Many homeowners have horror stories about floods and clogs, but apartment plumbing isn’t immune from disaster. If you’re a tenant, what could be more frustrating than inviting a few friends over for dinner only to have your sink refuse to drain or, worse, your toilet overflow? Do you own or manage residential buildings with multiple units? Water damage costs can substantially compromise your profit margin.
Bieg Plumbing can help. Let’s examine the most common apartment plumbing problems and methods to address them.
- Clogged drains. If grease, hair, soap residue, or other substances build up in a drain, your sink or tub can empty sluggishly or not at all. You can try a plunger to get the water moving again, but make sure you don’t employ one intended for a toilet. Some drain-cleaning chemicals may appear to work, but we do not recommend using them. These chemicals are very corrosive to drains, can damage aluminum or wood portions of fixtures, producing additional expenses, and can end up doing more harm than good.
- Clogged toilet. For this challenge, a plunger may not only be a plumber’s friend but yours as well. Just make sure it’s intended for use in a commode. If your plunger doesn’t accomplish the task, you may need to reach for a closet auger. Push the specially designed head of the tool into the drain until it reaches the obstruction. Once the water begins to drain, a spiral or barb on the auger may enable you to pull the blockage out.
Working around toilets carries some health risks, as they are inherently unsanitary. You’ll need to wear sturdy rubber gloves and wash thoroughly following your work. However, if you don’t have the required tools or are uncomfortable with clearance procedures, calling a plumber is your wisest course of action. - Leaky faucets. Dripping fixtures may not seem like a severe problem, but if you’re responsible for paying the water bill, the excess charges can mount up rapidly. Leaking faucets can damage floors, cabinets, and furnishings, for which you’ll incur unexpected expenses.
To repair a leak, first, locate the water shut-off. Once the water is no longer flowing, you can check for loose connections. Use a wrench to tighten them. A watertight fit may require you to wrap the threads with a PTFE plumber’s tape. In addition, look for damaged internal rubber washers. Changing them may be the only repair your faucet requires. However, if the leak persists despite your efforts, calling in a pro as soon as possible will save you both exasperation and money. - Running toilets. A running toilet not only makes annoying noises, but it can also waste a gallon of water per hour, assaulting your budget and the environment. Much of the time, you can easily remedy the problem. You must merely replace the flapper valve. You can purchase a new valve, usually with instructions, at hardware or home improvement stores. Still, if you feel hesitant about sticking your hands in the tank or can’t locate the part you need, a plumber can help.
- Nonfunctioning or leaking garbage disposal. Does your disposal refuse to start when you’re in the middle of fixing dinner? The problem may be something, particularly stringy food, wedged inside. Make sure to unplug your disposal before you reach in to check. Many disposals also have a reset button that you have to push before they will restart. Unfortunately, some disposals develop much more severe problems, such as holes. Call a plumber immediately if you see moisture below your sink not originating from the pipes. Leaking garbage disposals can cause water damage severe enough to require restoration.
Our familiar red trucks are here for you!
With our 60 years of experience, Bieg Plumbing can expertly handle every apartment plumbing problem. Our plumbers and technicians will complete your repairs promptly and professionally. We’re family-owned and local to the St. Louis area.
Contact us now for a fair and honest estimate of your apartment plumbing needs.
