Troubleshooting

For most minor, ordinary plumbing issues, you can often troubleshoot the problem at home. Below are a few of the most common plumbing problems people run into with some step by step processes for locating and alleviating the issue.

**PLEASE NOTE** If you are dealing with significant leaking, flooding, septic tank spillage, or major clogging, call Barret Plumbing immediately.


High Water Bills and Water Waste

Water waste can quickly go from an annoying issue to a major problem. Here are a few ways you can locate the source of water waste.

Listen/Check for Dripping

It can be easy to overlook a dripping or leaking faucet, but something as small as a slow drip can waste gallons upon gallons of water. Wait till the early morning or late at night, when your house is normally quiet, and check all faucets and shower heads for leaking.

Look for Leaks

Slow leaks can go unnoticed until they cause major damage—especially if they’re located in hidden areas like under the sink or the back of your toilet. To look for leaks, check under all of your sinks and faucets for signs of water stains. You will also want to look near the baseboards of walls near plumbing fixtures for stains and water damage.

Check Your Toilets

Listen for toilets running irregularly, at odd intervals, or consistently. Running toilets can be a major source of water waste.

Check Outside Hoses and Faucets

Check to see if your hose or outside faucets are dripping, and make sure they are completely shut off after use.


Running Toilet

Running toilets are extremely common plumbing problem, but are usually easy to fix. If you have a toilet that is constantly running, even when someone isn’t using it, you may need to do the following

  1. Check valves and flapper and make sure they are all working and installed properly.
  2. Replace the toilet fill valve
  3. Replace the toilet flapper
  4. Replace the flush valve


Clogged Toilet

If the water in your toilet rises, doesn’t drain, or drains slowly, that means you have a clog somewhere down the line. To unblock the toilet, try the following

  1. Use a plunger to break up or push the blockage out.
  2. Use a Toilet Auger (aka  a snake) to break up the blockage in the pipes

If you’re still having issues with your toilet, call Barrett Plumbing today.


Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are perhaps the most common plumbing issue. Do not try a commercial drain cleaner. If the drain is completely stopped up adding drain cleaner creates a dangerous environment forthe plumber to work in.


Low or High Water Pressure

Determine if water pressure is low at all fixtures, if so call for assistance.  Low pressure at the lavatory or kitchen faucet you should check the aerator at the end of the faucet spout. You can remove the aerator and check for calcification and debris. 

If you are still having water pressure issues, it may be a problem with your plumbing that needs professional assistance.

To much water pressure can cause excessive wear on your fixtures and excessive water usage.  If you have high water pressure you may need to have a pressure regulator installed.

 

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