Top 7 Most Common Plumbing Problems in Homes and How To Fix them
Plumbing problems are annoying, frustrating, and expensive. They aren't something you just let go of because it's a plumbing problem; they have to be dealt with. A plumbing problem in your home is not a sight you want to see. The thought of experiencing one of these problems is enough to have you running to your nearest plumber as soon as possible.
There are many things that can go wrong with your plumbing system and these common problems can intimidate homeowners from tackling them. But if you know how the process works and what the cause is, you'll be able to diagnose the issue quickly so it doesn't turn into a disaster waiting to happen. Knowing what common plumbing problems are and how to fix them when they arise can be a game changer for any homeowner. Below is a list of common plumbing problems and how to fix them.
- Dripping Faucets - We've all encountered this issue at some point in our lives. Along with wasting water and raising your utility bills, dripping faucets can be a burden. The problem normally occurs because of worn-out washers or O-rings, which are easily replaceable. Nonetheless, the faucet may drip due to rust or even poor installation. Your patience will wane as your water bill rises. Don't worry; just properly diagnose the drip and fix it.
Fix: The problem can be resolved by a typical householder with the right tools and some prior plumbing knowledge. The o-ring can be changed as a quick and inexpensive remedy - this tiny rubber ring fits over the stem screw. It aids in keeping the handle in position. The aerator is another significant factor that, over time, causes leaks. Replacing the aerator every two years is a good idea. To avoid further water waste, it is advisable to obtain assistance from plumbing services as soon as you can.
- Leaky Pipes - Since it could result in irreversible harm to your furniture and floor, this problem needs to be resolved right away. It's possible that until a complete check is done, you won't notice if your bathroom or kitchen pipes are leaking. Routine inspection is required to ensure that the pipes are promptly and efficiently repaired or replaced, saving you both money and time. Pipes can leak for a variety of reasons, such as corrosion, excessive water pressure, chronic obstruction, damaged pipes or seals, and others. But whatever the source, you can't let your plumbing system and home suffer further damage by doing nothing.
Fix: There’s lots of maintenance and upkeep needed to prevent leaking pipes. If you don’t have the skills, tools, and equipment to deal with the problem, reach out to a professional plumbing contractor to prevent future damage.
- Clogged Toilets and Drains - If there is an obstruction in just one of your home's drains, the problem is specific to that region. Drainage issues like slow or clogged drains need to be addressed right away since they can cause plumbing catastrophes and even health risks. Oftentimes, the accumulation of hairs, toilet paper, soaps, and other foreign materials over time causes these drains to get clogged.
Fix: Toilet blockages are usually rather simple. A pipe snake or professional may be required for the severe obstructions, but otherwise, just plunge. To make it simple to retrieve items that fall into the sink, your sink should include a catch on the drain. If it cannot be located, you ought to contact a specialist. This plumbing problem can be corrected with routine drain cleaning.
- Water Pressure Problems - Low pressure is arguably the most unpleasant issue in most houses, besides that leaky faucet. Low water pressure makes it difficult to operate any plumbing system in a home. Most frequently, calcium and sediment accumulation in the aerator is the root cause of low water pressure. Take into account, however, that this plumbing issue might also be a symptom of more significant matters, such as hidden water leaks inside the home, backed-up sewage lines, or rusted pipes.
Fix: Low pressure could possibly be fixed by putting in a new showerhead or faucet. Or, if you feel up to it, you can clean it by soaking it in vinegar. Low water pressure may need to be fixed at the valve or pipe levels in all other situations. This could be a warning sign to pay attention to if you do have a leak that you are unaware of.
- Running Toilets - This is a typical plumbing issue that normally happens when the flapper valve in charge of regulating the water flow from the toilet's tank to its bowl malfunctions. It could sag and fail to effectively seal the tank. Additionally, the chain that is fastened to the flapper occasionally twists. Because of this, the flapper would be kept from resting flat on the floor. But if you have a toilet repair kit, the solution to this problem is really straightforward.
Fix: A full flushing system is available for $20 or less at hardware stores. Food coloring can also be used to test for toilet leaks at home.
- Water Heater Issues - A variety of things can go wrong with your water heaters, such as the thermostat malfunctioning or the pilot light going out. Even the likelihood of silt accumulation in the tank cannot be disregarded. When using the water, you may start to experience some problems if your water heater is failing. When using hot water, water will start to smell metallic or rusty. The time it takes for your water to heat up could be longer.
Fix: Look outside when it's on if you see these problems. Any strange popping or cracking coming from it indicates that it needs to be repaired right away. The same is true for leaks, regardless of size. Whatever the problem, you'll need a professional's assistance to check, maintain, and repair any faulty electrical connections or malfunctioning heating elements in the water heater.
- Failing Sump Pump - Failure of the sump pump may be caused by issues with the internal unit or an external problem. Having said that, blocked discharge pipes, jammed switches, incorrect pump installation, and intense rain are the main reasons your sump keeps failing. Pumps older than ten years are also more likely to malfunction.
Fix: A great starting point is to realign the gutters to divert water away from the foundation. It is worthwhile to invest in sloping your surrounding foundation to direct water away. You might want to level any patios, decks, or concrete surfaces again to aid in drainage. Although it may seem pricey now, sump pump repairs and replacement down the road could save you thousands of dollars.
If you are having any of these plumbing issues, please take quick action. Small leaks or clogs can grow into major problems very fast. Plumbing issues frequently occur when you least expect them. You need someone who is quick, knowledgeable, and fair if you ever suffer an issue with spilling water. It's best to have a
reliable local plumber's phone number handy. When you require a plumber in the Abilene, Kansas area, contact H&H Plumbing Heating & Air at
(785) 263-1339. Our skilled plumbers can carefully pinpoint any difficulties with your plumbing system and can find the solutions you need to resolve any potential problems you might have with your home's plumbing fixtures.
