9 Common Plumbing Problems And How To Fix Them
Plumbers are currently one of the most in-demand tradespeople in the world. This also means that they encounter countless issues and problems in their jobs, especially because almost every building today has some plumbing system.
If you’re a plumber and are new to the field, give this list a read to prepare you for the real deal. If you’ve been in the business for a while, it’s not a bad idea to brush up on some old knowledge — maybe you’ll find something new.
Why it’s essential to manage tasks properly.
As with any job, staying on top of things in your plumbing jobs is essential in successfully running a business.
One, it’s increases efficiency and productivity. When you aren’t working in chaos for plumbing contractors, you can immediately see which of your plumbers is free and near and send them out on a job order. They can diagnose the problem and solve it instantly, giving them time to work on other orders. For plumbers, you’ll be able to do your job well. When you think and strategize what to do, you’ll commit fewer mistakes and deliver quality work.
Two, more profits. With your people have time to work on multiple jobs in one day, business will be profitable and you’ll rake in cash.
Plumbing Problems and How To Solve Them
- Dripping faucets
Leaky faucets are probably the most common plumbing problem because it’s one that’s easily noticed and can be caused by one of several factors.
Over time, as the handle gets pulled and pushed, the O-ring, the small rubber ring on the stem screw, will get worn out. This little rubber ring holds the handle in place, and when it wears out, a leak at the base of the handle will begin. The easiest and cheapest fix is to replace it.
Other than a damaged O-ring, a clogged aerator might be the cause of a dripping faucet. Over time, mineral deposits can clog up this mesh filter at the end of a spigot. When this happens, water pressure decreases and places stress on gaskets and seals — advise your customers to have aerators replaced every two years to prevent this problem from happening.
One other cause of faucets leaking is a bad valve seat or washer. The washer holds the valve seat in place between the spout and the faucet. Leaks can come out from the spout when the hold loosens or wears out, usually because of mineral deposits corroding the valve seat or if the washer wasn’t installed correctly.
2. Leaking pipes
Leaking pipes are standard in old buildings with copper pipes. The common reason for leaks in copper pipes is corrosion. While you can replace or seal these leaks, prevention is better than cure. If your client has copper pipes, tell them that they need a lot of upkeep and maintenance.
Alternatively, instead of continually repairing these pipes, suggest using PEX. Although they are not as strong as copper, they can adapt to extreme heat temps the way copper can’t. PEX flexes while copper can break with the constant expanding and contracting.
3. Clogged drains
A sink that drains slowly or not at all might occur because it’s blocked. In the kitchen, this is probably because of food or hardened fat; in the bathroom, it’s most likely because of knotted hair and soap.
To unclog a sink, you can use a plunger, a sewer snake, or a chemical clog remover. When opting to unclog sinks chemically, make sure you prioritize safety: wear gloves and other protective gear, don’t mix chemicals as they may produce poisonous gas, and carefully follow the product’s instructions.
4. Toilet problems (leak and clog)
Toilet problems aren’t reported as often as sink problems because they aren’t easily noticed or seen.
One major issue toilets experience is leaking. A toilet usually runs because of a faulty valve. This controls the water that flows from the tank to the bowl and if this is damaged, water can start to leak. However, in some cases, sediment can affect the filling and flushing, causing toilet runs.
More often than not, toilets clog up, filling the bowl up and preventing it from draining. Toilet blockage is usually due to human waste and toilet paper. A plunger can do the trick in most cases, but if the problem is serious, you might have to use a sewer snake or drain auger to loosen up the blockage.
5. Worn out hose bibb
A hose bibb is not meant to last through several seasons and it’s more vulnerable in areas with lower temperatures. The change in temperatures can lead to it cracking because it lost its integrity. When this happens, the hose can start to leak water everywhere.
As a preventative measure, suggest investing in a heavy-duty hose bibb, one that’s frost-proof. Either that or replace it every few months, whenever it breaks.
6. Weak water pressure
With weak water pressure, water trickles out rather than a steady gush. Commonly, this a result of another plumbing, leaking pipes. When pipes are worn, broken, or corroded, water can leak from them and lower the water pressure. As previously mentioned, you can either fix the piping by replacing them or sealing leaks, or you can use PEX rather than copper.
Mineral deposits and sediment buildup on aerators can also lead to leaking pipes and weakened pressure. In this case, you will clean the aerators of this buildup, unclogging it. For showerheads, you’ll either dismantle it to clean it or replace it.
7. No hot water
A water heater commonly lasts 8 to 13 years. But if homeowners aren’t careful, a heater’s lifespan can be significantly reduced.
There are three main reasons why water heaters stop functioning properly. One, rust and corrosion developed. If a water heater is placed in a safe enclosure, then its lifespan can be prolonged. However, as time passes, outside elements can cause issues. For example, anode rods can prevent corrosion, but they gradually lose their potency. So, as the rods get old and deteriorate, corrosion can form on the tank.
Another reason why hot water does not come out is due to sediment buildup. Hard water contains minerals that settle at the tank’s bottom. Consequently, the sediment will clog, decreasing water flow. To fix this, you’ll need to clean it up to prevent permanent damage to the heater.
Finally, inadequate pressure and size are another cause of a faulty water heater. The water heater size will depend on the size of the home — a one-bedroom apartment will need a smaller heater than a 6-bedroom house. If a compact heater is installed in a building that uses it for long periods of time, it will not have a long lifespan. Because the heating elements in a heater need proper risk shortage and adequate cooling cycles, the water pressure level must be appropriately configured to the occupants’ and building’s needs. If not, too high water pressure can reduce the heater’s longevity.
8. Break in the water line
Winter frost is a water line’s worst enemy. Even with a leak from the tiniest crack on a pipe, frost can completely break it. To prevent this from happening, urge your clients to regularly inspect their water lines to ensure their water lines are free from any cracks.
9. Sewer problems
Sewer issues are arguably the worst problem plumbers have to deal with. They are smelly, disgusting, and relatively hard to fix. To prevent sewer lines from being backed up, tell your clients to avoid washing some substances down the drain, like:
● Makeup;
● Food; and
● Grease.
In some cases, roots from large trees around the property can damage sewer lines, push, squeeze, and break them.
When dealing with clogged sewer lines, the first thing to do is diagnose. With a long probe and small camera, work your way down the line and identify where and what the problem is. This is the best way to diagnose a sewer problem.
Then comes the unclogging. With high-powered tools like an auger, break up the clog. If the pipe is still in good condition, this is where the job usually ends. But you may need to replace the sewer pipe if it’s leaking, damaged, or corroded.
Manage a project with plumbing software
Because almost every building today has some plumbing system, plumbers are currently one of the most in-demand tradespeople today. No matter the season, the plumbing trade will see a high volume of job orders, which can be overwhelming at times. But with plumbing software, contractors can manage their crew and jobs in one single tool.
Aside from keeping track of the crew, you can also keep track of equipment. You don’t have to worry about tools staying idle for a long time or sending out your employee with the wrong tools. With this feature, you can easily schedule tool usage and also have your crew report in its condition.
