Whether hosting a family gathering or just getting home from a long day at the office, the last thing you want to deal with is a plumbing emergency. Fortunately, there are a few things residents in Chandler, AZ can do to prevent these problems from happening. From routine maintenance to quick fixes, the following issues can often be solved without spending a significant amount of money.
1. Burst Pipes
At Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing, we have seen burst pipes cause major water damage. Burst pipes occur when water pressure builds excessively in a pipe. Eventually, a weak joint can burst, causing water to flood your home.
You might hear a loud pop when a pipe bursts. Afterward, you’ll also notice the sound of water running constantly through your home. You can prevent water damage by limiting the amount of water that escapes into your walls and flooring. You will need to find your water main and shut off the water in your home.
The biggest way to prevent a burst pipe is by keeping your pipes from freezing. When water freezes, it expands. The added pressure causes pipes to burst. You can insulate the pipes and leave a tap trickling when the temperatures plunge.
2. Clogged Drains
Sink and tub drains can become clogged for many different reasons. In many cases, you can unclog a sink using a drain snake or a sink plunger. You don’t want to use chemical drain cleaners in your drains because they can harm your pipes. For stubborn clogs, reach out to our team at Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing. We have professional tools and equipment that can quickly and efficiently clean your drains without risking damage to your pipes.
To prevent clogged drains, you should avoid pouring anything other than water down the drain, especially grease. Over time, fat and grease will bind together and form large clogs. Don’t put vegetable peelings or coffee grounds down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. You should also use a strainer at the bottom of your kitchen sink to stop food from entering your pipes.
Each week, you should pour a kettle of hot water down your sink. This helps to melt any fat or grease that has gotten into the drain.
3. Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet can quickly become a major problem. If you don’t stop the toilet from overflowing, your bathroom will fill up with sewage. While a plunger can fix a clogged drain, it won’t resolve the underlying issue. If you frequently deal with clogged toilets, you need help from a qualified plumber to inspect and clean the drains.
To prevent overflowing toilets, you should never flush baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, or anything other than toilet paper. In addition, you may want to talk to your family about using less toilet paper. Toilets are only designed to handle human waste, water, and small amounts of toilet paper.
Sometimes, people like to put a brick inside the toilet tank to use less water. While this might be eco-friendly, it isn’t good for a newer toilet. Modern toilets are already designed to use less water, so a brick only prevents your toilet from flushing properly.
4. Water Heater Issues
Water heaters can be expensive to replace. With routine maintenance, you can prevent major problems from happening. If something is wrong with your water heater, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Discolored water
- Strange smells from the water
- Water doesn’t heat up
- Dripping water or puddles near your heater
- The sound of dripping water
The best way to prevent water heater issues is by getting your water heater serviced regularly. Ideally, your water heater should be flushed every 6 to 12 months. Because anode rods are one of the most likely components to break down, you should have one of our plumbers check and replace it every five years.
5. Clogged Sewer Systems
You generally won’t have an issue spotting a clogged sewage system. If you don’t see the problem, you’ll smell it right away. Other more subtle signs include slow or gurgling drains. In addition to having a foul odor, a clogged sewage system can also cause health problems for everyone who lives at your home. As soon as you notice this issue, you should call your plumber.
In older homes, tree roots can be a problem for your pipes. If there are any cracks or holes, roots will be attracted to the moisture and nutrients. Sometimes, these roots can invade the pipes through these cracks and holes.
The best way to prevent major clogs is with regular drain cleaning. You can also periodically cut your tree roots and use products designed to reduce tree roots in the drainage system.
6. Sump Pump Failure
You likely have a sump pump if you have a basement or crawlspace underneath your home. This device helps remove water when there are substantial rain storms and flooding. Because basements and crawl spaces are underneath the ground, water frequently pools in these parts of your home.
Sometimes, your sump pump can stop working because it is clogged by debris. The switch can also become stuck in the on or off position. In addition, the sump pump can sometimes fail to keep up with water from a severe rainstorm.
If you hear your sump pump running constantly, call a plumber. You’ll also want to check the area regularly for standing water that indicates a problem with your sump pump.
Our qualified plumbers in Chandler can clean and maintain your sump pump for you. After inspecting the sump pump, they will replace any faulty parts. In addition, they can check the water discharge area to make sure it is a safe distance from your home.
7. Constantly Running Toilets
After you flush a toilet, it should stop running once the bowl has been refilled. If you hear the water running all the time, it means that you are spending extra money on your water bill. Often, the cause of this problem is fairly inexpensive to fix.
This issue is usually because the flapper valve is worn out. This can be easily replaced by a professional plumber. Sediment and mineral buildup can also cause this problem.
Arizona is known for its hard water with high levels of calcium and magnesium. The best way to prevent problems from mineral deposits in your plumbing fixtures is to have us install a water-softening system. Ask us about other benefits of our water treatment options.
Solve Common Plumbing Issues Right Away
If you are dealing with common plumbing emergencies in Chandler, you aren’t alone. Many Arizona residents struggle with clogged pipes, overflowing toilets, and drain issues. At Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing, you can get the help you need right away.
Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing offers rooter services, leak detection, camera inspections, and toilet repairs. We can also help you maintain and repair your sump pumps. You can also turn to us for heating and cooling system installation, maintenance, and repair. For more information about our wide range of plumbing services, call Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing today.
