Plumbing issues are common occurrences in homes and range from minor inconveniences to major problems. Understanding the most common plumbing repairs can help you identify and address these issues promptly, saving you time and money spent on costly repairs and preventing further damage. Whether your home has problems with a leaky faucet, a toilet, or a dripping showerhead, these are all top plumbing problems that our team can service at your home in the greater Chicago area.
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are a common plumbing problem in homes around the world. A dripping faucet can waste significant amounts of water and lead to higher water bills. The most common cause of a leaky faucet is wear and tear on the internal components, particularly the rubber washers or the O-rings. Over time, these parts deteriorate, become stiff, or develop cracks, which causes water to seep through and start to drip from the faucet. Sediment buildup and mineral deposits can also prevent a watertight seal, which can cause leaking. Changes in water pressure may also cause leaky faucets because of excessive strain on the internal workings of the faucet.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem in many parts of a home, like sinks, showers, or toilets. They can cause water to drain slowly or not at all, which leads to backups, unpleasant odors, and water damage if unresolved. There are several reasons why drains clog. One of the biggest culprits is the accumulation of debris and substances that go down the drain. In kitchen sinks, food, grease, and oil build-up over time, can restrict water flow. In bathrooms, hair, soap scum, and hygiene products cause clogs in toilets, shower drains, and sinks. Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, like baby wipes, cotton balls, and other items, causes clogs as well. Mineral and sediment buildup are other factors contributing to clogged drains because they can cause the narrowing of the pipe passage, which will not allow water or debris to flow well. Tree roots are also a major cause of clogged pipes because they infiltrate underground drainage pipes, which causes blockages.
Running Toilets
A running toilet is a plumbing problem that happens when water continues to flow into the toilet tank after flushing. The constant flow of water is not only bothersome to many, but it is also wasteful and leads to increased water bills and the potential for water damage. A toilet may run because of a faulty flapper valve. The flapper is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the tank and opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl during a flush. If the flapper doesn’t seal tightly, water can leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to run continuously. A worn-out flapper or a misaligned chain that connects the flapper to the flush handle usually contributes to this problem. Another cause of a running toilet is a malfunctioning fill valve. The fill valve controls the water level in the tank and refills it after each time you flush. If this valve isn’t functioning well, it may not shut off completely, which results in a continuous flow of water.
Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes are one of the most common plumbing repairs that homeowners have. Whether there is a small drip or a significant leak, addressing this issue immediately is crucial to preventing water damage. There are many things that can contribute to a leaking pipe. One primary cause is corrosion. Over time, pipes may corrode due to chemical reactions between the water, metal pipes, and surrounding materials. Corrosion weakens the pipe walls leading to cracks or holes where water can escape. Another cause of leaking pipes is high water pressure. Excessive high-water pressure puts stress on the pipes, causing them to develop leaks. A water hammer is a sudden change in water flow or direction that may contribute to pipe damage. Temperature can also lead to leaking pipes. Freezing temperatures, for instance, can cause the water inside the pipes to freeze and expand, developing pipe cracks or bursts once the ice starts to thaw.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is an issue that you may encounter. This plumbing issue can be quite frustrating because water trickles out of faucets or showers instead of flowing with proper force. This can hamper daily activities like bathing, dishwashing, and laundry. Many factors contribute to low water pressure. Mineral buildup and sediment accumulation within the pipes are major causes. Minerals and debris can accumulate, restricting the water flow and reducing pressure. In some cases, where corrosion has taken place, or there are leaks or blockages, replacements are necessary. This can involve replacing damaged sections of pipe or moving obstructions that hinder the flow of water. Sometimes low water pressure is related to issues outside your home, such as problems with the Municipal Water Supply or the main water line.
Dripping Showerheads
At some point, you may notice that you have a dripping showerhead. This is a very common plumbing issue that people tend to ignore. The most common cause of a dripping shower head is a worn-out or faulty component inside the shower head. This can be a washer or an O-ring. Over time components can deteriorate or become damaged, which results in water seeping through and causing the shower head to drip. Hard water contains mineral deposits, which can also contribute to clogged openings and a faulty seal, leading to a dripping showerhead.
Toilet Flushing Problems
Toilet flushing issues are a top plumbing issue. Causes in the toilet trapper drainpipe can cause fletching issues. The buildup of waste, toilet paper, or foreign objects can obstruct the flow of water. This results in incomplete flushing or water backing up into the bowl. Water supply problems can also contribute to toilet flushing issues. Insufficient water pressure or a partially closed water shut-off valve can limit the amount of water available for flushing. This can lead to weak or ineffective flushes. Toilet flushing issues are prevalent due to the frequency of use and the potential for various components to malfunction or become clogged. Just like other plumbing in the home, the accumulation of mineral deposits can affect the toilet leading to toilet flushing issues. A great way to resolve issues with the toilets in your home is to make sure to take care of the drains in your home regularly so they are clear and there is less potential for debris to build up in the pipes.
Contact Us Today!
TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business in Plainfield, Illinois. Our technicians are licensed and certified, so you can be confident that they will complete all work to your satisfaction. Whether you need a drain, water heater, or toilet repaired, we can handle any job. Our skilled team also provides furnace repairs, air conditioner repairs, and ductless mini-splits for your home. Contact TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for more information today!
