Hello World! Welcome Friends! Did you know that at least 23,000 to 75,000 cases of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) occur in the US each year? That’s some scary stats, especially since SSOs can cause severe water damage. Worst, these incidents can contaminate drinking water.
One example is the sanitary overflow that occurred in 1993 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It resulted in over 400,000 residents suffering from a bacterial infection.
SSOs are only some of the most common plumbing problems in the US, though. Also, most cases of sanitary overflows, like many other plumbing issues, are preventable.
That’s why it’s best to know what these issues are and learn how to troubleshoot plumbing problems. By knowing what they are and what causes them, you can prevent their occurrence in the first place.
Ready to familiarize yourself with plumbing problems and solutions? Then let’s get right into it!
1. Slow-Moving Sink or Floor Drains
Drain clogs are among the most common plumbing problems in homes and businesses in the US. In many cases, these occur due to congealed FOG (fats, oil, and grease) build-up in drain pipes. These substances are quick to solidify, and they do so even if the temperature isn’t freezing.
As more FOG freezes up inside drain lines, they can transform into full-on fatbergs. Fatbergs are a mixture of congealed FOG and trash, and they cost the US millions every year. New York City alone had to shell out over $18 million to clean them up in 2017.
Non-disintegrating garbage, like wet wipes, also accounts for a vast portion of fatbergs. Food, coffee grounds, and hair strands can also clump together with frozen FOG. Things could get worse if you groom your dogs in the tub and let their shed hair flow into the drain.
If you have a single slow-moving drain, you may still be able to save it by using a plunger. You may also want to try a plumber’s auger (AKA plumbing snake) to dislodge or pull out the clogs. Avoid using “drain-clearing” chemicals, as this can damage the lining of your pipes.
2. Toilets That Don’t Flush or Take Forever
Toilets can also suffer the same (clogged) fate as your sink and floor drains. Flushing wet wipes and other objects can plug up the toilet drain line. Even a partial clog in this pipe can make the toilet take a really long time to flush out the wastewater.
You can use a plunger or a plumber’s auger to unclog a problematic toilet. Either tool usually works for first-time issues.
However, if you have multiple clogged drains and toilets, it’s best to ring up a plumber instead. The blockage may already be affecting your main sewer line, which is underground.
3. Washing Machine Drains Slowly or Doesn’t Drain at All
A washing machine not draining is often a result of clogs in the washer’s drain hose. This is the rubber tube that runs from the back of the device and connects to a drain pipe. Over time, the washer’s drain hose can get clogged with lint, fiber, and disintegrated paper.
This is often an easy DIY fix, though, as it only involves detaching the hose from the pipe. Once removed, take out as much of the blockage as you can. Pour some water into the washing machine so that it pushes out any remnants of the clog as it flows out of the drain.
It’s also possible for the washer’s filter to become clogged with dirt and debris. In this case, sections of the build-up may make their way into the drain hose and also cause a clog there. If the machine is empty, remove the filter and get rid of any clumps.
These steps should make your washing machine drain properly again. If not, then the culprit may be a clog in the drain line that the washer connects to. You may want to ring up a plumber if such is the case.
4. Water Backing Up and Out of Drains and Toilets
The larger the clog in the drain line, the more difficult it is for wastewater to get passed through. As you continue to use your drains, more water will build up inside the drain lines. Since the wastewater doesn’t exit your home quickly, it doesn’t have any choice but to go back where it came from.
As a result, you may notice water backing up, and out of your sink, floor, shower, or tub drains. This can also occur after flushing the toilet. The toilet water can’t make it all the way to the sewers, so it goes back to your home.
If this occurs in only a single drain, you may be able to plunge or snake the clog away. Be careful to avoid direct contact with the water, though.
If the water doesn’t recede, get in touch with a local licensed plumber.
Water backups are hazardous because untreated wastewater is full of pathogens. Just one liter of wastewater can contain between 1,000 and 10 million particles of viruses. That should be enough reason to leave major sewer backups in the hands of professionals.
5. Water Leaks
Water leaks in the average US home waste about 10,000 gallons every single year. In more severe cases, leaking water supply lines have an annual waste rate of up to 32,400 gallons! What’s more, many of these leaks go undetected because they occur in hidden pipes.
Some leaks, however, are easy to spot, such as those that occur in taps and shower heads. In this case, you may only have to secure the fixtures or replace defective parts. Sealants on faucets may also provide a temporary fix.
If there’s no visible sign, an increase in your water bill can signify water leaks. Have a local plumber inspect your home through thermal or video technology. These pros can determine if you have leaks and if you do, pinpoint their exact location.
Get These Common Plumbing Problems Dealt With Now
As you can see, many common plumbing problems are easily fixable with DIY methods. Many of them are also preventable, especially clogs that can cause sewer backups. What’s important is to correct these issues as soon as they arise.
Otherwise, you may end up not only with a massive water bill but also high water damage repair costs. So, if DIY methods don’t fix them, be sure to get in touch with a professional plumber ASAP.
Looking for more home guides like this? Feel free to check out the lifestyle section of San Antonio Express-News then!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
3 Most Important Appliances in your Home
6 Ways you Can Adapt your Home for a Growing Family
Ways to Make your Home Look More Expensive
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Toodles,
Hey there, thanks for such an informative blog! There are many plumbing issues that can be easily fixed with DIY methods. Many of them are preventable, especially clogs. Main important thing is to correct these issues as soon as they arise. Keep sharing!