If you’ve ever doubted that an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” you’ve never worked in the plumbing industry. One thing that many people don’t realize (but your local plumber definitely understands) is that most plumbing problems don’t start off big — they start small and grow more serious over time. Catching an issue while it’s still small can save you a tremendous amount of time and money.
There’s a good chance that every older plumbing system has a few issues lurking around that could benefit from an expert assessment. Luckily, you can schedule an appointment with the best plumber Duncanville, Texas, has to offer by contacting Dial One today.
Keep reading to find out about three common plumbing problems you might have in your home, as well as how you can fix them before it’s too late.
The Slow Drain: Sign of the Clog
One of the clearest signs that something is wrong also happens to be one of the easiest to ignore: the slow drain. Whether it’s the sink that takes five minutes to drain after a handwash, the toilet that barely flushes or the bathtub that holds water long after you’ve pulled the plug, it’s an issue you need to resolve.
What Causes the Slow Drain?
Most draining issues are caused by some sort of blockage or clog that is restricting water flow. More often than not, it’s caused by washing or flushing things down the drain that don’t dissolve and instead form a mass that sticks to the pipes, much like cholesterol on the walls of an artery. Here are some likely culprits:
- If your bathroom sink or bathtub won’t drain, you may have a clog made of hair, soap scum, toothpaste and other sticky substances blocking the pipes.
- If your kitchen sink won’t drain, the likely culprit is a clog consisting of cooking grease and food bits. Hopefully you already know this, but you should never put grease or oil of any kind down the drain. You should also never put paper towels, coffee grounds, egg shells, bones or lemons and limes down the drain.
- If your toilet won’t flush, ask yourself this question: are flushable wipes actually flushable? The answer is no — no they are not. Regardless of whether you use flushable wipes, the blockage most likely consists of a mixture of paper and human waste.
Although the above-mentioned are common causes of a slow draining or clogged pipe, they’re unfortunately not the only ones. Tree roots can infiltrate weak, broken or damaged pipes, eventually obstructing waterflow. The only real way to prevent this is to upgrade your plumbing with the help of the Duncanville plumbers at Dial One.
What Fixes the Slow Drain?
The solution is going to depend on the problem’s location and cause, but assuming that the slow drain is caused by a clog or blockage, there are several methods you can try.
Plunging
When clogs just need a little help getting unlodged, a good plunging can do the trick. Unless you’re really living on the edge, you probably own a plunger, so if you’re willing to put a little elbow grease behind it, you may be able to fix the issue on your own.
Non Chemical-Based Solutions
When the kitchen sink is clogged, many people reach for the chemical drain cleaner. Unfortunately, these products can corrode your pipes right along with the grease, so it’s better to use a more natural solution, such as baking soda and white vinegar combination.
Snaking
If the blockage is too substantial for a plunger or natural solution, you may be able to use a snake to clear the drain. Although there are methods of snaking your own drain, experienced Duncanville plumbers will use an industrial snake.
High Pressure Drain Cleaning
Arguably the most effective method for clearing a blockage, high pressure drain cleaning is your best bet for obliterating serious, persistent clogs. It works by using water pressure from a jet nozzle to break up and clear debris from a drain. It’s a fast, safe and environmentally friendly method of clog removal that the best plumbers Duncanville, Texas, have to offer will be more than happy to provide.
Water Waste: Drips, Leaks and the Running Toilet
Almost everyone has dealt with a dripping faucet, leaking pipes or a running toilet at some point; they’re some of the most common plumbing problems. However, anyone who thinks of them as harmless annoyances couldn’t be more wrong.
What Damage Can It Cause?
Even a slowly dripping sink faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year, driving up your energy bill and costing you money. A running toilet is even worse, potentially wasting hundreds of gallons of water each day, and in a world of skyrocketing energy costs, that’s not just expensive — it’s irresponsible.
Water waste can do some of its most expensive damage when it takes the form of leaking pipes. Not only can a leaking pipe ruin furniture and floors, but it can also create a welcoming environment for unwanted bugs such as cockroaches. If your home has a leaking pipe, don’t hesitate to contact Dial One for an emergency water leak repair.
How Can I Fix It?
Luckily, some dripping faucets and running toilets can be fixed with simple DIY repairs, such as replacing a washer or flapper valve. However, if you’re unfamiliar with basic plumbing, it’s smarter to search for the best plumber Duncanville, Texas, has to offer. Attempting to fix plumbing issues without any experience can lead to greater damage and a more expensive repair.
When it comes to leaking pipes, DIY repairs are a less viable option. You might be able to achieve a temporary fix with tape, compounds and fillers, but eventually you’re going to need to replace that section of pipe or its related fittings. If you find yourself searching the internet for Duncanville plumbers, save yourself some time and contact Dial One for the best plumbing repair the first time.
Water Pressure: An Essential Balance
Like the slow draining sink and the running toilet, poor water pressure is often mistaken for an inconvenience rather than the warning sign it really is. Additionally, most people don’t realize that it’s not just low water pressure that creates problems; high water pressure can cause leaks, damage pipes and break appliances. Finding the right water pressure is an essential balance that your Dial One plumber can help you achieve.
Many underlying issues can cause low water pressure, so your best bet is to contact the trusted Duncanville plumbers at Dial One for an assessment. They mind find the following problems:
- Sediment build-up on aerators
- Faulty fixtures
- Closed valves
- Corroded plumbing
- Clogged drains
- Too high of a water demand
Unlike fixing low water pressure, adjusting high water pressure is a more straightforward process. A plumber can check your water’s pounds per square inch (PSI) by using a water gauge. If they find the pressure is too high, they can install a regulator to mitigate the problem.
Call a Plumber at Dial One
No matter how inconsequential the plumbing issue you’re dealing with may seem, it’s critical to investigate and respond accordingly so that you don’t find yourself dealing with a larger issue in the future. If you’re looking for the best plumber Duncanville, Texas, has to offer, contact Dial One online or call 469-518-2809 to schedule an appointment today.