit in the pipe which causes the pipe to crack. When the water thaws out again, you’ve got a massive hole for water to flow out of. This is a big problem in exterior walls that aren’t insulated well, as pipes in these walls get colder than pipes in interior walls.
A plumber can help you prevent burst pipes by identifying problem pipes in your home and making sure they’re insulated well. If you want to be even more on the safe side, you can have a plumber install heat cable around these pipes to keep them warm manually.
6. Dripping Faucet
Most of the time when a faucet is dripping a little bit, it’s because you didn’t quite turn the faucet off. If you notice your faucet dripping and turning the handle toward the off position doesn’t stop the drip, you have a problem with your faucet that requires the help of a plumber. In most cases, a dripping faucet can be fixed by replacing something simple like an O-ring or gasket.
While a small drip from your faucet might not seem like a very big deal, it can cost you a lot of money on your water bill. Even a light drip can add an unexpected $20 or $30 to your monthly bill. The good news is, you don’t have to worry about water damage as a result of a dripping faucet since the water is going down a drain.
A Helping Hand
The truth of the matter is, it’s not easy to understand how everything in your home works and what you need to do to keep it that way. Lucky for you, you can always call an expert to help you figure things out.
If you’re looking for a plumber to take care of a problem in your Tampa home, Drain Flo Plumbing is the smart choice. Thanks to years of experience, we can handle all your plumbing service needs. Whether you need plumbing maintenance, repairs or installation, call Drain Flo Plumbing at 813-815-7477 today.
