November 29, 2021
Plumbing issues often seem like more of an inconvenience than a serious problem for your home, but problems with your plumbing system can cost you, both in water bills and comfort. Plus, if you ignore problems like pipes freezing or your plumbing making loud noises for too long, you could end up needing expensive plumbing repairs and possibly home repairs.
Don’t sacrifice having a comfortable bathroom or kitchen if any of these common problems are plaguing your Lawton, OK home. Learn just how these issues affect your home and when you should call a professional plumbing company like Pippin Brothers for help.
1. Dripping Faucets
With every drip of a leaky faucet, money is going down the drain. A steady, slow drip of once per second wastes around 3,000 gallons of water each year, resulting in expensive water bills. Dripping faucets also waste a lot of water, which is a precious resource especially during droughts here in Oklahoma.
Should you call a plumber for a dripping faucet?
Fixing a leaky faucet is often as simple as replacing a worn rubber washer, o-ring, or valve, and you can probably manage this task on your own. A faucet repair kit will contain instructions on how to address a drip. If you’re not feeling particularly handy, however, a professional plumber like Pippin Brothers can repair your leaking faucet, helping you save money and conserve water.
2. Running Toilets
A running toilet wastes about 200 gallons of water a day, which quickly adds up to 6,000 gallons a month. Toilet plumbing problems like a running toilet can cost you an average of $96.00 ($0.016/gallon) for just one toilet!
Some leaks may make a running water sound or a visible trickle that are identifiable, but other leaks are silent and can go unnoticed—these leaks are known as “phantom flushes”. Regular plumbing maintenance is the key to catching sneaky plumbing problems like phantom flushes. Pippin Brothers offers plumbing maintenance plans to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Do you need a plumber to fix a running toilet?
The most common reasons your toilet may be leaking involve an issue with the chain, a dirty, broken, or warped flapper, or the float for the pump. If you’re willing to get your hands wet with a little work, you may be able to solve this problem without a plumber.
Start by opening your toilet’s tank lid, turning off the water, and checking all the parts. A chain that is too short or too long could be interfering with the flapper. A leaking flapper can easily be replaced by disconnecting it from the chain and attaching a new one. Finally, an issue with the float can usually be solved by bending the rod connecting it to the pump. If you’ve done some research and attempted these fixes, but your toilet is still running, it’s time to give the Lawton plumbing experts at Pippin Brothers a call.
3. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can make it difficult to shower, do the dishes, and wash your hands. Low water pressure can be caused by a number of problems, including:
A blocked aerator
Mineral deposit build-up in the pipes
A leak in your main water line
Your water heater’s shut-off valve being improperly adjusted
Can a plumber fix low water pressure?
Because there are so many potential causes, it’s usually best to call a plumber if your water pressure is low—especially if your entire house is affected. A plumber will be able to figure out what’s causing the low water pressure in your home and implement the right solution.
4. Slow or Clogged Drains
Clogged or slow drains are frustrating and can get a little gross. Soap, hair, toilet paper, wipes, and feminine products are the most common causes of clogged bathroom drains, while grease and food waste often clog kitchen drains.
What to do when plumbing is backed up?
Clogs can often be removed with DIY plumbing solutions like a plunger or drain cleaning solution. Chemical clog removers, however, tend to do more harm than good and can even cause structural damage to your pipes. Instead, try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains and loosen up any sludge. There are also natural enzyme cleaners you can purchase from a hardware store that may do the trick.
If you still have a clogged drain even after attempting a few DIY fixes, you should contact a plumber to help resolve the problem with professional drain cleaning. You may also want to call a plumber if you’re worried about a tricky area like under-the-sink plumbing with a garbage disposal. If your home’s plumbing is clogged, you should definitely call for professional help.
5. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a major problem for Oklahoma homeowners during the wintertime. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to serious damage to your home. If you’ve noticed signs of frozen pipes like a faucet that isn’t running when turned on, it’s important to take action quickly.
Should you call a plumber for frozen pipes?
It is possible to thaw a frozen pipe by yourself, but doing so can be a fire hazard. Plus, if you locate one frozen pipe, chances are there are several others that you can’t see. To make sure your pipes are properly thawed and winterized, and to prevent accidental damage to your home, you should call a plumber for frozen pipes, or if you are concerned they could freeze.
6. Loud Noises Coming from Your Pipes
Gurgling, banging, humming, hammering and other strange noises coming from your pipes are not a good sign. Noisy pipes in the winter can be caused by sediment build-up in your water heater, a pressure issue, a phenomenon called a “water hammer”, and many other factors.
How can you stop water pipes from making noise?
Loud pipes can be seriously annoying, and they can also indicate a problem with your plumbing system. Because there are so many possible culprits, it’s usually best to call a plumber for help dealing with loud pipes. Pippin Brothers can inspect your plumbing system and provide the right noisy plumbing fix.
7. Leaking Pipes, Fittings, or Potential Leaking Conditions
If you see drips or puddles beneath your piping, pipe fitting, plumbing fixtures, or around appliances such as water heaters, washing, machines, or reverse-osmosis water purification systems under kitchen sinks (the largest culprit), you should have a plumbing professional inspect the situation before it becomes problematic. All appliances should be inspected and receive maintenance annually to avoid potential problems.
Pippin Brothers: Your Plumbing Solution in Lawton, Fort Sills, and Duncan
If you live in the Lawton area and you’re struggling with any plumbing issues, call the professionals at Pippin Brothers. We offer plumbing and water solutions to keep your home comfortable and your water bills low. We also offer plumbing maintenance services to prevent serious plumbing problems.
For everything from unblocking clogged drains and winter-proofing your outdoor hose bibs to utility line service, water treatment, and so much more, we are the company to call when you need affordable plumbing in Lawton, Fort Sills, or Duncan, OK.
