How To Solve An Issue With Piping In Your House

If you’ve ever had an issue with your pipes, you may have had water spilling over the floor and creating damp patches. If so, you’ll know how challenging and expensive this can be. This is why so many people want to learn how to troubleshoot or fix a leaky pipe themselves. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how to solve common piping problems in your house.

Call A Plumber

If you have an issue with your pipes, this is the best course of action. Plumbers are trained professionals who can quickly and efficiently solve any problems you may be having. Some of the many services a plumber can provide include:

• Installing new pipes
• Repairing existing pipes
• Cleaning clogged pipes
• Checking pipes for leaks or damage
• Providing preventative maintenance to avoid future problems

A qualified plumber can properly diagnose and fix the issue, using specialist tools and equipment that most homeowners don’t have. Perhaps you’re one of the 10 million residents of Michigan, USA. If so, there are emergency plumbers in Michigan who can provide fast services and guaranteed work that’s completed by expert technicians. Their website will display service areas, current deals, and client reviews.

Overflowing Toilets

This is where the water level in the bowl rises above the level of the trap (the U-shaped bend in the drainpipe). This can happen if someone tries to flush a large object down the toilet, or if there’s a clog further down the drainpipe. If your toilet’s overflowing, turn off the water supply to the toilet immediately. This will prevent any further damage and give you time to clean up the mess. Try to clear the clog using a plunger – but if this doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber.

If your toilet overflows regularly, it’s probably because there’s a blockage somewhere in the drainpipe. You should have a professional inspect it, to determine the cause and find a solution. In some cases, the blockage may be caused by a tree root that’s grown into the pipe. In situations like these, the only solution is to have the pipe replaced.

Sump Pump Failure

A sump pump is a device that’s installed in the basement of a home. Its purpose is to remove water that has accumulated in the sump pit. The water’s typically pumped out through a pipe that leads to the home’s drainage system, or to a dry well.

If it doesn’t seem to be pumping any water, this could be because it’s not properly sized for the amount of water it needs to remove. Alternatively, there’s something blocking the outlet pipe.

It may be that water starts to back up into the basement when it rains, or during periods of high groundwater levels. This could mean that the pump isn’t able to keep up with the amount of water entering the pit, or that the outlet pipe’s blocked.

If you notice any issues, it’s important to have a qualified technician take a look at your pump so they can make any necessary repairs. Continuing to use a failing sump pump can lead to extensive damage to your home – and possibly even health hazards.

Severely Clogged Drains

This can happen when:

• There’s a buildup of hair, grease, and soap scum.
• Objects such as toys or jewelry have been flushed down the toilet.
• Tree roots have grown into the pipes.
• There’s an accumulation of sediment or scale on the inside of pipes.

The first thing you want to do is identify what’s causing the clog. For clogs caused by hair, grease, or soap scum, try using a drain cleaner. Be sure to read the directions on the bottle carefully and use caution when handling the chemicals.

If it’s something that can be removed with a plunger or a plumber’s snake, you can try to clear it yourself. However, if the clog’s caused by tree roots or severe sediment buildup, you’ll need to call a professional.

Preventative Measures

Here’s how to avoid this scenario occurring:

• Don’t flush any item down the toilet except for toilet paper.
• Wipe up any grease that spills when cooking and disposes of it in the trash.
• Use a drain cover to catch hair and other objects before they go down the drain.
• Have your pipes professionally cleaned every few years to prevent sediment buildup?

Burst Or Leaking Water Pipes

This can happen during cold weather when the water in the pipes freezes and expands. To thaw them out:

• Direct a hairdryer towards the frozen pipe, moving it back and forth until the ice melts.
• Place a heat lamp near the frozen pipe and leave it on for several hours until it melts.
• Pour a pot of boiling water over the frozen pipe and wait for the ice to melt.

If your pipes burst or leak, you should:

• Shut off the main water valve to your house so that no more water can enter the pipes. This will help prevent further damage.
• Call a plumber to come and repair the pipes. Don’t try to fix them yourself as this could make the problem worse.

How To Prevent These Issues

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation material such as foam rubber or fiberglass. This will help keep the pipes warm and prevent them from freezing.
• Seal any cracks or holes in your walls or ceilings where cold air can enter and reach the pipes. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal these openings.
• Keep the heating on so the house remains warm during cold weather, even if you’re away. Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them before winter arrives.

As you can see, there are some things you can do without the need for an experienced plumber. If it’s an issue that’s more complex (or if you’re not confident tackling the issue) seek help. In return for addressing these issues, you’ll be stewarding your home as your greatest asset and most precious possession.