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Top five most common plumbing repairs and how to avoid them.

  1. Leaky Toilet

-Your toilet is probably the most important plumbing fixture to you and your family.  To insure proper operation there are a few items you should take note of and maintain.  Does your toilet run or flush by itself? If so, your flapper, fill valve, and/or flush valve may need to be replaced.  These mechanical parts can be found in the tank of your toilet.  Ensuring these items are in good working condition will save you money on your water bill as well as providing a properly flushing toilet.

 

  1. Clogged Drains or Sewers

-Having a backup in your home can be frustrating and messy.  Although not always avoidable, there are certain precautions that can be taken to lessen the chance of a blockage.  We can control what we put in our drains and sewers.  Only liquids, toilet paper, and human wastes should be put into the drainage system.  Wipes, paper towels, feminine products, floss, food, and grease are some of the common culprits of backups.  Roots are another issue.  While we may not be able to stop the growth of roots in our sewers, we can provide preventative maintenance.  Annual sewer rodding will help to keep your sewer flowing.

 

  1. Leaking Water Heaters

-Water heaters are often overlooked until they cause flooding or no hot water comes out of them.  Proper maintenance will help keep your water heater in good working condition.  You should drain your water heater once a year.  You should check/replace your anode rod every 3 years.  You should exercise your temperature and pressure relief valve.  If you’re on well and/or have a water softener maintenance should occur is smaller intervals.

 

  1. Sump Pump Failure

-A sump pump protects a house from groundwater flooding a basement or crawlspace, especially during a rainstorm.  Having a yearly sump pump check is a good idea to avoid sump pump failure.  Having a second backup pump installed will also add protection.  Finally, in the event of a power failure (more likely to happen during a storm) a battery backup system or natural gas generator will power your sump pump when electricity is unavailable to your home.

 

  1. Dripping Faucet

-Kitchen, lavatory, shower, laundry, and garden faucets all have the potential to leak and or drip over time due to age.  Small drips can lead to wasted money with a high water bill.  Repairing the faucet sooner rather than later increases the chances of a successful repair.  Having these faucets repaired can eliminate leaks and help prolong the life of your faucet.  Sometimes the investment into a new faucet makes more sense in the long run.

 

 

Please keep in mind that although these are common plumbing issues, every home has its own unique plumbing system.  While we try to guide consumers to help with plumbing concerns, we recommend having our licensed plumbers diagnose, maintain, and/or repair your plumbing needs.