6 Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Fix Them

Modern plumbing has become a relatively routine part of most homes. Most people have grown accustomed to their hot water coming on at the turn of a knob. When things go wrong, though, you suddenly realize how lucky you are to have any running water at all. Many issues can occur with your plumbing, but here are the most common problems you might come across.

1. Overflowing Toilet

The usual culprit is an overfilled toilet. This can be caused by flushing down toilet cleaners or sanitary products, as the extra solids can cause the toilet to overflow. The easiest solution for an overflowing toilet is to remove any tissue or paper that might be clogging the toilet and flush again. If it still overflows, try dumping out any extra water in the tank, which may have caused the overflow.

2. No Hot Water

The most common problem with a water heater is that the heat is not turned on. The heating element in a water heater usually comes on automatically when the temperature drops below 120 degrees F. If this hasn’t been your experience, you might have to turn the element on yourself. Usually, the switch is located close to the water heater, and turning it on usually resolves the problem.

3. Leaky Faucet

Another common plumbing problem is a leaky faucet. Most faucets are held onto the fixture with two set screws, which can easily become loose. If a faucet is leaking, try tightening these screws. If that does not work, you might have to replace the whole faucet.

4. No Water Pressure

Water pressure can decrease over time, usually due to sediment build-up in the pipes. This is called a “sediment blockage” and usually requires a plumber to fix it. If you have been trying to fix the blockage yourself, you might have to try a different approach. One of the easiest solutions is to flush the pipes. Turn off the water at the stopcock or valve behind the toilet, and run the water for about 30 seconds. Shut the water off, then try turning the water back on. If the blockage has not been fixed, try flushing the pipes in each of the sinks, then try the toilets again.

5. Noisy Water Pipes

Water pipes can make lots of noise, especially when they are old or have some type of sediment build-up. When this occurs, the pipes will vibrate, causing the clanging noise you hear. Silicone spray can help to solve this problem. If the noise continues, you may need to invest in new pipes. Some counties have companies that will take old pipes away and replace them for a small fee.

6. Sewer Backup

One of the worst plumbing problems is a backed-up sewer. A sewer backup could result in damaged walls and carpeting, as well as unhealthy mold build-up. If there is a backed-up sewer, you need to call a plumber at once. You can also try to figure out what is causing the backup. Sometimes roots or a broken pipe can cause the blockage. No matter what’s causing the backup, only a professional plumber can fix it.

Conclusion

These are the most common plumbing problems. If you have a problem with your plumbing, first make sure you have checked all of the possible solutions listed here. If you are still having problems, you can call a plumber to fix them for you.

For any plumbing-related issues, Wooten Knockout Plumbing is the only company you can trust. Our team is composed of some of the best plumbers in Tulsa, providing expert plumbing services to the community. Through the use of cutting-edge technology combined with our extensive experience in the industry, you can expect us to do the job properly every time. Contact us today to request a service.

Categories

Address
Follow Us