Having an issue with home plumbing can be a hassle to deal with. Luckily, many of your plumbing questions can be answered with simple fixes. Resolving these issues can save you time and money quicker than you think.

Whether you’re browsing the internet to solve a problem or if you’re a new-homeowner looking to educate yourself about preventative maintenance, you’re in the right place. This post will discuss all of the basic plumbing questions that might be floating around in your head!

1. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be the result of debris caught in your plumbing or you could be at the mercy of one of the strangest toilet clogs. Look under your sink to see if you have a P Trap valve. Place a bucket underneath your sink and unscrew the pipe. See if this was the location of the clog. Other ways that you can unclog a drain include using liquid drain cleaner, a plumbing snake, or a sink auger. You can Read The Clogged Sink Conundrum for more information on how to unclog a drain.

2. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is often related to other basic plumbing problems including clogged drains or leaky faucets. A quick fix can be to check the aerator on your faucets. Replace them if they show signs of calcium build-up that could be obstructing the proper flow of water. Sometimes there could also be a larger problem with the water pipes that are maintained by your local water municipality. You might want to try giving them a call to see if this may be the problem before you foot the bill by hiring a plumber.

Interesting in finding ways to lower your monthly utility bill? Check out these Smart Bathroom Design Ideas that will blow your mind!

3. How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

In order to maximize the life span of your water heater, you should always follow proper maintenance scheduling and fix any problems immediately. Drain your water heater at least once a year for best results. A water heater could last you anywhere between 5-13 years depending on usage and maintenance.

4. What Temperature Should I set My Water Heater At?

The temperature of your water heater should be adjusted to accommodate the size of your family. If you notice that you run out of hot water in the mornings, you can raise the temperature on your water heater slightly. It’s recommended that you keep the temperature of your water heater at 49 degrees Celsius which is typically the manufacturers default setting. Remember, overloading your water heater can lead to abnormal wear and could pose a potential danger.

5. Water Bills Jumped Suddenly

If you notice your water bill sky-rocket from one month to the next, the first place that you will want to check is the bathroom. The bathroom consumes the majority of your monthly water expenses. An abnormally high water bill could be due to a leaky toilet. The next section paragraph will explain “Ghost Flushing.”

6. Toilet Keeps Flushing By Itself – Leaky Toilets

A leaky toilet can drain your water while you sleep. Leaking toilets can be caused by a worn out flapper. You can find a step-by-step guide to fixing a leaky toilet by reading our Toilet Repair Trouble Shooting Guide. Here you will also find fixes to other common toilet repair problems.

7. Dripping Faucet

Leaky faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems. Similar to troubleshooting methods in number 2, you will want to check your aerator. This is the little thing at the end of your faucet that looks like a mesh wire filter. The aerator helps conserve water and provides improved water pressure. Other reasons your faucet could be dripping could be worn out rubber seals, washers, or O-rings.

8. Smelly Odor Coming From Shower

P Traps are installed under all drains to prevent foul odors from seeping up through your drain pipes. P Traps are shaped in a way that allows a small amount of water to remain in an elbow of the drain, preventing air from rising up through plumbing pipes and back into your home. Unused showers can sometimes emit an odor. To solve this, pour a bucket of water into the drain to refill your P Trap. This will solve the smelly odors coming from unused showers.

9. Toilet Bubbles When Bathtub is Drained

On rare occasions, your toilet will begin to bubble when you drain the bathtub. This happens when your septic tank is full or when roots have punctured plumbing pipes underground. This is one of the jobs that are best left to the professionals. Consult a plumber to solve this problem. Before you pull out your phone book, make sure that you read this guide to learn how to choose the right plumber for the job.

If you’re curious about what to do about pipes freezing in the winter, we have an entire blog post dedicated to your winter plumbing questions. It’s our go to guide for ensuring pipes don’t freeze during winter.