As a homeowner, you will undoubtedly face a variety of plumbing maintenance issues at some point or another. Anything from a clogged toilet to a leaky pipe could occur throughout your time in your home. Understanding common plumbing problems, how to repair them, and the types of plumbing services a professional would offer can help you tackle plumbing issues head on and avoid serious damages. 

Common Plumbing Issues

While taking care of your plumbing system with appropriate use and proper maintenance can help it last longer without issues, it won’t prevent the occasional clog, leak, or failure. Older homes especially tend to need more attention, but thankfully, many common plumbing issues have simple solutions. 

Here are a few to watch out for, as well as how to resolve them:

1. Low Water Pressure

Have you noticed your water pressure weakening over time? Low water pressure is a problem typically caused by a build-up of deposits or sediment on your faucet aerators. 

As water enters your pipes, it carries along with minerals that deposit themselves on the metal surface of your shower head or faucet. Over time, these deposits can clog your system, causing low water pressure. A good filtration system will help remove the minerals from the water, preventing them from collecting in your plumbing system.

If your low water pressure is caused by a clog in your faucet, resolve it by removing the aerator and soaking it in a vinegar and water solution overnight. If cleaning your faucet aerator doesn’t resolve your low water pressure issue, then you likely have a more serious issue at hand. Call in a professional to diagnose the real issue.

2. Leaky Pipes

An annual plumbing inspection can help identify a leak in your plumbing before it becomes a major issue. Should you identify one yourself or see signs of water damage, then the leak will need to be addressed as soon as possible. 

Most pipe leaks occur at the joints. To resolve the issue, you can find joint filler in most home improvement stores. Keep in mind that this is a temporary fix. It’s likely that the pipe itself or its fittings will need to be replaced, which you should call in a professional to handle unless you have plumbing experience. If you choose to handle the replacement yourself, keep in mind that it can quickly become a messy job.

3. Clogged Drains

We’ve all been there: the sink won’t drain, the toilet won’t flush, or the shower water is pooling around your ankles rather than draining away as it should.

Most clogged drains are easy enough to fix. A trusty plunger can resolve your toilet issue and a drain snake can pull up all the clogged hair from your shower or sink. If you ever run into a situation where these remedies aren’t working, it’s possible your drain clog is too deep and requires a professional drain cleaning.

3 Common Types of Plumbing Services

Planned Maintenance Inspections

Getting a routine inspection of your plumbing system can reveal necessary repairs before they become major issues. A yearly inspection can help you stay ahead of plumbing issues, avoid emergencies, prevent serious damages, and help your system operate optimally all throughout the year.

A typical yearly inspection will include at least the following:

• Water pressure check
• Snaking of a tub and shower drain
• Visual inspection of exposed plumbing
• Drain flow check
• Sump pump check
• Water heater check
• Faucet check
• Leak check

Plumbing Repairs

The goal is always to catch a problem before it becomes major, and that goes for repairs as well. If you’ve detected an issue with your plumbing or if your plumbing inspector identified a necessary repair, then it’s crucial to get the job handled as soon as possible.

Plumbing Diagnostics

There may be issues in your plumbing that you’re unaware of or a problem that you don’t understand. Plumbing diagnostic services help identify internal or external plumbing issues so they can be resolved in the fastest, most effective way possible. 

Signs You Need to Call in a Professional

It can be tempting to handle plumbing fixes on our own rather than bringing in a professional, but some problems are too dangerous or complicated to attempt without proper training and experience. Hire a certified plumber for any of the following plumbing concerns to protect yourself, your plumbing system, and your home:

• Problems with your water heater
• New construction (building permits required)
• Installing new pipes, sinks, bathtubs, etc.
• Leaks in your septic tank or sewer system

Trust Us With The Mess

Don’t hesitate to call in a professional when you need help. CroppMetcalfe’s 5-Star Technicians have handled every plumbing emergency imaginable, so you can trust your home is in good hands. Call 703-372-9359 to speak with one of our plumbing experts or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!