The continuous and irritating sound of water dripping when the faucet is off is enough reason to go insane. What’s more, a leaky faucet can increase your utility bills significantly. Maybe you’ve wondered what the causes of these leaks are. Here are four common reasons behind your leaky faucet.
Cartridge
Underneath the faucet handle’s decoration is the cartridge. A water valve controls water flow. As the handle turns, half of the cartridge turns, too, opening a hole to release water. The other cartridge half contains the hole for water to pass through to the spout. As the handle turns off, the cartridge stops water from passing through. If the handle is leaking and the washer is new, it’s time for a cartridge replacement.
Washer
The faucet washer is a small, black, circular, rubbery item located underneath the cartridge inside the handle. (Ball handles have two washers within the same handle.) When the valve and washer rub against each other, the valve wears out the washer until it drips at the spout. In fact, most drips come from a faulty washer. Replace the used one with a new one. Expect this leak more often in compression faucets.
Valve Corrosion
With the exception of ball faucets, faucets consist of handles and a spout. Water, of course, originates from the spout. The valve connects the spout to the faucet, and over time it can corrode. Corrosion occurs when water sediments eat away at the valve seat, eventually leaking around the spout base. In fact, most noticeable leaks around the spout base come from valve corrosion. Most valve corrosion is salvageable with cleanup around the base rather than a replacement. However, if the corrosion destroyed the spout, it’s time to replace it.
O-ring
Like the washer, the O-ring is a circular and rubbery disc, too. The O-ring is located inside the faucet spout, and it holds the spout in place. It prevents the spout from leaking water near the spout. If the water is leaking at the spout and/or handles, the O-ring may be loose or worn. Replace the damaged O-ring with a new one. Expect the O-ring replacement to happen more often in cartridge faucets.
Every time the water drips, you can count on the water bill rising. You can also guarantee a persistent annoyance in your home. Don’t delay repairing a leaky faucet. If necessary, contact your local plumber for professional help.
One of the most frequented rooms in the house is the bathroom, so a plumbing system that functions properly is a basic requirement. We tend to take running water for granted as it’s conveniently there every time we open the faucet or flush the toilet. However, if the system is not well-maintained and a plumbing emergency arises, we become painfully aware of our dependency upon it.
In order to avoid such inconvenience and stress, all you need to do is regularly maintain the plumbing, from the toilet and showerheads to the faucets and drains. The small amount of your time and money that you invest in proper plumbing servicing will by far outweigh the risks and potentially high costs in case anything goes wrong.
Here are several simple tips that can help you maintain your home plumbing system better.
Repair leaks
Frequently, the main source of bathroom leaks is the toilet and it can be easily avoided by regular check-ups of the toilet tank. You need to make sure that the water level is normal and it isn’t overflowing. You can do that by checking the overflow pipe in the middle of the tank. This pipe is connected to a tube and if water is running over it, you need to adjust the fill valve so the water level stays at least one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
The next step is to add a few drops of food colouring into the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the toilet bowl has changed colour after 15 minutes, it means that the ball or the flapper are leaking and you’ll need to have them replaced.
Another important tip is to avoid using your toilet bowl as a waste basket. Make sure all garbage such as cotton balls and swabs, sanitary products, diapers and make-up tissues are thrown in a proper trash bin and not in the bowl, as they can’t be dissolved and will clog the pipes.
If you notice any type of damp spots or discolouration on the floor or walls, it’s a sure sign that there’s a leak somewhere. You must react immediately. You might be able to fix a minor leak with your tool kit, but if there’s a more serious problem, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Reliable experts, as this plumber servicing Canberra, will surely know what to do in cases of blocked drains, burst pipes, leaking taps or toilets and problems with heating and hot water supply.
Prevent clogging
The best measure of prevention you can perform yourself is making sure that clogging doesn’t happen. Simply use strainers in tubs and showers to catch hair and soap chips, and clean them regularly. Also, run hot water down the drain once a week to keep it flowing freely. Once a month, pour down a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. Let it stay for 10 minutes, and rinse away with hot water. This will help the pipes stay clean and prevent unpleasant odours.
Maintain the faucets and showerheads
The sources of your running water, faucets and showerheads, greatly influence the comfort and success of your bathroom experience. Firstly make sure there are no leaks, as dripping faucets can waste up to 11000 litres of water per year.
