Five Common Plumbing Issues In The Home (And How To Fix Them)

No one enjoys plumbing issues in the home—or at least, they’re not enjoyable when they occur. Luckily, several problems plague homeowners, which can be solved quickly and easily if you know what to look for and what steps to take when these issues arise.

Here are five common plumbing issues in the home and how to solve them quickly and efficiently so your household can stay running smoothly.

1. Clogged Toilets

You usually experience clogged toilets when there’s a build-up of things like toilet paper or other bathroom items that have been flushed down. In many cases, you can unclog your toilet with these DIY solutions

• Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda and 1⁄2 cup vinegar into your toilet bowl, then let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing. The combination should break up any blockages and flush them away.
• Use a plunger to force water through whatever is clogging your toilet; repeat until it moves freely again. If neither of those methods works, you may need professional help from a plumber—but don’t panic, you can reach out to Ritz Plumbing in Los Angeles
• Burst Water Pipes

This can be a massive problem. You might have warm water for your shower, but you won’t have running water elsewhere. It’s a great idea to keep a bucket of sand or bags of quick-set concrete mix handy in case your pipes burst. Simply grab some sand from around your home and stuff it into one end of your broken pipe—if that doesn’t work, try a bag of the quick-set concrete mix instead.

3. Slow Draining Sinks and Tubs

There are two reasons your sink or tub might not be draining quickly. One, a pipe has broken. Two, you have a clog. To figure out which is causing your slow drain, try pouring half of a cup of baking soda and half of a cup of vinegar down each drain. If one of the bubbles ups and overflows, that’s your problem; otherwise, you can start fishing things with tongs or even an old broom handle.

4. Leaky Faucets

One of the most common plumbing issues around, a leaky faucet may be annoying and wasteful, but it’s also pretty easy to repair. Before you start tearing apart your faucet, check for worn washers—it could save you from replacing expensive parts. Once you’ve cleaned out any debris or discovered a damaged washer, tighten any loose nuts with pliers and replace damaged washers.

5. Leaking Pipes or Roofs

A leaky pipe or roof can be a major headache. To diagnose a leak, shut off your home’s taps and remove all faucets from their stands. It is likely due to a faulty washer or seal if you see water dripping from a joint or connection. Any leaking water should also be treated with care; call for professional assistance before attempting repairs yourself. When investigating leaks, have as many people on hand as possible so that you can identify the source of any sounds quickly and efficiently.