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No one in Coral Springs, FL, wants to deal with a plumbing emergency. The potential for property damage is extensive for many reasons, not to mention the inconvenience of going without basic plumbing fixtures. The best way to prevent an emergency is preventative maintenance. Don’t wait until something happens to call your local plumber.
Drips and Leaks
Dripping faucets are so common that most homeowners in Coral Springs, FL, have dealt with this issue at least once. Plumbers are very familiar with drips and leaks as well. Although drips may seem very small and inconsequential, even small leaks can add up. Hundreds of gallons of water can be wasted through unaddressed leaks every year. The problem may be a faulty washer. Silicone or rubber washers inside a faucet should form a watertight seal that closes off the pipe when you turn off the tap. Stiff, brittle, loose, or brittle washers can be dislodged and interrupt this seal, which lets water leak out. A puddle under the sink is an obvious sign of a leak, but other sides include mold and mildew growth near the sink, discolored walls or furniture, and unexpected increases in water bills.
Low Water Pressure
Most of us expect a strong, steady stream of water when we turn on the tap or take a shower. Low water pressure can turn this stream into a trickle. This inconvenient issue is also a relatively common problem. It isn’t always easy to find the reason for low water pressure, so it’s best to contact your plumber to address low water pressure. Potential causes include a break in water lines or a build-up of mineral deposits and other sediments inside faucet aerators.
Running Toilets
A constantly running toilet wastes water and adds a nuisance factor. The sound of running water all day and night can be very disruptive. Sometimes the problem can be fixed by replacing or adjusting flapper valves and floaters, but more extensive repairs should be left to a plumbing professional. Sediment deposits and other problems with the toilet can become an emergency if the toilet backs up and overflows or if the fixture can’t be used at all.
Snowballing Consequences
Relatively minor problems can quickly become a serious concern. A leaky faucet due to faulty washers can suddenly start releasing large amounts of water if the washer falls out of place or degrades to the point where it can’t block anything. Low water pressure caused by sediment buildup in pipes or aerators can progress to the point that plumbing fixtures become unusable. If a cracked or broken pipe was the cause of low pressure, your home could be sustaining water damage in hidden locations.
Clogged pipes are inconvenient, but a burst pipe or a complete blockage goes beyond inconvenient. Such problems can lead to extensive water damage, which may require a lot of time and money to fix. Schedule regular maintenance appointments with your plumber to catch problems early before they can cause widespread damage. Many plumbers offer plumbing maintenance service plans with set schedules.
Prepare for Emergencies
Be prepared for a possible plumbing emergency in advance. Water overflowing from a toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other appliance can flood a room quickly. Make sure you know where the shut-off valves for the household water supply is located. Some fixtures had localized shut-off valves as well so you can still use water in other areas while blocking it from the damaged fixture. Keep all the basic items necessary for clean-up within easy reach. These supplies include buckets, a roll of paper towels, and a mop. It’s also a good idea to keep contact information for your local plumber in a visible, easily accessible location to call for help immediately.
Frozen pipes are a well-known plumbing emergency. Keep your home above 55 degrees when you’re not home. Open doors to cabinets and sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes. Letting water trickle from a faucet may stop exposed pipes from freezing, although this isn’t a fool-proof strategy. Contact your plumber if you believe pipes are at risk of freezing or to help you thaw pipes that have already frozen.
Risks of Liquid Drain Cleaners
Liquid drain cleaners can produce very mixed results. Homeowners use liquid cleaners to loosen and dislodge clogs. However, the type of blockage may or may not be susceptible to chemical cleaners. For example, a liquid drain cleaner is completely ineffective against a solid blockage, broken or cracked pipe, or root infiltration in drainage lines.
Drain cleaning liquids also contain potentially harmful and toxic chemicals. Always read the ingredient label and instructions carefully before using any sort of household chemicals. Fumes from chemical solutions can also enter the home from blocked pipes, which could lead to a build-up of fumes in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement. Store all chemicals in a safe area out of reach of children and pets.
Chemicals and fumes can be harmful to people and animals, but they can also harm pipes. Many liquid drain cleaners contain hydrochloric acid, which is extremely corrosive. A pipe weakened by caustic chemicals is at risk of cracking or breaking. Degraded pipe walls can lead to contaminated water sources as well.
There are many other options to deal with clogged pipes and drains. A plunger may be effective against clogs near the fixture. Some people have success with baking soda and vinegar, although this solution is only effective against certain types of blockages. A clog located deep within drain pipes is very difficult to remove without assistance from a professional plumber.
You may want to contact a plumber right away even if you believe the clog could be relatively minor. It’s better to address the problem immediately than risk further damage after ineffective attempts to remove blockages. Contact MainLine Plumbing in Coral Springs, FL, to schedule a service appointment or set up a regularly scheduled plumbing maintenance service plan. A 24/7 emergency service line is also available.