The second problem you might have is low flow and it’s usually caused by lime build-up and mineral deposits inside the aerator or showerhead. Both can be easily disassembled and carefully cleaned with a brush. This will remove sediment and allow free water flow.
Dedicating a portion of your time and effort to regular maintenance of your plumbing will help keep the system in pristine condition. It will also contribute to the reduction of water consumption in your home and make it more sustainable and energy efficient. In the long run, you’ll have lower utility bills and minimal impact on the environment.
Green building refers to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, sustainable materials, and insulated windows and walls. Today, green plumbing is also becoming popular because water consumption is a huge factor in any building’s environmental footprint (incidentally, drought-prone Australia has led the green plumbing movement).
‘Greening’ your plumbing will reduce your home energy costs. But apart from improving your utility bills, green plumbing also provides cleaner water and conserves valuable water resources. Most importantly, going green is about passing a better world to the next generations. It helps the environment by saving energy and water and using eco-friendly materials.
Here are some of the plumbing upgrades and fixes that property owners today must consider to attain a greener home. To make sure that these fixtures run efficiently, you must hire a licensed plumber install them.
1. Low-Flow Showerheads
Normal-flow showerheads make use of about six to seven gallons every minute, and the water comes out at 80 psi. If you want to use less water with normal showerheads, the stream is flat and insubstantial, which offers an unsatisfactory shower experience.
Low-flow showerheads will solve this problem by forcing the water towards a narrower opening. In turn, this will reduce the amount of water that will come out while maintaining the pressure at 80 psi for a strong stream.
There are two design types allowing you to get a reduced water flow without the need to sacrifice water pressure. The laminar design uses individual parallel water streams that will reduce the stream while showering. The other type is the aerator design, which pulls air via the air ducts.
2. Eco-Friendly Toilets
The conventional toilet makes use of about 13.25-18.93 litres (3.5 to 5 gallons) of water every time you flush. The older versions use about 26.5 litres (7 gallons) of water. Toilets made after 1992 uses 6 litres (1.6 gallons) of water per flush. Today, new designs with eco-friendly features are more in-demand. They only make use of 4.85 litres (1.28 gallons) per flush. So get a new toilet now to conserve more water.
3. Up-to-date Taps
Old taps use plenty of water and their inefficiency increases as they age. Most modern styles of taps have luxury features like longer tap heads, low-flow designs, portable extensions, and convenient handless water shut off for better functionality. Surely, you will be amazed at the different options available in the market today.
Adding an aerator to these taps can also save water and money. Aerators will increase water pressure by adding air to water flow whilst reducing the amount of water used.
4. Tankless Water Heaters
Although conventional water heaters have improved when it comes to energy efficiency, they still waste a significant amount of money. They let the water sit in the tank whilst continually heating it until the household is ready to use it. And when you are ready to use it, you have to wait for it to get hot. No wonder today’s tankless water heaters are popular.
Tankless water heaters will warm water on demand, which saves an incredible amount of energy while making sure that you don’t run out of hot water. This kind of water heater is an excellent water-saving option that is also worth evaluating.
5. Piping and Insulation
Most plumbing systems in homes aren’t insulated properly; this will cause heat loss, making your water heater work harder. Plumbing experts recommend insulating your pipes as soon as possible.
Older pipes with galvanized steel easily corrode, thus blocking the system. Grey or blue poly, on the other hand, are prone to leaks. As such, you must let the experts in plumbing services replace your old pipes today.
6. Modern Appliances
The most visible feature of a plumbing system would be the appliances. Updating your appliances to their eco-friendly versions will add significant value to your home. Most modern appliances require a smaller amount of water while providing superior functionality. Consider switching out the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine for new models. This upfront investment will pay off well in the long run.
Do not wait for your plumbing fixtures to break down or malfunction before making an upgrade. You must start conserving water and saving money on water bills. If you don’t upgrade your plumbing system, you could literally be flushing your hard-earned money down the drain.
AUTHOR BIO
Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Even though plumbing systems can be relatively complex, there are a few fixes and repairs that everyone should master. Major issues such as cracks in the sewage line will need to be taken care of by a professional, but minor leaks and clogs can easily be fixed with basic tools and a little bit of research. Whether you are renting your first apartment or have just purchased a brand new home, here is a look at some simple repairs you should know how to do.
