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A home plumbing system does not usually get the attention of the homeowner until it stops working correctly. Homes in the San Diego area has its fair share of common household plumbing problems. And like in any other residential property, most of these can be attributed to lack of periodic maintenance.
Here are some of the common household plumbing issues San Diego residents face:
Clogged drains are all too common in San Diego homes. Sink drains for one get so clogged up either because of food particles, vegetable, and fruit peel and used kitchen grease. Clogged drains can even cause water damage as it can cause sinks to overflow.
The best way to deal with a clogged drain is to remove the standing water and extract the clog. A plunger is usually used to dislodge the clog. If it still does not clear up, pour a kettle full of boiling water in it to hopefully melt whatever it is that is clogging the drain.
Another home remedy is to pour baking soda and vinegar. Let it stand and melt the clog. If it does not work, then the homeowner can use an augur. An auger or a snake’s plumber can help dislodge clogs by following the pipeline and locating the clog and pulling it out from the drain. If all else fails, call a plumber.
Moving forward, it is best not to pour kitchen grease in the drain. Dispose used oil and grease in a container and bring it over to community recycling events. The local government conducts used oil recycling events throughout the rest of the year. Food scraps and fruit and vegetable peelings should not be disposed of in the drain too. Starchy food bits are the usual culprit when it comes to clogging as it can form into a massive blockage once they are inside the drain. These kitchen wastes are best disposed of through the biodegradable trash bin or the compost pile.
Tub and shower drains can get clogged too. These can be dangerous as they can cause injuries like slips. Overflowing sinks and tubs may even cause water damage.
The usual causes of blocked bathroom drains are hair, soap bits, and other personal hygiene items that might get thrown in the drain. Like clogged kitchen drains, it is best remediated by using a plunger. If the plunger is not sufficient, then it is best to use a plumber’s snake or an augur.
To prevent future problems, it is best to use a drain trap so that falling hair will not clog up the drains.
This is one common problem for any San Diego household. It can be attributed to flushing sanitary products in the toilet, such as used sanitary napkins, panty shields, tampons, baby wipes, and even cotton buds. The problem with clogged toilets is it can be a nuisance. It can also be a cause of black water damage once it overflows. A nasty and embarrassing situation to say the least.
The best way to deal with it is by using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. If that does not work, then an augur could be useful. If the clog persists, then it is best to call in a professional plumber to help resolve the matter.
A runny toilet is not just annoying; it can also be a money drain. A leaking toilet can cause a spike in utility bills. Usually, it is either because of a sediment build-up or an issue with the toilet flapper. Either way, it should be fixed immediately because it can waste up to 200 gallons a day.
If fixing the flapper will not work, it is best to have a plumber see it.
Drains that are too slow may be because of a partial blockage in the drain pipes. Do not let this blockage cause a sewer block or a sink overflow. At the onset, try to melt the blockage by pouring boiling water into the drain. Never use over-the-counter drain cleaners because they are corrosive. If the drains are getting slower, it is best to call in the pros. Moving forward, drain traps will help prevent the formation of clogs. It will also be helpful to refrain from tossing food particles, meat bones, vegetables, and fruit scraps in the kitchen sink drain. These food items can also block pipe drains.
Another common plumbing issue that San Diego homeowners face is low water pressure. What homeowners do not know is this issue can be resolved just by cleaning the plumbing fixture where the water comes out. For instance, the showerhead or the bidet can be blocked by hard water sediment. These sediments impede water outflow, giving the impression of low water pressure.
Before calling for professional help, it is best to clean the bidet, shower, or faucet with a vinegar solution to loosen up the mineral build-up. After clean-up, test if the water flow has improved, if it hasn’t, then it could be another matter. Ask a neighbor, or check if there was an announcement from the local water district advising about a low water pressure period. If there is none, then water leaks can be the answer. It is best to go around the house to see if there are pipe leaks. If there aren’t any, and the low water pressure persists, ask for professional plumbing help.
A malfunctioning garbage disposal is a precursor for a slow or clogged drain. San Diego homeowner sometimes makes a mistake in assuming that their garbage disposal can handle anything. Food particles, vegetable and fruit scraps, small bones, and such can chop up the pieces. Unfortunately, these items may jam the disposal. It is best to be careful about disposing of these food items.
Also, never troubleshoot a garbage disposal issue because it is a considerable safety hazard. Call for a plumbing service to resolve the matter.
Plumbing issues can be prevented by carefully using plumbing fixtures at home. Periodic plumbing inspection and maintenance are also helpful in keeping plumbing fixtures running smoothly around the house.