The plumbing in the home is a complex system, each component is designed specifically to fulfill a function. A failure can result in a serious problem. Therefore, read on and learn more about the subject.

Importance of the pipes in your home

All that complex plumbing in your home can lead to problems. In many cases, if they are not treated in time, they produce an emergency with great consequences. They could even put the integrity of your home and the health of its occupants at risk.

For many people, a problem with the pipes in their home may mean calling a plumber in Madrid . Or if you know a bit about DIY, you can try it without help, but only to solve small problems.

There are problems that are common and perhaps by following our recommendations you can solve them. Although it may be that you need our help and we will be there for you.

Common plumbing tools and products

Here are some of the tools you might need to fix some of the most common plumbing problems around the home.

  • Wrench. It is an adjustable wrench used to loosen or tighten nuts or bolts.
  • Plunger. This serves to eliminate obstructions in the pipes by generating pressure.
  • Griffin key. It has a similar use as the wrench, but for larger pieces. It comes in various sizes.
  • Lockable jaw.
  • Pliers.
  • Screwdrivers.
  • Pipe cutters.
  • PVC or copper pipes.
  • Steel link.
  • clamps.
  • Stripper.
  • Teflon tape.

Tips for doing plumbing work

The first thing is prevention, the best plumbing jobs are those that are done before something bad happens. For example, washing machine hoses need to be replaced every 3-5 years, sometimes you forget and they start leaking.

Regularly check for any plumbing failure to replace as necessary. Inspect the drains, also notice if there is mold anywhere and check for small leaks.

During the colder months take care of the pipes by insulating them from the outside. This way they will last much longer. Some tips when doing plumbing work are:

  • When unclogging toilets be sure to wear heavy-duty rubber gloves.
  • Wrenches and joint pliers are great tools for retrieving items that have fallen down the drain.
  • A faucet wrench fits where most other wrenches can’t.
  • Have all the tools you need close at hand.
  • Don’t forget to turn off the main water pipe or if you have one in the bathroom turn it off.

The 5 common home plumbing problems and how to fix them

Here are some common plumbing problems and their simple solutions.

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1. Broken pipe

A pipe can break because the pressure in the pipe rises so much that it gives way. Existing faults in the pipe or deterioration over time can cause weakness that can result in this damage.

This can become a serious problem, because the area where the pipe is located will start to flood and it will spread to other areas. Which will also cause moisture problems.

The broken pipe fix starts with locating the main water valve and shutting it off. This will prevent any extra damage. Also check that there is no plug or electrical device connected near the break, if so, also turn off the electricity from the central.

A quick fix to temporarily stop the leak, if it’s not that big, apply pressure. Put Teflon tape around the broken pipe. If the damage is not so great, that will give the necessary pressure to stop the failure, but this is not always the case.

If the tape didn’t work use a C-clamp, a block of wood and a piece of rubber. With the water turned off in the main pipe place the rubber in the area of ​​the leak, put the block of wood on the piece of rubber. Then open the clamp enough to encircle the pipe, gasket material, and wood block.

Then put the stationary part of the clamp opening against the pipe, facing where the leak is, and the screw part against the block of wood. Tighten until snug.

These solutions are temporary. Then you will have to replace the broken tube. If it is in an easily accessible place you can do it yourself. But, if not you should call a plumber as soon as possible. You may even need to do a little plumbing work .

2. Leaks in faucets and bathroom fixtures

A leaking faucet can end up in a broken pipe. In many cases you don’t realize it’s happening until you start to see the signs of damage. Which are usually rusty water, water stains on the walls or cabinets, a musty smell, or cracks in the floor.

Damage from one of the most common plumbing faults sometimes hides rotting floors or door frames.

  • If any of your bathroom faucets start to leak, no matter how well turned off, this may mean you need new seat washers. To change them remove the cover and the screw that is in the handle. Then remove the handle with a wrench to unscrew the packing nut. Then unscrew the visible stem and replace the seat washer.
  • In the toilet it is more difficult to identify what is not working well. Remove tank lid and lift float or close flapper. This will prevent the water from overflowing.

If the leak continues or gets worse call a plumber. This is a common problem in the bathroom.

3. Blocked drains

Clogged drains are usually easy to identify. If your sink, kitchen dishwasher, shower, bathtub, or toilet isn’t flushing properly, then there’s a good chance your plumbing is clogged.

