Solving Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems are extremely frustrating – especially when they start to disrupt your day. You rely on your plumbing system a lot, so any small problem can cause you major hassles. Luckily, some issues are easy to fix on your own! Before calling a professional, see if any of these DIY plumbing repairs solve your problems. If they don’t, give John Nugent & Sons a call to solve your plumbing problems in Northern Virginia. Our experts have the knowledge to make things right quickly so you can get back to your normal routines. In the meantime, try out these tips!

I have a sump pump but my basement flooded! What’s going on?

It’s possible that your sump pump is old and needs to be replaced. But it could also just need some general maintenance. Go find your sump pit and take a look inside at your pump. Do you see a lot of debris around the pump? That could be keeping it from pumping water away. It’s important to check your sump pump every now and then for debris that can cause a clog. Also make sure to look at the end of the discharge pipe to check for debris there. If you don’t see any debris, check to see if your sump pump is working. You can do this by pouring water into the sump pit. Once the float ball in your sump pump reaches a certain level, you should hear your pump turn on. If it doesn’t, you may need to repair or replace your sump pump. Call in a professional for plumbing help to make sure the problem is fixed properly.

My drain is clogged! How can I fix it?

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems in any household. In general, fixing them is pretty simple. Some clogs, such as ones in your bathtub, are caused by a buildup of things like hair, dirt and hard water scale that keep the tub from draining. Removing the stop and looking into the drain with a flashlight might reveal the source of your plumbing problems. If you see the clog, you can probably remove it on your own without too much trouble. It’s not always a pleasant task, but it should fix the problem! If you don’t see the clog, you could try a drain cleaner. Always be sure to read the information on the bottle. Some drain cleaners could be too caustic for homes that use sewage tanks, and you don’t want to do any damage! If neither of these tips work, give us a call for professional plumbing help.

Once you get the clog fixed, prevent future clogs by watching what you put down the drain. Never put grease or any thick, oily substances down the drain. It’s also helpful to use a trap in your kitchen sink and in your bathtub to keep larger items from going into the drain and clogging it.

My pipes are dripping, but I don’t see any holes. What’s happening?

This is one of the plumbing problems that might cause you concern, but it’s actually a simple fix! Your pipes are “sweating,” just like a cold glass of water does on a hot day. You can stop the dripping by insulating your pipes. You can find insulation at your local home improvement store. Doing this also helps to protect you from another issue: frozen pipes. As you know, frozen pipes are a big problem, but insulating them helps to keep the heat in.

Call Us When You Have Plumbing Problems in Northern Virginia

If you try these tips and are still experiencing these or related plumbing problems in Northern Virginia, give us a call. From McLean to Arlington to Vienna and beyond, we are here to make sure all of your plumbing systems are working properly. Contact our Arlington, VA plumbers to schedule an appointment and get the plumbing repairs you need!