Many apartment tenants don’t know much about their systems when it comes to plumbing. Residential and apartment plumbing might be significantly different, leading to various problems when something goes wrong: blockages, flooding, etc. It might be tough to tell the difference between a minor problem and an emergency that requires the services of a professional plumber if you lack knowledge about apartment plumbing issues.
Apartment renters should know how their plumbing systems function and whether it’s appropriate to tackle a repair independently or seek professionals’ help. In this article, we’ll be discussing the essentials, as well as some common problems you might encounter in your apartment.
Understanding Apartment Plumbing
The kind of plumbing in an apartment complex is determined by whether it is a multi-story building or a collection of single-family homes. Tall buildings that cannot use the municipal water supply are referred to as “multi-story apartments.” Because these buildings are too tall, water must be able to reach every unit in tall buildings via a specific system. There are separate plumbing units in multiple residences that are more like those in a home. For condo units, the plumbing system may come in different types, such as horizontal pipes and vertical stacks.
What Is a Vertical Stack?
A vertical stack is a plumbing arrangement in which water pipes run vertically from the ground or first floor to the top of the building. This connects multiple units and usually consists of the following:
- Soil and waste stacks
- Stacks that carry rainwater from the roof down to the drainage system
- Vent stacks release trapped air within the system
- Stacks that connect the water in the kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and showers
What Are Horizontal Pipes?
Horizontal pipes run underground, usually under the concrete, to connect the waste from the building to the municipal sewer system. The horizontal pipes carry waste and water from the vertical stack to the municipal sewer system outside the building.
Common Apartment Plumbing Problems
If you live in an apartment building, you may have to deal with problems you have little control over, such as plumbing problems. A single person’s leak might quickly become your problem in some cases. Consequently, tenants should be aware of frequent plumbing issues such as the following:
Frozen Pipes
Seasonal fluctuations in the climate might impact the health of your plumbing fixtures. Your plumbing fixtures may freeze during the winter because the water that flows through them freezes. As a result, the pipes are put under pressure inside. Pipes can crack or even rupture as a result of this.
Leaking Pipes
Leaks can be caused by worn-out pipes or joints that have been installed poorly. It is essential to immediately get pipe leak repair in apartments as these units are connected. Unaddressed leaks may cause significant damage to nearby units and affect the integrity of the building.
Clogged Drains
Drain clogs are a massive problem in apartment buildings because many people use the same drain line. To prevent this issue, you should use strainers to catch hair and food before it ends up clogging the drain. It is preferable not to flush objects that can’t be broken down easily. For any signs of clogged drains, you may require a rooter service to clean it out.
Conclusion: Repairing and Fixing Apartment Plumbing Problems
Apartment plumbing problems can be a severe issue. You should be aware of the signs of a plumbing emergency or problem and what you can do about it. If you’re unsure about your plumbing issues, it is crucial to hire a professional plumber who is familiar with the intricacies of apartment plumbing systems.
Are you looking for emergency plumbing services in California to address your apartment plumbing problems? New Pipes Inc. is one of the Bay Area’s most experienced commercial plumbing service providers. Give us a call to request a service today!
