At some point, you will face some sort of plumbing problem, whether it’s a dripping faucet or a running toilet. But which plumbing issues are most common, and more importantly, how can you resolve them? Here’s a guide to the five most common issues with plumbing in Fairfax. 

1. Low Water Pressure

You may find that out of the blue, your sink or shower water flows with significantly reduced pressure. This may be due to a broken shower head or faucet but may tie into a bigger plumbing issue, such as leaking or corroded pipes, a water main break, or even a blocked sewer line. 

How to Fix Low Water Pressure

Resolving low water pressure depends on the direct cause. The first thing to try is replacing the shower head or faucet. If that doesn’t work, a plumbing professional can inspect your plumbing in Fairfax for leaks or cracks and address the problem to restore normal water pressure. 

2. Clogged Drains

Any physical blockage will prevent water from draining. Often times hair, soap residue, grease, or food build up and clog the drain pipe, leaving water to pool. 

How to Fix a Clogged Drain

You can pour hot water, vinegar, and baking soda down the drain to clear a small clog, but professional drain cleaning is the best fix for deeper or recurring clogs. A plumber can also rule out any sewer line problems.

3. Leaky Faucets

A constant water drip could indicate that the faucet’s washer, also called an O-ring, is worn out and needs replacement.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

If the issue comes down to a worn-out washer, a plumber can replace the part in one visit. If the faucet is still leaking with a new washer, you might have a broken faucet or an issue due to poor installation, so new faucet might be necessary.

4. Malfunctioning Water Heater

Your water heater might not be working properly due to a buildup of sediment in the tank, faulty electrical wiring, improper installation, or improper temperature settings.

How to Fix a Malfunctioning Water Heater

Make sure to schedule routine maintenance for your water heater to keep up overall performance and prevent the tank from leaking gallons of water in your space. Flushing the tank can resolve any mineral buildup, and adjusting the thermostat could quickly fix the issue of no hot water. Let a professional handle any wiring or installation issues.

5. Running Toilets

A running toilet commonly occurs because of issues within the tank. A worn-out flush valve, ill-fitting chains, or a broken refill tube can cause the water to flow continuously in the back of the toilet.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Depending on which mechanical part is causing the toilet to run, a plumber can install a replacement. This can be a simple solution to prevent the toilet from wasting hundreds of gallons of water per day!

Don’t hesitate if you face any of these issues with your plumbing in Fairfax. Contact VA Plumbing Pros, LLC at 571-218-2290 for quick, quality service to fix these issues and more.