Plumbing problems can be very frustrating. Everything from leaking faucets to overflowing toilets can turn an ordinary day into a fiasco. While many plumbing issues require a licensed professional’s expertise, you can do a few things to troubleshoot your problem yourself. Pure Plumbing & Air in Las Vegas, NV is here to help you understand some potential plumbing issues and explain how we can solve them. Knowing how to handle plumbing issues can save you time, money, and possible home damage. We’re here to offer diagnostic and repair services when plumbing problems do arise.
1. Dripping Faucets
Both conserving water and saving money are essential. A leaky faucet can not only waste water but also increase your monthly water bill. Loose parts or old washers are things that often cause leaky faucets. Turn off the water to the room you’ll be working in. Lay down a towel or a bucket below the faucet to catch any remaining water in the pipes. Take apart the faucet to see if there are any loose parts. Gently tighten anything loose and replace the washer. Put the faucet back together, turn the water back on, and give the faucet a try. If the faucet still leaks, you may need to call in a professional plumber from Pure Plumbing & Air. We may have to replace the faucet fixture itself, or the valve seat.
2. Slow or Clogged Drains
Your sink or tub is slow to drain or clogged; the reason is likely a buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, or food. You can handle a minor clog by taking the following steps:
- Dislodgement with a plunger
- Hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain
- Drain snake
Never use chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your pipes and cause a more serious problem. Similarly, never use a wire clothes hanger or any other unapproved device to dislodge the clog. Doing so can damage your drains and lead to more expensive repairs.
We recommend annual drain inspections to check for signs of developing clogs. You should also seek professional hydro jetting to remove pipe buildup every one to two years. These drain cleaning services can help keep your plumbing system operating efficiently and also help you avoid backups.
3. Clogged Toilets
Toilets get clogged regularly from using too much toilet paper to children’s toys accidentally being dropped in the tank. You can often remedy this problem by using a plunger. However, if a plunger isn’t working or your toilets are getting clogged too frequently, you should seek the help of a trained plumber. Underlying issues like sewer line clogs can cause frequent toilet clogs. Never use anything other than a plunger or a snake to remove a toilet clog.
4. Running Toilets
According to the EPA, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, which could cause your water bills to skyrocket. Running toilets usually result from minor issues like flap failure or a leaking fill tube. Our expert plumbers can check your toilet to find and repair the cause of the problem.
You should remove the tank lid and check to make sure the flapper closes fully. Next, adjust the float to shut off the water. You should also ensure that the fill tube is positioned correctly and that it doesn’t flow continuously. We can replace the inner components and restore your toilet to normal working order.
5. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is more than just a simple annoyance. It may be caused by something minor, like a clogged aerator, or a serious problem, such as a plumbing leak. A vinegar soak can restore the flow. If multiple faucets and showerheads have low pressure, though, you should seek professional plumbing services to find the problem.
6. Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes can cause various problems, including structural issues, mold, and mildew growth. They’re more likely to occur in older pipes. If you have a leaking pipe, you should shut off your main water supply. At Pure Plumbing & Air, we offer extensive leak detection services, including putting a camera down the pipes. Our team uses special equipment to check for proper pressure. We’ll pinpoint the leaking point, replace the damaged area, and restore your plumbing system.
7. Water Heater Issues
Water heaters can last around eight to 10 years but require proper maintenance to operate efficiently. It’s essential to pay attention to any unusual signs that may occur, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Lack of hot water
- Temperature fluctuations
- Strange noises
- Decreased hot water pressure
- Leaks
- Rusty or discolored water
- Increased electricity costs
- Tank swelling or sweating
Your water heater can have multiple issues, including sediment buildup, anode rod damage, or a faulty thermostat. You will need to have your tank flushed annually. We offer water heater installation, maintenance, and repair services. We can inspect and then test your water heater to locate the problem.
8. Sewer Line Backups
Sewer line backups can lead to serious damage, causing wastewater to return to all drains and toilets in your home. They could also expose you and your family to bacteria and parasites. Regular sewer line inspections are essential for helping prevent these issues.
Our expert plumbers at Pure Plumbing & Air will use small cameras attached to flexible rods to snake through the pipes in order to find the obstruction and its contents. We will then use various tools to remove the clog, including power augers and hydro jetting. Don’t ignore sewer line issues like sluggish drains and clogs as they will only worsen over time.
9. Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps prevent basement flooding during heavy rains. If your sump pump fails to work correctly, mechanical failures and clogged discharge lines may be to blame for this.
You can test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. If the pump doesn’t engage, then there are likely significant repair issues. Our professional plumbers will inspect and test your sump pump to find the problem. Restoring its function is critical to avoiding damage to your basement and foundation.
10. Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are a common plumbing problem, and they can be quite dangerous. Leaks can occur because of things like pipe damage and loose connections. Gas leaks can result in fire hazards, health risks, and even explosions. You should evacuate your home immediately in the event of a gas leak. Signs of gas leaks include the following:
- Hissing sounds
- Rotten egg smell
- Carbon monoxide detector warnings
Our plumbers can repair gas leaks safely and effectively. Never attempt to check a leaking gas line yourself as you could become seriously injured. Proper training is critical for gas line diagnostics and repair.
Pure Plumbing & Air offers various plumbing services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Our plumbers install water heaters, detect leaks, and repair gas and sewer lines. We opened our doors in 2013 and employ top professional plumbers and highly skilled plumbing installers. Call our knowledgeable plumbers at Pure Plumbing & Air when you need plumbing services in Las Vegas or a surrounding area.