Troubleshooting Plumbing Problems: Leaks, Burst Pipes, and More!

If you’re a homeowner, you know that plumbing problems are bound to happen at some point or another. From clogged drains to water leaks, these issues can cause stress.

In this article, Assainissement île de France discusses some common plumbing problems and how you can troubleshoot them. So, whether you are dealing with a minor or a major issue, let’s get into it!

1. Clogged Drains

One of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged drain. This can be caused by many things, such as hair, grease, or food buildup. Signs of clogged drains are water that backs up into the sink or tub or a slow drain.

If left unaddressed, clogged drains can lead to water leaks or even burst pipes. It’s best to address this issue as soon as possible.

How to troubleshoot a clogged drain

You can do a few things to try and fix a clogged drain yourself. Let’s break them down into steps:

First, remove the drain cover and any visible debris. If you can’t see the clog, you may need to use a plunger or a plumber’s snake. Plungers are usually best for small clogs, while snakes are better for bigger ones.

Try pouring hot water down the drain. This can help break up the clog. If these methods don’t work, it’s time to call in a professional. A plumber will be able to quickly and efficiently clear your drain.

Use an enzyme drain cleaner. This is a safe and effective way to clear clogged drains. Pour the cleaner down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, run hot water down the drain to flush away the debris.

If none of these methods work, it’s time to call a plumber or sanitation company for CANALISATION BOUCHÉ. They’ll have the tools and experience to clear your drain quickly.

2. Water Leaks

Water leaks are another common plumbing problem. They can occur in many places, such as behind the toilet, under the sink, or ceiling. If left alone, water leaks can cause water damage and lead to Mold growth.

How to troubleshoot water leaks

If the leak is minor, you may be able to fix it yourself. Start by turning off the water at the main valve.

Then, locate the leaking pipe and tighten any loose connections. If the leak is coming from a hole in the pipe, you will need to patch it with epoxy putty or replace the section of the pipe.

Once you have fixed the leak, turn the water back on at the main valve and check for leaks. If the leak persists, it’s time to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

3. Overflowing Toilets

An overflowing toilet is a plumbing problem that can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you notice water spilling out from under the toilet or the bowl is full, this is an indication that your toilet is overflowing.

There are many reasons toilets overflow, such as a clogged drain, broken flapper, or septic tank issues. Whatever the reason, it’s important to fix it immediately.

How to troubleshoot an overflowing toilet

If your toilet is overflowing, you should first turn off the water at the valve behind the toilet to stop the flow of water.

Then, you will need to identify the cause of the overflow. If the toilet is clogged, you can try plunging it or using a plumber’s snake. If the flapper is broken, you need to replace it. Remember not to force anything and to call a professional if you are unsure.

4. Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most serious plumbing problems. They can occur due to many things, such as freezing temperatures or corrosion. Burst pipes won’t only cause water damage but can also lead to mold growth.

Pipes located in exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing and bursting. If you think your pipes may be frozen, turn off the water at the main valve and call a professional.

How to troubleshoot burst pipes

Like with other plumbing problems, you should first turn off the water at the main valve. Then, locate the burst pipe and dry it off using a towel. Once the pipe is dry, you can try to repair it using a pipe repair kit.

That being said, if the burst pipe is too big or the damage is too severe, you will need to call a professional. They will be able to replace the section of the pipe and make sure that everything is secure.

5. Septic tank issues

If you rely on a septic tank, it’s important to know the signs of septic tank problems. Some common indications include sewage backup, slow drains, and bad odors. Septic tank issues can range from a simple clog to a serious failure.

How to troubleshoot septic tank issues

If you think there may be an issue with your septic tank, you should first check the tank for any leaks. If there are no leaks, you can try to pump out the tank. However, if this doesn’t work or you are unsure how to proceed, it’s time to call in the experts and leave them to conduct CURAGE CANALISATION, or pumping services.

Note: Tinkering with your septic tank can be dangerous and may make the problem worse.

6. No Hot Water

If you suddenly find yourself without hot water, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem. The most common cause of no hot water is a pilot light that has gone out. However, other potential causes exist, such as a broken thermostat or tripped circuit breaker.

How to troubleshoot no hot water

If you have an electric water heater, the first thing you should do is check the circuit breaker. If it has been tripped, you will need to reset it and see if that fixes the problem. If the circuit breaker trips again, you will need to call an electrician.

If you have a gas water heater, the most likely cause of the problem is a pilot light that has gone out. To fix this, you need to relight the pilot light. Sometimes, the thermocouple may be the issue. In this case, you will need to replace it completely.

7. Low water pressure

You’re taking a bath, and the water pressure starts to dwindle until it’s a mere trickle. Or, you’re in the middle of doing dishes when the water pressure suddenly becomes too low to be effective. These are both signs of low water pressure, which many things can cause.

How to troubleshoot low water pressure

The first thing is to determine if the low water pressure affects your entire home or just one fixture. If it’s just one, the aerator may be an issue. Cleaning or replacing it may do the trick.

But if the low water pressure affects your whole house, a few things could happen. One possibility is that there is a leak in the main water line. Another is that the pressure regulator is set too low. Or, there could be a build-up of minerals in your pipes.

If the issue lies with the pipes, it’s best to call in a plumber or sanitation company to inspect. They can clean out the pipes or, replace them entirely, depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Plumbing problems are never fun to deal with. But, armed with the right knowledge, you can troubleshoot most of them independently. Of course, there will be times when you need to call in the experts. Always remember that your safety should be the number one priority!