Dealing with Clogs
If only one of your sinks or showers is clogged, then the debris is most likely not that far down the sewage line. That means you should be able to take care of it with an over-the-counter clog remover. Those who don’t want to use harsh chemicals can also make their own clog remover out of baking soda and vinegar. Homeowners should immediately call a plumber like Knights Plumbing & Drain if multiple sinks, toilets, or showers become clogged at the same time. Deeper clogs can only be broken apart with specialized tools.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A single leaky faucet in your home could end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water a month if you don’t take care of it right away. Fixing a leak might seem intimidating, but this job is relatively straightforward as long as you are careful and meticulous. Most leaks can easily be fixed by tightening a handle or replacing an O-ring. Before fixing a leak, you must first shut off the faucet and plug the drain to prevent water damage.
Relighting the Water Heater
One of the most common problems that homeowners run into is the water heater’s pilot light going out. The vast majority of water heaters have a visible valve with a “pilot” position. After turning the valve to that position, you then need to use a lighter with a long neck to relight the flame. Homeowners should never attempt to relight a water heater if they smell gas.
Replacing a Shower Head
Upgrading or replacing an old shower head requires nothing more than an adjustable wrench and some plumber’s tape. The old shower head can be removed by loosening the single connecting nut until the entire shower head comes off. You must then wrap the exposed threads with plumber’s tape to prevent leaks. The final step is to attach the new shower head by turning it clockwise on the threads before tightening the connecting nut.
In order to carry out most plumbing repairs, you are going to need a decent set of tools. At the very least, every homeowner should have a combination wrench set, a plunger, pliers, an adjustable wrench, duct tape, and a caulking gun. These few tools will allow you to take care of minor clogs, slow leaks, and other basic repairs.
If you notice that a faucet is leaking in the kitchen or bathroom, it is imperative that you take care of it as soon as possible. If allowed to linger, it could cause water damage throughout the house in addition to the water making that annoying sound as it falls from the pipe to the floor. What can you do to fix this issues in an affordable and timely manner?
Tighten Them First
It is possible that your pipes just need to be tightened with a wrench. In a matter of seconds, you could have the issue resolved permanently with the tools that you have in your home. If you aren’t sure how to tighten a pipe, you can watch a tutorial or have a friend or family member help you. Remember, you want to go to the right to tighten and to the left to loosen a pipe or any other object.
The Pipe May Need To Be Replaced
There may be a crack or fracture in the pipe that may be allowing water to leak out of it. Some companies, such as Clearwater Plumbing, realize that if that is the case, you need to replace the section where the leak is. Even if the problem is a minor one at the moment, it is important that you take care of it before winter as the cold temperatures could cause small cracks to become complete breaks in the pipe.
You May Be Able to Tape the Leak
The use of sealing tape may help stop a leak for a few hours or days. Ideally, you will then call a plumber to take care of the issue as the tape is no substitute for repairing or replacing a leaking pipe.
Check the Temperature in the Room
In some cases, your pipes may not be leaking at all. They could just be collecting condensation because the room is too hot or humid. To fix the issue, you may just need to find ways to improve air circulation as that will help to get rid of excess moisture in an easy and efficient way.
If the pipes in your bathroom or kitchen are leaking, there is probably a simple fix to resolve the issue. However, don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you aren’t sure what the problem is or if you have tried other remedies that haven’t worked. Regardless of how minor the problem may appear, it could lead to major issues in the future if not addressed quickly.
Almost every person has dealt with a water leak in their home at some point. A high number of homes and apartments that have suffered from water damage in the past are mostly due to leakage in their plumbing systems. Whenever you discover that you have a water leak at home, you must call a plumber. However, there are a number of things that you can do before the plumbers arrive to prevent any further damage. Here are some important tips on what to do when your home has a water leak.
Shutting Off the Water
As a homeowner it might be best to call a professional such as those from The Clean Plumbers to help with your water pipes. Immediately you discover that a water leak at home, you must act quickly. You should shut off the water going into the appliance or room where you have detected the leak. If there are any electrical appliances connected near the water leak, switch them off and unplug them immediately. You may consider shutting off your circuit breaker depending on the magnitude of the water leak. If the water leak does not subside, you should turn off your chief water valve located in the garage, yard or basement.
