Plumbing problems in your Big Spring, TX, home won’t only cause stress and discomfort. They can also lead to serious damage and significant financial losses. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can avoid plumbing problems by being a proactive homeowner. Read on to learn about the most common plumbing problems and how to avoid them.
Clogged Drains
The most common plumbing problem homeowners call us about is clogged drains. If you notice water backing up as you try to empty a sink or shower, your drain has clogged and requires unclogging. Ignoring this plumbing problem can result in water overflowing and damaging the surrounding area. Here’s how to avoid clogged drains:
- Don’t pour grease or food particles down kitchen drains.
- Use a mesh screen in your bathroom drains to prevent hair from clogging them.
- Never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
- Avoid dumping paint or paint thinner down your drains.
- Pour a pot of boiling water down your drains every week.
Leaking Pipes
The average home in Big Spring, TX, can leak up to 10,000 gallons of water every year. That’s a lot of wasted money. Dripping faucets, worn toilet flappers and other leaking valves cause the most common household leaks. You can repair these leaks relatively quickly with a few tools. But repairing leaking pipes is a more extensive job that requires a professional plumber. Here are some tips for finding leaks inside your home and preventing them:
- A family of four shouldn’t consume more than 12,000 gallons of water per month.
- Check your water meter before and after shutting off the main water valve to find discrepancies.
- Place a drop of food coloring in your toilet tank. The color showing in the bowl signals a leak.
- Inspect faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any sign of water collecting around them.
- Avoid DIY leak repairs if the plumbing problem is beyond your scope of expertise.
Water Heater Troubles
There are many problems that can plague your water heater. Perhaps the water in your home is cold, you notice a leak around the system or the water heater is making loud noises. Scheduling a water heater repair as soon as you suspect an issue is vital to minimizing damage. Follow these tips to optimize your water heater usage and prevent problems:
- Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees.
- Drain your water heater’s tank annually to remove sediment that can impede heat transfer.
- Install a timer to turn your water heater off at night to conserve energy.
- Insulate the tank to reduce heat loss and prevent the water heater from turning on as frequently.
- Consider replacing your water heater if it’s more than 10 years old.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a frustrating plumbing problem that most homeowners in Big Spring, TX, have experienced at least once before. Some of the most common causes include corrosion, leaking pipes and a partially closed water shutoff valve. Schedule pipe repairs right away if you notice leaks to prevent this plumbing problem from causing low water pressure in your home. Also, make sure the main water valve is fully open. If you need help fixing low water pressure, we can help.
Don’t let these plumbing problems impact your health, comfort and finances. Let our plumbing professionals come to your rescue and restore your plumbing system. Contact WTR (West Texas Refrigeration) to schedule plumbing repairs right away.
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