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As a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, you’re likely to encounter various plumbing issues at different points in life. Sometimes they can depend on the season and temperatures. Plumbing and water are elements that require regular maintenance in order to prevent both minor inconveniences and major disasters.
Knowing how to identify and address these issues can save you time, money and stress. It’s useful to know why and when you’d need to call emergency plumbers for as well. So to help make life easier, we’ve put together a list of common plumbing problems that everyone should know about.
Dripping Taps
Drip, drip, drip, annoying isn’t it? Well it’s not only just an annoying sound but it’s also a sign that your water is being wasted. Though it may only seem like a negligible amount, it can lead to more wastage than you realise over time.
A dripping tap usually means the washer or O-ring has become worn out. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy fix. So look into replacing these worn-out components as soon as you can, especially if you’re on a water metre.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are caused by various reasons, anything from corrosion to high water pressure. If left unaddressed, a leaky pipe can cause water damage to your home, as well as lead to mould growth.
For preventative measures, inspect your pipes regularly for any signs of a leak, you should also look for damp walls or ceilings as an indicator that you have a problem. If a leak becomes particularly bad, you may need to call out an emergency plumber. Leaks are something that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Running Toilet
Like dripping taps, running toilets can be incredibly annoying. Similarly, they can also lead to significant water waste if the water doesn’t stop running after flushing. Often this problem just means you’ll have to tune up your toilet, or replace the flapper valve or the fill valve.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are an issue that can happen frequently, drains can take a lot of punishment after all. Whether it’s sinks, showers, bathtubs or toilets, buildups of anything that goes down a drain can eventually cause a clogging. Food debris, hair, soap scum, grease, or any foreign objects that aren’t intended to go down a drain can cause issues.
When you notice that your water isn’t draining as fast, or at all, get the plunger and drain cleaner and get to work. In future, you may want to avoid letting certain items go down the drain, avoid disposing of as much food items down the sink, especially oils, and use a drain cover to catch hairs in the shower. Severe blockages may require a professional.
Low Water Pressure
Another frustrating problem, you may need to remove, replace, or unclog your tap’s aerator or clear out the sediment buildup in your pipes. Low water pressure could also be another sign of a leak. If you can’t identify the problem yourself, arrange a professional inspection.
Water Heater Issues
If you have a water heater, you’ll understand how much an issue with it can disrupt your daily routine.
If you have no hot water or not enough hot water, or notice unusual noises coming from the tank you may have a problem with the thermostat, heating element or a buildup of sediment in the tank.
Make sure you perform regular maintenance, getting professional service and repairs to extend your water heater’s lifespan and efficiency.
Clogged Toilet
Just as your drains can get clogged, so can your toilet if you do things such as flush excessive amounts of toilet paper or flush objects that aren’t supposed to be flushed.
Only flush toilet paper and other things that are marked flushable, if a wipe doesn’t specify that it can be flushed, then bin it instead. Plungers can solve minor blockages.
Issues with Your Sewer Line
Sewer line problems can lead to the slow drainage of multiple drains at once, unpleasant odours and even sewage backups. Issues can be caused by tree roots growing and intruding on pipes, and pipes corroding or becoming blocked.
If you notice any of the symptoms described, it’s essential to contact a professional for an inspection.
Pipe Problems
There are several problems with pipes that you need to be aware of. The first is preventing pipes from freezing in the winter months by insulating them, keeping your home heated and allowing taps to drip and relieve pressure.
Another common issue is noisy pipes, which can be eliminated by installing water hammer arrestors or adjusting the water pressure regulator.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, plumbing problems are common, but knowing is half the battle. If you can’t fix it yourself, remember a professional is not far. Tackle issues early in order to save on costly repairs.
