Indoor plumbing is what separates us from the animals, but when there’s an issue with our plumbing, it can bring your home to a complete standstill. Plumbing problems in Portland can be a major headache for residents and business owners alike. From clogged toilets to leaking faucets, plumbing issues can cause significant disruption and expense.
The Top 7 Plumbing Problems in Portland and How to Avoid Them
To help you avoid the costly repair bills that come with these problems, we’ve compiled a list of the top five plumbing problems in Portland and how to avoid them.
- Clogged Drains
- Leaking Faucets
- Leaky Pipes
- Burst Pipes
- Sewer Line Blockages
- Low Water Pressure
- (Bonus) No Hot Water
Clogged Drains: A Hairy Plumbing Problem
One of the most common plumbing problems in Portland is clogged drains. Over time, hair, soap residue, food particles, and other debris can accumulate either in your sink or your shower drain, leading to blockages that require professional attention. To avoid this issue, it’s important to regularly inspect your drains so you can catch any debris before it builds up and becomes an issue.
Additionally, consider investing in a stopper or strainer for your sink or shower drain to prevent hair and other debris from getting caught in the pipes. This will help prevent slow or clogged drains and keep unwanted debris out of the system.
Leaking Faucets
A sure sign of a plumbing problem is when faucets start to leak excessively. This could be because of worn-out washers or corroded stems inside the faucet body, both of which require an experienced plumber to repair them effectively.
Check all areas around sinks and showers for signs of moisture regularly. If any signs are present it may indicate there’s a looming leak. While this isn’t a plumbing emergency, you should address leaky faucets as soon as possible. Otherwise, dry rot, mold, and mildew will take hold, costing you much more money than just replacing the dripping faucet.
Leaky Pipes
Small leaks in your pipes can quickly become a major issue. Leaky pipes can cause serious damage to your home, not only resulting in a costly repair bill but also damaging the structure of your home. Leaks usually occur when pipes become corroded due to age or improper installation, or when there is an excessive amount of water pressure that damages the pipes beyond their capacity.
Leaks can be identified by discolored patches on walls and ceilings that indicate water has soaked into drywall, or by water spots on carpets and other surfaces. One of the telltale signs of a leak is the sound of running water even when no faucet is turned on. If you suspect that you have a leaky pipe, you should call in a professional plumber right away to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Burst Pipes: A Costly Plumbing Problem
One of the most common causes of burst pipes is freezing temperatures. This can cause the water inside of the pipes to expand and eventually break the pipes. Another potential cause is corrosion due to old age or minerals that collect in the walls of the pipe over time. Sudden surges in water pressure can also be responsible for bursting pipes if they exceed the limits of what your plumbing system is able to handle, although this is rare.
It can be hard to tell if you have a burst pipe if they are in the crawlspace or even underground. But if you notice ongoing low water pressure or unusually high water bills, make sure to have your water lines inspected. You could be losing gallons of water every day. During cold weather, homeowners should keep their thermostats set above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (when away for long periods of time) and insulate any exposed piping to prevent freezing.
Sewer Line Blockages
Residential sewer line blockages are a common plumbing problem that can be caused by a number of factors. Tree roots are one of the most common causes, as they can penetrate and obstruct sewer lines over time. Grease buildup and foreign objects such as wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, or even toys can also be culprits.
Additionally, broken or collapsed pipes, sagging pipes, and poor soil conditions can cause sewer line blockages. To fix a blocked residential sewer line, it is important to determine the exact cause so that an appropriate solution can be found. If tree roots are the cause of the blockage, root removal may be necessary. For grease buildup or items like toys or wipes stuck in the pipes, hydro-jetting may be used to flush out these blockages with pressurized water.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in the home is a common plumbing problem that can be caused by a variety of issues. Restricted water flow can make it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks, such as taking a shower or washing dishes. One potential cause of low water pressure in the home is an issue with your pipes.
If they have become corroded or blocked due to build-up from calcium, lime, sediment, or rust, it can reduce their capacity and decrease your water pressure. To resolve this issue, you will need to hire a professional plumber who can diagnose and repair any damage to the pipes.
Low water pressure could also be caused by insufficient mainline water volume provided by your utility provider (in cases where an increase in demand causes insufficient supply). You should check with your local utility provider if this appears to be the problem before attempting any other fixes yourself.
A Cold Plumbing Problem: No Hot Water
Nothing brings the home to a screeching halt faster than no hot water. Hot water is essential for everyday activities such as bathing and washing dishes, as well as other cleaning tasks. Without it, the quality of life in your home can quickly decrease. In most cases, the hot water heater problems are to blame.
If your hot water heater is older than 8 years, then it may be time to consider replacing it altogether. Call a plumber to professionally inspect your hot water system to determine if it needs repairs or replacement. It is important that you do not attempt any complicated plumbing repairs yourself as these could cause more serious damage if done incorrectly.
