Saying Goodbye to 3 Persistent Plumbing Problems
When your home suffers a plumbing problem, you usually expect it to be a one-and-done affair. Replacing a burst pipe or a faulty faucet usually solves the issue permanently, but some plumbing issues seem to come back no matter how many times you deal with them. Repeatedly repairing the same problem is costly and frustrating, so it pays to get to the root of the issue.
If you've noticed that you're beginning to develop a first-name relationship with your plumber, then it may be due to one of these three persistent problems. Keep reading to discover how you can get to the bottom of these dogged issues so you can stop keeping your plumber on speed dial.
1. Constant Copper Pipe Leaks
You might think one leak has nothing to do with another, but that isn't always the case when dealing with copper pipes. As this material ages, it may experience internal corrosion that can reduce the thickness of the walls. Eventually, the decay will become severe enough to produce small leaks, typically called pinhole leaks, in the weakest sections of piping.
Unfortunately, copper leaks aren't a problem you can quickly solve by replacing just the affected pipe. Patching the leak increases pressure on other parts of your plumbing, and the water will continue to wear away other weak areas. Your pipes will inevitably begin to leak again, forcing you to replace portions of your plumbing one at a time.
To permanently fix this issue, you'll need to discover the underlying cause of the corrosion. Copper pipes can wear down for various reasons, ranging from poor electrical grounding to extreme water pressure. Fixing the cause of the breakdown will prevent further damages, but you may still need to replace any pipes with existing severe corrosion.
2. Repeated Clogs
Clogs are another issue that should generally require only a single visit to resolve. If you experience multiple, severe clogs over a short period, then the problem may be more profound than it seems at first glance. In most cases, persistent or returning clogs indicate either a usage problem or a drain pipe issue.
First, make sure that you aren't flushing anything problematic down your drains. Coffee grounds, kitty litter, and grease can rapidly create blockages in otherwise healthy plumbing, leading to slow plumbing and backups. You should also ensure that you always run cold water while using your garbage disposal and never partially grind waste.
If these steps don't solve the problem, you may need a plumber to investigate your drains with a pipe camera. This diagnostic tool can help locate issues such as scale, root incursions, or collapsed pipes that may be causing your plumbing to clog more easily. Addressing the core issue will get your drains running freely again and prevent the problem from recurring.
3. Poor Water Heater Performance
Maintenance issues can cause your water heater to perform poorly. Sediment build-up is the most common issue, and you must occasionally drain your heater to keep minerals from insulating the bottom of the tank. If the problem is severe enough, it can reduce the tank's heating ability and cause premature failures.
Failing to handle this essential maintenance task can cause your water heater to consistently perform poorly, even if you've recently repaired or replaced it. If your water heater is more than ten years old, you may also experience ongoing poor performance due to failing thermostats or heating elements.
If your water heater continues to perform poorly, you should have a qualified plumber examine it. Like any appliance, water heaters will eventually wear out, and permanently resolving this problem may involve a total replacement.
Whatever might be causing plumbing issues in your home, Daytona Plumbing can help you investigate the problem and fix it permanently. We're ready to help with any of your home's plumbing needs, so give us a call today!
