7 of the Most Common Plumbing Problems In Your Home

Plumbing problems are expected to eventually occur in your home, especially if you don’t do regular plumbing (click here) maintenance. Especially in harsh weather conditions or in areas where the supply water pressure is comparatively intense, plumbing problems are just a matter of time. The range of plumbing problems is from the most straightforward to the most challenging. Fortunately, you can solve most of these plumbing problems yourself, especially for those that you can detect easily and localized. However, there are instances when the root cause of your plumbing problems is hidden. Here is a list of the seven most common plumbing problems and how you might be able to solve them:

Dripping Faucets

The causes of most cases of dripping faucets are usually worn-out washers and o-rings. The reason could also be the improper installation of the faucet. For older faucets, you may expect corroded faucet material causing the drip. Replacing worn-out washers and o-rings is straightforward. However, you may need the help of experienced plumbers to replace an entire faucet.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems you need to address immediately. Not only do leaky pipes grow larger into a bigger problem, but leaky pipes also waste substantial amounts of water. The possible causes of leaky pipes could be pipe corrosion, pipe joint damage, cracked pipes or seals, or excessive water pressure overwhelming your piping system. If the leak is in the sewer line, expect to have an unpleasant odor overwhelming your home. In the case of leaky pipes, call a professional plumber immediately.

Running Toilets

Toilet internals causes a substantial proportion of running toilets. A broken refill tube, worn-out flapper seal and flush valves, or corroded toilet handles are the usual culprits. A toilet repair kit can solve the vast majority of running toilets.

Clogged or Slow Drains

Clogged drains are probably the most common plumbing problems encountered by all homes. If the problem occurs in one drain, the cause is localized and is usually because of undissolved solids such as soap, hair, and food particles. In which case, it can be solved with a drain cleaner. However, if multiple drains are slow to drain, the problem is usually more extensive and should prompt a call for your local plumber. With multiple drains draining slowly, you may have a case of sewage backups or any other sewer line problems.

Low Water Pressure

Once you are sure that your main water supply isn’t the cause of low water pressure, the reason could be various issues. Your main pipes cold be corroded and leaking. Worse yet, these leaks could be in the hidden parts of your house. A cracked or blocked sewer line could also cause low water pressure. Low water pressure is one of the plumbing problems that deserve a prompt call for a plumber.

Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps are very rugged machines that will last for a decade. However, the sump pump could be overwhelmed with tremendous forces caused by the sudden surge of water levels after heavy rain. A clogged discharge pipe can also cause sump pump failure,

Water Heater Issues

Most homes have water heaters. High-quality water heaters can last for several years without having problems. However, should you suddenly experience cold water coming out of your shower at a time when you feel it is too early for your water heater system to fail, these things could be what caused the problem: Corrosion or sediment build-up in your heater tank, loose or failed electrical connections, heating element failure, or the system is too small or not rugged enough to meet your home’s water heating demand.

Takeaways:

A vast range of plumbing problems, especially localized, are easily solved even by homeowners. Tools and kits available in stores can help you solve any plumbing problems. However, in the case of leaky pipes, low water pressure, or sump pump problems, you need to call for help from a professional immediately. Neglecting leaks or running toilets will cost you so much more money than the cost of paying a professional to solve your plumbing problems.