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The Most Common Plumbing Repairs You Can Expect


Common plumbing repairs are occurrences in every household. Though unfortunate, repairs are necessary when you least expect them. There are ways to protect your plumbing, but unexpected issues happen. Because of this, homeowners need the expertise of plumbers.

In Cincinnati, Ohio, Thomas & Galbraith helps homeowners with all their plumbing needs. We cover some of the most common plumbing repairs and when you need a plumber to fix the issues. Homeowners often want to solve these problems on their own, but it’s important to contact a plumber. We also discuss the benefits of common plumbing repairs done by a plumber. 

When to Hire a Plumber for Common Plumbing Repairs

While many homeowners try to implement common plumbing repairs on their own, it’s often better to call a plumber. Some issues don’t need a plumber, but you won’t know which ones are safe for homeowners to accomplish without a professional opinion. This is because it is difficult to know the true source or severity of the issue at hand without professional experience. 

For example, most homeowners deal with clogs. What happens if you remove a surface-level clog but the issues persist? This problem and more require a plumber’s assistance.

  • Poor water quality. Water quality matters to homeowners because it impacts their health and safety. When the water quality decreases out of nowhere, contact a plumber to assess the issue. They perform water quality tests to figure out the cause of the problem. Some issues happen because of rust or pH imbalances. These two issues both need professional repairs. 

  • Garbage disposal. Garbage disposals experience issues after misuse. Items like pasta, coffee grounds, and grease clog the disposal. There are at-home fixes for this, but they don’t always work. Only a plumber is able to solve this issue with your disposal—especially if parts of the device are broken or completely lose functionality.

  • Low water pressure. Water pressure problems are common for many homeowners. Common plumbing repairs often address this issue when the root of the problem stems from leaks or clogs. Any low-pressure issue needs the expertise of a plumber because the problem either affects one specific area or impacts the entire system. A plumber knows how to tell the difference and find the source.

  • Dripping. Homeowners who experience drips from water fixtures or pipes often don’t know the cause. Some usually suspect leaks, but this isn’t the only cause. A plumber inspects where the drip comes from and why it happens. Sometimes, the parts of the fixture simply need to be tighter. And if the plumber finds larger problems, they perform those repairs. 

  • Noises. If you hear odd noises in the plumbing, call a plumber. Noises happen from time to time, but they normally don’t occur consistently. If you experience consistent gurgling or hissing in the plumbing, contact a professional to take a look. 

  • Clogs. Many homeowners assume they are able to clear clogs on their own. In many cases, they are correct. However, there are instances where a plumber is necessary. For example, if you experience a clog, but are unable to find the source, you need a plumber. Tree roots occasionally grow in the sewer line, and only a plumber is able to find and fix the issue. 

  • Backups. Sinks and tubs fill with water when the plumbing experiences backups. The fixtures typically fill when the toilet flushes. If you have this problem, only a plumber is able to find the cause and implement a solution. The causes of backups vary, which means you need a professional opinion to solve the issue. 

  • Leaks. Lastly, homeowners experience leaks more often than anyone wants. Common plumbing repairs for leaks range in intensity. Even for small leaks, you need a plumber. Homeowners implement temporary solutions via repair sleeves, but plumbers are able to use permanent solutions. 

How Plumbers Perform Common Plumbing Repairs

Most common plumbing repairs are simple when you understand the process. However, execution is difficult without years of experience under your belt. For this reason, plumbers perform these repairs instead of homeowners. Though homeowners are capable of small fixes around the home, it’s better to let a plumber handle most issues. This ensures they always receive the best repairs possible.

Water Filter Repairs

Homeowners who experience poor water quality often need help with their filtration systems. Plumbers give homeowners advice about which devices to use, but the homeowners installs these on their own. However, if the filters are faulty or break, a plumber helps with repairs. 

To start, they check the water quality to see which minerals are present. Iron is often the issue, which causes water to turn red and taste metallic. Rust also forms, and this causes pipe corrosion. In this circumstance, the plumber repairs pipes and offers advice on how to lower the iron concentration.

They also use neutralizers when the pH of the water becomes too acidic or basic because this corrodes copper pipes.

