Almost every household face five common plumbing issues at your San Francisco home. These common problems include clogged drains, frozen pipes, water heater leaks, clogged toilets and leaky pipes. Some issues require the help of a licensed plumber while others you can tackle on your own.
Professional plumbers recommend the following techniques for common plumbing issues. It is important that you know how to turn off the water at both the source and the main line.
How to Unclog Drains
Foreign objects, food, grease and hair typically cause clogged drains. There are natural methods you can use to unclog drains such as baking soda, vinegar and boiling water.
Combine one-half cup of baking soda or vinegar and pour down the drain. Let it sit for approximately three hours. Follow up with boiling water.
Repeat as needed to clear your drain. Make sure there are no items in the drain before you use the products. Maintain your drains by using this method once a month to keep them clear.
Frozen Pipes
The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure that the outdoor pipes are wrapped well for winter. When the temperature outside falls below freezing, let the faucets drip to keep the water running.
Unscrew outdoor water hoses to prevent bursting pipes. Open the cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen to keep the pipes warm. Make sure your thermostat is working properly and keeps your San Francisco home evenly warm.
Water Heater Leaks
Water heater leaks are most often caused by corrosion and rust. Sediment forms at the bottom of the tank and causes the problem. The best way to prevent this issue is to drain your water heater once each year.
Purchase a water heater that is made out of high-quality materials to prevent this problem in the future.
Clogged Toilets
Toilets are often clogged because of items flushed that do not belong there. Never put wipes, paper towels or any other item except toilet paper down the drain. This common issue requires a plunger to dislodge the object.
Leaky Pipes and Fixtures
Pipes leak when the connections are old, rusty and corroded. Inspect plumbing connections twice each year to avoid leaky pipes. You can save thousands of gallons of water by promptly repairing plumbing leaks.
Turn off the water, and unscrew the fixture to find the problem. A simple solution is to replace the washer and add plumbers tape to the threaded areas.
Need assistance with your clogged San Francisco, CA sink? Give Magic Plumbing a call today at (415) 441-2255 and we would love to help.