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5 Common Apartment Plumbing Problems and How to Prevent Them

Woman attempting to unclog the basin and clutching a plunger

TL;DR: Shared plumbing in apartments means one small issue can affect the whole building. Stay ahead with regular checks and simple habits to avoid common problems. Know when to DIY and when to call in help.

Main Points:

  • Leaky faucets waste water and raise bills
  • Clogged drains are common and smelly
  • Low water pressure can signal bigger issues
  • Drain smells often come from dry traps or buildup
  • Monthly checks help catch problems early
  • Know when to contact your landlord or a plumber

Apartment living has plenty of perks, but shared plumbing isn’t one of them. One small issue in your unit can lead to bigger problems throughout the building.

So how does plumbing work in an apartment building? In most cases, pipes and vents are shared between units, which means a problem in one apartment can quickly affect others. The good news? Most plumbing issues are easy to spot and prevent with simple upkeep.

Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

A dripping tap might seem harmless, but it wastes gallons of water and can cause damage if left too long. Over time, wasted water can raise your bills, especially in metered units. In an apartment, even a small leak can affect more than just your unit.

Watch for:

  • Drips you hear but don’t see
  • Water pooling at the base of the faucet
  • Stains or soft spots under sinks

Why it happens: Old washers and seals wear out. High water pressure can damage fixtures. Shared pipes may shift or create pressure surges, which loosen parts over time.

Prevent it: Check your faucets regularly. Don’t ignore a slow drip—report it quickly. And avoid over-tightening the handles. If you can, ask your landlord about regular apartment plumbing inspection.

Clogged Drains and Slow Sinks

An apartment sink failing to drain is one of the most common complaints in plumbing. Food, grease, and hair clog pipes fast—and smells can travel between units.

Common culprits: Cooking grease hardens in pipes. Hair clumps up in drains. Paper towels or coffee grounds get tossed in by mistake. And since pipes are shared, one clog can affect several apartments.

Prevent it: Throw waste in the bin, not the sink. Use drain covers in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep a small drain snake or hair tool handy. It’s cheap and clears small clogs early.

Pour hot water down drains each week to keep them clear. Skip harsh chemicals—they damage pipes. If clogs keep coming back, it’s time for a professional inspection.

Low Water Pressure

Weak water pressure makes showers and daily tasks frustrating. In an apartment, it can be hard to tell if the issue is in your unit or building-wide.

What causes it: Old pipes corrode and narrow. Shared water lines mean peak-time pressure drops. Maintenance or repair work may limit flow temporarily.

Fixes and prevention: Clean faucet aerators to remove buildup. You can also install a shower filter with a built-in screen to catch sediment and improve flow. If low pressure continues, ask your neighbors if they notice it too—then report it to management.

Male Plumber's Hand Repairing Sink Pipe Leakage

Dealing with Apartment Drain Smells

Bad smells from your drain can make the whole apartment feel unclean. And with shared vents and pipes, odors can move between units easily.

What’s behind it: Dry traps are a big one—unused drains let sewer gas in. Rotting food or grease buildup causes bad odors. Sometimes, the problem lies in shared venting or pipes between units.

How to stop it: Run water in every drain weekly to keep traps full. Clean drains with baking soda and hot water. If smells linger, report it—it could point to a larger issue in the building’s plumbing.

Staying Ahead with Routine Maintenance

You don’t need to be a plumber to keep your pipes in good shape. A few simple habits can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your apartment comfortable.

Do a quick check once a month:

  • Look for leaks under sinks
  • Check for slow drains or bad smells
  • Clean faucet screens and shower heads

If you notice recurring problems, let your property manager know. It’s better to fix small issues early than face a bigger (and more expensive) repair later.

And if you’re unsure whether something’s just happening in your apartment, check in with a neighbor.

When to Call in the Pros

Some problems are best left to the experts. That’s especially true in apartments, where one fix can affect the whole building.

Call your landlord or a plumber if you notice:

  • Leaks that don’t stop
  • Frequent clogs or sewer smells
  • Low water pressure in several rooms

Trying to fix these yourself can make things worse. If it’s more than a quick clean or check, don’t risk it. Call your property manager or a trusted plumber like Fox Valley Plumbing.

Stay Ahead of Apartment Plumbing Problems

Good plumbing habits don’t take much, but they really do help. Keep an eye on your taps, clear your drains, and speak up if something feels off. A quick check each month can save you a lot of hassle later.

