Whether you’ve experienced just one major plumbing issue or several smaller ones, chances are high that you asked the same questions and had the same thoughts as other homeowners. After all, regardless of the size of the house and the age of the plumbing system, the fact remains that every household faces at least one plumbing problem each year.
The good news is that even though some problems present themselves differently, once you know what to look for, pinpointing the issue won’t be too difficult. With enough time, you’ll start noticing the signs of a possibly recurring issue. To help you get started, here are some of the top questions homeowners ask plumbers, and the answers to said questions.
Why Are My Pipes Knocking?
There are several reasons you’ll hear your pipes make a knocking sound, and the first thing to remember is that whether the pipe carries cold water or hot water can make a difference. If it’s a hot water pipe, the noise is caused by the pipe expanding because of the heat. However, both hot and cold water pipes may make a knocking sound because of loose fastenings. If your water pressure is too high, you could also hear knocking.
If you hear the knocking or banging sound coming from the toilet, then it’s likely the fill valve that’s to blame. The fill valve is what determines how much water to let into the toilet’s tank, and newer models tend to suddenly close, causing what plumbers would call a “water hammer” and leading to that knocking sound. Dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances with a valve that closes quickly could make that sound, too.
What Do I Do If My Water Heater Is Leaking?
If you think your water heater may be leaking, the first thing to do is to turn off the supply of water and gas to the unit. This will help prevent water damage until a professional can come out to your home and make the necessary repairs.
It’s possible that the inside of the water heater is under excess pressure, causing the leak, so you can try to carefully open the tap just enough to let off some of the pressure until it falls to a more manageable level that’s also able to keep the water inside the heating unit. That said, make sure you don’t try to repair or replace the heater by yourself. Some simple plumbing repairs can be done without the help of a professional, but fixing a water heater isn’t one of them. If you need to replace your heater or you notice any problem on your pipes, contact the best gas plumber in Sydney for immediate action.
Why Does My House Smell Like A Sewer?
If you’re smelling sewer gas in your home, there are several reasons. The most common, though, include improperly installed plumbing systems, dried traps, broken vent lines, or a wax seal gone bad.
Whatever the cause for the sewer gas smell, you’ll want to make sure that you call a licensed plumber to help pinpoint the reason and then handle the necessary repairs.
These are just three of several plumbing questions people ask most often, so don’t worry if you come across something not covered here. You can always ask a plumber any others you may have, since they’ll be able to give you a satisfactory answer.