Plumbing Maintenance – Problems and Solutions

Are you experiencing problem with your plumbing? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we cover some of the factors that will go into the cost of fixing plumbing problems, then dive right into some common problems.

Before we get to some of the problems and solutions, let’s go over some of the factors that will effect the cost of fixing your plumbing problems:

1. The kind of maintenance needed – Not all jobs are created equal, or cost equal! If you just need a drain unclogged, you’ll get a minimal charger, whereas something bigger like replacing piping will take longer and cost more.
2. Your location – In New York City, prices are going to be higher than in the Midwest or other cheaper locations.
3. The materials – You won’t just need to pay the plumber, you’ll have to buy the replacement parts. Be sure to factor that into your budget.
4. Hourly or fixed – It’s good if you can get a fixed price, but many plumbers choose to do hourly.
5. Emergency – If you need something done at 2 AM, the premium time is going to cost you.

Now, let’s get into some of the common problems and solutions in plumbing. While we’ll do our best to diagnosis the problem from certain symptoms, some have multiple possibilities, so identifying the particular problem may not always be possible. Also, knowing what the problem is won’t always mean you can solve it without the help of a plumber. Still, this knowledge will help you when negotiating with a plumber over the cost of the job.

First, let’s discuss problems with the water heater. The first of our common symptoms is water seeping from the tank. In this case, there may either be sediment build-up in the tank, or it may have a defective valve. Another problem is hot water running out before you’re done showering. The problem here may either be sediment build-up again, or a defective dip tube. Last, if you’re hearing odd noises that you usually don’t from the tank, it may be a result of defective parts, a higher than usual temperature setting, or improper installation of the tank.

Next, we’ll cover some common problems in toilets. First, are you hearing strange noises after flushing the toilet? It’s probable that the fill valve is damaged if you do, and you’ll need to have it replaced. What about a continuously running toilet? You have a broken flapper – get that replaced as soon as possible so you don’t waste water and rack up a large water bill. What if your toilet won’t flush? It’s clogged, caused by a build-up of waste in the pipes. If you can’t dislodge it yourself with a plunger or snake, you’ll need to call the plumber. Last, does it take a lot of wiggling on the handle to get your toilet to flush? Your tank’s float ball may need adjustment – get into the back of that toilet and put it higher or lower, depending on what you need.

If you need more diagnoses of plumbing problems, check out the infographic below.