One of the most common plumbing problems is a constantly dripping faucet. This can lead to water damage and increase your utility bill. It is important to fix a leaky faucet as soon as you notice it.
The plumbing system is a complex collection of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that deliver clean water and remove waste. Read on to learn more about the top 10 common plumbing issues and how to resolve them.
1. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be a huge nuisance for homeowners. Whether it’s a slow-draining kitchen sink, tub, or toilet, it’s important to call a plumber right away if you notice signs of a clogged drain. Left untreated, these problems can lead to sewage backups and expensive repairs.
Several things can cause a clogged drain, including hair, grease, soap residue, and food scraps. Many household cleaning solutions, such as bleach and detergents, can also cause blockages when poured down the drain.
Heavy rainfall or storms can also cause clogged drains by washing away leaves and other debris. Since home drains connect to the sewer line, these clogs can cause raw sewage to back up into homes. Because of this, it’s important to check your drains after any heavy rainfall or storms. Clogged drains usually occur in the lowest fixtures, such as toilets and bathtubs.
2. Leaky Faucets
A dripping faucet may seem minor, but it can waste gallons of water. A leaky faucet can also lead to more serious problems down the line, like a burst pipe.
Leaky faucets are often caused by worn-out washers. Washers are pushed back and forth every time you turn the faucet on and off, leading to friction and wear. Replacing the washer can solve the problem, but it’s sometimes easier to hire a plumber for this job because the loose parts are usually farther down and harder to reach.
A leaky pipe isn’t just annoying; it can cost you a lot of money. If you notice a leak, shut off your water and call a plumber right away. You should also consult a professional if you notice sewage backups or foul odors. These are signs of a clogged sewer line, which requires professional attention.
3. Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets can be a huge hassle, especially if they cause waste to back up into your home. If basic methods (like using a plunger or drain chemicals) don’t work, it may be time to call a plumber.
Your toilets are designed to do one thing: flush away waste and suck it down into the sewer system or septic tank. When people try to flush things that the pipes aren’t designed to handle, like paper towels, Q-tips and cotton balls, it can lead to a clog.
Another common cause of clogged toilets is toys and other objects dropped in by curious children. Encourage kids to use a trash can and teach them not to flush anything other than toilet paper. A plunger and some hot (not boiling) water will also help to loosen a stubborn clog.
4. Frozen Pipes
Pipes freezing in the winter is a common problem and often results in water damage. However, this is easily preventable by recognizing the warning signs and taking quick action.
Frozen pipes are most likely to happen in unheated areas of the home, such as the attic, crawl space or basement. This is because these spaces don’t benefit from the warm air from your furnace to keep them warmer.
You can avoid frozen pipes by making sure your home is properly insulated and sealing any cracks in the exterior walls. Also, by keeping a close eye on your water usage and thawing out any exposed sections of pipe as soon as you spot them. Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heater, or any other open flame device to thaw a pipe; this can cause them to burst.
5. Water Heater Issues
The water heater is an essential part of our homes, providing hot water for showering, washing dishes and other household needs. But sometimes these machines can encounter problems that require professional help.
A leaking water heater can be a costly problem to tackle if not caught early on. Not only will the leak increase your water bill, but it can also cause significant damage to your home.
A rattling sound from the pipes can be scary, especially when you’re not sure what it means. In many cases, it’s caused by loose or corroded pipes that need to be repaired or replaced. Other times, it may be the result of sediment accumulating in the tank or a faulty pilot light. Regardless of the issue, always consult with a plumbing expert before trying a do-it-yourself fix.
6. Sewer Line Issues
When your sewer line gets clogged or broken, it could mean contaminated water and sewage backing up into critical areas of your home. It’s important to have your sewer lines regularly inspected by a professional plumber like Plumbers Johannesburg.
A faulty or damaged sewer line can lead to other problems throughout your home or commercial space. For example, if you notice mold or mildew on the walls or ceiling, it could be caused by a broken or leaking sewer line.
The most common issue with sewer lines is clogs. These are usually caused by hair, soap, and other debris building up in the drains. Multiple clogged drains in your home are also a sign of a serious problem with the sewer line. Luckily, most of these issues can be avoided with regular drain cleaning services. In addition, proper maintenance and annual inspections are key to preventing major sewer line issues.
7. Leaking Pipes
Leaky pipes can lead to extensive damage if left untreated. They can also cause water stains, mold, mildew, and other problems in your home.
Leaks can occur for several reasons, including regular wear and tear, corrosion of the pipe material, improper installation, and more. If you suspect that you have a leak in your home, contact a professional plumber right away.
Leaky pipes can cause serious damage to your home, resulting in expensive repair bills and water waste. They can also cause rust and corrosion in your home’s plumbing fixtures, which can be dangerous for you and your family. Leaking pipes are also a fire hazard, especially when they come into contact with exposed electrical wires. This can cause a short circuit and create a fire hazard for your home. Luckily, most leaks can be fixed easily with the help of a professional plumber.
8. Slow Drains
A slow-draining sink can create a huge mess in your home. Not to mention the fact that it can lead to more serious plumbing issues. Knowing what types of problems can arise from a slow-draining sink and how to fix them can save you a lot of stress and money down the road.
The drains in your sinks and tubs can become clogged from hair, food debris, or soap scum over time. This can cause a backup of water and waste, which can damage your pipes and affect your indoor air quality. If left untreated, it can also result in a backed-up sewer line. To prevent this, regularly clean your sink drains. You can use a commercial cleaner or simply boil some hot water and pour it down the drain. This will help keep it clear of clogs.
9. Sewer Backups
Sewage backups can be a serious problem for homeowners, and they often occur due to clogged drain lines. Clogs from hair, soap scum, grease or other solid materials can block the flow of water throughout the home’s plumbing system.
In addition, unauthorized connections to the sewer line such as washer or dryer hookups can contribute to a sewage backup. Heavy rains or flooding events can also overwhelm sewer systems, causing wastewater to back up into homes and businesses.
If a homeowner encounters signs of a sewer backup, they should evacuate the affected area immediately and seek professional help. Because raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses, it’s crucial to avoid contact with the material whenever possible. It’s also important to turn off any electrical devices in the flooded area and to open windows to ventilate the area.
10. Water Pressure Issues
Whether you’re doing laundry, showering, or running the dishwasher, low water pressure is sure to be annoying. It can also be a sign of larger problems in your home’s plumbing system that require professional attention.
Sediment build-up in your pipes and fixtures is a common cause of low water pressure. This build-up is typically caused by calcium and other mineral deposits that restrict water flow. A plumber can help you remove this sediment and restore normal water pressure in your home.
Sometimes the problem is more serious, such as old or broken fixtures that can’t support a high volume of water. In these cases, a plumber may need to replace the fixture or install new pipe lines to ensure adequate water pressure. The best way to prevent these issues is by regularly monitoring your home’s water pressure and identifying potential problems early.
