February 4, 2021
Plumbing Repair

Your home in Wheat Ridge, CO, needs a functional plumbing system for your safety, comfort, and well-being. A problem with your plumbing system could quickly cause serious structural, safety, or health problems, so it’s important to know what to do if one occurs in your home. Here are eight common plumbing problems that could occur in your home at any time and some tips on what you should do if you notice them.

1. Drippy Faucet

Drippy faucets are certainly annoying. They can also send a lot of your money down the drain. A leaky faucet that drips once per minute could waste about 400 gallons of water per year. A worn washer or aerator is a common cause of a drippy faucet. If your home has hard water, corrosion can also be a factor. We’ll take a look and repair or replace the fixture.

2. Slow Sink Drain

More than just water goes down the sink drain. Food debris, soap, and dirt also get washed down the sink. Layers of soap scum buildup and particles of food will eventually clog the drain, making your sink slow to empty. Be cautious when using the sink. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or starchy foods down the sink or garbage disposal. Use a sink trap to catch pieces of debris. Only use as much hand or dish soap as you need. Consider annual sink or drain maintenance to clear the buildup before the pipe becomes obstructed.

3. Clogged Shower or Bathtub Drain

Hair, soap scum, and dead skin will quickly build up in a shower or bathtub drain. This can make the drain slow, and it will eventually clog. Use a metal mesh or silicone trap to catch hair and bits of soap in the drain opening. If anyone in your household has long hair, they should brush it to remove loose hair before bathing. Body wash creates less buildup than solid bars of soap, so you might consider switching to it if your bathtub drain tends to get clogged on a frequent basis.

4. Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet is a common problem. If you have a dual-flush toilet, use a full flush for solid waste. Avoid disposing of wipes, large amounts of toilet paper, or menstrual care products in the toilet. If plunging the toilet doesn’t release the clog, our plumbers are available to fix this issue.

5. Running Toilet

Running toilets usually result from an old or worn flapper’s seal. A rusted chain or other rusty interior components can also make the toilet run. The inner workings of the toilet’s tank tend to wear out after a few years of use. If your home has hard water, your toilets may have a shorter lifespan. We can replace these toilet parts and stop the frustration of having a running toilet.

6. Leaky Water Heater

Conventional water heaters with a storage tank are prone to leaks. Hard water hastens the corrosion of the tank. A typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years. Around this time, you’ll need to check it regularly for puddles or drips. When the storage tank of a water heater corrodes, the whole water heater must be replaced.

7. Sewer Backup

Nobody wants to deal with a sewer backup, but they can happen in any home. A flood, a problem with the municipal sewer, or a sewer pipe collapse may cause the sewage to back up into your home. Obstructions from tree roots or other debris can also force the wastewater into your home. We recommend annual sewer drain cleaning. This gets rid of debris and tree roots. If you notice sewer odors coming from a plumbing fixture, it’s important to schedule a sewer line inspection to check for damage or clogs.

8. Frozen or Burst Pipe

A frozen or burst pipe often occurs when the temperature in your home drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This can happen in an uninsulated area, such as a crawlspace. It could also happen if your heating system malfunctions or the power goes out. Frozen pipes that burst can cause extensive water damage. Frozen or burst pipes require professional attention.

Coffman & Company is the trusted plumbing repair company in Wheat Ridge. Homeowners also count on us for plumbing maintenance and repair services. Our indoor air quality, as well as heating and cooling maintenance, repair, and installation services, keep your home safe and comfortable. To learn more about common household plumbing problems, get in touch with us at Coffman & Company today.

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