Learn more about our commercial plumbing services here.

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Emergency Plumbing: What to Do if a Pipe Bursts

Closeup view of leaking water from the plastic pipe

A burst pipe can cause serious damage to your home. Water can flood rooms, damage furniture, and lead to costly repairs. When a pipe bursts, you need to act fast to stop the water and limit the damage.

Pipe bursts for many reasons, including:

  • freezing temperatures (since water expands in cold weather)
  • corrosion
  • high water pressure
  • bad installation
  • tree roots damaging
  • clogs

Knowing what to do if a pipe bursts will help you stay calm and take the right steps. This guide will walk you through the actions to take if you face this common plumbing emergency.

1. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply Immediately

The first thing to do when a pipe bursts is to stop the water flow. Find your main water valve and turn it off right away. This will stop more water from spilling into your home. The valve is usually in the basement, near the water heater, or outside your house. If you’re unsure where it is, now is a good time to locate it for future emergencies.

2. Drain the Remaining Water

After turning off the water supply, you need to drain the pipes. Open all faucets in your home to let the water flow out. Start with cold taps and then move to hot taps. Don’t forget to flush the toilets to release any water still in the system. This will help reduce water pressure and stop further leaks.

3. Identify the Location of the Burst Pipe

Next, try to find where the pipe burst. Check common areas like under sinks, inside walls, or in the basement. Look for water stains, puddles, or damp spots on walls and ceilings.

Knowing the exact spot helps you explain the problem to a plumber. Finding the location is important when you’re figuring out what to do when pipes burst in your house.

4. Temporary Fixes to Reduce Damage

Once you find the water pipe burst, use a temporary fix to limit the damage. You can wrap the pipe with repair tape or use a pipe clamp to stop small leaks. Towels and buckets can help catch dripping water. These quick solutions won’t last long, but they can buy you some time before help arrives. These steps are useful if you have a burst pipe and need to control the situation.

5. Get Professional Help

After taking the first steps, it’s time to call a plumber if a pipe bursts. Even if the leak seems under control, you need a professional to fix it properly. A plumber will repair the damage and check for other potential issues. It’s important to do this quickly if a water pipe bursts, so you can prevent future problems and avoid costly repairs.

Plumbing Services that You Can Trust

We are a licensed plumbing contractor in Illinois and Chicago, and we only employ licensed plumbers. Our team is also certified in backflow testing, which is required every year for all irrigation, fire systems, and domestic water supplies. Reach out to us for expert help with any plumbing emergency.

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Why Should You Choose a Professional Drain Cleaning Service?

The drain is one area of the house that is not thought about often. Only when there’s a maintenance issue this area is given any consideration. Once in a while, things need taking care of to avoid long-term maintenance problems.

 

 

A few handy tips and information can help homes maintain their drains sufficiently enough to ask for professional help only when required.

How Can Professional Drain Cleaning Services Help?

1. They can help eliminate a slow drain – Drains become slow when they face issues. Before becoming dysfunctional, drains begin to show slow performance. The professional drain cleaning service will identify if the slow drain is due to a blockage in the homeowner’s system or if it is caused by the mainline serving the home. They can diagnose the problem and ensure proper treatment so that the blockage doesn’t turn into something serious. If you can identify the source of the problem, well. If not, call the professionals.

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2. Drain cleaning services offer services to reduce home odors – Every home faces this issue. Even when the drainage may be working fine, there could be food items rotting further down the line or something more serious that causes a foul odor. Professional service providers will detect the source of the odor and take steps to get rid of it. They have the equipment and experience to deal with such problems.

3. Drain cleaners can help identify other serious issues – They are professionals who have the knowledge to recognize other serious issues. The problem may have something to do with the bathroom or the kitchen. If not fixed, the problem might lead to a blockage or a leak within the home. There could also be a potential problem with the vent in the drain that may threaten the safety of the people on the property. Timely involvement and detection of problems can help avoid major expenses later.

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Sooner or later, every home will face the drain clogging problem eventually. Whenever you are faced with the prospect of a blocked drain, engage a professional from the Schaumburg, Illinois drain cleaning service.

When choosing a professional drain cleaning service, ask for a free estimate. Most companies provide a quote. The rate may vary from one to another. But knowing the upfront costs will help you decide which service to go for the cleaning and also give you an idea of how much it is going to cost you.

