If you are being driven crazy with a dripping faucet or a low water pressure, you probably don’t need to reach for your wallet quite yet. Luckily, a little faucet savvy can make your life easier and save you money. Here are some quick fixes to common faucet issues, and when it is best to call in a professional plumber.
Low Water Pressure and Spitting
Everyone has encountered that underwhelming trickling of water where there should be a free flow. If you are currently a victim of this frustration, the blame probably lies in a build-up of debris and mineral deposits in the faucet aerator. Luckily, vinegar is usually good enough to dissolve this unwelcome gunk. Simply remove your sink’s aerator and let it soak in a vinegar-water solution overnight. If your aerator is stuck on your faucet, you can fill a plastic bag with vinegar, fit it over the head, and secure it with a rubber band.
If your faucet aerator is really clogged, it might even spit and spray. To eradicate this problem altogether, try the same overnight vinegar soak, or change out the aerator altogether.
Leaks
A leaky faucet is a huge problem, and many people go straight to having it completely replaced. Whether the faucet is dripping, or leaking out of the handles, it can make a huge mess and put a dent in your water bill. Fortunately, the problem often lies in a worn O-ring or cartridge, which isn’t anything a trip to the hardware store can’t fix. If this doesn’t do the trick, call a Pittsburgh plumbing company as your faucet likely has a bigger, concealed issue.
Screeching
If your faucet is screaming at you, it is probably an old washer. This screeching is a common problem with older faucets, since their faucets are made with rubber that hardens with age. If the faucet itself is in good shape, switch out the washer with a new one from the plumbing aisle.
Squeaky Handles
That nails-on-chalkboard-esque squeak coming from the faucet handles is probably a worn thread. Remove the handles and coat the threads with plumber’s grease. After reassembling the faucet, the squeaking should be gone.
Veggie Sprayer Malfunction
If your kitchen sink sprayer is letting out a dribble instead of a spray, check the sink’s diverter. The diverter is a small valve that you can find by unscrewing the stem of your faucet. Use a screwdriver to pop the diverter out, and give in an overnight bath with boiling water and vinegar.
When to Call a Plumber
These are some plumbing malfunctions that you can usually fix on your own. If they do persist, it is important to call in professional Pittsburgh plumbers. The problem may line in the integrity of your plumbing system.
To keep yourself safe and to make sure that your home’s plumbing system is strong for years to come, there are some issues that you shouldn’t handle by yourself. If you want to install new pipes, or if there is a problem with the water heater system, make sure you seek the help of an experienced professional.
When more serious problems occur, don’t hesitate to utilize the Pittsburgh plumbing services from Mister Sewer. Our team of Pittsburgh plumbers are skilled to handle any plumbing problem in the home, from sewer repair to leaky pipes and faucets. Don’t let your home’s plumbing system become an afterthought, call in the experts at Mister Sewer today!