Wondering if the plumbing issue you’re currently troubleshooting is as common as you think? At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve laid out our most frequent plumbing repair encounters to help you understand if your current situation falls into one of the following categories.
Phantom Flushes & Other Toilet Flushing Issues
Toilets are some of the most common systems that we work on when providing plumbing repair services. Partially this is due to the sheer frequency of use, though the larger problem is that figuring out what is causing the problem can be quite tough for the typical homeowner.
Much of the time, a problem with an incomplete flush, phantom flush, or failure to flush at all will relate to the flapper, which is the rubber valve that allows water movement from the tank. If the valve is damaged, or its associated chain is tangled, this can lead to a range of flushing problems.
Leaky Faucets & Shower Heads
Leaking faucets are a problem that nearly everyone has encountered at least once or twice. While the problem isn’t immediately dangerous to your plumbing system, it can drive up water bills and lead to further issues with the fixture in the future. Plus, it is exceptionally annoying.
In many cases where a faucet is leaking, the problem will be due to a worn-down O ring, which is a small rubber ring found at the base of your spout (where it connects to the fixture). This ring is responsible for keeping water from dribbling out from the base, meaning if it is worn out or damaged, you’ll get a leaky faucet.
Slow-Moving Drains
Slow-moving drains are difficult for a homeowner to troubleshoot because they can be caused by a range of issues, from pressure problems to deep drain clogs or a damaged sewer line.
The best course of action when it comes to a slow-moving drain is never to experience one, which is best done by scheduling routine drain cleaning to keep your drains free of the debris that leads to severe clogs and drain line damage. Once the issue has cropped up, you can try drain cleaning as a reactive solution, or if the problem is more complex, you may need sewer line repair.
Frequent Plumbing Clogs
Clogs are an accumulation of soap scum, food waste, paper waste, hair—the list goes on. The important thing to keep in mind is that clogs can be the result of months or even years of accumulation. This is another reason why consistent plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning is important.
When dealing with a clog, start with a plunger, and consider purchasing a closet auger (tiny drain snake) to help you with the more stubborn stuff. However, if you cannot dislodge the clog after a few minutes of work, it’s time to call for plumbing repair.
Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
Garbage disposal problems like jams, odd noises, and failure to grind properly are quite common. Unfortunately, much of the time, these are due to user error since disposals are designed to handle only specific material types.
Remember, your disposal should never be used to grind:
- Coffee grounds
- Fibrous vegetables and fruits (celery, banana skins)
- Bones
- Fruit pits
- Grease, fats, and oils
Rely on B. Carlson for Plumbing Repair in Albuquerque
Our plumbing service teams are licensed, certified, insured, and completely dedicated to providing superior service. If you’re dealing with a plumbing problem, whether it’s a common one or a more involved issue, we’re happy to provide the prompt solution you need.
Contact us online or schedule plumbing services by calling 505-349-4409!