Though the drain clog might bother you most during the daytime and that is when it is best to get it fixed. But emergencies may happen any time during the day. Select a service that will do the plumbing even during nighttime if required.

Is there a money-back guarantee? In the event that the cleaning was ineffective or the level of service wasn’t as expected, ask for money back. A company that provides money back is sure of its service levels. That helps you be assured you will get quality service.

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Schaumburg, Il – Why All Sewer Cameras Are Not Created Equal

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Garbage Disposal Best Practice for Home Plumbing

Garbage disposals are highly prevalent. The majority of people cannot envision a kitchen sink without one, and in many areas of the world, more households have them than don’t. Sadly, far too many individuals mistreat their waste disposal, which can cause a blockage.

Plumbers can fix malfunctioning garbage disposals. Disposals can sometimes be unsticked, but other times they need to be replaced. Too often, mistakes made by people are to blame. Here are some pointers from knowledgeable plumbers on how to manage and unclog a clogged garbage disposal.

Your garbage disposal system will last longer with proper maintenance:

Garbage disposal repair can be expensive and clogged drains are a huge hassle. Fortunately, most problems with garbage disposals are easily avoidable, and caring for and maintaining garbage disposals is very simple. If you take good care of your garbage disposal, it will take good care of you. Below, we outline the errors you should avoid and the steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your garbage disposal and reduce the possibility that you’ll need to contact a plumbing or drain cleaning company. Your garbage disposal’s lifespan will be extended by proper care and use, which will also stop plumbing and drain problems.

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Regular Use and Disposal:

Contrary to conventional belief, your garbage disposal should not be used as frequently as other electrical appliances in order to avoid wearing them out. Even if you don’t intend to use the appliance, switch it on at least once every few days and let the blades spin while rinsing them with a little cold water for around 30 seconds. By doing this, you can keep your garbage disposal from jamming and protect the blades from rust or corrosion. Additionally, by operating your appliance on a regular basis, you may prevent any food residues from hardening and generating an uncomfortable clog by flushing them away.

Using Ice, Water, and Citrus Fruits:

While bleach is undoubtedly useful, you should try to refrain from often running harsh chemicals through your waste disposal. Use cold water instead, run the machine at regular intervals, and then add some ice cubes. Or, freeze some vinegar inside the ice cubes for a more powerful DIY technique of cleaning your tool’s blades and pipes. Combine this with salt and baking soda. Chopping up a citrus fruit, like a lemon, and feeding it via your garbage disposal is another incredibly effective cleaning method. The peel should be included because it contains the most acid. If you do, your appliance will continue to operate at its peak performance level and smell fantastic. Use an old toothbrush to clean the rim to complete the cleaning process. If required, use a little soap, otherwise try the household items we just spoke about: vinegar, salt, and baking soda are all highly effective weapons in the fight against a filthy garbage disposal.

Avoid Using Hot Water When Flushing After Use:

Don’t turn off the garbage disposal right away once you’ve finished slicing your leftovers; instead, let the water run for an additional fifteen to twenty seconds. This will assist in flushing away any tenacious food particles that may be sticking to your garbage disposal system’s pipes just out of sight. Even though you might be accustomed to washing your dishes in warm or hot water, a garbage disposal works best with cold water. Food scraps will be softened and melted by hot water, which will make them stick to your disposal system’s pipes and cause clogs.

Cut Your Waste Up:

Avoid taking any chances. For a quick and effective servicing from your appliance, take an extra few seconds to reduce your food waste.

Avoid Using Any Utensils Near the Grinder:

Consider leaving your garbage disposal off until you have cleaned out the kitchen sink if you are worried about non-food objects getting into it.

Never try to pulverize non-perishable food.:

However, resist the urge to put your main course’s meat or bones in the garbage disposal. Doing so can cause your appliance’s blades to get dull and may even cause a blockage if they slip down the pipe. Throw such leftovers, together with any fruit seeds or hard pits, directly into the garbage can. Although sturdy, your garbage disposal is not impenetrable, and it won’t be able to cut through anything that is too little to be caught.

If you find that your garbage disposal is draining improperly or not draining at all, it’s most likely due to a plumbing issue. If you find that your garbage disposal isn’t grinding the waste as well as it should, it might be a case of changing what you put into it.

