If you’re an Essex County homeowner, you’re no stranger to the various challenges that come with maintaining a home. Your plumbing system, in particular, is one of the most important elements of that, and one that you need to keep working efficiently. There’s a host of plumbing issues, from clogged drains to low water pressure, that disrupt your daily routine and lead to costly repairs if you don’t deal with them ASAP. In this post, we’ll cover five of the most common plumbing issues Essex County homeowners face, how to fix them, and why hiring a professional residential plumber in Essex County is often the best solution.
Clogged Drains
The Problem: Clogged drains are one of the most frequent plumbing issues homeowners encounter. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or shower, clogs can develop over time due to the buildup of debris like hair, grease, soap scum and more. If you ignore a clogged drain, it’ll drain slowly, and it can also cause unpleasant odors and water backups.
How to Fix It: A plunger or a drain snake can often do the trick for small, minor clogs. You can also try dissolving the clog by mixing up some baking soda and vinegar and pouring it down the drain, then following it up with hot water. However, if the clog is too severe for those methods, you need to call a residential plumber Essex County residents trust with their homes. They have access to specialized tools, such as hydro-jetting equipment, to effectively clear your drains and prevent future blockages
Pro Tip: A good way to prevent clogs altogether is to pay attention to what goes down your drains. You can use drain guards to catch hair and food particles, and you should never pour grease or oil down your kitchen sink.
Leaky Faucets and Pipes
The Problem: Leaky faucets and pipes are annoying, especially when you consider the potentially astronomical water bills and water damage they can cause if they’re not addressed. It certainly seems like a small issue at first, but a leaky, dripping faucet can cost you hundreds of gallons of water over time. On the other hand, if your pipes are leaking, the moisture can cause structural damage to your home’s foundation or walls.
How to Fix It: Worn-out washers or seals are the most common culprit of leaky faucets, and you can replace them yourself with the right tools and know-how. Leaky pipes might require a bit more elbow grease, necessitating the tightening of loose joints or replacing damaged sections. If the leak is in a less accessible place, like behind walls or under floors, it’s best to call a residential plumber in Essex County to accurately diagnose the issue and provide a lasting solution.
Pro Tip: You can catch these problems early on, before they escalate into costly repairs or lose you significant amounts of water, by simply checking for signs of leaks on a regular basis.
Low Water Pressure
The Problem: Low water pressure can make tasks that should be simple, like washing dishes or taking a shower, frustrating. There can be various causes of this issue, such as mineral buildup in pipes, leaks, or problems with the municipal water supply. Essex County contains a lot of older homes, and corroded pipes can also be a potential culprit in those.
How to Fix It: Determine if the issue is in a single fixture, or widespread throughout your home. If it’s in a single fixture, the issue is likely with that fixture. Try cleaning the faucet aerator or showerhead to remove any mineral deposits. If the issue affects multiple fixtures, it’s a sign that something more significant is happening within your plumbing system. Noticing these signs should be your cue to call a residential plumber in Essex County to inspect your pipes and determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary.
Pro Tip: You can prevent mineral buildup in your pipes, improve water pressure and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system by installing a water softener.
Running Toilets
The Problem: A toilet that doesn’t stop running can waste a significant amount of water—up to 200 gallons per day! This common plumbing issue is usually caused by a faulty flapper valve, a fill valve that’s set too high, or a worn-out toilet handle.
How to Fix It: You’ll need to look inside the toilet tank to determine the culprit. Start by inspecting the flapper valve inside the toilet tank. If it’s worn or damaged, replacing it should stop the toilet from running. If the water level is too high, you can adjust the float arm. These fixes should be easy to do yourself and solve the problem, but if they don’t you’ll likely have to replace the entire flush mechanism. This is also something you can do yourself, but contacting a professional plumber is always a safe bet to guarantee the job is done correctly.
Pro Tip: Check your toilets for signs of running water or leaks on a regular basis. You can do this with a simple food coloring test. Just put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank water, and if the colored water seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak.
Water Heater Problems
The Problem: Water heaters are essential for providing hot water to your home, but they can experience issues like inadequate hot water, strange noises, or leaks. The cold NJ winters in Essex County tend to put extra strain on water heaters, so they need to be maintained properly to avoid sudden breakdowns.
How to Fix It: If your water heater isn’t providing enough hot water, the issue could be a faulty thermostat or a buildup of sediment inside the tank. Flushing the tank every year can help remove sediment and improve efficiency. More complex issues, such as leaks or issues with the heating elements, require the expertise of a residential plumber Essex County trusts to preserve the safety of their homes and equipment. They’ll be able to determine whether your water heater can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Pro Tip: You can extend your water heater’s lifespan by scheduling regular maintenance checks with a professional plumber. This way, you can keep it working efficiently for years to come.
Why Hire a Residential Plumber in Essex County?
You can certainly fix some minor plumbing issues yourself with DIY methods, but many problems require the expertise of a professional residential plumber. Plumbers local to Essex County know the area’s specific plumbing challenges, including issues with the weather and aging infrastructure. They use this knowledge to fix your issues quickly and efficiently, so you can save time, money, and sanity.
Preserving Your Plumbing System
Plumbing problems are an inevitable part of homeownership, but with the right knowledge and professional assistance, they don’t have to become major headaches. If you’re dealing with clogged drains, leaky pipes, or any other plumbing issue, just reach out to a trusted residential plumber in Essex County. By taking action early, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape and avoid costly repairs down the road.
