5 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Diagnose Them
Dealing with plumbing problems doesn't have to be a pipe dream.Photo: Paul TaylorPlumbing problems are never fun. Admittedly, no problems are fun, but plumbing problems can affect your ability to take a shower, flush the toilet, or even wash your hands. And plumbing problems never seem to fall in the middle: They are either simple and inexpensive to fix, or they’re complex and can cost as much as a weekend getaway.
That’s why it’s important to ensure you don’t have any plumbing issues when remodeling your bathroom or renovating your kitchen. And that’s also why it’s crucial to avoid hiring bad contractors who can actually be the source of your plumbing woes.
However, even if your plumbing was installed by the best professionals, everyday wear and tear, along with unwitting mistakes (like pouring oil and grease down the drain) can cause plumbing problems over time.
It can be difficult to self-diagnose plumbing problems or even articulate the issue to plumbers. To avoid sounding completely clueless, here are five common plumbing problems, how to inquire about them, and what to expect of the service.
Problem: Shower LeakWhat to say: According to Travis Sewell, field consultant and licensed plumber from Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, a national company based in Waco, Texas, you need to describe the issue starting with where the leak is located. “Is there a leak at the showerhead? Is water continuously leaking from the tub spout? Are you noticing water on the floor after you shower? Or is water constantly on the floor even if no one has showered in that bathroom recently?” He recommends being as concise as possible when describing the issue.
Why it’s happening: “This problem is usually indicative of a failing or faulty shower cartridge located in the valve, or even a faulty shower valve all together,” says Aaron Mulder, co-owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of San Antonio. “However, the second type of shower leak we see occurs when water begins to saturate the wall behind the shower or even the ceiling below, when dealing with an upstairs bathroom.” If the water is leaking directly under or behind the shower/tub—even when it’s not in use—Mulder says you may have a leak behind the wall.
If the water is leaking from the showerhead, Sewell says it could be because you have hard water, which is causing debris to build up and eventually become lodged in the cartridge, and that’s what is allowing small amounts of water to pass through. “If the showerhead leaks only when the water is on, that would indicate an issue with the showerhead,” Sewell says. “If you’re noticing water on the floor, that could indicate a leak in your shower pan, in the wall from the tub or shower assembly, or a grout [or sealant] issue.”
How to fix: Depending on the problem, your plumber will need to remove the existing cartridge and install a new one or your showerhead may need to be replaced or resealed. “If you’re noticing water in the shower basin area, the plumber would need to perform a diagnostic to determine the location of the leak,” Sewell says. “The repairs range from a copper pipe repair, resealing the shower stall, repairing the drain, to replacing the shower pan/liner.”
Time and money estimate: Depending on the cause of the issue, Sewell says shower leaks can take anywhere from 30 minutes (showerhead replacement) to 4 hours (water line repair, shower valve replacement, drain repair, shower pan/liner replacement) to fix, and cost anywhere from $150 to over $1,500.
Problem: Clogged DrainWhat to say: “There is a stoppage in my [kitchen/bathroom/bathtub] drain.”
Why it’s happening: Debris, such as hair, food, grease, and toothpaste is getting caught in drain pipes and restricting the flow. “If your home has galvanized drain pipes, these pipes corrode from the inside out, and the diameter of the pipe actually gets smaller over time, which can cause more stoppages,” says Carly Carey, of Minneapolis, for Matriarchy Build.
Mulder says the plumber needs to determine if the clog is happening with all of the drains or if it’s just one toilet or fixture that is not draining. “If multiple drains are backing up in the home, it is likely that the clog is on the main line; if the clog is isolated to one drain, it is likely the clog is only in that area and not affecting other drains,” he says.
How to fix: Carey explains that the drain needs to be cleared, and this is done using a snake. “A plumber will need to feed the snake into the pipes from a cleanout fitting or by disassembling a P-trap; feeding the snake into the pipes will bore through the clogs in the pipes,” she says. Depending on the location or severity of the clog, a powered drain snake might need to be used. Mulder says his company can use a high-pressure drain scrubbing that cleans the inside of the pipe as it moves through the line. And then, they’ll use a camera to inspect the line to ensure that there is no buildup to cause future clogging.
Time and money estimate: According to Carey, the time and cost of a drain cleaning will vary depending on the magnitude and location of the clog. For example, Mulder says a professional will base the price on accessibility. “A clean-out is what professionals consider ‘accessible,’ and without one, there is a good chance you will face an additional charge for the professional to pull a toilet or possibly even go on the roof to gain access to the vent and subsequent drain lines,” he explains. If the plumber needs to use a camera, that can add to the cost as well. “Depending on the cause of the issue, clogged drains can take anywhere from 1 hour [drain cleaning] to 2-plus hours [sewer repair] to fix, and cost anywhere from $250 to more than $1,000,” Sewell says.
