Common Plumbing FAQs: Answers You Must Know

As a homeowner, you will experience a plumbing problem at some point. Whether a clogged sink or a leaky faucet, plumbing issues are always a pain.

To help you better prepare for these problems, we have compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about plumbing. Read on to learn more!

1. What should I do if my toilet runs due to high water pressure?

If you’ve recently replaced a new fill valve and are confident that all other aspects of your toilet are functioning correctly, high water pressure could be the source of the leak. A pressure-reducing valve must get installed if the water pressure is high and it lets water leak past the fill valve.

If the pressure in your home exceeds 60 pounds — the code for the majority of the United States is 80 — you should consider getting a water pressure regulator.

2. What to do if I have a clogged sink? 

The first thing you should do is identify the location of the clog. You can use a plunger to dislodge the clog if it is in the P-trap. If that doesn’t help, you may need to remove the P-trap and clear the blockage with a wire hanger or plumber’s snake. 

If the clog is further down the drainpipe, you need to use a chemical drain cleaner or call a professional plumber in Melbourne. Never use chemical drain cleaners on a clog that is located in the P-trap because there is a risk of splashback.

3. Why does my toilet run for a few seconds at random?

When the water level in the tank drops low enough, the filling cycle kicks in. Water could be leaking from the tank for various reasons.

A cracked float is a common cause. The amount of water that fills the toilet can get controlled by the float, plastic or metal ball sitting above water in the tank. If there is a crack in the float:

■ Water will begin to seep inside.

■ The ball can no longer float above the water.

■ Your toilet may overflow.

■ Water can leak into the overflow tube, causing an endless filling cycle.

■ Attempting to drain it will raise your water bill.

If the float isn’t the issue, look at the chain connected to the handle. It can become trapped beneath the flap when it becomes too long, allowing water to pass through. However, the flap will not seal if the chain is too short. If replacing or shortening the chain does not resolve the problem, your flapper valve may leak. The flapper valve is located at the bottom of the toilet tank. 

4. Can a clogged shower drain possibly cause a leak?

You may wonder when you should call a trusted plumber in Melbourne to unclog a drain. Clogged drains, in general, do not cause leaks. However, secondary causes of water backup are possible.

When water backs up into your shower drain and begins to rise, it can get high enough to seep back into the wall if you have voids in the grout or caulking.

The water backup could also put additional strain on the joints. While joints are likely to hold up, they are rarely put under pressure. Consider contacting our professionals because we can fix every plumbing issue with the right tools, whether it is a gas installation in Melbourne or a clogged shower.

5. My automatic pump continuously starts and stops. How do I make it run for longer?

The on/off pumping range and basin diameter contribute to this “short cycling.” It has the potential to shorten the service life of the switch assembly. Because the basin is in the ground, it is unlikely to be expanded.

Furthermore, you cannot adjust the on/off pumping range if your automatic unit has a self-contained float switch.

However, if you have a non-automatic switch-controlled device, you can change the pumping range in various ways.

When this occurs, the professionals will convert an automatic unit to run with an external pump switch, allowing it to expand its pumping range and reduce short cycling. In many cases, you can also reduce short cycling by installing a valve check.

6. What exactly is the plumbing code?

Plumbing code requires using the most modern and best techniques in plumbing installations. Because plumbing in a public or private building contributes to the community’s sewage and water disposal systems, such installations must get processed correctly. Adherence to sound code provisions ensures public safety and health.

A sanitation and plumbing code is not a “plumber’s code” but rather a set of regulations and rules imposed by states, cities, and counties on anyone performing any work involving the installation of sewer, drinking water, or toilet facilities in factories, homes, hospitals, or schools. Sanitation and plumbing codes require that the work be done in a specific, safe manner to avoid widespread disease.

7. Why do we run out of hot water?

There are a few reasons you don’t have enough hot water, depending on the age and type of your water heater:

Electric water heaters typically have two heating elements at the top and the bottom. Either of these components can fail. When the bottom element fails, only the top portion of the water heater is heated. There will be no hot water if the head element fails.

A reset button may have been tripped, causing the water heater to stop working. If the reset button has tripped, it means that something is wrong.

8. My toilet won’t flush! What should I do? 

If your toilet doesn’t flush, there are several things you can try before calling a professional plumber. First, check if anything is blocking the toilet’s flapper valve or float arm.

These are familiar places for objects like toys or pieces of toilet paper to get stuck and prevent the toilet from flushing correctly. 

If there doesn’t seem to be anything blocking the flapper valve or float arm, you may need to replace your toilet’s flapper valve. Over time, flapper valves will degrade and become less effective at sealing off the opening to the tank.

It will cause water to slowly seep through, resulting in low water levels in the tank and an inability to flush correctly. Replacing the flapper valve is usually a quick and easy fix that you can do yourself—remove the old one and put in a new one of the same size and style. 

Connect with NLK Plumbing

We hope this blog answers some of your most pressing questions about plumbing!

Remember, if you have doubts about whether or not you can fix something yourself, it is always best to stay on the side of caution and call our professional plumber from NLK Plumbing, who excels at every plumbing service, like roof plumbing in Melbourne.

Contact us and let us help you clear all your queries right away!

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