Our bathroom is the most used space in every household. However, with the frequency of use comes a lot of wear and tear, which needs to be addressed as and when it occurs. Finding plumbing solutions through a professional and getting your sanitaryware fixed is always an option, but in today’s digital age the first step is often to try doing it yourself! Plumbing problems at home can easily be fixed with a set of basic tools and a little bit of research. Read on for a few of the common plumbing problems faced in Indian households and their easy solutions.
The 8 most common plumbing problems are:
- Dripping/Leaky faucets.
- Leaking pipes.
- Running toilets.
- Low water pressure.
- Leaking hose bibb
- Clogged/Slow drains.
- Sump pump failures.
- Problems with the water heater.
We have provided plumbing solutions below to a few of these plumbing problems. Read ahead to know more about how to perfect your plumbing repair by yourself.
- Leaky faucet
In times where water is in high demand, even small wastage of water will cost a lot. In traditional taps, water leaks because the internal rubber or washer has expired. This means it is time for you to replace the washer.
Plumbing solution for leaky faucet: As a first step, stop the supply of water to the tap by closing the valve, which is generally located below the tap. Then, unscrew the head of the faucet to detach it from the sink. Once you have separated the head, locate the inner screws. Loosen the screws either by hand or a screwdriver. You will then find the old washer in the cavity. Replace it with the new one. Finally, rearrange the tap headgear and check for the smooth flow of water. Fixing a leaking tap can be challenging but with the right steps, you can fix your faucet.
- Low water pressure
Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing problems that usually occur when your pipes are old and clogged. However, it is important to first check if the shutoff valve is open. Most homeowners skip this step and end up paying lump-sum amounts for plumbing work.
Plumbing solution for low water pressure: If the water pressure is still low with the valve being open, the next step is to check the pressure. Generally, the pressure reading should be around 45-55 psi. This is an ideal pressure with which the water gushes through the pipes. If the pressure is lower, there may be a water problem around the city contributing to this. In that case, attach a pressure booster for the free-flowing supply of water. If you face any issue even after installing a pressure booster, then it is advisable to get external help.
- Running flush in a toilet
Water dripping into the toilet after flushing is a problem that might occur periodically. This is caused due to a bad flapper.
Plumbing solution for water dripping: The solution for this problem is to drain the flush tank and clean the flapper or replace it if it is damaged.
Other reasons for trickling water could be because the internal parts like the ballcock, refill tube, float or inlet valve could be disrupted.
Plumbing solution for internal parts: First, adjust the float if it is sticking out. Next, examine the refill tube and correct the length of the tube in the tank. If neither of these solutions works, it is time to replace the ballcock, either by yourself or by getting professional help or check out more resources by us to fix your leaking toilet.
- Clog in the shower drain
One of the oldest methods to remove a clog in the shower drain is by using a hook or rod to push the debris through. It is also an option to remove the debris using your hands. However, it is advisable to wear gloves while doing so. Another effective method is to pour hot water into the drain. This will clear out the grease and other debris. A lot of home residents also face the issue of hair getting stuck in the drain as one of the common plumbing problems in homes.
Plumbing solution for clogs: The best way to address this is by pouring a solution of vinegar and baking soda into the drain to instantly dissolve all the hair and clear out the pipe. If you are looking for a handy tool to get rid of the clog in the shower drain, invest in a plumbing snake. This tool is easily available in any hardware store and is very effective in unclogging drains. You can also look at self-cleaning showerheads that clean themselves without much hassle.
- Slow draining sink
An age-old technique to fix a slow draining sink is to take a hook or a long thin stick to poke into the holes of the sink drain. The holes can contain debris clogging the pipe that is contributing to the slow drain of water. There are also filters you can install in your sink to collect large pieces of waste.
Plumbing solutions for slow drain: Once the filter is removed, water drains without any hindrance. A plunger can also be used to remove all the dirt accumulated near the drain. Furthermore, a simple method of using hot water or vinegar with baking soda can be used to unclog the sink, as debris, hair and grease are the most common causes for clogging.
Finding solutions to frequently occurring plumbing problems and resolving them yourself is the most realistic approach for reasonable usage of money and clever conservation of water. You can solve geyser problems instantly without spending too much on plumbing repair work. However, while buying the bathroom fittings for your home, remember to invest in quality products for longer shelf life. Check out Jaquar for premium kitchen and bathroom equipment that is low on maintenance and high on quality!