These blockages can occur for a variety of reasons, including: broken or poorly installed pipes, heavy rain, and foreign objects clogging the pipe. The worst situation is when the toilets are clogged.

As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, prevention is essential to avoid major problems in the plumbing system of your home . In the kitchen, do not pour oil or food scraps down the drain. While in the bathroom, avoid letting your hair go down the drain.

In most cases if the blockage is near the top of the pipe the blockage can be removed using a liquid plunger, plunger or plumber’s snake.

You can also use a simple solution like vinegar and baking soda. This natural chemical reaction will help unclog the drains.

If there is a major blockage occurring deep in the plumbing system you will need a plumber. This should perform a deep cleaning of the pipe.

4. Gas leak

The pipes in your house are not only for water, but also for gas. A gas leak is the most serious and dangerous plumbing problem. With a small spark it can lead to fires or even explosions.

A gas leak that has not been detected can lead to poisoning and this can be fatal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

The leak can be identified by a rotten egg-like odor and a low hissing noise coming from the pipe.

In this case you will not be able to fix it yourself. Never try to repair a gas leak. You should call the plumber and the fire department immediately. Also evacuate the area. Your protection and that of your family is essential.

5. Loose or smelly toilets

Using a toilet when it is loose or off the ground is quite uncomfortable. When sitting down, it will move and generate a sensation of instability.

This usually happens because the element or material with which they fixed the toilet to the ground surface is expired and has reached its useful life.

Fixing this problem is quite simple. You only need to reattach the edges of the toilet base .
For this remove all remaining old putty from the edges and clean them, then apply a special waterproof putty or glue along the seam between the toilet and the floor.

Next, you need to remove the excess glue with your finger and spread it more evenly. Finally, with a damp cloth, remove the remains of putty or glue from the floor and let it dry.

If the toilet is too loose, we recommend calling a plumber as the fixing bolts need to be tightened or replaced.

Regarding toilets with bad smells. This is mainly caused by clogging or because the tank and dump system are not working properly. In the latter case, the ideal is to call an experienced plumber to solve the problem.

Other Common Home Plumbing Problems

  • Low water pressure – This is common in older houses. It may be that the faucets or the shower need cleaning. You might even need to change your shower head. It could also be that there is a leak somewhere in your house or there is corrosion inside the pipes.
  • Lack of hot water : it may be that when you go to shower the hot water does not come out. On average, the water is hot inside the heater for about 8 to 12 hours, depending on the maintenance of the equipment. Sediment inside the tank can cause problems, also some thermostat failure.

Reasons to hire a plumber

Although in some cases you will be able to solve the plumbing problems that arise in your home. Sometimes these require the intervention of an experienced expert.

Some of the reasons why you should hire a plumber are:

Experience

Plumbing problems are sometimes not as simple as they seem. These can have a deeper origin and difficult to solve.

Professional plumbers have the knowledge and experience to detect the true source of the problem and fix it. In addition, they will carry out the work in the shortest possible time and using the best materials and technologies.

Do not try to install boilers or heating systems on your own. Neither place or repair or toilets, sinks or similar items. In these cases we recommend calling an expert.

you can save money

Many people think that hiring an unlicensed plumber or doing the plumbing work themselves will save money.

The truth is that this in the long term could result in higher expenses. Since if the problem is not solved correctly, it will generate more and worse consequences in your home. In addition, the fault will be aggravated and more complicated to solve, which increases costs.

plumbing emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. These must be resolved quickly.

Some of the most common plumbing emergencies are: stopped or clogged drains, burst pipes in the water distribution system, gas leaks, frozen pipes in winter, and overflowing toilets.

Maintenance tasks

To maintain all installations and systems related to the distribution of water and gas, it is important that you apply the corresponding maintenance.

For this, you must hire a professional plumber to carry out the inspection and evaluation corresponding to the systems. And then clean the pipes and remove any problems that may be there.

Remember to call in a professional when tasks are too dangerous or difficult to tackle alone. Especially if the safety and integrity of your home is at stake. Call a plumber if you want to know what is the best material for pipes and if you should put in new ones, sinks and bathtubs. Also if you have problems with the water heater.

Also consult with the specialist if you are going to do a construction that requires permits. Ask for a budget for reforms in Madrid for these cases.

By knowing common home plumbing problems and how to fix them, you will be able to react to these issues. Have you done repairs on the pipes in your house?