Tag Archives: leaky faucet

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Plumbing Troubleshooting Tips

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Plumbing issues come in a variety of sizes. From small matters that you can fix yourself to major problems that require the aid of a trained professional, plumbing doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution.

However, troubleshooting the problem and finding the root of the issue can help determine a repair plan and save you time and money. Whether you have a leaky faucet or a sewer backup, here are some plumbing troubleshooting tips to get your pipes and water system back to full functionality. Brought to you by our plumbing company in the Bay Area.

Troubleshooting Toilets

The two most common toilet problems are a running toilet and a clogged toilet. A running toilet is fairly easy to diagnose. When you can hear water running when the toilet isn’t in use, chances are you have this issue.

If left untreated, a running toilet can run through over 200 gallons of water a day, causing your water bill to skyrocket. Checking the flapper valve, replacing the float, or checking the tank for sediment will often fix a running toilet.

Clogged toilets provide a more serious problem. When clogged, they can overflow and cause a mess of gigantic and often disgusting proportions. Most often, a plunger will do the trick, but if that’s not enough to amend the situation, you may need to call a plumber to snake the line.

Troubleshooting Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are one of the more serious plumbing problems you may face. When pipes leak, they can damage furniture, wood flooring, and wood subflooring, as well as attract pests such as cockroaches and silverfish.

Fortunately, leaky pipes are fairly easy to diagnose. To find the problem, look for puddles of water collecting beneath your pipes. If these pipes are exposed, such as in a basement, locating them is far simpler.

However, pipes located within walls often need a plumber’s touch. In cold weather climates, proper pipe insulation is necessary to avoid pipe bursts. If you don’t see insulation wrapped around your pipes, visit a hardware store to get the necessary supplies.

Troubleshooting Faucets

Perhaps the most common and easy-to-diagnose problem is a leaky faucet. These leaks are also one of the most irritating plumbing issues. Between the dripping sound and a higher water bill, leaky faucets are enough to drive a person crazy.

The good news is that figuring out the source of the problem is straightforward. Nine times out of 10, a washer within the faucet has become worn or dislodged and needs replacing. With the right tools, this is a quick fix. If you aren’t a handy, DIYer, a quick call to the plumber is just as effective.

Troubleshooting Drains, Sinks, and Tubs

Clogged drains, sinks, and tubs pose a threat to your home if they cause overflows and spillage into places susceptible to water damage. A visual inspection of the drainage will let you know if a clog is apparent. At that point, diagnosing the underlying cause isn’t as easy. In kitchen sinks, fats, oils, and food particles can cause a clog, as well as a dirty garbage disposal.

Bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs can have the same drainage problems caused by soap scum buildup and hair. Oftentimes, you can remove the drain cover and pull out the clogging offender. If this doesn’t troubleshoot the issue, a call to Express Plumbing in the Bay Area is a necessity.

Troubleshooting plumbing issues is something every homeowner must deal with at some point in time. Armed with these tips, you can find, diagnose, and treat many simple problems, but you don’t have to be a hero. If a plumbing situation comes up that’s outside of your area of expertise, don’t gamble on the well-being of your home.

Call our professional plumbing team in the Bay Area and ask us to properly diagnose the plumbing problem. An early and correct diagnosis will save you time and money.


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Bay Area Weekend Plumber

Weekend Plumber? Tricks of the Trade from Your Bay Area Plumbing Contractor

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As a Bay Area plumbing contractor, we give thumbs up to those that want to roll up their sleeves and be a weekend plumber.  We get called all the time to repair what hubby or someone around the house tried to fix, but we also respect that you’re willing to do it yourself.  Here are a few tips to help you be the weekend plumber hero.

Weekend Plumber Tips and Tricks!

Emergency Plumbing Contractor Clogged Sink

Clogged Sink

Before going out and renting a drain snake, give your wet/dry shop vac a try.  Use its suction power to pull hair or gunk out of a clogged sink.  Many solutions are also available in the hardware store, that will help you unclog the sink quickly by breaking down the gunk down the drain, but a shop vac should make it even better.

If the problem persists, it could be a much deeper problem and you need a plumbing contractor at that point.  Give our Bay Area plumbing crew a call, we’re here to help, when you DIY methods have failed.

 


Leaking faucet emergency plumberLeaky Faucet (drip, drip)

Drives you crazy doesn’t it?  Most common leaky faucets are caused by deterioration of the seal.  Over time, the seal breaks down and must be replaced.  Your local hardware store can sell you a replacement seal.

Besides the faucet leaking, how about that toilet that won’t stop running!  That is probably the worst because with the sound of a running toilet, all you hear is your money going down the drain.  You’re paying for all that wasted water.

Now, we know the first thing you want to do is walk up to the toilet and jiggle that handle!  May work, but how often do you actually plan on doing that?  Stop jiggling and replace the flapper inside the toilet.  It’s an easy fix and commonly supplied at your local hardware store.


Stinky Dishwasher DIY tipStinky Dishwasher

Got vinegar?  Clean the seals around your dishwasher using a brush and hot soapy water.  The scum that builds up around the seals can get pretty stinky.  Once you’re done, run the dishwasher at the hottest setting with vinegar inside, that should clear it up pretty quickly!

We just have to mention that as a trusted plumbing contractor in the Bay Area, residential plumbing is a division within our operation.

We are the Bay Area #1 choice for heavy construction, underground construction, engineering, and drilling for residential, commercial and municipal clients throughout the Bay Area.

However, we love helping local residents and homeowners.  We consider you our neighbors and we are here for you when you need us.  Contact us for any plumbing project in the Bay Area.  No matter how big or small.  We’ve been serving the Bay Area since 1989, and look forward to serving you.  When you contact us we will confirm technician availability for your particular location.

We service the entire Bay Area including  AthertonBelmontBurlingameHalf Moon BayLos Altos HillsMenlo ParkMillbraePacificaPalo AltoPortola ValleyRedwood CitySan CarlosSan FranciscoSan BrunoStanfordWoodsideFremontMountain ViewColmaFoster CityDaly CityBrisbaneUnion CityHaywardNewarkSan LeandroFoster City.


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