Quick Fixes for Barely Working Plumbing

Having functional plumbing is essential for daily life, yet minor issues can often disrupt routines and cause frustration. Whether facing a sluggish shower drain or a perpetually refilling toilet tank, you can often rectify these annoyances with straightforward fixes before needing a plumber.

Abbotsbury Plumbing provides simple troubleshooting tips for common problems like running toilets, often found in Sydney homes. We provide guidance on resolving issues like diminished hot water flow, continuous toilet flushing, obstructed tub and shower drains, and underperforming water heaters, among others.

Addressing minor plumbing issues with a DIY approach can save both time and improve water efficiency for homeowners. It’s key to recognise when a professional is needed for intricate plumbing problems. Addressing issues promptly can prevent more serious damage later.

How do you tackle those pesky plumbing problems that no longer require immediate professional intervention? Continue reading for valuable advice. We’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process for issues such as a persistently flushing toilet, and help determine when to seek professional help.

Quick Fixes for Slow Hot Water Flow

Low water pressure in your shower or a slow-filling toilet can be frustrating. Sign up for our newsletter for more DIY plumbing solutions. Homeowners with either traditional or tankless water heaters can often improve efficiency with some quick DIY fixes before contacting professionals.

Check for Leaks

Leaking pipes often lead to reduced water pressure and efficiency by allowing water to escape from the system. Inspect taps, shower heads, pipe connections, and valves around your home; these are easy spots to find drips or dampness that could indicate a leak. Replacing worn washers, tightening fittings, or sealing leaks can restore optimal water flow in your plumbing.

Insulate Pipes

Insulating hot water pipes helps maintain water temperature and improves efficiency as it travels to taps and showers. Pipe insulation diminishes heat loss, helping water heat rapidly and maintain a steady temperature into your household.

Adjust Water Heater Settings

Verify the inlet valve and temperature setting on your hot water tank to ensure it hasn’t been lowered. Heating water below 50°C may lead to a significant drop in the hot water flow rate. Just increase the thermostat to 55-60°C and utilise the shut-off valve to secure the safety and efficiency of your water supply.

Inspect for Cross-Connections

Correcting any faulty plumbing that leads to hot and cold water mixing can resolve issues with decreased hot water flow. You can spot potential cross-connections under sinks between hot and cold pipes via tap spindles or bad washers.

Applying the tips above might address some of the reasons why you’re experiencing plumbing issues, steering clear of further complications, but check out what you might face if persistent or severe problems are neglected, which can lead to a call for professional attention. Contact our team if there’s no improvement in hot water flow after following these troubleshooting steps.

Understanding Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is an efficient way to repair broken pipes with minimal excavation on your property. An epoxy resin coating is introduced into pipes to create a smooth, seamless, and durable lining that extends beyond temporary repairs.

Pipe relining offers numerous advantages for enhancing your water supply, including significant cost savings:

• Savings between 50% and 80% over complete pipe replacement
• Much less invasive than traditional pipe replacement methods
• Little to no demolition or destruction to walls, floors or landscaping
• Typically completed within hours, causing minimal interruption to the household
• No need to alter connections to utilities like sewer, gas or water mains
• Lined pipes have an extended lifespan, often exceeding 50 years

Pipe relining is proven to effectively address common issues such as root intrusion, collapsed drains, leaking joints, and corrosion. It allows pipes to be restored without destroying household finishes or outdoor paving.

Contact Abbotsbury Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for professional pipe relining in the Abbotsbury area. Exploiting cutting-edge CIPP lining technology, we get pipes from 100mm to 300mm in diameter relined speedily, guaranteeing long-term outcomes.

Troubleshooting Toilet Tank Issues

Inspect the Flush Valve

Flush valves can distort or lose their seal over time, leading to a running toilet as water trickles into the bowl.

Adjust the Fill Valve

The fill valve regulates water flow into the toilet bowl, ensuring a consistent water level for refilling. If set too high, the fill valve will keep filling up the tank, spilling water into the overflow pipe and causing the toilet to run constantly.

To correct low water levels, adjust the toilet float slightly downward to halt water flow into the tank once only a small amount is required.

Clear Obstructions Under Flapper

Regular checks for sediment and hard water deposits under the flapper can prevent improper sealing and phantom flushing. Use a brush to gently scrub the valve seat at the tank’s base to remove any obstructions. Doing this monthly helps avoid issues.

For consistent issues that prevent a proper flush toilet operation, despite employing the above techniques, our skilled team of licensed plumbers is at the ready for assistance.

Unclogging Slow Shower and Tub Drains

A sluggish drain in your shower or bath is usually clogged with hair, soap residue, and debris. These practical tips for quick fixes – from unclogging your sink to ensuring your washing machine drains effectively – can delay the need for a professional:

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake, or plumber’s snake, works well for dislodging blockages. Insert the hooked end into the drain and crank the handle to twist the cable deeper in to break up clogs.

Try a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Seeking insights on how to fix slow-moving drains? Liquid drain cleaners can be effective by dissolving soap scum, hair, and other gunk. Use as directed - excess can corrode pipes. Avoid using in tandem with drain snakes.

Flush with Boiling Water

Pouring a pot or two of boiling water into the shower drain can assist in breaking down water-based grease clogs. Then flush with cold water to solidify the grease and clear out the debris.

Remove the Drain Cover

Hair and soap scum often accumulate right near the drain behind the cover. Regularly unscrew the cover to clean trapped debris by hand or with needle-nose pliers.

Using drain guards, cleaning drains regularly, limiting hair and soap down drains can help prevent clogged drains. Call plumber professionals from our team if you have persistent or severe clogged drains.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Problems

Inspecting the Water Heater

If you’re experiencing a lack of hot water or it runs out too quickly, inspect your water heater for visible problems. Inspect the thermostat, thermocouple, burner, and heat traps for damage or obstructions that may prevent the heater from firing up properly.

Enhance your plumbing skills by learning to fix the pilot light if your water heater is malfunctioning. Ensure all valves are open to allow proper water flow.

Clearing Out Sediment Build-Up

Over time sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank, reducing heating efficiency. To clear out deposits from your water heaters on your own:

• Turn off your power to an electric hot water heater or the gas line and pilot light for your gas hot water heater
• Hook up a hose to the tank drain valve and route it to a bucket
• Open the pressure relief valve near the top of the tank
• Open the drain valve and flush out your water with a steady stream for a few minutes, ejecting sediment in the process

When to Call a Professional

If these steps fail to fix your water heater and restore hot water functionality, contact Abbotsbury’s licensed plumbing experts. Continuing to use a malfunctioning water heater risks serious issues like gas leaks, flooding or getting scalded by superheated water if a thermostat sticks.