One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not calling out a plumber to take care of a dangerous problem. By neglecting your fixtures and drains, you create even bigger issues for yourself. In this post, we’ll go over the different plumbing problems you may encounter, troubleshooting tips for the simple fixes and which problems require emergency plumbing in Kansas City.
Preventing Problems
You can prevent expensive repairs by conducting regular maintenance on your appliances. Complete your own maintenance inspection by examining exposed pipes around your house and checking for signs of moisture (when it isn’t humid). You can easily search for indicators of corrosion on brass or copper fittings. Corrosion indicates a slow leak since it occurs more quickly on damp metal. Ensure all your water faucets have a steady flow, but keep in mind that water pressure varies depending on faucet style and purpose. You can also look at drainage speed and flush toilets to check efficiency.
Common Issues
Clogged Sinks
Clogged sinks are one of the most common plumbing problems out there. Clogged drains can be caused by hair, unprocessed food pieces, and more. Though this issue isn’t an emergency, it can cause the water flow to stop completely if it becomes too severe. You can use shower drain protectors to keep hair out of your drain and prevent the issue altogether.
To fix the problem, use a plunger to dislodge a clog with air pressure. Keep in mind that it can’t make the clog disappear completely. Commercial drain cleaners and clog removers are an option, but they can sometimes damage pipe materials if they’re utilized too often. You can check to see how bad the damage is by shining a light down the pipe. If the clump is near the mouth of the drain, you can use a pair of pliers or tweezers to remove the obstruction. The best way to prevent clogs is by installing drain screens, but we’re the ones to call if you require emergency plumbing in Kansas City!
Clogged Toilet
We’re all familiar with this plumbing mishap…the clogged toilet. It’s embarrassing and inconvenient, but luckily there’s a quick fix! If you notice strange noises or leaking within your toilet, try some DIY tips. If the problem continues, you may have to deal with leaks and structural damage. Plus, raw sewage backups can create health issues in your homes. You can tell if the drain or trap is blocked when you see water rising to the rim and draining slowly after being flushed. A good troubleshooting technique is to bring out a trusty plunger. If that doesn’t work, use a snake to burrow into the blockage. Pull some of the snake from the drum and tighten the nut at the top of the snake body. After that, rotate the drum of the snake to ensure it gets the job done! When all else fails, contact emergency plumbing in Kansas City.
Running Toilet
A running toilet is another common problem that plagues homes around the world. Jiggling the toilet handle can only patch the problem for so long. Toilets run when the flapper valve that lets the water pass from the tank to the bowl doesn’t fit properly. It could also be that the float isn’t balanced or the fill tube comes loose. You can purchase a toilet repair kit, but it may not be able to do the trick is there are more complex, underlying issues. If you’ve already checked out the flapper, float apparatus and fill tube, the culprit could be sediment. A tip off that you may have a silent leak is higher water bills. You can check for a leak by adding a few drops of food coloring to the upper tank, waiting 15-20 minutes and looking for any hint of color. If there’s tinted water, the flapper valve isn’t working properly. Once you’ve identified the issue, you can contact us for toilet repair.
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets and toilets not only drive you insane, but also increase your utilities cost. You may have to deal with rust and mold growth as well. According to Aqua Plumbing, “when you turn off the tap, rubber or silicone-based washers form a water-tight seal that prevents more water from pushing its way through the pipes and out of the faucet”. If the washers become stiff, dislodged or torn, that’s where you get the drips. You’ll need specialized tools to replace the washers, so it’s sometimes more affordable to just hire a professional to do it for you. For those who neglect their leaks, the valve seat can be become corroded, requiring even more plumbing assistance. If you have ceramic plates that work together to form a seal rather than washers, repair jobs will be even more complicated. You’ll be able to tell if you have ceramic discs or a canister tap if you have a lever-operated sink or tub. We offer faucet repair services day and night!
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can go undetected for several weeks, but it’s important to identify and fix the problem before it becomes a huge money investment. Leaks normally occur at joints, but can be temporarily fixed with commercial joint fillers and fitting compounds. This quick fix eventually requires a more permanent solution in the form of pipe or fitting replacement. If you have a leaky U-joint beneath your sink, you can use a compression clamp or leak tape to keep the water from spraying. A leaking water heater valve can be replaced by a professional, but you may need an entirely new system if the heater wall is rusted through. A leaky washing machine hose can cause mold and rust, so get this taken care of as soon as possible.
Low Water Pressure
One of the worst things to encounter after a long day is a shower with low water pressure. If your stream is more like a trickle, it may be an issue with the pipes in your home or the municipal water supply. The most common reason for this issue is a build-up of deposits or sediment on faucet aerators, though this normally happens in systems without filters. Soaking your aerator in vinegar overnight can often do the trick. If that’s not it, a leak in the pipes might be your problem.
Other Issues
Some other problems to be concerned about are broken water lines (caused by poor water quality or water pressure), burst pipes (freeze-thaw cycle issue), a lack of hot water or a sewer system backup. You’ll be able to tell if you have a sewer system backup if you experience multiple drain clogs, gross odors emitting from the drains, gurgling toilets and pools of water near floor drains.
Questions to Ask
Can the Issue Wait?
Before you call someone out for emergency plumbing in Kansas City, ask yourself whether the issue can wait until the next day. A water leak in your basement requires immediate attention to prevent flood damage, but a faulty toilet can wait until the next morning if you have alternate toilet options. An issue may be more pressing depending on the time of year as well. A broken sink in the middle of the summer will be a problem, as will a faulty heater in the middle of the winter. In some cases, you can shut off the water without having to call in outside help. Simply locate the water shutoff valve and determine whether you need to shut off the main one or a specific valve. This will hold off the problem until the morning when you can call a plumber.
Will Waiting Cause More Damage?
You need to ask yourself whether putting off a repair will cause even more damage. If the answer is yes, opt for emergency plumbing in Kansas City. You can cut down on damage by using buckets and rags to soak up a leak, but don’t delay a permanent fix. Failure to nip these issues in the bud can results in floor, ceiling and wall damage.
Is this My Problem?
Sometimes, it’s not your responsibility to fix the problem. The water company and utility provider will be able to tell you if the issue is affecting the whole neighborhood rather than just your home. An example of this would be malfunctions with city water supplies. This saves you money, since repairs are made at no cost to you!
Things to Consider
Make sure you know exactly how much you’ll be paying for the repair. On top of service fees, you may be charged an extra fee for emergency services completed at night or on the weekends. We’ll be able to give you a ballpark estimate to fix your problem before we come out to your home. Do some comparison shopping and take into account reviews before making the call. There are some plumbing tasks that you can’t complete unless you’re a trained professional, like new construction that needs building permits and installation of new pipes/tubs. Seek out emergency plumbing in Kansas City if:
- There’s a septic tank leak
- The sewer line breaks or leaks
- You have water heater issues