Common Atlanta Plumbing Repairs
Most homeowners carry a few basic tools to help them deal with minor plumbing issues, and if you have some general DIY experience, you can probably deal with them. Replacing the drain cover and even a worn-out washer is simple for a DIY-expert. However, some of the bigger plumbing repairs require professional experience and specialized tools. Today we’re going to discuss some of the most common Atlanta plumbing problems.
Most Common Atlanta Plumbing Problems #1: Failed DIY Repair Attempts
Believe it or not, but around 60% of the emergency calls we receive are in response to failed DIY repair attempts. What does that mean? It means that, in the effort to save money on a plumber’s call-out fee, a homeowner opted to attempt the repair on his own and it failed. Many times, on completion of a DIY job, everything seems to be working perfectly. However, at the most inopportune moment, the whole effort would collapse, causing an even bigger plumbing problem than before. One such example is when homeowners try to thaw frozen pipes using a blow torch. It seems like a good idea until the carpet is caught on fire, or when the pipe bursts, causing extensive property damage.
Most Common Atlanta Plumbing Problems #2: Clogged Drains
The reason why clogged drains are so common is that they work so hard to remove wastewater, sewage, food particles, hair and soap scum from our homes. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t do routine drain cleanings to remove built-up fats, oils and grease (FOGs from the inside of the pipe walls. Then, of course, large items and materials that are non-biodegradable are flushed down the drains and become stuck, especially at junctions. If it is a minor clog, you could probably fix it using a plumber or a small drain auger.
Most Common Atlanta Plumbing Problems #3: Clogged Toilets
Toilet drains become clogged in the same way as clogged drains. If there is a buildup of waste, or if large items are flushed down the toilet, it is bound to become stuck. In most cases, you can probably unclog it yourself, using a plunger. If plunging doesn’t help, you can try using a drain snake to try release deeper clogs. If it still doesn’t work, you need to get hold of Ridgeway Mechanical.
Most Common Atlanta Plumbing Problems #4: Dripping Faucets
A leaking faucet should be dealt with as soon as you hear that drip-drip sound. If turning the faucet to the off position does not stop the drip, you have a leak and it should be repaired right away. Leaving it for too long will result in costly water bills. In 90% of cases, a leaky faucet is the result of a worn-out washer, which you can easily replace if you have some DIY experience.
Most Common Atlanta Plumbing Problems #5: Weak Water Pressure
Another common Atlanta plumbing problem is weak water pressure, which is generally caused by lime scale buildup. You can fix this by removing the shower head from the hose and then soaking the head in a descaling solution before reinstalling it again.
Most Common Atlanta Plumbing Problems #6: Running Toilet
If your toilet runs after flushing, you’re dealing with yet another very common plumbing problem, which occurs when the flapper valve is allowing water to pass from the toilet tank into the bowl. It can also happen if the fill tube comes loose, or if the flat is not balanced correctly. When you’re dealing with any of these common Atlanta plumbing problems, and you’re unsure of what you can do to repair them, get in touch with Ridgeway Mechanical right away.
