Mobile Home Plumbing Issues in Fort Worth Texas
Do you have plumbing problems in your mobile home? The plumbing systems in mobile homes are different from the ones in site-built homes. It is good to know the difference and get an overview of plumbing maintenance in mobile homes. Once you have a better understanding of mobile home plumbing you can decide whether to fix it by yourself or call a professional.
Understanding plumbing maintenance in mobile homes
Mobile homes are built and then moved, whereas the site-built homes are built at the same site. This leads to differences between their plumbing systems and issues.
In site-built homes, the plumbing system goes through the walls. This is not the case for mobile homes, where the plumbing tubes are under the house. This feature of pipes fixed under your house may lead to problems during the winter months, as the pipes may freeze. Your water heater’s location may lead the pipes to be laid in a certain way. Or, the pipes may be laid along the edge of the floor. It would depend on the layout of the house.
There may be differences when it comes to the venting of drain pipes in site-built and mobile houses. In the case of a mobile home, vents may be visible on the roof. In most cases, however, mobile vents are fixed at each fixture. For example, a vent may be under a sink.
It is important to note that overflows and cleanouts are not present either on the fixtures nor outside the structure of a mobile home. As these features are not present in mobile homes, it becomes challenging to clear out blocked drains.
Apart from plumbing design, the materials used in mobile homes are different from those used in site-built homes. In general, the materials used in mobile homes are less expensive and are easier to install.
After knowing some major differences between the plumbing systems of mobile homes and site built homes, let us explicitly understand mobile home plumbing issues in detail.
What are the common mobile home plumbing issues?
Some prominent mobile home plumbing issues are as follows:
Leaky faucets and shower heads
This is one of the most common problems faced by mobile homeowners. Many mobile homes have plastic or polybutylene pipes. These kinds of pipes are prone to cracking and leaking. If they are not addressed immediately, then there may be severe water damage which will mean expensive repairs.
Your shower head may leak. This is a problem with site-built homes as well, but mobile homes usually have cheaper material, making the problem more common. A shower head leak happens when the shower head is moved around too much.
Faucet leaks also occur. This happens because in mobile homes the connectors are made of plastic. These connectors loosen up over time.
Clogged toilets and drains
The buildup of grease in the pipes leads to clogging. Grease accumulates and coats in the pipes which leads to the restriction of the water flow. Another reason for clogged drains and toilets is that tree roots and other material could be there downstream of the drain.
Frozen water pipes
You may have already experienced this issue if you live in colder climate regions. You already know that this can be a big problem during the winter months. Here are things to look out for when it comes to frozen pipes: a lack of hot water, low water pressure and a gurgling sound.
Water pressure goes up and down
The water pressure may fluctuate in mobile homes. Many times, it may be low. There are many reasons why there could be such a fluctuation. There may be an issue with the municipal water supply. Another reason could be that your main shut-off valve is partially open. This can impact your water pressure. Water pressure regulator could also be the reason. This regulator controls the pressure in your home.
Now let’s talk about issues specific to mobile homes. Your aerator may be clogged in your sink screens. Do you have galvanized pipes? Then there may be mineral buildup which causes low pressure. These issues have to be addressed as soon as possible.
Insufficient airflow
It is necessary for pipes to have good airflow. At times, the pipes in mobile homes do not have sufficient flow. This leads to slow drainage and bad smells.
Water heater
In general, water heaters in mobile homes are smaller. This means that they may not be able to supply hot water over an extended period of time.
Pipes placed outside the home
In site-built homes, the pipes go through the walls. This is not the case in mobile homes. They are set underground, exposing them to extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold. Due to this, pipes expand in summer and contract in winter. This causes leaks and damage to the pipes.
Foul odors
When there are foul odors, it means that something is not working properly. The most common reason is a bad auto vent. The springs in old auto vents may not close properly, allowing the foul odor to enter. Another reason is a bad wax ring. There is a wax ring under your toilet. Even when it leaks, it may not be visible. When this happens, sewer water builds up under the floor.
Backflow into bathtub
Sometimes it happens that after you flush the toilet, water flows into your tub. This usually means that there is a clog in your drain line. In a mobile home, the tub is the lowest point in the plumbing system, and therefore water backflows into it.
