5 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them

There are many issues that can arise when it comes to taking good care of your Southern California home. One area where many homeowners find trouble is with the plumbing, and when issues aren’t taken care of, they can often end up turning into costly renovations down the road.

With that in mind, we are going to take a look here at five of the most common plumbing problems that Southern California homes have and how you can avoid them. It might be worth taking some time during quarantine to have these issues dealt with before they become a bigger problem.

Low Water Pressure

No matter where in Southern California you live, low water pressure is a common problem that can be frustrating to say the least. Low water pressure might not be the most pressing or troublesome problem, nor is it necessarily dangerous, but it is certainly a nuisance. 

The most likely cause of low water pressure is the aerator, possibly from a calcium build up. Fortunately, this is a very easy thing to fix, and you might even be able to fix it yourself. It’s a simple case of removing the aerator and cleaning it thoroughly before replacing it. If that doesn’t work, call your plumber.

Faulty Water Heater

If your water suddenly goes cold, it may be time for a water heater repair or replacement There are many possible causes of a faulty water heater: it could be that the pilot light has gone out, that there is a build-up of sediment, or that the thermostat is at fault. 

The best solution is to call up the professionals. One water heater company in Calabasas notes that having a faulty water heater fixed as soon as possible can make a big difference in whether you need a simple repair or a total replacement, so it’s best not to delay getting your water heater serviced if you’re experiencing issues.

Slow Draining Sink

A slow-draining sink is both a nuisance and potentially very problematic, so it’s important to make sure that you watch out for slow draining sinks and fix them as soon as possible. 

Usually, the problem is caused by hair and debris being caught in the pop-up, which can often be cleaned on your own. But if the problem persists, it might be that the drains are blocked deeper down, and that could require a lot more work—and perhaps the help of the professionals.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

A jammed garbage disposal can be hazardous for many reasons. If cooking oil is coating the pipes, for example, your disposal might not work properly and deep, impenetrable clogs can form. It can be both smelly and dangerous, as backed up sinks can cause problems elsewhere in your plumbing.

You may be able to check the disposal on your own to see if the jam is something you can clean or repair yourself. If you’re not keen on tackling the mess yourself or your disposal seems broken for another reason, it’s best to call a professional.

Leaky Pipes

If you have leaky pipes, you might find that it causes a lot of damage to your home, most notably your furniture and floors. It can also encourage pests like cockroaches. 

Leaks almost always happen at the pipe joints, so taping those up can help to prevent this issue. But for a more permanent fix, you might need to have the bit of pipe replaced in its entirety. Take extra care in winter, when cold weather can cause pipes to freeze, even in Southern California, if you are not careful.

These problems are all possible to deal with, but you do need to be aware of them. Quarantine is the perfect time to do a checkup on your plumbing to make sure everything is in order and that you are doing everything you can to avoid these issues in the future.