Most Common Plumbing Repairs
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is often caused by a buildup of mineral deposits and sediments in pipes, showerheads, and/or aerators, the cap at the end of a faucet. As the buildup forms, you’ll begin to notice water slow to a trickle, rather than a forceful stream when in use. Most of the time low water pressure only affects one room, making the issue easy to resolve through removing the buildup. But, if the low pressure is in more than one room, it’s time to call in the plumbers in Gainesville, FL with Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. This is often a sign of a leak in the water main or a larger issue within the water pipes.
Slow Drain
The best way to avoid a slow drain is through prevention. Use a strainer or drain cover for kitchen and bathroom drains to stop large food particles, hair, and other debris from going into the drain pipe. But if water is still slowly draining, remove the drain cover and use a plunger to knock loose the clog. Plungers are effective for everyday clogs and usually have a drain flowing again within a few minutes. But if the clog is large or stubborn enough, a Gainesville plumbing company like Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. will have the experience and tools to clear the pipe quickly and effectively.
Leaking Pipes
The pipes in our homes or businesses, such as the ones under sinks, often share the space with storage. Most leaks occur at a pipe’s connections and after being bumped or knocked as we reach in for whatever is stored nearby. Like a dripping faucet, a leaking pipe can be costly through lost water and replacement of water damaged products and/or flooring under the pipe.
Running Toilet
Most toilets begin running as the flapper valve wears out. This valve allows water to pass from the tank to the bowl when the toilet is flushed then re-seals itself when the appropriate amount of water has drained from the tank. The flapper is generally made of rubber, making it susceptible to wear and deteriorate over time. When this happens, it isn’t able to properly seal the valve and causes the noisy and annoying running toilet.
Dripping Faucet
Annoying and responsible for a higher than usual water bill, a dripping faucet is generally caused by a worn rubber or silicone-based washer or other internal part which has reached its end. As the washer wears out, the seal it created begins to break and allows water to continue moving via pressure in the plumbing after the faucet is turned off. Replacing a worn washer yourself is possible, but if the dripping continued long enough, the water may have worn or corroded other parts inside the faucet. These repairs are best left to Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. as not to risk further damage to the faucet and plumbing.
How to Find or Notice Plumbing Issues
When you think of plumbing issues, it’s easy to think of a deluge of water from a broken or damaged pipe. But most plumbing issues are more subtle in nature and need a little detective work to find.
Check Under Sinks
As mentioned before, the space under sinks is often used for storage. The next time you reach for cleaning products or a box of other supplies, check the area. Does it appear or smell damp? Are there watermarks on the flooring or whatever has been stored there? These are frequent signs of a leaky pipe or other plumbing issue.
Stop and Listen
When there’s no other activity in your home or business, and you know all faucets and water spigots are off, stop and listen. Can you hear water running or even dripping? If so, call Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. for rapid and professional plumbing repairs around-the-clock.
Double Check Your Water Bill and/or Meter
Has your monthly water bill gone up, but usage hasn’t? You may need Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. to check your home or business’s plumbing in Gainesville, FL. A bill increase without an increase in usage is usually a sign of a leak or other needed plumbing repair. Another way is to look at the water meter when you’ve turned off all faucets, showers, and other water supply sources in the home or business. If the meter still runs when everything is off, there’s a leak somewhere.