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5 Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Prevent Them

Nobody desires to find themselves in a situation where they must contact an emergency plumber. Not only is having a plumbing issue expensive, but it can also be very inconvenient, cause harm to your house, and even be unpleasant. We respond to more plumbing crises than we should, and clients frequently ask us for advice on how to keep themselves out of a similar predicament in the future. It’s a good idea to read over this list and make sure you’re avoiding the five most common plumbing catastrophes if you know you’d feel the same way.

  1. Toilet That is Clogged

Few things catch a homeowner’s notice like a toilet that is clogged and has a potential of backing up. It’s disgusting, and your only true option when a plunger breaks is to contact a plumber. How then do you prevent it?

When you flush something down the toilet that doesn’t belong, it gets clogged. Small or low-flow toilets that might not even be able to manage some typical use are particularly problematic. Anything you don’t need to flush down the toilet, including sanitary items, baby diapers, and leftover food, should not be done. Next, if you frequently get blockages, you might think about purchasing a new toilet.

  1. Pipe Bursts

Burst pipes, which typically occur when a water supply line bursts entirely open and continues on its course, are the leaks that frequently inflict the most damage. To stop it, you must turn off the water in your house. After that, you’ll need an emergency plumber to fix the problem.

Keeping your plumbing in good shape will help you prevent burst pipes. Check to see whether your pipes are not too old, are not under excessive pressure, and do not have a partial obstruction that could develop into a complete blockage. Keep your house warm in cold weather to prevent pipe damage, and watch out for trees planted too close to the pipes since this can also lead to problems.

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  1. Blocked Tubs and Sinks

Even though minor blockages in sinks and tubs aren’t as dangerous as problems with the sewage, they can nevertheless turn into emergencies, particularly if they affect your single sink or tub. Not using a sink or tub for a while is frequently not an option for elderly people or little children. Therefore, plumbers on call will come out to assist you with these.

Trusting the plumber over the do-it-yourself solutions you find online is frequently the key to avoiding clogged sinks and bathtubs.

  1. Sewer Backups or Clogs

Frequently, the sewer-related odor is not to be tolerated by the weak-willed. Additionally, they have the potential to harm your house and cause water to back up into all of your fixtures. A plumber must act promptly to clear up sewer jams and backups.

 

How do you keep them at bay? Using the sewer properly is essential to preventing problems, much like with a clogged toilet. Nothing that doesn’t belong there should be poured into the drain. This includes hair from your shower and fats and greases. Additionally, avoid planting trees so close to sewers that their roots can encroach on them.

Despite this, sewage jams typically come from repeated usage or may even start in the city’s section of the line. Sometimes the backup and clog are simply beyond of your control. However, we are still able to assist.

  1. Sump pumps Failure

Sump pumps are a common feature in homes to prevent flooding or very heavy rain. Therefore, if your sump pump breaks down, you are likely also dealing with another emergency. Therefore, it is crucial to stay away from this one. Have your sump pump inspected by a plumber once a year to make sure it isn’t clogged or malfunctioning.

Uncertain as to whether what you’re doing could result in a plumbing emergency? To find out if you ought to alter what you’re doing, you can always get in touch with plumbers you trust. Despite the fact that our first response is typically “no,” you shouldn’t always disregard that. Most significant plumbing problems can also be avoided if you can, in most cases.

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How to clean a kitchen sink drain and keep it smelling fresh

Whether it’s an ordinary day or a special event, you’re frequently welcomed with delectable fragrances and joyful recollections when you’re gathered in your kitchen. It’s a place to eat, to converse, and to simply take in life.

Our kitchen sink drains work hard when we use a strainer or garbage disposal diligently. We wake up one morning to an unpleasant odor coming from the sink as a result of inevitable food particles, oil, and other undesirable items finding their way into the drain.

Therefore, why does this begin to occur?

Typically, there are two causes of a smelly kitchen sink:

  1. Food caught in the sink or garbage disposal that has gone bad
  2. A leak of sewer gas coming from the vent or drain trap

That’s the bad news – but here’s the good news: it’s totally fixable! That’s right – you don’t have to live with a stinky kitchen sink forever.

Tricks to Try If You Have a Garbage Disposal

  • Hot water and dish soap: Start by running the garbage disposal while running a sink’s worth of hot, soapy water through it. This is the initial stage, and it might work. Stop the sink with a stopper and add several inches of hot water. Pour some dish soap in. To allow the water to flush through, turn on the garbage disposal and unplug the sink.
  • Ice cubes, coarse salt, and lemon peels: The next thing to do is to check that the disposal blades are clean and free of any leftover, gummy food particles if you’re still smelling something unpleasant. The three-punch cleaning miracle of ice cubes, coarse salt, and lemon. Put some ice cubes and kosher salt in the garbage disposal. While the salt scrubs the sides of the grinder, the ice helps push food off of it. Repeat the flushing for good measure, and then grind some lemon peels for freshness.
  • Vinegar and lemon ice cubes: Lemon wedges can be frozen in white vinegar, then crushed in the garbage disposal.

