You’re enjoying a relaxed, sleepy afternoon contemplating the wonders of plumbing and all of a sudden *PANIC* your mind floods with inquisitive concern… why DO drains get blocked? Why is my faucet leaking? Is there a difference between hard and soft water?… You don’t’ any of the answers… Will you ever know? How do make this panic subside? Have no fear, I am here to dispel your worries and fill your brain with plumbing knowledge to equip you with the psychological tools you will need to keep your houses plumbing & heating in tip-top condition.
What causes clogged drains?
Clogged drains are probably the most commonly occurring plumbing dilemma, even your neighbours dog’s house has had clogged drains. However, despite their occurrence being so frequent, clogged drains are avoidable! (*Cheers*) To avoid this complication, you’ll need to know the most likely causes of your drain faux pas:
- Grease
- Dirt
- Hair products
- Food waste
These are all common culprits of drain issues, these substances stick to the insides of the drains and build up a nasty residue which slowly but surely causes a blockage. Therefore, to avoid this – be wary of what you put down the drain; any leftover cooking oils or foods from the bottom of a pan, for example, are a BIG no. If in doubt – use the bin instead. For kitchen sinks it may be worth investing in a drain catcher plug, which helps to prevent any sneaky food residue from creeping down the drain.
If it’s too late for preventative methods at present, try some drain un-blocker and follow the instructions. If you’d like to try a method which involves fewer chemicals, then try using a potion of hot water, baking soda and vinegar to help loosen up the blockage.
Why is my tap leaking?
Ah the mind-numbing sound of a leaky faucet. Despite its acoustic contribution to your humble abode, you may wish to have a less symphonic spigot. If so, have your washer changed – it’s usually this or the valve seating which causes the leak, just wear and tear over time causes the washer to become less functional. To avoid this, have the washers changed periodically – and try not to over-do it when turning off your tap! If you repeatedly do it up too tightly this can speed up the washer wear.
What causes low water pressure?
Have you ever anticipated the gushing flow of a tap or showerhead, only to be met by a pathetic attempt at a dribble of water? This is a problem with multitude of potential causes such as:
- Clogged pipes
- Issues with water meter allocation
- Crimped water lines
- Malfunctioning valves
Unfortunately, since there are multiple possible culprits of this problem, it’s best to call a professional like Plumbing and Heating Cambridge in to diagnose and treat this issue to avoid misdiagnoses and any wasted time trying to fix it with the wrong solution. That being said, keeping up with your plumbing maintenance will be beneficial in helping to ward off many plumbing issues.
