In the US, over 8 billion gallons of water are wasted each year by leaking plumbing. That is equal to nearly 40% of all domestic water consumption. Fortunately, there are many different ways that you can help prevent leaks in your home plumbing system.
Simple plumbing problem
In most homes, a simple plumbing problem that has to do with clogged drains can be easily fixed by calling in a plumber. That is a problem that can cause major water damage, or even total failure of the drainage system. In most cases, a simple clog can be easily dealt with using simple plumbing tools and products such as a plunger and snake, both of which can come in very handy. While it may seem like a small task to unclog a drain, if you do not clean out the drain properly you could end up with an overflowing sink or tub. Without having any knowledge of basic plumbing techniques, your plumber will be able to efficiently unclog a clogged drain without damaging any fixtures or equipment.
If a sewer line is clogged with debris, your plumber will be able to clear it out with a power washer. Power washing will often clear out even the densest clogs that occur from tree roots and grass. Because tree roots can grow extremely fast and reach a certain point before they become too dense to pass through, power washing will often rid your home of tree roots as well as other unwanted debris. If your sewer line is clogged with tree roots, you will still need to get it checked by a plumber as they will not only be able to remove them, but also repair any damage that may have been caused by them.
Your plumber can help
When your sewer line becomes blocked from dirt or hair balls, your plumber can help by using a long, flexible hose to clear away the obstruction. To clear out dirt and hair balls, your plumber will usually use an auger or pipe wrench the diameter of the pipe that is clogged. Once he has cleared the blockage, he will then fill the pipe with water and slowly push the auger around the pipe until the debris has been removed. Using a long flexible hose, he can then push the auger back down and out of the pipe.
Another common plumbing problem that often results in flooding is when the hot water supply to a home is turned off at the hot water tank. Unfortunately, this can cause a sudden surge of hot water to flood the bathroom, causing the pipes to burst. The best thing you can do to save yourself from serious damage is to your plumbing system is to turn off the water at the hot water tank and wait until the pipes cool before attempting to turn the water back on. Turning on the water will cause a temporary surge of water in the bathroom that will only cost you more money than you would have spent had you kept the hot water on.
You may also notice that your toilet and shower drain are clogged and causing a problem when you are trying to flush a toilet. This is caused by buildup of plaque in the pipes that will eventually make it difficult to flush your toilet. One simple plumbing fix that can help avoid this problem is to drain the toilet after each flush instead of trying to flush the entire bowl every time.
No matter what type of plumbing problem you are having, the best way to fix your leaking faucets or leaking pipes is to contact a plumber. By doing a little research online, or by visiting your local plumbing supply store, you should be able to find someone that can offer you advice on the best ways to fix your leaking pipes and leaks. If you cannot find a plumber, or if you do not know where to begin, then you should consider hiring one to help you fix your plumbing problem.