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Tricks to Try If You Don’t Have a Garbage Disposal

  • Boiling Water: It is important to not undervalue the simple power of hot water. Don’t let water cool on the stove after you’ve just boiled it for something, like some pasta or a pot of tea. Pour it into the sink instead. This may be sufficient to eliminate weaker drain odours. If not, continue reading this list to increase the effectiveness of the cleaning, but you’ll notice that each advice is followed by a thorough hot water flush.
  • Baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water: The most popular trick among readers for getting rid of sink drain smells? A bubbling, baking soda-and-vinegar mix, washed down with very hot water. 1 cup baking soda plus 2 cups vinegar. Pour the baking soda, then vinegar on top; it will bubble up. Let it sit a couple of minutes, then run hot water.
  • Baking soda, salt, vinegar, and boiling water: Some readers fervently contend that adding coarse salt to the tried-and-true combination of baking soda and vinegar adds exactly the right amount of additional abrasion to remove the filth.

1/2 cup coarse salt

1/2 cup of baking soda

1 cup vinegar

Place each of these down the drain in turn. To get the bubbles to just work in the drain, cover the drain for around 30 seconds. The salt is said to add an abrasive element. After that, pour a pot of boiling water through to remove everything and dissolve any salt that is still present. Stop making a stink here!

How to prevent drain odour

It’s simple to stop your sink from smelling. A few healthy practices and regular maintenance are all that are required. Try these things:

  • To prevent food chunks from entering your pipes, cover your plughole with a drain screen.
  • Keep fat and grease out of the drain. Instead, before washing your cookware, soak or scrape away any fat with a kitchen towel.
  • Pour any leftover water from boiling the kettle down the plughole to eliminate bacteria.
  • Once a week, or if you’re going on vacation and won’t be using your sink for a while, pour baking soda down the drain.
  • Plan routine service inspections. Your pipes will stay clean if a qualified plumber frequently inspects them.

Remember, if you have persistent or severe drain odour issues, it’s recommended to consult a professional plumber to assess the situation.

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Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts

The garbage disposal, which enables us to get rid of waste quickly, simply, and without having to drag bags of rubbish to the curb each week, is one of the most practical technological achievements. However, the garbage disposal’s function isn’t to take the place of the trash can or recycling bin, and it’s simple to neglect garbage disposal maintenance, which may mean you need a replacement sooner than you anticipated.

Garbage Disposal Dos:

  • Use cold water: Although it may seem counterproductive because hot water breaks down food more effectively, using cold water can damage your garbage disposal drain. Greasy things can break down and flow down the drain with the help of hot water, but those shattered pieces may coagulate and cause a clog farther down the line. Using cold water can help oily items solidify and go more readily down the garbage disposal drain as opposed to clinging to the pipe’s walls.
  • Use it frequently: It can sound strange to be urged to use your waste disposal, but occasionally we could believe that using it sparingly will extend its lifespan. The exact opposite, though, is true. Without consistent use, the garbage disposal is susceptible to corrosion and rust, which may necessitate its replacement earlier than anticipated. Additionally, doing so keeps the disposal’s components moving and prevents waste from building up and clogging the mechanisms.
  • Use your recycling and garbage bins as usual: The presence of a garbage disposal does not permit the removal of a trash can or recycling container. Despite being a useful appliance for any kitchen, a garbage disposal should never be used in place of a traditional trash can and recycling container. The amount of garbage in your recycling containers shouldn’t change, and your trash can is still the ideal location to put anything that isn’t food that can biodegrade.
  • Keep it clean: A clean garbage disposal will continue to function effectively and will keep any unpleasant odors at bay in addition to helping to prevent blockages and clogs. In order to avoid trash building up inside the mechanics, it’s also necessary to keep it clean by emptying it or periodically running some diluted dish soap and water through it.
  • Cut up large foods: Make sure the waste you throw into your garbage disposal is in little pieces to prevent clogging or blocking. Although a garbage disposal’s mechanisms are excellent at dissolving food, they are not intended to dissolve large pieces of food, so it is best to chop or tear up bigger pieces of food before placing them in the disposal.

