If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve had a water problem at some point.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common plumbing issues and how you should handle them.
3. Clogged bath or shower drain
8. Leaky pipes
No matter what plumbing emergency you are experiencing, the experts at WaterSmart can help. There is no job too big or too small for WaterSmart.
Contact us immediately if you detect a plumbing emergency or are experiencing one of the following common plumbing issues.
Common Plumbing Issues
1. Dripping faucets
A leaky faucet can cause a spike in your water bill and lead to major water damage. In return, this can cause you to invest in extensive home repairs if the issue is not taken care of promptly.
Your best bet is to get on top of the issue right away.
If your faucet is leaking:
Be sure to turn off the water
Determine what type of faucet you have
Gather some tools
It’s a relatively easy fix, but be sure to reach out to an expert if you need help.
A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing issues but it can cause serious problems.
2. Slow-draining sink
There are so many reasons why your sink might be clogged, from hair to food and mineral buildup from hard water.
Sink clogs can be very annoying but with these 5 tips, you should be able to fix the problem. Click on each link to read more details about each solution
If none of these tricks work, you probably have a more serious issue. If this is the case, make sure you contact us right away.
3. Clogged bath or shower drain
Similar to sinks, tub and shower drains generally get blocked up by groupings of hair and soap.
Clearing the blockage may require the use of a plunger or a plumber's snake.
Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes get rid of the clog as well.
Reduce the probability of this common plumbing issue by adding a drain guard to catch hair and soap.
reduce the amount of material that goes down your drains!
4. Clogged toilet
One of the most unfortunate common plumbing issues is a clogged toilet.
There are a couple of tried and true methods for fixing a clogged toilet.
METHOD #1: PLUNGER
You can use a plunger to get rid of your clog. A force-cup plunger will work better than a regular one. Place the bulb of your plunger into your toilet drain and pump it using as much force as possible.
METHOD #2: CLOSET AUGER
For more difficult clogs, you can use a closet auger. Place the end of your closet auger in your toilet drain hole. As you push the rotor down, twist the handle.
If you have a clogged or running toilet, don’t ignore it!
5. Running toilet
This is one of the most common plumbing issues and it’s usually an easy fix.
One of the possible causes of a running toilet is a worn-out flapper.
The flapper is located in the toilet tank and it’s responsible for draining water from the tank into the bowl when you flush.
In most cases, the flapper is attached to the tank by a chain; when you flush, the handle moves the chain, which lifts the flapper, allowing water to pass.
Sometimes it wears out, and instead of closing off the tank, the water keeps running.
You can perform an easy test to see if your flapper is worn out and not sealing properly by using a wooden spoon or another long-handled utensil.
Take the lid off your tank and press your wooden spoon down on the flapper.
If the running water sound stops, then you know that your flapper isn't sealing properly and will need to be replaced.
Click here for some more tips on how to catch and fix a running toilet.
6. Water heater not working
It’s never fun to step into the shower hoping for a nice hot shower, only to find your water heater has stopped working.
One possible, and hopefully likely, explanation is your water heater is too small for your household.
Water heaters typically range in size from about 30 to 80 gallons. If you are the only one in your household then a 30-gallon water heater will be sufficient for your needs.
If there are more people and if you use a lot of hot water, then you will need a larger sized unit.
Solution: Take a look at the size of your water heater. If if isn't large enough for your family's needs, then you may need to buy or rent a larger one.
If you would like some advice on what size unit would be best for your household, contact the experts at WaterSmart.
The optimum temperature range for your hot water heater is between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius
7. Low water pressure
There are a few reasons why you may have low water pressure.
There could be a leak somewhere in your pipes, or there’s scale buildup from minerals and deposits that come with hard water, for example.
In Canada, cold weather doesn't have a direct impact on your water pressure, but some cold weather effects could lead to lower water pressure, learn more here.
If your shower head has low pressure, you can remove it and let it soak in a large bowl filled with white vinegar. If it reaches all the way down to the tub floor, you can fill it with some water and vinegar and scrub the tub and shower area at the same time.
After a few hours, take an old toothbrush and scrub the shower head nozzles, then re-attach the shower head and run some water through it to clear out the vinegar and any lingering buildup.
If the low pressure is being experienced all over the house, contact WaterSmart.
Low water pressure could be a sign of a serious plumbing issue.
8. Leaky pipes
A burst pipe in your basement will be easy to detect, and you will want to get an emergency plumber on the phone right away.
Smaller leaks, however, are a tipoff that a plumbing emergency may be pending, and you will want to get them repaired before they become disastrous.
Head down to the basement from time to time and make sure there is no dripping or pooling water.
Another sign of damaged or leaking pipes is a spiking water bill. Don’t allow that to get out of hand.
Call a plumber asap and avoid future high water bills and even greater repair costs down the road.
Are you experiencing common plumbing issues? Choose WaterSmart!
No matter what your plumbing needs, the experts at WaterSmart can help. There is no job too big or too small for WaterSmart.
Locally Owned and Operated
When you work with WaterSmart, you are working with individuals who live, work and support your local community in Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Affordable
Not only will we provide you with the best high-quality plumbing services, but we will do it at a reasonable rate. We will fix your plumbing fast and at a price you can afford.
Exceptional Customer Service
You and all of our other customers are important to us. We will treat you with respect and do our best to provide you with the best customer service experience you've ever had.
14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4R7
Phone: 519-886-7331
Fax: 519.886.8021
Email: info@watersmartsystems.com
Mon-Wed: 8:30am-5pm
Thu: 8:30am - 7pm
Fri: 8:30am-5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Please note: Store will be closed on all long weekends, both the Saturday and scheduled holiday Monday
“6 Stars (if possible). Had a surprise leak in the basement - called multiple competitors for quotes ($400-$500 range). Watersmart came and saved the day! Gave me my options on the spot - Had everything fixed and working perfectly for less than HALF!!!! I have also purchased a softener from here years ago in my previous house - if you consistently have a high water bill, or you’re forever buying salt, CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!!!! Actually amazed me how efficient their units are. You owe it to yourself - just make the call, its easy.”