Eliminating Water Pressure in Your Pipes
In order to reduce the amount of water leaking in your home, turn on both the hot and cold levers of the lowest spout inside your home either on the first floor or basement. The same should be done on the faucets found in the uppermost floor. This allows air to enter into the pipes and allows them to drain their water via the lever (mostly yellow in color) opened on the house-side water meter. The water will drip for about 10-15 minutes and then slow down if it was leaking from your finished ceiling. If the dripping persists, shut off the water meter using the street-side lever.
Wrapping the Leaking Pipe
As the water pressure in the pipes will have been eliminated, you can use a tape product to wrap around the leaking pipe to act as a temporary fix as you wait for professional services. If the tape is wrapped correctly, it can stop the leakage for a while before the plumbing repairs are done. A rag can be used to wrap the pipes to stop water from being sprayed all over and instead direct it to a bucket or drain.
No homeowner wishes to contend with a water leak in their home. However, in the event that it happens, all the above steps will be useful in controlling a water leak before professional plumbers arrive. They are preventive measures against water damage in your home.
Your backyard is flooded and the reason for this is that the stormwater drain is blocked and not letting the water through.
How messy does that sound? Especially, when it’s the rainy season and the stormwater drain is still blocked, you can imagine the situation you will be in. So, before the monsoons come by, and the nightmare comes true, it’s time to take action and get the drains fixed. You can try fixing it DIY style. However, if all self-methods fail then, you must call in the help of a professional plumber to help you get things done smoothly and fast.
Here, are some tips for you to try to unblock your stormwater drain. Try them and get rid of the hassle as soon as you can.
Tips to unblock the stormwater drain
Storm water drains are pipes that connect pipes from the roof to sumps in the garden, which then discharge water into the water table or curb in the street. They most commonly block due to tree roots, dirt, and silt lying in the pipes. It’s pretty hard to clear the pipes by your own. So, there is a need to call in a professional to do the work.
Get a full inspection of the stormwater drain to understand the real cause of the blockage. The gravity of the blockage will determine the repair it requires. Stormwater drains usually, block due to fallen leaves, debris, or grime build-up or because of a collapsed pipe. If the stormwater pipe is cracked, you can restructure it by application of plaster.
When you call in the plumbers, ensure that you instruct them to bring along a high water pressure drainage machine, as they are the best drain cleaners and absolutely perfect for this kind of situation. High water pressure drainage machines utilize high-pressure water to remove any dirt, leaves, and silt caused in the storm water pipes. Any other conventional methods aren’t as suitable.
You can also use hand rods to remove any obstacle that is causing the stormwater drain from being blocked. Hand rods can help to drive any dirt particles hooked to the lining of the pipe. A high-stress water jitter is especially used for pressurized cleaning of any debris that would not budge otherwise.
Another way to clean the pipe is by using the electric auger, which chews through any kind of dirt present inside a pipe blocking its way. The strong blades of the electric auger propel into the blocked pipe taking away any obstruction present.
Get your stormwater drain regularly check and maintain it. A little precaution does not hurt anyone. Keeping a regular eye out for problems can keep you worry-free of the problems coming to you unannounced. Keep in touch with your local plumber and call in every six months to check the functions of your drain. A little bit of cleaning and repairing every now and then will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Conclusion
Clear any type of blockage in your stormwater pipe at the earliest possible way to prevent damage to your property. Unlike clearing a block in your regular drain, unblocking stormwater pipes is not easy. You must understand this gravity of the situation before you move forward to make any effort to clear the block yourself. Your drain cleaners are not going to work here and you will need proper tools and some amount of technical know-how for clearing the block or blocks in the stormwater pipes. If you are unsure, please call a plumber and save yourself from further damages.
In every household or even in the commercial sector, the drainage system plays a very major and important role, as this does not only involve a normal day to day convenience but also is a system which seeks quality and performance at all times to remain comfortable.
When one uses a professional drain relining service, there are many aspects to be taken care of to have the best and guaranteed services at place. One should seek a trenchless or a no dig option for the best drainage solution.
The advantage of monitoring the same is that, in case of relining, there won’t be any requirement of digging up the pathways, gardens, driveways, etc. to reach out to the pipe which needs fixing.
It is important to maintain the hygiene and you need to clean the drainage system on a regular basis. For this you can apply some DIY techniques, and it is better to clean the drain at least once a week by hiring some professional clogged drain services.