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Garbage Disposal Don’ts

  • Don’t try to sharpen the blades: Contrary to popular belief, a garbage disposal’s impellers are blunt, so there is no need to attempt to sharpen them with big chunks of ice or eggshells. These things might damage your garbage disposal, causing problems and unneeded repairs.
  • Avoid using hot water: As previously noted, hot water might be able to dissolve any grease or fat that finds its way into your garbage disposal, but the grease and fat will harden as it travels further down the pipe, perhaps causing more trouble in the future.
  • Don’t shut off the motor too quickly: Until all the food has been ground up, you should ideally leave both the motor and the cold water running. It is fine to switch off the motor once the grinding has stopped, but make sure the water is still running for at least 15 seconds. This will decrease the likelihood of buildup and clogs since the garbage disposal will be able to thoroughly break down all the food, and the running water will remove any leftover pieces.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals: Despite what it may seem like, pouring bleach in a garbage disposal is not a smart idea. Harsh chemicals have the potential to damage your garbage disposal’s internal workings, resulting in subpar performance.
  • Don’t put too much at once down the disposal: Avoid pouring huge quantities of anything into the garbage disposal since, despite their capacity, they are designed to handle lesser amounts of food waste. If you have a lot of rubbish to get rid of, feed it into the garbage disposal gradually, ideally in smaller bits or pieces.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Depending on the problem, there are three ways to empty your garbage disposal or unclog a jammed garbage disposal:

  • Check for clogs and clear obstructions: If you believe your garbage disposal is clogged, there are several techniques to clear the blockage. Simply shut off the garbage disposal and remove the obstruction using pliers or kitchen tongs — never your hands alone.
  • Clear the drainpipe: If there is an impediment in the drainpipe, a clog in the garbage disposal can result in a clogged sink. Plug the disposal, add some dish soap and water to the sink, and then empty the sink while using the disposal. Any recalcitrant waste particles that may have been attached to the pipe should be removed with the help of gravity and the water pressure.
  • Use a plunger: To remove a really stubborn clog that is too deep to reach with tongs or pliers, try using a toilet plunger. After then, you have the option of pulling it out or letting it fall.
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: One cup of baking soda should be run via the garbage disposal. It should be pushed through the aperture using a rubber spatula. Pour Pour a cup of vinegar down the garbage disposal.

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6 Signs There is a Leaky Pipe in Your Wall and Solutions

While some of leaks are minor and easily found others are hidden inside the wall. These harmful hidden leaks are the most dangerous ones since they can cost you hundreds–even thousands–in damage to your home.

Here are six indicators that a pipe in your house is secretly leaking.

  1. Outrageous water bills
    If you have a lawn, your water cost typically increases in the summer. If you fill a pool or let the kids play in the sprinkler every day, you can anticipate seeing a big bill. But , an unexpectedly high bill could indicate a leaky pipe, which is far less entertaining. It might begin modestly and progressively grow each month. Maybe one month, you might be surprised by a larger-than-expected bill. In either case, if you don’t get it addressed, it will keep draining your finances and causing harm to your house. Keep an eye on your monthly water bill. Most likely, your water provider gives you a month-to-month comparison to aid in problem identification.
  2. Mold or mildew on non-shower walls

    Mold and mildew prefer dark, wet environments, so a leaky pipe in your wall makes the ideal roost. Hence, a leaky pipe could be the cause of mold or mildew growth on a wall other than a shower wall.
  3. Stained, damaged, or sagging walls, ceilings and flooring

    Hidden leaks from pipes nearby can result in warping, bubbling, sagging, or staining on any of the walls, ceilings, or floors of your home. Of course, some of these issues can also be brought on by excessive humidity levels. The likelihood that you have a hidden water leak increases when you couple this issue with high water costs and the aforementioned symptoms.
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  4. Musty smell

    The accumulated old water smells musty. Hence, if you clean your bathroom but it still smells musty, there probably is a concealed leak elsewhere in your house that is causing water to gather.
  5. An ongoing meter
    water_meter
    You turned off the water in the entire house. You make sure no appliances or toilets are running. Your water meter ought to stop entirely, right? Yes. Testing water is far simpler than testing your electric meter. In the absence of a power failure, you always use some electricity. If the meter is still running, you most likely have a leaky pipe.
  6. Wet Areas

    You might actually discover moist areas. They can be on the lawn or close to your house outside. When there hasn’t been any rain, puddles or mud may be visible along the exterior walls. The damp areas could even be inside the house. Mold and mildew will swiftly appear where there is water. possibly even structural harm. Hence, investigate that leaky pipe by paying attention to the signs.

