Proper plumbing is one of those basic comforts that most of us depend on and take for granted without giving too much thought. That is, until things don’t work properly – and then it’s hard to think about anything else! Chances are, you’ve encountered one or more of these pesky plumbing issues at some point.

Blocked drains. The cause of your blocked drain depends a bit on where it is. If the block is in the bathtub, it’s most likely the result of a build-up of hair. If it’s your kitchen sink, then it might be grease or fat from your dishes. And if it’s the toilet, it could be an overabundance of toilet paper (or objects dropped into the toilet by kids or pets). The build-up of all of these things leads to clogged pipes, which in turn leads to non-draining drains.

You can help prevent blocked drains by using a drain cover that traps hair in the tub, by not pouring kitchen grease down your sink drain, and by teaching your kids not to flush foreign objects down the toilet.

Leaky faucets. Not only are they annoying, but leaky faucets can waste you hundreds of gallons of water a year (not to mention quite a few dollars on your water bill!). They’re typically caused by one or more of the parts within the faucet (the washer, o-ring or another seal) cracking, breaking or simply wearing out. There’s not too much you can do to prevent this; wear and tear is inevitable, especially on faucets that are used a dozen times or more every day.

Running toilets. Who hasn’t been driven crazy at some point by the sound of a constantly running toilet? The source of your problems in this case is most likely within the tank – a faulty flush valve, or a malfunctioning flapper valve. Again, constant use over the years can cause these parts to wear out and need replacement.

Water temperature/pressure issues. Problems with your water temperature or pressure can be an indication of a host of issues. Perhaps your pipes are rusty, or you might have a blocked aerator, due to a build-up of calcium or lime scale deposits. Or it could be that the valves in your boiler are worn out and need to be repaired or replaced.

Even if you think you know the root of your plumbing problem, it’s never a bad idea to ask an expert’s opinion. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you diagnose and repair the issue, and get your bathroom or kitchen back up and running in no time.

The professionals here at SSI HVAC are standing by, ready to assist you with your plumbing woes. Contact us today!