Answering Some Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing

If your home has any issues related to its plumbing, you want to ensure you get needed repairs done quickly. One small plumbing problem can lead to water leaks, mould growth, burst pipes, and very high water bills, as well as more expensive repair bills at a later time. To ensure your home's plumbing is always in good repair, note a few questions you might have about its pieces, and about problems with pipes and drains that homeowners often face.

Why does the toilet keep clogging?

First, remember that the toilet is not a rubbish bin. Never flush cigarette butts, paper towels, baby wipes, diapers, and other such items down the toilet, as these items may get lodged in the pipes behind the walls or outside the home, causing future clogs. Also, note if the home's water pressure needs adjusting, as the toilet does need some water pressure in order to flush away what's in the bowl.

If these solutions don't stop any consistent clogging, there may be damage to the pipes behind the walls or outside the home, and now dirt or other debris is stuck in those pipes. Call an emergency plumber in this case, as that debris can cause a pipe to burst or cause water leaks around connectors. This can quickly lead to mould and other serious water damage in the home if left unchecked.

Are plastic pipes durable?

If your home needs new plumbing pipes, you can certainly opt for affordable PVC. This material has the advantage of being very lightweight, so it won't tend to bang around while water is flowing through, and it won't add weight to the flooring. PVC connectors are also easier to manage with a wrench, as metal connectors can sometimes get so wedged along threads that they're hard to loosen when repairs need to be done. The material also won't rust over time, and is unlikely to crack or break.

You replaced a pipe, and now that drain keeps clogging; why?

If you didn't replace the pipe at the right angle, this can cause clogs; pipes that are perfectly horizontal allow waste to collect inside, and pipes that are installed too steeply will allow water to drain away quickly, so that it can't take solid waste with it. Also, if you used a different material for the new pipe, this may have caused corrosion and water leaks around the connectors; without enough water flowing through the pipes, clogs form. Call a plumber to check your work and ensure it was done properly.

For more information, contact companies like P1 Plumbing & Electrical.