Since a bathroom gets so much traffic, you should keep it in good shape. This is not always easy to do because there are drains, excess moisture and running water that must be maintained. By understanding the common problems that can occur in your San Antonio home’s bathroom, you can help prevent major issues. If you ever do need help, the team at Beyer Plumbing is available. Here are five common bathroom plumbing issues we encounter often.
Leaks
Leaks are never a good sign. When all the components of a faucet, showerhead or toilet are operating as intended, water will not leak. When water is leaking, you are being charged for it. Plus, the water is being wasted. So, the leak is not ideal on many levels. You can attempt to plug the hole, but the better strategy is to get it fixed. If the shower head is leaking, it could be an issue with the gasket. If the faucet is leaking, it’s best to turn off the water first. Then, remove the part. By taking it to a professional, the issue can be diagnosed. It may simply be time for a new faucet. If you set up an appointment with Beyer Plumbing, we can come over and assess the situation in-person. When the faucet and showerhead are leaking, this could be a sign that it is time for new fixtures.
Slow Drains
Slow drainage should be fixed in a timely manner. This plumbing problem is a sign that something worse is on the horizon. Eventually, your drain will be completely clogged. The most common reason for a slow drain is hair obstructing the flow of the water in the pipes. Another culprit is buildup from soap scum. In some cases, debris is preventing the water from flowing down the drain.
You can try to snake the drain yourself before the issue gets worse. If you manage to clear up the issue, consider placing a hair catcher over the drain. Several new models have hit the market that will not move around with the water. They stay in place and use pegs to trap the hair. The strainer also helps catch soap and shampoo scum.
If your slow drain manages to turn into a full stoppage, you have to determine the source of the clog. If the water manages to drain, but at a really slow pace, the clog might be in the wall or further down the pipe. This means that snaking the drain would not be effective. If the water does not drain at all, you might be able to reach with it a snake. When the clog is severe, you may have to get into the pipes. In serious cases, the pipes have to be taken apart in order to remove whatever is causing the problem. You can try using a plunger when the situation is mild. Some homeowners have to resort to forcing the clog down the drain by inserting a hose and turning on the water. When the issue is this serious, you are encouraged to give professionals a call. We can handle the problem as well as offer preventive suggestions.
Weak Water Pressure
Weak water pressure is a sign of limescale buildup. This often signals that it’s time for a new showerhead. Otherwise, you can try cleaning off the head to see if that brings about positive results. Using a descaling solution is a good first step. When cleaning and replacing the showerhead still does not fix the water pressure issue, you might need to install a water pump. A pressurized un-vented cylinder is another option. Some individuals want the water pressure to be strong, so if you are having issues, this is a good time to find something that meets your preferences. This might be a good time to look into a power shower or electric shower with a cold water accumulator tank.
Running Toilet
When the toilet is not operating correctly, you can usually hear it. If the toilet continues to run, it is wasting water. On top of that, you’ll be charged for the extra water. Sometimes, a running toilet only requires a simple fix. If you take a look in the tank, double-check that the flapper chain is in the correct place. The chain could have fallen off its hinge or completely snapped. You can fix this on your own if you understand where everything goes.
Toilets get clogged, too. This is why having a plunger for the toilet is a must. When the suction of the toilet becomes weak, it may not be able to dispose of everything on the first flush. When you flush, if it seems like everything is not going to go down, use the plunger while the water is being drained. If the plunger does not get the job done, you may have to ask around your household if anything went down the toilet that was not supposed to like a toy. When there are children in the household, it is not uncommon for their curiosity to get the best of them. If something was placed in the toilet bowl that didn’t belong there, it might be time to have professionals take a look. By allowing a pro to handle the problem, it will not get worse. Plus, you’ll get the use of your toilet back faster.
Sewer Smells
Your bathroom may develop smells. Sometimes, the room just needs a good cleaning. Other times, it could be due to the moisture. When moisture is allowed to sit, bacteria and mold can thrive. So, what you smell could be the spores. If the smell is stronger, it could be a sign of something more serious. Your bathroom should not smell like a sewer. If it does, the smell could be an indication that there is a clog or standing water from leaks. The first step is to find where the smell is coming from in your bathroom. If the smell is coming from a pipe, this is a sign of a clog or accumulated build up in the pipes. When the smell is caused by standing water, it means that there is a leak. This should be cleaned up immediately so you can stop bacteria and mold from growing. Then, you can call in the professionals to take care of the leak.
Giving up the bathroom for at least a few hours is not ideal. This is where you clean yourself up, get ready for your day and get ready to go to bed. Bathroom plumbing issues should not be put off, though. The sooner you take care of them, the sooner the bathroom will be free of expensive danger.
Hiring a Professional
Let us handle your bathroom plumbing issues. Simply call us at Beyer Plumbing to make an appointment in San Antonio. We also offer emergency plumbing, water quality system services and plumbing plans.
