Common home plumbing fixtures include faucets, toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Proper maintenance of these fixtures is crucial to prevent leaks, clogs, and water pressure problems, ensuring the smooth operation of your home’s plumbing system.
It’s common for homeowners to have leaking plumbing fixtures. The Watters Plumbing experts will describe each issue, how to address each leak, and when to contact a Fox Cities plumbing professional when necessary.
1. Faucets
Common faucet issues homeowners encounter include dripping, leaks, low water pressure, and worn-out seals or cartridges.
A typical faucet consists of a spout, handles or sensors for water flow control, and internal mechanisms such as cartridges or ceramic discs to regulate water temperature and pressure.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning aerators and tightening loose connections using a wrench or pliers, helps ensure efficient operation of your faucets and prolongs their lifespan. Cleaning aerators ensures optimal water flow in faucets while tightening loose connections prevents leaks and water wastage.
Faucets come in a variety of styles to meet your specific design preferences, including single-handle, dual-handle, wall-mounted, and touchless designs, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
At Watters Plumbing, we offer styles from the top brands including Kohler, Moen, and Delta, but also unique brands like Luxart, Artisan, and Mirabelle.
2. Toilets
Common toilet issues homeowners encounter include running toilets, clogs, leaks, and flushing problems. These can often be resolved with DIY solutions such as replacing flappers, using a plunger, or seeking professional assistance if necessary.
A typical toilet consists of several components: the tank, bowl, flushing mechanism, and seat. The flushing mechanism, controlled by a handle or button, initiates the removal of waste by releasing water from the tank into the bowl.
Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning, checking for toilet leaks, and promptly addressing any issues, is essential for ensuring the reliable performance of your toilet, preventing water waste, and minimizing damage to your plumbing system.
Toilets come in various types, including standard gravity-fed toilets, pressure-assisted toilets, modern low-flow models designed for water efficiency, and bidet toilet seats.
3. Sinks
Common sink issues homeowners encounter include clogs, leaks, and drainage problems. With regular maintenance, such as keeping drains clear of debris and checking for leaks or loose connections, you can ensure the proper functioning of sinks and prevent water damage to surrounding areas in your home.
A typical sink consists of a basin, faucet, drain, and sometimes additional features like sprayers or soap dispensers.
Sinks are essential fixtures found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas of the home. They come in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, and composite materials, offering options to match your unique decor preferences and functional needs.
4. Showers and Bathtubs
Bathtubs and showers commonly leak from drain pipes, overflow gaskets, faucet and handle connections, deteriorating caulking, cracks in the tub or surrounding tiles, and splash incidents during use. If left untreated, these leaks can damage floors, walls, and subfloors and lead to potential structural issues.
To fix shower and bathtub leaks, start by replacing worn-out gaskets around the showerhead and inspecting and re-caulking the edges of the bathtub or shower enclosure to create a watertight seal. Repair any cracked or deteriorating tile grout to prevent water seepage into the walls or floor. If necessary, check and replace drain and overflow gaskets to ensure a tight seal.
For leaks coming from pipes behind the wall or under the bathtub, consult a professional plumber for repairs. Installing a splash guard can help contain water and prevent leaks onto the floor during use.
Regular inspection and maintenance and prompt repair of any signs of leakage are crucial to preventing extensive damage and maintaining the integrity of the bathtub and surrounding areas.
Showers and bathtubs are essential fixtures in bathrooms, providing options for personal hygiene and relaxation. Showers typically consist of a showerhead, controls for water temperature and pressure, and a drain, while bathtubs include a basin for soaking and bathing.
These fixtures come in various styles and materials, ranging from classic porcelain to modern acrylic or fiberglass designs, catering to different preferences and space constraints. You can also choose comfortable walk-in shower or tub options if preferred or required for aging in place or easy maneuverability.
Contact the Watters Plumbing Professionals
If you need help fixing your leaking plumbing or want to install a new plumbing fixture in your home, contact the Fox Cities plumbing technicians at Watters Plumbing today.