While you clean the area around the hole that has to be mended, turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes. Any sharp edges that might cut through the patch should be smoothed with a metal file. Attach the patch and repair clamp so that they cover the broken pipe segment in a uniform layer. To stop the leak, tighten the clamps. Don’t waste your and quickly call a plumber to fix the leakage.

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Low Water Pressure: Typical Problems and Potential Fixes

You already know that having running water at home is essential for many different chores. But unless you experience a water pressure issue, you might not realize how much you depend on it.

Low water pressure can be very annoying, especially if the issue keeps getting worse. Low water pressure can occasionally be resolved quickly, but it can also persist over time. Homeowners would benefit from being aware of the typical causes of low water pressure as well as possible solutions. Additionally, homeowners might gain from knowing how to avoid future instances of low water pressure.

Water pressure issues can have a number of causes. Here is a look at some of these typical problems and potential fixes.

Buildup of Debris in Pipes

Water pressure can readily be affected by a pipe obstruction. If contaminants back up because of water main breaks, they may clog pipes. Over time, mineral buildup clogs pipes, which lowers water pressure.

Corrosion

Oxidation produced by corrosion builds up on the inside walls of pipes, obstructing the passage of water. It is typical in older galvanized steel pipes, just like mineral scaling. A corroded pipe ultimately starts to develop holes before it entirely breaks.

Meter valve for water

Your home’s water pressure may be affected by a valve that is partially open or closed. Check to determine if the water meter valve is fully open if you just had plumbing work done and the water pressure is low.

Broken Pressure Regulator

The purpose of the pressure regulator is to keep the water pressure constant in plumbing systems when one is installed. Adjustments are typically not required because the manufacturer typically sets it at between 45 and 60 psi. Adjust the regulator if your water pressure is low. But if the gadget is broken, it might need to be fixed or replaced, which calls for a qualified plumber.

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Closed Shut off Valves

There is a main shut-off valve for the homeowner as well as local shut-off valves in addition to the main shut-off valve. Any of these valves may have some of the way closed.

The homeowner should check the main shut-off valve for the house if the water supply for the entire house has been affected. The owner should check the local shut-off valves if only one fixture’s water supply has been affected.

When a plumbing fixture is not enclosed in a cabinet, such as a toilet, local shut-off valves are often found on the wall behind the fixture. Sinks and other fixtures that are installed in vanities typically have a shut-off valve on the wall below the fixture, which is frequently placed in the cabinet.

Sometimes there are shut-off valves in the wall behind the fixture for showers and bathtubs. Homeowners might discover an access panel on the wall behind the fixture to gain access to the shut-off valve. The local shut-off valve may be located in the home’s basement or crawl space if it cannot be accessed through an access panel behind the fixture.

Depending on the design and arrangement of the home, finding the main shut-off valve may be challenging. If a house has a basement, the shut-off valve is generally located 3 to 5 feet or less from the point where the water enters the house.

Water Supplier Issues

You can have low water pressure at home if your water provider is having issues with water pressure. You cannot resolve problems with your supplier or the public water supply from your house. Contact your water supply provider to find out if any issues are occurring and when they are anticipated to be rectified if your neighbors are also having a problem.

Plumbing leaks

Plumbing leaks can cause a wide range of issues. One of them is low water pressure, which occurs when some water in your plumbing system does not reach its intended location. It either pours out of the pipe or is diverted. Contact us immediately away for expert plumbing service in Northern Virginia if you see or suspect a leak. In order to stop further damage, Cardinal Plumbing offers emergency services and may respond right away.

There are many things that homeowners can do to keep their home’s plumbing in good condition. Following best practices can help them maintain their home’s value and a good quality of life in their home.

Some low water pressure problems are straightforward to resolve with do-it-yourself projects, including checking valves and using drain snakes, although this much relies on where the low water pressure is coming from and what’s causing it. However, it could be necessary to hire a professional agency to check your complete plumbing system if low water pressure affects your entire house or structure. You might need to replace your complete plumbing system if your pipes are old or your plumbing system is out of date. More issues than just low water pressure might be brought on by clogged or damaged water lines.

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