Problem: Low-Pressure WaterWhat to say: Before you call a plumber, Carey recommends checking to see if the lower pressure is in all of the fixtures or just one fixture. “See if both hot and cold have low water pressure, since this information will help your plumber understand the scope of the problem.” When you speak to the plumber, say: “When I turn on this particular fixture, there is low water pressure.”
Why it’s happening: The water flow is restricted. “It could be as simple as a shutoff is closed and needs to be opened,” Carey says. “Or it could be a major problem, like your home is old and galvanized water lines need to be replaced.” In any event, low water pressure issues will only get worse over time and could make taking a shower, watering the lawn, or even doing the dishes more difficult.
“If the whole home is experiencing low water pressure, it could indicate an issue with the pressure-reducing valve, well pump, water filtration system, or the water service line,” Sewell says. “The symptom of low water pressure should be repaired quickly, as you could be losing hundreds to thousands of gallons of water per day if you’ve noticed a dramatic reduction in pressure throughout the home.”
How to fix: If it’s a single fixture, Sewell says the fix could be as easy as clearing debris from the aerator or cleaning or replacing the cartridge. “If the whole home has low water pressure, you may need to adjust or replace your pressure reducing valve,” he says. If the low pressure is caused by a large leak in the water service line, Sewell says the leaking section of pipe will need to be replaced.
Time and money estimate: “Depending on the cause of the issue, low water pressure can take anywhere from 30 minutes [aerator cleaning] to 2-plus hours [PRV replacement, water line repair] to fix, and cost anywhere from $100 to more than $600,” Sewell says.
Problem: Loss of Hot WaterWhat to say: “There is no hot water when I turn on my faucet.” Find out if it’s all of the fixtures or just one, Carey says.
Why it’s happening: “Most likely there is a problem with the water heater,” Carey says. It could be as simple as the water heater’s pilot light needing to be reignited, or more daunting like needing to replace the water heater. If the water heater has stopped working, you won’t have hot water until it’s replaced. “If your water heater is leaking or there is rust on the bottom, you should look to replace it ASAP, since old water heaters are inefficient and waste energy,” Carey says.
To fix the best case scenario for lack of hot water—the unit has tripped or the pilot light has gone out—Mulder recommends this diagnostic. Search for a breaker, which is usually dedicated to the heater only, and check that the heater did not trip the breaker. If the breaker is tripped, you can attempt to reset it, then listen to the heater for a humming sound. “If the breaker trips again immediately or after a delay, it is best to call a pro for further diagnostics,” he says.
How to fix: If the hot water heater needs to be replaced, Carey says a plumber will have to turn off the water to the heater. It can get complicated if you do not have a reliable shut off to your heater. “They’ll need to turn off the water to your home, drain the heater, uninstall the old heater, reinstall the new one, and make sure that all the water and gas connections are good,” she says.
Time and money estimate: This job could take between two to four hours. “There are different types of water heaters, so you will need to figure out which best fits your needs and climate,” Carey says. “The cost of the heater and the labor to install can range from about $900 to $2,000.”
Problem: Running toiletWhat to say: “My toilet is running.”
Why it’s happening: “The flapper that creates a seal between the tank and the bowl is in some way compromised, and water is leaking from the tank to the bowl,” Carey says. Besides being annoying to hear in the middle of the night, this is wasting a significant amount of water, and will certainly raise your water bill.
How to fix: “Most running toilets can be resolved by replacing the internal parts within the tank, or simply adjusting the length of the chain attached to the flapper,” Sewell says. “If a replacement in internal parts is needed, these parts include a flush valve, fill valve, gasket, nuts, bolts, and washers.”
Time and money estimate: Depending on the cause of the issue, Sewell says a running toilet can take anywhere from a few minutes (adjusting chain length) to 1.5 hours for a major toilet rebuild. The cost can run from $0, if you adjust the chain length yourself, to $300 or more.
ExploreAD It YourselfDIYIntroducing Jobbguru: Your Gateway to Career Success
The ultimate job platform is designed to connect job seekers with their dream career opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone seeking a career change, Jobbguru provides you with the tools and resources to navigate the job market with ease.
Take the next step in your career with Jobbguru:
Don't let the perfect job opportunity pass you by. Join Jobbguru today and unlock a world of career possibilities. Start your journey towards professional success and discover your dream job with Jobbguru.
Originally posted on: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/plumbing-problems