Your plumbing system is a critical component of your house. However, most people take it for granted unless there is an emergency that requires searching “24-hour plumbing near me” on their phones. Although it is a great idea to have the phone number of a professional plumber in Boca Raton handy, not every plumbing issue demands immediate expert attention.
Whether your house is new or old, experiencing plumbing issues is natural. So, you are bound to come across a few common problems during your lifetime. If you are a DIY enthusiast and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can handle some of the common plumbing issues without calling a licensed expert.
Let’s check out the issues that don’t need a 24-hour plumbing near me search, and see how you can fix them.
1. Leaky Faucets
Leaky or dripping faucets are perhaps the most prevalent plumbing issue, even in developed countries. A water leak, whether coming from a faucet or a showerhead, can result in the waste of hundreds of gallons of water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a standard house can have a small leak that lets out over 10,000 gallons of water a year, the equivalent of 240 loads of laundry.
The good news is, that dripping faucets are easy to fix. Usually, a slow drip indicates a damaged or faulty washer. So, if the leak is small and gradual, you don’t have to call a professional plumber in Boca Raton. However, you do need to have basic DIY plumbing skills and simple tools, depending on the type of your faucet.
Maybe you can ask a DIYer in your family or you can find several online DIY videos that can walk you through the washer replacement process. However, if you think you can’t fix the leak, it’s time to take out your phone and start searching for 24-hour plumbing near me.
2. Slow Draining Kitchen or Bathroom Sink
Another common plumbing issue that may not need a 24-hour plumbing near me search is a slow draining kitchen or bathroom sink. When it comes to a bathroom sink, hair and soap particles are often the culprits behind the slow draining. On the other hand, congealed fat and solid food particles can cause your kitchen sink to drain slowly.
The easiest way to address this issue is to pour chemical clog remover down the drain. You can also try using hot water or a combination of vinegar and baking soda to remove the clog. The third option is to use a plumber’s snake a long metal wire or a sink plunger to remove the clog by applying physical force.
If the clog is located in the U-trap, you may need to replace it from under the sink. Removing the U-trap can be a little tricky, especially for first-time DIYers. If you can’t handle it by yourself, you can look for 24-hour plumbing near me on your phone to find a licensed professional.
Depending on which method you are using, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Drain cleaning agents (chemicals) are harmful and can cause skin burns and eye irritation. If none of these DIY tricks work, you are better off searching for 24-hour plumbing near me.
3. Clogged Toilet
Another common problem is a clogged toilet. It not only renders your bathroom useless but can also cause foul odor and potential health issues. It is a problem you need to fix right away. The good news is you can unclog a toilet without searching for 24-hour plumbing near me on your phone.
Usually, a combination of solid waste such as paper, and female hygiene products, among other things, can clog a toilet. So, you can use a plunger to unclog the toilet. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can use a sewer snake or drain auger.
If you don’t have any of these instruments, you can try pouring hot water into the toilet. Hot water will loosen the clog. Just make sure the water is not boiling. Another alternative is to empty a cup of the baking soda and vinegar solution down the drain.
As these two household items combine, the mixture will turn into a fuzzy broth, which will loosen the clog. After 30 minutes, pour some hot water down the drain. If your toilet drains, the clog is gone. If it doesn’t, repeat this process.
If none of these methods work or your toilet continues to clog repeatedly, you need to start searching for 24-hour plumbing near me on your phone. Chances are the main drain is clogged, requiring the help of a licensed plumber in Boca Raton.
4. Clogged Shower or Bathroom Drain
Clogged shower or bathroom drains are a common occurrence. In most cases, a combination of soap and hair will cause this issue. You will need to fix this clog immediately, or it can worsen over time.
The DIY methods to unclog a shower or bathroom drain are similar to unclogging a toilet or kitchen sink. First, you can try pouring hot water down the drain and wait for a few minutes to see if the drain starts working. Next, you can use the baking soda and vinegar concoction and repeat the process mentioned in the previous point.
You can also use a plunger or an auger. If this doesn’t work, you can try to remove the clog by hand. You may need to use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover. After removing the drain cover, remove the clog using your fingers. Make sure to wear protective gloves and use a flashlight. Of course, you can search for 24-hour plumbing near me if the problem is much worse than it looks.
Conclusion
Whether you are living in a house or an apartment, you will face plumbing issues at some point. However, as you can see, not all plumbing issues require a professional’s help. Hopefully, learning about what causes these four common DIY plumbing issues and how you can fix them will help. But remember, you are better off calling a licensed plumber if you need a long-lasting solution, or if the problem is not easy to fix.
Talk to Your Trusted Plumber in Boca Raton Now!
If you need expert plumbing help in the Boca Raton area, Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration is the first place you should try. We are a team of professional, experienced, and well-trained plumbers ready to respond to your plumbing emergencies 24/7. You can reach us at (561) 782-2779 or visit our website to learn about our services and schedule a service call.
