Plumbing issues are the worst type of issues as they are often so unexpected yet require immediate attention. Also, repairing plumbing issues can be frustrating, especially if the qualified plumber is unavailable. However, you can fix plumbing issues with a bit of effort, so for that reason, here are some great tips that will help you deal with plumbing problems in your apartment.
8 Great Tips On How To Fix Plumbing Issues In Your Apartment
Frozen plumbing pipes
This often happens in apartment buildings, mainly during the winter weather. It’s also dangerous because it can lead to bursting or cracking, which is extremely dangerous for you and everyone else in the building. So thawing frozen pipes is a great idea. Apply warm water to the pipes or hot air from your blow dryer. It will melt the ice inside the pipes, but avoid applying burning flame directly to the pipes. Also, it’s essential to point out that you should never use kerosene, propane, or a blowtorch to thaw your pipes. Any open flame device, including the space heater, can be a potential fire hazard. This can be a considerable risk, especially unless you’re sure there are no flammable materials nearby. Remember to monitor all your heaters and other flammables to prevent accidents.
Low water pressure
Nothing worsens than coming home after a long day at work, looking for a hot shower, only to discover that the water pressure is low. However, there’s a quick solution. Usually, the clogged aerators are the reason behind low water pressure. So replacing the aerators will alleviate the issue significantly if your hot and cold water are affected. But be sure to keep in mind that low water pressure can be due to sand, dirt, food particles, solidified oil/grease, and other foreign items. These pollutants often block pipes, and the mineral buildup can clog pipes over time. This can also cause water pressure to go low, as there’s far less space for water to travel through.
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Dirty water coming from the taps
Another nightmare of every homeowner. If you encounter contaminated water from the taps, it’s often a clear sign that you’re living in an old building. These issues are more common in older apartment buildings. Rusty pipes are the most common cause of dirty water. If the water is discolored or cloudy, it can disrupt the water main. The water can then flow faster than expected and cause the natural sediment at the bottom of the pipe to stir up. The water main can, therefore, break. If this happens, it is crucial to stay away from meddling. If you want to try it, then be sure to inspect all the pipes in your apartment, and if they all yield unclean water, then it’s time to look for serious, professional help.
Clogged drains
If you notice that your sink is often filled with water when you use it and that the water won’t drain away as fast, it’s a sign you have a clogged drain on your plate. High water bills, musty pipes, and sewage smells are signs of blocked drains needing attention. There are ways to unclog them by yourself, using baking soda and vinegar. Also, you can pour hot water and wait a few minutes. However, if the problem is too complicated, then make sure to fix blocked drains by contacting a reliable and licensed plumber in your area. Leaving gutters clogged for too long can cause issues for everyone in your apartment building, which is why taking care of it as fast as possible is essential.
Leaky faucets
Since every water drop is valuable, you must fix leaky faucets to prevent water waste. Besides, dripping water can often be annoying to witness, especially if you’re working from home. Fixing faucets is usually done by replacing the O-Ring, the tiny rubber that runs into the stem screw. This ring can weaken over time, so be sure to fix it to avoid issues such as leaks. This is the first step that will likely mend the issue, but if the problem persists, hire a professional plumber. Leaky faucets can present a considerable concern for your household, so you should make sure to fix them as soon as possible.
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Sewer problems
These problems happen when you least expect them, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of them immediately. Clogging in sewer pipes can be even more dangerous if left neglected. Besides, the odors coming out can be even difficult to imagine. So to prevent this, make sure to keep an eye on the flush, especially if it shows signs of a potential clog or pooling sinks in water. Instead of fixing plumbing issues, it is more advisable to prevent that from happening. If you live in an area with trees close to sewer lines, roots might tamper with the sewer system. So if it happens, it is best to contact the most reliable plumber, who will be able to deal with it most professionally.
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Clean your garbage disposal regularly
Having a garbage disposal in your household can be a huge advantage. And in case you already have it, you know its importance. But, it’s important to mention that, although garbage disposal can dispose of food, it cannot remove gunk and other materials. Hence, it’s critical to clean it regularly. The best way to do that is to unclog the disposal before switching it on, and you can usually find it under the sink. Use a set of pliers and a torch to remove any material that might have been stuck in the blades. Also, pouring salt and ice cubes is a relatively affordable way to clean the edges. Just keep them running for a few minutes, and they’ll get clean.
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Also, be careful when fixing things on your own
As mentioned, living in an apartment means other people share the space with you. And since apartments are connected through a sewage system, you cannot just do things as you please. So be careful when flushing down the toilet. That’s first. The only thing that should go down the bathroom is one’s bodily waste and toilet paper. Wet wipes should have “flushable” highlighted on the pack. Everything else is a potential risk that can cause trouble for you and the entire building. So keeping a trash bin next to the toilet paper will create a healthy habit of adequately disposing of everything that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
You can fix these plumbing issues quickly with some knowledge and research. But, if all your efforts are futile, then be sure to contact a reliable plumber who can help you most efficiently. Additionally, remember that ignoring these problems will only worsen them in the future, so it is crucial to react immediately. Being diligent and taking care of these issues will make you feel happy and secure, knowing that every plumbing issue is controlled.
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About Author: Luke is a lifestyle blogger. He is the editor-in-chief of the blog ripped.me and one of the contributors at blog Trans4Mind. He follows the trends in fitness, travel, and tech and loves to share his knowledge through helpful and informative articles.
