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Consulting a plumber to inspect a property in Tampa, FL, is a good way to stop problems before they start. Maintenance is much less expensive than repairs. Weather events, such as extreme heat and thunderstorms, can weaken the integrity of plumbing infrastructure. Some homeowners can handle minor repairs and maintenance themselves, but only professionals have specialized equipment to look inside pipes, complete repairs in hard-to-reach areas or discover the source of a plumbing problem that isn’t immediately obvious.
Toilet Maintenance
Toilets exist in almost every house, but they are surprisingly complicated devices. Fresh water is rushed in to replace water in the bowl every time the toilet is flushed. The flushing mechanism requires maintenance to remain free of leaks and continue functioning correctly. Leaks are prevented with flanges and o-rings. Pneumatic flushing systems also contain sealants to keep the pressure inside the water chamber even and consistent. This may sound a bit complicated, but that’s why we need plumbers to make sure the most essential plumbing fixtures in our homes function correctly.
A properly functioning toilet will keep running after a flush, but it shouldn’t run constantly. If you hear water running constantly, something is wrong. Some common problems include issues with the toilet plunger or compromised tank seals. Other potential problems include a float that is too high, excessively long refill tubes, or a damaged flapper that needs to be replaced. It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible. A constantly running toilet can waste up to 720 gallons of water over the course of a year.
Cleaning your toilet regularly can help avoid clogs and repairs. Remember that other parts of the toilet are just as important as the bowl, so clean and inspect the entire device. Make sure to keep the jet nozzles clean and clear because this helps your toilet flush and refill properly. Nozzles are exposed to sediment and debris, such as minerals, bacteria, and rust. This debris can eventually form clogs that weaken or block the flow of water. This makes it easier for clogs to occur because each flush is supposed to push water downward forcefully. Apply toilet bowl cleanser along the ridge at the top of the toilet and let the fluid drip down until the entire bowl is coated. Use a toilet cleaning brush to clean the ridge and around the edges. A heavily soiled bowl may need to be cleaned more than once.
Lines And Drains
Maintenance doesn’t end with the toilet itself. Sewer lines and other infrastructure remove contaminated water and keep it separated from clean, fresh water that comes out faucets in our homes. A plumber can inspect and clean sewage pipes to clear any clogs and remove debris to prevent unpleasant accidents.
Blocked drains are a problem that plumbers deal with on an almost daily basis. A clogged pipe causes water to back up into sinks, bathtubs and toilets, which prevents any use of the plumbing facilities until the clog is removed. Dirt, sanitary products and other debris can clog drains. We use plumbing facilities everyday, and this provides a lot of opportunities to create a clog. The likelihood of a clog increases if drains and pipes aren’t maintained regularly.
Flushing items like wipes or sanitary products greatly increases the risk of a clog, and putting rich, fatty foods and grease down the drain or through a garbage disposal also contributes to clogs. One of the simplest ways to protect your pipes from clogs is to install drain catches in sinks and showers. This keeps hair and soap from traveling into pipes and forming clogs. Although many products claim to clear clogged drains, these products can be very corrosive and damaging to your home’s plumbing.
Hot Water Heaters
Sometimes hot water heater issues aren’t noticed during the hot summer months because people aren’t that interested in taking nearly scalding hot showers when outside temperatures are uncomfortably warm. Unfortunately, this can let problems go until that hot water isn’t available when it is needed. It’s a good idea to hire a plumber to inspect hot water heaters before winter arrives. Pipes need to be examined for trapped air and intact heat insulation. The temperatures of hot water can reach levels that can cause burns if thermostats are set incorrectly or damaged. Properly insulated pipes can also help prevent injuries and unintended damage.
A sudden loss of water pressure is another reason to call a plumber. Water pressure can be lost for several reasons. It may be something simply like a clogged aerator in a faucet or a clog in the pipe that transports water to the faucet. A leak in a water main is a more serious issue. These leaks can actually lead to water pooling under the house or behind walls. Moisture within walls and under floors can lead to mold and mildew very quickly, and eradicating mold is much easier said than done. It’s best to address the problem quickly and get professional help from a plumber before extensive water damage and mold growth occurs.
Unexplained Moisture
Not all homes in Tampa, FL, have basements, but some plumbing problems are evident in the basement first. Water in the basement may be caused by poor insulation, insufficient weatherproofing, or a plumbing problem. Call your local plumber if you aren’t sure why water is accumulating in the basement. Of course, the basement isn’t the only place water can appear. Water marks on ceilings or drywall could be a result of any number of problems. It could be a leak from pipes within walls or a compromised roof letting precipitation into the home. You may need professional help to figure out where unwanted water is coming from.
Call the professional plumbers at Drain Flo Plumbing in Tampa, FL, to take care of all your home’s plumbing needs. They provide routine maintenance, repairs and even emergency services when you have problems that need to be addressed immediately.
