Common Plumbing Problems in a Home

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Plumbing issues can happen at any time. Most are easy to tackle yourself, but some require the help of an expert. Knowing the most common plumbing problems will help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are a few important plumbing emergency plumber Canberra problems to look out for: Leaky Pipes Leaky pipes are a typical problem that can be caused by several causes. Pipes can corrode over time due to normal wear and tear or aging. Sometimes, pipes could leak because of an issue that is serious, such as the rupture of a pipe. If you let a leaking pipe is not addressed and untreated, it could cause major troubles for the property and the owner. The water leaking from the pipes can cause damage the ceilings and walls and can also creating a humid environment which is perfect for the growth of mold. Mold can be destructive to wallboard and other materials beneath, leading to further structural damage and costly repairs. Many people don't realize that they have a leaky pipe until it is too late and they have already paid thousands of dollars for repairs to their home. A professional plumber can quickly and efficiently detect and repair any leaks in the house. Clogged Drains Clogged drains are an issue that homeowners face regularly. If untreated, a clogged pipe can cause leaks, mold as well as sewage or water backups and even structural damage to your home. Your household drain pipes are designed to deal with debris, but they also block with hair, soap scale, food scraps grease and other objects. When this debris builds up, your home's bathtubs, sinks and toilets will not function properly. A clogged drain will usually be identified by a foul scent, however, you may be able to hear sounds when air and water flow across the pipes. If all your household drains become slow or clogged it could indicate that the main sewer line is suffering from a blockage. You can avoid this issue by taking steps to control what is going down your drains such as avoiding flushable wipes and sanitary items and using kitchen rags instead of cotton swabs for cleaning dishes. Place cooking grease into the trash container instead of going down the drains of your kitchen sink. Sewer Backups Sewage backups are one of the most unpleasant plumbing problems homeowners might have to confront. Not only are they smelly and unattractive, but they expose people to a myriad of harmful bacteria which can make them very sick. Raw sewage can also pose dangerous to porous surfaces like floors, drywall or furniture. If you notice that waste is being pumped in your home, you must turn off the water supply valve to the house. Also, shut off electricity if the wastewater comes near electrical outlets. Typically it is when your house's drain pipes or the main sewer line is clogged. Watch for gurgling sounds as you drain or flush your toilet. This could indicate the presence of a blockage. A few things that trigger the sewer line to backup are not your fault including earthquakes land shifts or the age of plumber Canberra the pipes. If your home has older clay or cast iron pipes, it is worth considering having them replaced to avoid a potential backup. Low Water Pressure If you've tried everything described above to boost the water pressure at home but don't have enough then it's the right time to contact a plumber. Professional plumbers are able to rapidly identify and resolve problems with pipes, which can include clogs. A plumber in Canberra can also safely switch off the water source to the whole house, if needed. They'll make sure that the leaks do not caused by corroded pipes or household members. Another reason for low pressure on your water is due to the branches that connect your water spout to each fixture. These can become clogged with mineral deposits or corroded because of acidic water, imbalanced pH levels, and other causes that wear out piping. The plumber will decide whether the piping can be cleaned, or if it needs to be replaced. Additionally, they will check your home for leaks. If you own an extensive home, they will start on the lowest floor and switch on faucets from the bottom up to test the water pressure in each area of the home.