To Know More in Details about the Relining Process and to start with the same is as Explained Below:
The initial step involves preparing of relining process by first analyzing if the pipe is ready to be relined and this is done by inserting a flexible camera to check if there are any blockages which needs to be removed, as a clean pipe would have a good professional drain relining service. They can easily identify the exact clogged portions and they will also remove the same, and install the new pipeline if required.
Next is the measurement of the length to insert the right size of the relined pipe with the help of a hard agent mixed with epoxy resin and then the same is put into the liner, this would distribute the material evenly in the entire pipe which is being relined.
Then after the second step is completed the professionals would blow into the pipe the liner which has been made for the purpose. Lastly the whole job which has been done needs to be dried up to form a hard coating which would allow the relining to cure.
This complete process is done with high end professionalism and by the people who has complete grip over the method. Hence without any external damage of the surrounding of the pipe, the relining process can be carried forward with finesse and prepare the same ready to be used.
Why would you hire the Professional Drain Relining Services?
Professional drain relining service is a very affordable and a rapid method in compared to the traditional digging process which used to be followed since a long time. With the growing development and updated technicalities now it is no more a very big problem which requires a solution.
There are Specific Types of Drains which can be Relined and the same are as Mentioned Below:
Bends, traps and junctions can be relined
Sewer and storm water drainage could take the advantage of the relining process.
The long as well as the short patches of sections can be relined
PVC, Cast iron, earth ware pipes can be relined appropriately
The pipe size which measures from 50mm to 400mm can also be relined.
Hence this is the best diagnosis for an effective sewer and drain repairs. It has been noticed that due to this advanced operation it is no more a matter of great concern to get your drainage problem solved, as with time and available options towards the same has made the whole relining service convenient and easy to be achieved.
Generally speaking, your home will probably need some renovations after 10-15 years. In order to make your home look good, you will need to make sure that you take care of every aspect of your home. After so many years of usage, your plumbing system will also need to be upgraded and changed in order to get a modern and functional plumbing system at place. Most homeowners will only replace and repair the plumbing system that is visible but when renovating your old plumbing system, you need to make sure that you take care of every aspect in order to get the best results. Mentioned below are some of the plumbing issues that you need to watch out for while renovating your old home and call for drain cleaning services immediately.
Sewer Line in Your Home
Most home owners only take care of the 4 walls in their home when renovating their old home. However, you need to remember that you are the owner of the sewer line from your home until the end of the street as well. In old homes the sewer lines may be problematic and since you have already taken up your home for renovation, make sure that you change this line with the help of drain cleaning services as well in order to experience smooth drainage for the future years. There could be various problems like roots, cracks in the pipe and so on. When you take care of this aspect, you can be sure of efficient results in the long run as well.
Galvanized Pipes in Home
In older constructions, most of the homes have galvanized pipes installed. Some of them may have changes in some parts of the pipe and not only the pipes that have a problem. This means that your home will still be having pipes that are rusted and corroded and you will need to replace these with time. Make sure to check out all the pipes in your home and replace these at the time of renovation if you want a smooth plumbing system. The money that you invest here will go a long way in saving money for you.
Plumber
Old and Inefficient Plumbing System
In some setups, you have the old plumbing system and they look good as well. However, you need to realize there is a lifespan with everything and it is true with the pipes as well. With constant use, these fixtures will have some or the other problems in them and this may lead to leaks and inefficient water flow as well. So when you go for renovating your home it is best to change these fixtures in order to conserve water.
Invisible Leaks In The Plumbing System
The pipe from the water meter to your home is your responsibility. If you identify leakage in these pipes while going for renovation, make sure that you get these changed with the assistance of drain cleaning services in order to stop the problem causing further damages to your property.
Renovating your old home is a major project and you are going to invest a lot of time and money for this. In order to get efficient results, make sure to call drain cleaning services to identify the problems in your plumbing system. They will help you to identify plumbing related problems in your old home and help you understand the areas that you need to take care of when you go in for renovation. When you take care of the plumbing in your home you can be sure to get the best results in the long run and need not worry about plumbing problems after years of service.
Wondering why your drains are clogged? While some clogs are inevitable, most of the time many clogs can be prevented. The infographic below courtesy of Pipetech Plumbing will give you all the info you need in order to avoid a clog.
