As a homeowner living in Brooklyn Heights, I know how easy it is to put off a small plumbing problem. You notice the bathroom faucet dripping but just roll your eyes and say ‘I’ll get to it soon’.
A dripping faucet, slow drain, or running toilet may seem minor, but if you don’t pay attention to early warning signs, a cheap minor repair could end up being a major plumbing repair bill soon enough. And nobody wants that!
Dripping Faucets
For instance, a dripping faucet may seem like a small annoyance, but a constant leak can waste water over time and may be a sign that something needs attention.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks can waste nearly 9,300 gallons per year on average.
Signs your faucet may need attention include:
● Continued dripping after tightening the handle
● Water collecting around the sink
● A loose or difficult-to-turn handle
Dripping Faucet? We’ll fix it FAST and CHEAP!
Call and get a FAST quote at (718) 530-0404
For over 99 years, our licensed and experienced plumbers here at Vigilante Plumbing provide AC and plumbing repair services in Brooklyn (from Boerum Hill to Greenpoint to Flatbush and every neighborhood in between) and the surrounding New York City area, helping homeowners and business owners by repairing dripping faucets and other everyday plumbing concerns and more complex repairs.
WE ARE EMERGENCY PLUMBERS – CALL US 24/7 365 DAYS A YEAR. RAIN OR SNOW!
Slow Drains
A slow drain is another common plumbing issue many homeowners experience. Over the years, I have tried my share of DIY fixes. I have used liquid drain cleaners and even purchased a drain unclogging stick that pulls out hair from sinks and showers. It is not the most glamorous job, but sometimes it works as a temporary solution. I jokingly felt like a “part-time plumber.”
While these fixes can help with minor clogs, recurring drain problems may mean there is a larger issue. Hair, soap residue, grease, and debris can build up inside pipes.
Signs your drain may need attention include:
● Slow draining water
● Unpleasant odors
● Gurgling sounds
● Water backing up into the sink, shower, or tub
Your trusted Vigilante Brooklyn plumber can help identify the cause and perform a professional drain cleaning…for less money than you’d think!
Running Toilets
A running toilet is another problem I have experienced in my own home. In our guest bathroom, I discovered my toilet needed a new flapper. I researched the issue and the part needed, went to Home Depot and purchased a new toilet flapper, and replaced it all by myself. I was so proud that I fixed it.
The problem was, the chain length was wrong! So, I wasted a trip to the store and 45 minutes installing it. I should have called the plumber the first time!
Another time, my daughter’s bathroom toilet started making noise after she flushed it on and off. Speaking with my husband, I found out from my research and talking to people that it needed a new fill valve.
So I went back to the hardware store (1 hour round trip) and purchased a new fill valve and followed a YouTube video step by step of how to install it. It worked for about a day and we were so excited, but then the noise returned! I thought I may not have adjusted the fill valve correctly, or there may have been another issue inside the tank. That is when I knew I needed to contact a professional.
That experience reminded me that while some repairs can be good DIY projects, others require the right tools and experience.
Common causes of a running toilet include:
● A worn flapper
● A faulty fill valve
● Problems with internal toilet parts
If your toilet continues running after a repair attempt, the pros at Vigilante can help find the cause and provide the right plumbing repair solution, 24/7, 365 days a year.
As a homeowner, I know how satisfying it feels to fix something yourself. DIY can be very satisfying. I have learned a lot over the years by tackling small repairs, and sometimes they really are simple fixes.
But too often, at other times, plumbing repairs turn out to be more than I expected. I don’t have the right tools or know how to do it right. I mean, unless you have a snake, pipe wrenches, adjustable pliers, and basin wrenches, you may not even be able to start the repair.
Knowing when to call a professional can save time, frustration, and even prevent a bigger plumbing problem later on. If you are dealing with a plumbing issue that just won’t go away, Vigilante Plumbing is there to help homeowners throughout Brooklyn and the surrounding New York City area with reliable plumbing repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Repairs
How soon should I fix a dripping faucet?
It is best to address it early to help prevent waste and damage.
Why is my drain running slowly?
Slow drains are often caused by buildup from hair, grease, soap, or debris.
Why does my toilet keep running?
A running toilet may be caused by a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or other internal parts.
