Every home needs water. We need water for cooking, cleaning, and personal sanitation. It would be impossible to live in a modern home without water running inside its structures. But to have access to that water, you need a system to deliver clean water to the house and take away the dirty water. That is what the plumbing system in your home does.
A home’s plumbing system consists of hundreds of feet of pipes with valves, connections, and other components. It is one of the most complicated and most used systems in the home. As a result, problems with the plumbing system are among the most common issues homeowners in Chicago encounter.
Plumbing problems are one of Chicago homeowners’ biggest issues because:
- They are hard to detect: The typical way homeowners discover an issue with their plumbing is when the water supply stops or water goes where it is not supposed to. But before the problem goes that far, it will show subtle signs that go undetected.
- They cost a lot of money to fix: Plumbing issues often cost a lot of money to repair. That is not because of the cost of fixing the damaged components. Instead, it is due to the cost of repairing the damage the issue has done to the surrounding areas.
That is why plumbing problems are best discovered early and solved on time. Finding a problem before it causes damage to the structures of your home can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars, says Income Realty Corporation. To do this, you need to know the common plumbing problems you are likely to face in your Chicago home and what you can do to solve them.
Five most common plumbing problems in Chicago homes
These five problems top the list of plumbing issues occurring in Chicago homes.
Drain clogs
A drain clog is a common occurrence in the home, and it can happen in different parts of the plumbing system. Drains get clogged when an item or material obstructs drain pipes. That occurs in the kitchen sink or bathroom drain. Drain clogs can be minor issues requiring a few minutes to solve, or they can be leading problems that require special equipment and lots of time. You can clear most clogs by using a plunger, drain snake, or running the disposal unit. If these DIY solutions don’t work, it will be necessary to contact your local Chicago plumber.
Frozen pipes
Water has the odd behavior of expanding when it freezes. That can be a problem for your plumbing system. Frozen water inside pipes will not only cut off your water supply, but it can also cause the pipes to rupture. It takes only a few hours of below-freezing temperatures for pipes to freeze. The best way to keep pipes from freezing is to install PEX pipes in the home or take precautionary steps to keep water flowing through the pipes. If you find that the pipes in your home are frozen, the best solution is to call a plumber who specializes in repairing burst pipes.
Water leaks
Leaks are another major issue. This problem results from the highly mobile nature of water and its corrosive powers. Over time water will erode any material it is flowing. Water also carries particles and chemical substances that get deposited inside pipes. These two effects can result in pipes bursting or wearing out, causing leaks. Water leaks also happen when water pressure is too high or frozen pipes thaw out. Leaks are a crucial problem because they often occur inside the walls and damage your property. The best way to prevent leaks is to inspect the plumbing system regularly and install a leak-detection system.
Water heater issues
Water heater malfunctions are among the most annoying plumbing problems; think what it feels like to get cold water dumped on you when trying to take a warm shower in the morning. Water heater issues will also deny you access to warm water for washing dishes and clothes. Several issues can cause water heater malfunctions, leaks, water hardness issues, and faulty components. The best way to prevent issues with the water heater is to be aware of its life expectancy and know the telltale signs of problems with the equipment. Water heater issues should never be DIYed; always call your plumber for any kind of water heater repairs.
Sewer line problems
Sewer lines carry wastewater out of your home into the municipal sewers. Problems with the sewer line are not only frustrating and disgusting, but they are also potential health hazards. They will expose you to unsanitary materials that can harm your health. The most common sewer line problems you are likely to face are clogs and leaks. These are due to several issues: flushing prohibited items down the drains, old and worn pipes, or damage from tree roots. If you think there are issues with your sewer line, contact a professional plumber at once.
