Can you do this without looking?
Okay, we’re trusting you on that one. So now, close your eyes and think carefully before answering this question: What are America’s top two plumbing repair issues?
You have 15 seconds, and the clocking is ticking….
Time’s up! So…was your answer clogged toilets and leaky pipes? Sorry, but that is incorrect. Instead, the trophy goes to the first person who said: “Dripping faucets and slow draining sinks.”
And now that you know, let’s look at the most probable causes.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are about as common – though not as frequent – as the sun rising. Beyond being a source of irritation and a possible repair or replacement expense, dripping faucets waste water. Left unattended long enough, they can waste a lot of water, and that can spike your water bill.
In most cases, dripping is caused by an internal washer that has become stiff, torn, worn, or dislodged. There’s a good chance you can fix the problem yourself. And yet if replacing the washer doesn’t do the trick, you might need to contact a plumber.
Slow Draining Sink
Things that are tedious to watch often are compared to watching grass grow or paint dry. A slow draining sink, in our opinion, qualifies as one such tedious experience.
Your kitchen sink drain may contain things like congealed fat and food remnants. In a bathroom sink, the blockage is more likely caused by knotted hair and soap. Whatever the cause, “slow draining” can eventually give way to “complete blockage.”
What to do about it? Try plunging or, in the case of a tub or shower drain that stubbornly resists other unclogging efforts, try using a straightened-out shirt hanger. Other methods include pouring distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and boiling hot water down the drain. And yet nothing works better than taking steps to prevent drain blockages in the first place.
In future blog posts we’ll cover more of the top 10 plumbing problems. For now, Eagle Service Company invites you to call if you need help getting your plumbing back to perfect working order. That’s what we’re known and here for.