Plumbing installed under the flooring
As we discussed, pipes in mobile homes are under the floor. To access the pipes, the floor will have to be removed. An alternative is to go under the mobile home and cut the insulation to gain access to the pipes. If you have many pipe repairs over the years, then the insulation will get damaged. It is not easy to re-install it. In general, plumbing repairs in mobile homes are very troublesome.
Noises
Are you hearing a whistling or hissing noise from the pipes? It is likely to be due to low water pressure. When there is a blocked pipe, you may hear loud noises.
After knowing the intricacies of the plumbing issues specific to mobile homes, you might have understood the importance of professional mobile home plumbing services. If you are a resident of Fort Worth, Texas, all your mobile home plumbing needs can best be taken care of by AAA Mobile Home Repair and Remodeling- your trusted partner for expert mobile home repair services in Fort Worth, Texas.
Find the best plumber in Fort Worth,Texas
If you live in a mobile home, then you need plumbers who have experience with such plumbing systems. AAA Mobile Home Repair and Remodeling is the best choice in Fort Worth, Texas. We have been serving the area for more than twenty years. Over these years, we have honed our skills when it comes to repairing and maintaining plumbing systems in mobile homes. Our company has in-depth experience when it comes to local weather and other factors. This will be of great benefit when it comes to selecting the right material and planning your plumbing system. We have a 24/7 emergency response system so that you can resolve your issues as quickly as possible. Simply call us at 817-291-1777 and we will be happy to serve you!
An advantage of working with AAA Mobile Home Repair and Remodeling is the breadth of expertise when it comes to mobile homes. Not only do we work with your plumbing system, but we also have expertise in electrical repairs, structural integrity and HVAC system maintenance (heating and cooling systems). In short, our company is your one-stop shop for all your mobile home’s maintenance needs.
You can contact us by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pipes are used in mobile homes?
Mobile homes usually have plastic pipes such as PVC, CPVC, PEX, and Polypipe. When we talk of metal pipes, they are copper, galvanized steel and stainless steel. Plastic pipes are less expensive and are easy to maintain, and that is why they are used in mobile homes.
What are the most common problems with mobile home plumbing?
Leaky faucets, clogged toilets, sinks and drains are the most common problems. Other problems are low water pressure and water heater issues.
How do you clear a clogged sink and shower drain in a mobile home?
Just like in the case of the toilet, you need to create a seal between the plunger and the drain. Once that is done, soak the plunger in hot water. Place the plunger bell in the water and over the drain. This should create a seal. Pump the plunger in an up and down movement and the water should descend. Here is an important tip: if there is an overflowing opening in the sink or shower drain, make sure it is closed.
Do you have baking soda and vinegar at home? These non-hazardous ingredients can be used to unclog your sink and shower drain. First, take away the accumulated water in the sink or tub. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain. This should be followed by pouring one 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. Allow the baking soda and vinegar combination to rest for an hour. Then rinse the sink or drain by pouring one pot of boiling water. There should be a change. If there is not, the clog may be farther away, and you will have to handle it differently.
How do I unclog a toilet in a mobile home?
First, shut off the source of water. This will ensure that there is no overflow. Second, you need to plunge the toilet. The plunger should be soaked in hot water, increasing the bell’s elasticity, and preventing cracking. Pour hot water into the toilet bowl. It should be half of the bowl. Third, push the plunger bell into the toilet water. Make sure that a seal is formed at the exit hole. Pump the plunger with a vigorous up and down movement. You should be able to feel or see the water level decreasing in the bowl. Do this as many times are necessary to clear the clog and free the water flow.
How to fix leaky faucets in a mobile home?
The first step is to shut off the water lines. The shut-off valve is usually near the heater or beneath the mobile home. Next, the water lines need to be depressurized. To do this, you can turn on the outside spigot. When you depressurize the water lines, you are making sure that you will not be sprayed by water when fixing the faucet.
Afterwards, the old faucet has to be removed. Clean the area and then fix the plumber's putty around the new faucet plate. Once that is done, the faucet plate can be pushed into position. Tighten the nuts. Ensure that the faucet plate is level. Once you are sure, finish tightening the nuts fully. It is time to connect the water lines to the new faucet. To test the new faucet, let the water run for a few minutes. This way you can make sure that all the air is taken out of the pipes, and that there are no more leaks.