Tag Archives: common plumbing issues in chicago

Oct '24

Chicago’s Plumbing Nightmares: How to Avoid Them

Plumbing issues in your home are a big deal because they affect your family’s comfort and safety. However, Ocean Realty Management says, not all plumbing issues in your home are equal in their effect. Some plumbing problems are mild, while others can be absolute nightmares.

This second type of plumbing issue is called plumbing emergencies; they can make your home uninhabitable. How do you deal with plumbing emergencies in your home? That depends on the kind of plumbing emergency.

But generally, when dealing with a plumbing emergency, you need three things, a level head, proper information, and quick action. This post will discuss the worst plumbing problems in your home and how to avoid them.

5 plumbing nightmares in the home and how to avoid them

Clogged toilet

A toilet that won’t flush can be your worst plumbing nightmare, especially if it is the only toilet in your home. If a toilet is not flushing, trying to force it can result in the toilet overflowing and causing an even bigger problem. How can you avoid this issue?

Only flush toilet paper and human waste; nothing else should go into your toilet, including all so-called flushable products.
Use single-ply toilet paper if you use a lot of toilet paper or the toilet has a history of clogging.
To prevent mineral buildup and debris accumulation, clean the toilet thoroughly at least once a month.
Inspect your sewer line for tree root intrusion if you have mature trees in your yard.

A broken Water Line

If the problem is undetected, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily and damage your landscaping or subject your building to the risk of structural damage. How do you avoid this plumbing nightmare?

Keep an eye on your water bill; look for spikes in water usage that are not due to known changes in your home.
Monitor the water pressure; low water pressure is a reliable sign that your water line is leaking.
Avoid planting trees or shrubs with invasive root systems near the location of your water line.
Have your water lines inspected yearly by a professional plumber. It lets you detect problems before they become emergencies.

Frozen and burst pipes

The pressure of frozen water inside a pipe can rupture it. When that pipe eventually thaws, the burst section will discharge water into your home. A frozen pipe may prevent water from reaching your entire home or specific plumbing fixtures. How do you avoid this problem?

Keep the home warm at all times by having your thermostat above 55°F (13°C) always.
Keep cabinet and room doors slightly open to let warm air circulate to unheated spaces in the house.
Keep garage doors closed at all times so that your water pipes are not exposed to cold air.
Insulate all exposed pipes in the home, as well as the attic, basement, and crawlspace.
Keep faucets slightly open to ensure a constant flow of water through the pipes.
Have a plumber inspect your plumbing for leaks and weak spots before winter.

Clogged sink, shower, or tub

A clogged sink, bath, or shower drain is not only annoying, it can upset your daily routine. If the sink, shower, or tub doesn’t drain at all, you will be unable to use it. If it drains slowly, you will waste time waiting for it to empty. Here is how to avoid this plumbing nightmare.

Install drain strainers to keep hair, food scraps, and other debris out of the drains.
If the water in your area is hard, consider installing a water softener in your home.
Do not dump grease, oil, fats, and food waste into the kitchen drain.
Do not use your garbage disposal unit as a trash can.
Every month, use vinegar and baking soda or hot water to unclog your drains.

No hot water

This can be a life-threatening problem if it happens in winter or if there are elderly people or infants in your home. Without hot water, you will struggle with dishes and laundry. There are many reasons why a water heater stops producing hot water. You can prevent them by doing the following:

Ensure the proper thermostat settings. The thermostat setting may have been lowered accidentally.
Every month, check the water heater for leaky or loose pipe connections.
Drain the water heater every 6-12 months to get rid of sediments and prevent corrosion.
Make sure your water heater is the right size for the hot water needs of your household.
Have a professional plumber do comprehensive maintenance for the water heater yearly.

The above steps can help prevent plumbing nightmares in your home, but what about when you already have a plumbing emergency? The best way to deal with plumbing emergencies is to call your plumber. Having a quick emergency plumbing service on hand is necessary for dealing with plumbing nightmares in your home.

Mar '22

5 Most Common Plumbing Problems in Chicago

Every home needs water. We need water for cooking, cleaning, and personal sanitation. It would be impossible to live in a modern home without water running inside its structures. But to have access to that water, you need a system to deliver clean water to the house and take away the dirty water. That is what the plumbing system in your home does.

A home’s plumbing system consists of hundreds of feet of pipes with valves, connections, and other components. It is one of the most complicated and most used systems in the home. As a result, problems with the plumbing system are among the most common issues homeowners in Chicago encounter.

Plumbing problems are one of Chicago homeowners’ biggest issues because:

They are hard to detect: The typical way homeowners discover an issue with their plumbing is when the water supply stops or water goes where it is not supposed to. But before the problem goes that far, it will show subtle signs that go undetected.
They cost a lot of money to fix: Plumbing issues often cost a lot of money to repair. That is not because of the cost of fixing the damaged components. Instead, it is due to the cost of repairing the damage the issue has done to the surrounding areas.

That is why plumbing problems are best discovered early and solved on time. Finding a problem before it causes damage to the structures of your home can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars, says Income Realty Corporation. To do this, you need to know the common plumbing problems you are likely to face in your Chicago home and what you can do to solve them.

Five most common plumbing problems in Chicago homes

These five problems top the list of plumbing issues occurring in Chicago homes.

Drain clogs

A drain clog is a common occurrence in the home, and it can happen in different parts of the plumbing system. Drains get clogged when an item or material obstructs drain pipes. That occurs in the kitchen sink or bathroom drain. Drain clogs can be minor issues requiring a few minutes to solve, or they can be leading problems that require special equipment and lots of time. You can clear most clogs by using a plunger, drain snake, or running the disposal unit. If these DIY solutions don’t work, it will be necessary to contact your local Chicago plumber.

Frozen pipes

Water has the odd behavior of expanding when it freezes. That can be a problem for your plumbing system. Frozen water inside pipes will not only cut off your water supply, but it can also cause the pipes to rupture. It takes only a few hours of below-freezing temperatures for pipes to freeze. The best way to keep pipes from freezing is to install PEX pipes in the home or take precautionary steps to keep water flowing through the pipes. If you find that the pipes in your home are frozen, the best solution is to call a plumber who specializes in repairing burst pipes.

Water leaks

Leaks are another major issue. This problem results from the highly mobile nature of water and its corrosive powers. Over time water will erode any material it is flowing. Water also carries particles and chemical substances that get deposited inside pipes. These two effects can result in pipes bursting or wearing out, causing leaks. Water leaks also happen when water pressure is too high or frozen pipes thaw out. Leaks are a crucial problem because they often occur inside the walls and damage your property. The best way to prevent leaks is to inspect the plumbing system regularly and install a leak-detection system.

Water heater issues

Water heater malfunctions are among the most annoying plumbing problems; think what it feels like to get cold water dumped on you when trying to take a warm shower in the morning. Water heater issues will also deny you access to warm water for washing dishes and clothes. Several issues can cause water heater malfunctions, leaks, water hardness issues, and faulty components. The best way to prevent issues with the water heater is to be aware of its life expectancy and know the telltale signs of problems with the equipment. Water heater issues should never be DIYed; always call your plumber if you are in need of a water heater replacement.

Sewer line problems

Sewer lines carry wastewater out of your home into the municipal sewers. Problems with the sewer line are not only frustrating and disgusting, but they are also potential health hazards. They will expose you to unsanitary materials that can harm your health. The most common sewer line problems you are likely to face are clogs and leaks. These are due to several issues: flushing prohibited items down the drains, old and worn pipes, or damage from tree roots. If you think you need a sewer line repair service, contact a professional plumber at once.