5 Simple Ways to Manage Your Own Plumbing Issues

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Did you know indoor plumbing dates all the way back to at least 2500 B.C.? So, if our ancestors could do it with limited tools, you can too. You don’t always have to call your emergency plumbers in San Jose whenever there’s a water issue.

Plumbing issues are almost a regular thing in every household. Owing to a leaky water tap, we can lose several thousand gallons of water per year.

Here are three easy ways you can handle your own plumbing.

Fixing a leaky pipe

Not every leaky pipe requires professional plumbing help. However, a lot depends on the causes as well. Here are some common reasons behind a pipe leaking

1. High water pressure
2. Consistent clogging
3. Cracks in seals
4. Corrosion

There are two ways you can fix this and save yourself some cash. The first focuses on how you can use epoxy putty.

• First, you need either an epoxy putty or a pipe repair clamp, which can be found in most home improvement stores.
• Locate the leak and make sure your water source is turned off.
• Dry off the pipe, knead the putty together, and put it around the pipe to create a seal.
• Let it set for some time, and then test the water to see if the leak is gone.

The second solution can be tested only if you’re more comfortable using a piping clamp.

• After you’ve found the leak and turned off the water, loosen the screws on the pipe repair clamp.
• Position your repair clamp and tighten the screws. Make sure the rubber gasket is against the leak.
• Once done, test the water to see if the leak is gone.

If the pipe damage looks more serious, you might need to reach out to your local plumbers in San Jose to address it.

Turning off your water

So, your faucet just refuses to stop dripping, and your toilet suddenly overflowed. Here is a list of reasons why that has occurred.

1. Damaged O-ring
2. Sediment buildup
3. Unfastened parts
4. Corrosion

The water bill could be a nightmare if your local plumber in San Jose isn’t around to help. Fortunately, you can solve the issue by turning off the water. For toilets and sinks, there’s a shutoff valve you can turn clockwise in order to turn it off.
Some problems might also require you to shut off your entire water source. For that

• You need to locate the water meter, remove the cover, and turn the shutoff valve 90 degrees. This can be done with either a wrench or a cutoff key.
• In some homes, the meter is usually buried in the ground near the street or on the side.

If you are still facing issues with finding it, call your 24-hours plumbers in San Jose and they’ll help you out.

Issues with your water heater

Maybe you’ve noticed your water heater overheating. We can’t always get water heater repair instantly, so here’s how you can address the problem.

• If you have a gas heater, turn the gas supply knob to off.
• If it’s an electric heater, remove the fuse powering the water heater or flip the circuit breaker.
• If you just want to turn off the water source, you can turn the shutoff valve on the cold water supply pipe clockwise.

Clogged Drains

Picture this- you are washing the dishes and utensils, and the water in the sink just won’t drain. What a scare, right?
Here’s a list of reasons behind this issue

1. Stuck food
2. Grease
3. Other solid particles

If that’s the case, you can solve the issue by

• Using a pipe snake to dislodge any stuck food particles
• Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar first. Then, wait for a minimum of 10 minutes before pouring hot water down the drain to release the mixture.

Low Water Pressure

If a warm shower is the only way you like to end your day, low water pressure can be a major nuisance for you. Here is why you are facing it

1. There might be issues at your utility company
2. Several water channels operating at the same time
3. Pipe corrosion
4. Cracked sewer lines
5. Water leaks

Once you determine the reason, you need to

• Reach out to your neighbors to see whether they are facing the same problem. If yes, calling up your plumbing services in San Jose is the only solution.
• If you are the only one facing the issue, it is wise to shut off other appliances like washing machine, dishwasher etc.
• Check your water valve to ensure it’s completely open.
• Check if other water sources have normal water pressure. If yes, you can start by cleaning the debris of the aerator of the first source.

If not, then you might be facing larger issues with the water service line or well pump, which can only be solved by your emergency plumbers in San Jose.

Now you can handle some common water issues without calling a nearby plumber. These temporary fixes will save you a lot of time and money, and you can feel satisfied knowing that you can take care of your plumbing issues when you need to.

Are You Facing Problems With A Leaky Pipe or Faulty Water Heater? With Our Experts At Preferred Plumbing, Your Solution Is Just A Tap Away!

We are committed to providing you with the best-in-class service, and hence, we never charge a penny extra for after-hours, weekends, or holidays. At Preferred Plumbing, our experts are not just licensed but also bonded and insured, making them the best emergency plumbers in San Jose.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we have been able to hone our skills and strategies, and that is why no problem is too small, and no solution is too big for us. So whether you are facing plumbing issues in your residential or commercial complex, reach out to us for fast and efficient services.