Scarborough Handyman Services: 5 Common Problems With Bathroom Plumbing

The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your house, and it gets a lot of use. Eventually, you’ll see recurring issues and require professional assistance. How do you know when it’s time for bathroom renovations in Scarborough? Keep an eye out for these five plumbing problems.

1. Drain Is Clogged

With daily showers, the drain is bound to clog now and then. However, if you’re cleaning out the drain every day, there’s probably a bigger issue. For example, hard water can cause mineral buildup. These deposits narrow the pipe’s interior width, causing a slower flow. You can fight mineral buildup with special cleaners, but that’s only a temporary fix. The best solution is to install a water softener to remove the minerals causing the issue.

Tree roots are another major problem that can cause drain clogs. If your underground pipes get damaged, tree roots can grow into them, stimying the flow of water. Should this occur, you’ll need professional help to remove the roots and replace the plumbing.

2. Water Pressure Is Low

Unfortunately, there are many potential causes of low water pressure, so it’s crucial to consult a plumber. For example, if a single faucet has an issue, but the rest of your home is fine, the faucet itself may be the problem. 

However, if water pressure is low throughout your residence, it’s likely a major plumbing problem. Leaky pipes are a common cause and require professional replacement. There’s also the possibility of shared piping, which splits water usage between two or more houses. In this case, low water pressure occurs when multiple residences use water simultaneously. Fortunately, it’s possible to install new pipes in your home by hiring plumbing services in Scarborough.

3. Tub Draining Slowly

Do you find yourself standing in an inch of water when taking a shower? If so, you likely have a tub drainage issue. Clogs are often the culprit, so avoid sending the following down the drain:

• Sand
• Kitty litter
• Hair

Of course, the problem could be something less obvious: blocked vent pipes. This plumbing regulates air pressure, a critical part of sewage lines that ensures waste goes away from your home, not back up. Since vent pipes have an opening to the air, they can get blocked by leaves, sticks and other natural debris.

4. Faucet Dripping

A dripping faucet may not seem like a serious issue, but that wasted water can drive up your utility bill over time. It’s also wasteful, especially if there’s a drought advisory in your area.

Leaky faucets are usually caused by a fixture problem, though you may need a professional Scarborough handyman to identify the exact issue. For example, sediment buildup can corrode the valve seat, creating a leak between the spout and faucet. A broken or worn washer, which sits between the valve seat and faucet, can also cause a drip. Damaged o-rings also lead to leaks, though these manifest as water seeping from underneath the fixture.

5. Toilet Constantly Running

A toilet that continues to run after you flush is a major concern, as it consumes a lot of water. One of the most common causes is the valve chain, which connects the flapper to the tank lever. Poor quality chains can get caught, leaving the flapper open, or they may be too short to allow the flapper to close. A worn flapper can also pose an issue since it won’t create a watertight seal.

Plumbing issues are rarely a simple fix, so you should always call experts when you have a concern. The team at Handyman Connection is happy to help homeowners with leaks, drip and clogs, and we even offer bathroom renovation services. If you’d like to request a quote, visit us online or contact us by phone.