Pipe Repairs

Pipe leaks have some temporary solutions homeowners use to mend the problem before a plumber arrives. However, when a pipe bursts, you must contact a plumber immediately. Even with leaks, it’s necessary for a plumber to fix the issue. Though repair sleeves are available to homeowners, they are short-term solutions. Common plumbing repairs with permanent results are only available to a plumber.

They use permanent materials to patch leaks and replace sections of burst pipes. The homeowner turns off the water supply before the professionals arrive. When the plumber comes to your home, they implement the best solution. They also give tips on how to best care for your pipes so you experience fewer leaks and bursts.

Garbage Disposal Repairs 

Repairs to the garbage disposal are necessary when the parts break or malfunction. The cause of breaks usually relates to the materials it comes in contact with. If you dispose of inappropriate items down the drain, the garbage disposal is more likely to break.

Homeowners are unable to fix these issues on their own. A plumber fixes these issues after careful inspection of the issue. Sometimes, the system simply needs a reset. In other cases, the whole disposal requires a replacement.

Water Heater Repairs

In Cincinnati, homeowners rely on their water heaters to stay comfortable when showering or bathing during Ohio’s cold winters. Common plumbing repairs often involve the water heater for this reason. Water heaters contain dangerous elements. These elements involve noxious gas, which makes it dangerous for homeowners to fix the issue alone. They are able to relight the pilot light and clean the heater, but not much else.

Plumbers ensure the water heater functions safely. They repair any issues concerning the pilot light, thermostat, and thermocouple. Malfunctions in these areas lead to gas leaks, which endanger the health and safety of the homeowners. If you notice a yellow pilot light, call a plumber immediately because it indicates a leak.

Water Pressure Repairs

Repairs often handle water pressure issues in secondary ways. For example, common plumbing repairs often deal with clogs or leaks. Water pressure lowers in both of these circumstances. To identify why the water pressure becomes low, plumbers use video inspections. This allows them to see everywhere in the plumbing system. This level of knowledge makes the actual repairs simple. When the plumber knows where to look, they are able to quickly fix the issue.

Drain Clearing and Cleaning

Finally, drain cleaning and clearing are both incredibly common plumbing repairs. Clogs happen to every homeowner—more than once. In most cases, the clogs are right on the surface and only require removal via snake or auger. However, stubborn clogs or deep clogs require a plumber.

This is where drain clearing comes in. A plumber uses industrial snakes and augers to remove deep or stubborn clogs. This also includes tree root blockages in the sewer line. They learn this information through video inspection. The plumber removes the blockage, then moves on to drain cleaning.

Drain cleaning, though similar to clearing, involves the use of a hydro jet to clean the sides of the pipe. The hydro-jet also removes clogs caused by grease or other sticky substances. Cleaning ensures the pipes don’t hold clogs in sticky sediment and reduces the growth of mold and mildew.

Common Plumbing Repairs: The Most Beneficial Results

Common plumbing repairs by professionals often provide more benefits than just a fixed plumbing issue. In most cases, the benefits last much longer than the time it takes to perform the repair. Future problems become less likely, and you end up with lower expenses when a plumber does the job. Here are some other benefits to professional repairs.

  • Fewer leaks. Leaks are common, but they are preventable. When a plumber performs leak repairs, they help the homeowners figure out strategies to reduce the chance of future leaks. Common plumbing repairs involving leaks also make the system stronger as a whole, which prevents leaks and bursts. 

  • Clearer pipes. Clean pipes don’t collect debris as much as dirty ones. This helps prevent clogs and low water pressure. When a plumber performs drain cleaning and clearing, the homeowner knows the pipes are clean. Plus, these common plumbing repairs often help the system work better throughout the system because fewer pieces of debris are in the system.

  • Increased lifespan. Lastly, plumbing lasts longer when plumbers perform repairs. A professional trains to repair common issues, so they are able reliably solve problems. With fewer problems overall and better repairs, the plumbing lasts longer.

We Offer Quality Common Plumbing Repairs 

In Cincinnati, Ohio, homeowners want to know their plumbing is in good hands. Common plumbing repairs done by Thomas & Galbraith’s plumbers are fixed reliably and fast. Give us a call today to learn more about our repairs.

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