Stopped up? Backed up? Fed up? We feel you.

Plumbing is not something even the handiest homeowner can “DIY.” That’s why residential plumbing services never go out of business. If you’re encountering any of these major plumbing issues: sorry. And, we can help.

Here’s an overview of some common residential plumbing issues you may be facing.

Beyond this info, if you need the best local plumber in Ardmore, contact us: (580) 223-1780.

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets can result from blockages anywhere in a pipe. If the clog is bad enough, your toilet could overflow. If it isn’t that bad yet, there are a few symptoms that you have a clogged toilet:

  • Slow drain
  • Bowl only fills partially
  • Water level stays high

If you’re nervous to flush the toilet (because it isn’t draining fast), you can lift the flapper valve inside the tank. Check to see if the water goes down. If not, you know your toilet is clogged. The obstruction may be something that can dissolve (like excessive grime or too much paper) or a hard block (like a toy).

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Sometimes, you can deal with clogged toilets on your own. First line of defense will be to try a plunger. If that doesn’t work, you need to get a plumber out to use a toilet snake.

Slow Draining Sinks

You may have slow draining sinks in the kitchen or the bathroom. When you’ve literally thrown everything down the kitchen sink, that causes problems. In the bathroom, wads of hair or buildup of soap residue can slow the flow of water.

You know what a slow draining sink looks like if you have one. There are a few options to diagnose and clear it out yourself.

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  • Scrub the stopper: this may be a source of obstruction if it’s clogged or very dirty.
  • Use a draining chemical, preferably one that foams. Then, run water and see if it goes down faster.
  • Get a hook or wire and see if you can remove debris from the drain.

If none of that works, you’re probably up against a more serious issue further down the pipe and need a plumber.

Dripping or Leaking Faucets

Faucets that drip or leak may be more of a hardware issue. Washers and O-rings keep all of your faucets from springing leaks. Your faucet may leak sometimes or all of the time.

Check that the handle is completely “off” and not physically blocked from that position. If the faucet still drips, you can try a couple of things.

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Look inside the faucet. Sometimes, mineral deposits can collect on the rim, causing water to collect and then drip out. In this case, you don’t really have a leaky faucet, you just need to scrub it out.

If there aren’t any obstructions, you need to investigate the gaskets, O-rings and washers on your faucet. These will vary depending on the kind of fixtures you have.

You can look up your model online and try to get to the bottom of the issue. To actually fix compression faucets, it’s worth it to dial up a plumber.

Low Water Pressure

In many homes, there are four common culprits for low water pressure:

  1. Water shutoff valve
  2. Old pipes
  3. Pressure regulators
  4. Clogged pipes

For the most part, getting to the bottom of these issues is pretty technical and should be done by a professional. Because you’re dealing with pressure regulators, home pipes and valves and other integral system elements, this is a must-hire issue.

Water Heater Issues

If you see pools of water, hear strange noises or notice a drop off in hot water, you may have a water heater problem. You may have a traditional or tankless water heater. If you take care of them, water heaters can last a long time.

The average lifespan on an electric water heater is 15 years and a tankless electric water heater can last 20. Because of that, it’s worth it to notice if something is wrong and get it taken care of before it escalates.

If you notice any of the issues above, you can check into the root cause.

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To find out if you have a water heater issue, here’s what you need to do:

  • Check if the temperature dial keeps its setting
  • Turn the power to the unit off and on again
  • Check all screws, connectors, pipes and inlets: tighten if needed

Old water heaters and water heaters that haven’t been serviced can be a problem. Your water heater may be giving out because it isn’t the right size, has sediment or is just inefficient. Because of the integration with your electric systems, any water heater issues should be handled by a plumber.

Backflow

If you are getting backflow in sinks, toilets, tubs, you’re probably on an emergency call to us. That’s good. When you want to get ahead of ever dealing with this issue, there are some measures that should be in place to prevent backflow in your home:

  • Air gaps: most of the time, these are already at work in your kitchen sink, to keep non-potable water out of your food area.
  • Pressure type vacuum breaker: this monitors your system pressure and has sensors that close valves if backflow risk is detected.
  • Hose bibs: for single fixtures or outdoor faucets, hose bib backflows keep water flowing in one direction only.

Residential Plumbing Services in Ardmore, OK

Residential plumbing issues range from things you can diagnose and tackle yourself to things you should definitely call a pro for. Whether you are handy or not, it’s important that you don’t take on a risky assignment or get in over your head. We’re here to help.

Service Plumbing Co. Inc. is the best local plumber to help you take care of these common problems. Our track record speaks for itself, as we’ve served the Ardmore community for over 40 years. Tap here to learn more about the scope of our residential plumbing services.

When you need residential plumbing services to help out with any of these common issues, give us a call: (580) 223-1780.