Plumbers

Plumbing is crucial to the environment of the home, but often it’s the last thing on a homeowner’s mind until something goes wrong. Plumbing malfunctions are inconvenient, and significant damage can also be created by problems that seem small and thus go unchecked.

SIMPLE PLUMBING CHECKS

Check exposed pipes for signs of leaks or corrosion, which can present as green stains around metal fittings. Corrosion can cause pipe connections to become unseated. If left too long, it can then lead to leaks.

Water pressure and drainage. Low water pressure can indicate a possible problem in the water line or a buildup of sediment. Test sinks and tubs at the faucets and remove shower heads to look for sediment. Also check the drainage; a full swirl should be evident as the water leaves basins. If bubbles appear instead, there may be a blockage in the pipe.

Leaks and tile damage. Carefully examine tiles and caulking to see if any are cracked, loose, or hollow. Push gently on the toilet to see if it moves or rocks. Any of these anoma­lies can be an indication of current or past leaks that may have contributed to unseen damage beneath the tiles.

Typical Plumbing Issues

Worn parts of a faucet are the most common cause of faucet drip. Since various faucet designs shut off water flow differently, a variety of components can cause the faucet to drip. In a standard two-handle faucet, a worn rubber washer, or O-ring, or a worn valve seat usually causes the drip. Since a steady faucet drip can waste many gallons of water per day if left unchecked, a faucet drip should be repaired as soon as possible.

The two most common problems that happen with a toilet are that it will run continuously after flushing or will not flush at all. Both problems should be attended to as soon as possible. A toilet that runs wastes a great deal of water, which can translate into much