Salas: 5 frequent plumbing points for Phoenix owners

(File photo)

From Nelson Salas

Few things are more frustrating to a homeowner than leaky faucets, weak water pressure, or a running toilet.

A faulty plumbing system is not only a nuisance to you and your family, it can also cost you a lot of money on your water bill. Problems such as leaking taps or toilets that run constantly are wasteful and pollute the environment.

Plumbing problems occur in almost every household. Homeowners tend to put it off for weeks or even months before addressing the problem. Often this is because the problem cannot be fixed on its own or because there is no time to wait for a plumber.

In my 20+ years of experience as a professional plumber, I’ve seen many of these common problems throughout my career. Here are five of the most common plumbing problems and what you can do to correct them.

Repair leaking taps

The most overlooked plumbing problem homeowners face is leaky faucets. Often times, people let dripping faucets keep dripping for a period of time because it doesn’t seem like that much of a problem. However, a leaky faucet can increase your water bill over time.

To fix a leaky faucet, simply remove the top of the handle to reveal a number of screws, washers, and a rubber seal that are the most likely cause of the dripping. Remove the required screws and washers and replace the rubber seal with a new one. Once assembled, it should create a tight seal and stop the pesky dripping.

Fixed weak water pressure

If you’ve experienced weak water pressure while showering, you know how annoying that can be.

Homeowners rarely know what to do when the water pressure is low and sometimes leave it for long enough to get used to. If this sounds familiar to you, there is a solution.

If the low water pressure is only in your shower, check your shower head or faucet for buildup. Over time, soaps and detergents can form a film in your shower head and close the holes. If you find that your shower head is clogged, you can clean it by soaking it in vinegar or alcohol.

After a few hours, rinse and test your shower head thoroughly. If you find that the pressure is still low, try cleaning it again. If that still doesn’t work, you may need to replace your shower head.

If you find that the water pressure is weak all over your home, there may be a bigger problem. In this case, you should consult a professional plumber to inspect your pipes for mineral or sediment build-up in your system.

Repair running toilets

One of the more common problems homeowners have with their plumbing is a toilet that keeps running for a long time after it has been flushed. A running toilet wastes a large amount of water and creates an annoying and persistent sound of running water.

If your toilet keeps running after flushing, remove the top from the back tank and see that the flap completely covers the hole in the bottom. If the flap covers the hole, make sure the lever chain is properly positioned and has enough slack to allow the flap to fit over the hole. If you check your system if you find that your door is cracked or the chain is broken, then they need to be replaced.

You can visit your local hardware store for inexpensive parts.

Fixed slow drains

Another common problem is a slow draining sink or shower. This often occurs when hair becomes clogged in the sink or shower drain and backs up water.

Clogged drains are a relatively simple solution that store-bought drain cleaners can be used to fix. A natural way to clear your drains is to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to squeeze out the clog, followed by boiling water to remove any remaining dirt.

If you have persistent problems with a slow drain, I recommend using a bio-clean drain cleaner on a regular basis. These cleaners contain natural bacteria and enzymes that digest dead organic waste from your plumbing system and keep your pipes clean.

Repair leaking pipes

When it comes to fixing a leaky pipe, the problem is often not the solution, but locating the leak. If you’ve noticed puddles of water, chances are you have a leak.

I recommend inspecting the pipes you have access to and looking for the leak. Once the leak is found, the first step in the repair process is turning off the water supply.

You will then need to disconnect the pipe and apply a joint sealant to the area and reattach the pipe. If you find that the leak is from a crack or hole in the pipe rather than the connection, I recommend calling your local plumber to fix the problem in a timely manner.

All of these problems are common in a household and are relatively easy to fix. However, if you are faced with a plumbing problem knowing you cannot fix it yourself, give a professional plumber a call. Sometimes trying to fix a problem without knowing what you are doing can make the problem worse.

Editor’s Note: Nelson Salas owns Amigo Rooter & Plumbing in Phoenix. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Salas has worked full-time as a master plumber in Texas and Arizona.