To sign up for our daily email newsletter, CLICK HERE
Modern plumbing is one of the most essential systems in the house and other buildings. It enables water supply to the kitchen, bathroom, and other needed areas. Also, it keeps the environment safe by disposing of wastewater properly.
Plumbing is beyond bathtubs, sinks, and showers that are visible. There are pipes and other fixtures underground. The basic types of a plumbing system are:
- Sanitary drainage, which gets rid of wastewater from kitchen sinks, laundry, bathtubs etc.
- Rainwater drainage system which carries excess water out.
- Potable water system that supplies clean water for use.
Modern Plumbing Disasters That Can Happen in the Bathroom
The benefits of modern plumbing in the bathroom (including an electric shower) are irreplaceable. However, it’s not always rosy. Sometimes there are issues with bathroom plumbing. And this can interfere with the proper functioning of the bathroom.
Keep your bathroom functional by attending to issues as soon as possible. Generally, plumbing issues should be fixed immediately to avoid waste. Bathroom leaks wastes gallons of water. Facts state that the leaks in an average home can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water.
Also, plumbing disasters are expensive. They increase your water bills unnecessarily. Why pay bills for unused water when you can use the money to settle other bills. Besides, unresolved bathroom issues can cause damage to the structure, surrounding areas and wall paints. This is why you should get emergency plumbing services and fix your bathroom issues to avoid these challenges.
Here are some common plumbing disasters in the bathroom.
Leaking Faucets
Faucets leak when the washer that seals the tap gets damaged, weakened, or shifted. Leaking faucets are one of the most annoying plumbing issues. The sound of dripping water keeps ringing in your ears.
Reduced Water Pressure
This is more common in older plumbing. However, it can also happen with modern plumbing. Low water pressure makes washing and showering slow. Since there isn’t enough force to push the water, it comes in trickles.
Low water pressure can be caused by a leaking pipe. It can also result from sediment buildup in the pipes or faucets.
Running Toilets
Running toilets are as annoying as leaking faucets, just that the water sound is louder. It continuously wastes water and the toilet may clog over time.
Running toilets are caused by a faulty flusher. It can also result from a loose tube or an imbalanced float.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are mostly seen in public sinks. This is due to careless use. However, at home, bathroom sinks and bathtubs are mostly blocked with hair strands and dirt. Clogged drains if unattended can lead to overflow.
If the sink drain has smaller holes, the debris can be easily removed. However, drains with bigger holes or more complex clogs require expert services. Also, stagnant water will produce foul odour and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Leaking Pipes
Leaky pipes, unlike order plumbing issues, are hard to detect. This is because modern plumbing has pipes fixed in walls.
If detected, leaking pipes need professional intervention. They can cause molds to grow and even destroy structures.
Smelly Drains
Smelly drains can be very offensive. If you run a business, it will poorly impact your business. Smelly drains can be caused by a gas trap in the pipes.
Also, it might be that your pipes are clogged with decaying debris, or there is a dead animal somewhere. Finally, smelly drains should be fixed quickly to avoid air pollution.
Water Heater Issues
You know your water heater malfunctions when your planned warm bath becomes a cold one. You can also know your heater is faulty when there’s a leak, discolored water, or weird sounds.
Although you can fix some issues yourself, water heaters need expert services because of their complexity.
9 Modern Plumbing Tools to Solve Common Bathroom Problems
Bathroom issues can come up at any time. As such, it is important to be prepared for them. Although some issues will need professional help. But you need the right tools to handle basic issues.
1. Automatic Toilet Plungers
This modern plumbing tool is a must have. Unlike the traditional plungers, automatic plumbers release more pressure, and they are more effective as well.
The plunger is inserted deep into the toilet bowl drain and the automatic button is pressed. The automatic plunger then releases gas pressure that unclogs even the worst of blockages
2. Automatic cordless drain auger
Augers are also called drain snakes because of their length. They are long tools that can be led deep into the sink or toilet pipes to remove blockages.
Automatic augers are faster and battery powered. They have more speed than manual augers. And some come with LED lights for dark spaces. This modern plumbing tool is a quick way to unclog your toilet and drains.
3. Smart Leak Detector
Although this is a preventive modern plumbing tool, it can be useful in fixing a leak. With a smart leak detector, you can find leaks easily. This device has built on technology that spots leaks quickly and accurately.
4. Plumbing Tape
The plumbing tape is used to wrap pipe threads before merging them. It acts as a lubricant and prevents pipes from leaking. If you have leaking pipe threads, then this might be what you need.
5. Washers
Washers are small, round, flat, disc-shaped objects that stay inside faucets and showerheads. Also, they can be from a rubber or metal material.
They control the rate of water flow from showerheads and faucets. They are great for fixing leaky faucet valves.
6. Wrench
Wrenches are good for securely gripping plumbing fixtures like pipes. Wrenches come in different types and sizes. But an adjustable wrench can serve multiple purposes.
Wrenches are used to turn and remove plumbing fixtures. Also, you can use them to hold pipes in place for proper fitting.
7. Rubber Gloves
You may think of gloves as unnecessary, but they are needed for safety. Gloves will shield your hands from dirt. Also, some plumbing fixtures may have sharp parts that can cut you.
8. Nipple Extractor
Nipple extractors are helpful tools for removing broken fittings as well as pipe nipples. It is also useful in removing broken shower pipe threads.
Place the nipple extractor in a broken pipe. Gently tap it so it can sink into the pipe. Then with a wrench, pull it out in an anti-clockwise motion.
9. Cartridge Puller
A leaky faucet is one major bathroom problem faced by every home. Cartridge Pullers will help you fix your faucet. However, for you to fix a leaking faucet, you need a new cartridge.
You can use a cartridge puller to remove the damaged cartridge so you can install a new one. Now you can stop the leaking and save water.
Conclusion
Bathroom issues are unavoidable. Every now and then, there is bound to be a leaking faucet or clogged sink. Bathroom issues can damage your building, pollute the air, and waste water.
It is vital that you have some essential modern bathroom tools handy. You might need them urgently before you get the professional help you need.
