Everything in your home eventually wears out. But when you are thinking about issues related to older plumbing lines and fixtures, there is always a concern about costly water damage from leaks. So you try to be vigilant about keeping an eye on plumbing-related tasks, maintenance, and inspections. And it can be beneficial to know what areas professional plumbers have found to be creating the most plumbing issues in homes.
Dripping Faucets
If you have a dripping faucet in your home, it is sure to get under your skin initially. But unfortunately, many homeowners choose to tune out the tedious sound rather than having the problem repaired. In many cases, the culprit is nothing more than a worn-out O ring or washer with a cost of under a buck. But instead, they let water and money run down the drain. Just three drips a minute will add up to a waste of over 150 gallons of water if left unrepaired for a year.
Leaky Pipes
After learning how much a single dripping faucet can waste water, think about what a leaking pipe can cost you. There can be many reasons for a pipe leak, from poor installation to old age. But what is more important to think about is the potential for extensive water damage. Even if the leak is small and easy to contain in a bucket, know that it will increase over time. And at some point, the pipe could burst and result in a very costly flood in your home. Repair a small leak for a small amount of money to avoid a big leak and a huge repair bill.
Running Toilets
These leaks are very sneaky because you never see any evidence of the water leak. The water is just flowing down the drain, and all you might hear is the sound of the toilet tank fill valve. But this is a serious issue as experts have found that a running toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water each day! The problems can range from a worn-out flapper valve to a damaged flapper chain or corroded toilet handle.
Leaking Hose Bib
Hose bibs often leak in the spring or early summer after being off for the winter. The issue could be as simple as a cracked washer or be related to freeze-damage. Just because the leak is outside, there is no reason to ignore the problem, especially when the water is likely to be leaking down along the foundation of your home. Frost-proof hose bibs are a good investment in colder regions to decrease the potential for these annoying spring leaks.
Clogged Drains
Most of the time, there is a noticeable period when a drain is clearing more slowly than expected. This is the time to call in a licensed plumber to get to the bottom of the issue. Often, the beginning of a clog is a mix of hair, soap, and greasy residue that can easily be eliminated with professional drain cleaning. And again, being proactive is the best way to pay a little to fix a little issue. If ignored, you will be facing a bigger clog, a bigger bill, and potentially even the cost of water damage repairs.
Knowing what to keep an eye on as your home’s plumbing ages is the best way to avoid some very frustrating and costly repair bills. At the first sign of any of these common issues or any plumbing problems in your home, call (818) 740-6830. A licensed Turbo Plumbing & Rooter pro will arrive quickly and provide you with cost-effective solutions to any plumbing dilemma.
