Find The Answers To The Top Three Plumbing FAQs In Your Home

Plumbing is an essential part of any home and it’s often taken for granted. This is because, in most cases, it simply works. You turn on a faucet and get water, it swirls around your drain and then disappears into the sewer pipes. It’s simple and effective until something goes wrong. Then you’ll want the help of a good emergency plumber.

Of course, even with a good plumber, there will be a delay in them getting to you. This will inevitably be the time when you can least afford to wait. That’s why it’s a good idea to know the three most common plumbing issues and their FAQs. Having an idea regarding the issue and how to deal with it means you may be able to fix the issue yourself. 

1. Why Isn’t There Any Water?

The answer to this will depend on what water system you have. In most cases, you’ll be on a mains supply. A lack of water means that the water company has cut the supply. While this can be done for not paying the bill, this is rare. The more common reason for the water company to cut the bill is thanks to an issue with the supply.

This could be work they are doing or someone accidentally damaging the supply. In this case, there is little you can do about it. It’s best to check with your neighbors, if they are experiencing a water outage as well then it’s probably a water board issue. You can call them to find out what is happening, although they may not tell you.

Of course, if you’re not on a mains supply you’ll probably have your own water supply. This usually consists of a borehole and a pump to bring the water to the surface. The water is then out through mini-treatment works to make sure it is clean and safe for you to drink. On the other hand, you can contact a company like ADP Group Ltd for a borehole drilling service.

If you have this option and it stops working then, assuming your pump still has power, the most likely issue is a failed pump. You’ll want to talk to the mine dewatering pumps specialist in order to have the pump test or, if necessary, replaced.

There is little you can do to fox a pump like this yourself.

2. Why Do I Have Blocked Drains?

The next most common issue is to do with blocked drains. When your drains become blocked the water and waste products can’t get past. This results in wastewater backing up through the pipes and eventually, coming out of the lowest outlet. This usually means it will fill your shower tray and bath before anything else.

If left the wastewater will then spill over and start to spread across the floor. Water can cause a surprising amount of damage to your home and it is also hazardous to your health.

Drains are generally blocked because you, or your children, have put something down them that they shouldn’t have. This includes sanitary products, wet wipes, and toys. Once these items are in the pipes they stick to the sidewalls and start to cause a clog. Other debris hits the partial clog and adds to it. The ultimate result is a complete blockage of the pipe which prevents any more water and waste products from passing.

It should be noted that blockages can also be caused by tree roots and other damage to the pipe in your garden. This will prevent the waste products from passing through and will cause a blockage.

You’ll be able to see the issue by using a drain camera, helping you to decide the appropriate course of action.

3. What Do You Do When A Pipe Bursts?

Burst pipes can be a real headache for any homeowner. In an ideal world, the pipe would burst when you are in the room; allowing you to quickly shut off the supply and save the day. But, in reality, pipes generally burst at night, it’s often because this is when it’s coldest.

An undetected burst pipe will allow water to pour into your house. It will collect at the lowest point and can cause a significant amount of damage.

It’s a good idea to have a water detector that will sound an alarm when water is detected. By placing this at the lowest point of your home you’ll be warned about a leak or burst pipe before it runs your home.

The most important thing to remember when you discover a burst pipe is to shut the mains water supply off.

You’ll find a tap just this side of your water meter. Turning it off will shut off all the water to your home. Of course, you may have individual valves that allow you to shut off specific sections of your home. This can help you to shut off the area where the pipe has burst without turning offal the water in your home.

You’ll then need to repair the pipe but you’re likely to find it’s best to use the services of your local plumber to do this.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a plumbing issue in your home is never a good experience. However, by being prepared for most eventualities and knowing where your main stop valve is, you’ll be able to handle any emergency and minimize the damage to your home.

Of course, it can also help to have your plumbing system regularly serviced, including your pump. This will help to minimize issues with it, although it can’t prevent all system failures.

But, having it regularly serviced does mean you will have the contact details of your local plumber and a relationship with them. This will make it easier to get the response you need when you do experience an issue.

It will also give you a point of contact to seek advice from when faced with other, less common plumbing FAQs.

Don’t forget, if your home is damaged from a leak, take photos of the damage, it will help with your insurance claim.