The Four Most Common Plumbing Issues and How You Can Solve Them

We often overlooked the importance of our home’s plumbing systems until something goes wrong. It may end up being a blocked drain, a toilet that won’t flush, or a pipe that starts leaking through the ceiling. We used to fix these issues as they came up.

However, these issues are also usually fixable without too much time or expertise needed. If they go unresolved they can spiral out of control and cause major damage. It is important to understand the root causes of different plumbing issues so that you can nip any problems in the bud!

To help you take care of your drains and pipes, I have listed below the most common plumbing issues and how you can fix them.

1. Blocked Toilets and Drains

Blocked toilets and drains are one of the most common problems but also one of the most irritating. It is easy to know when there is a blockage because water will not drain down in your sinks, shower, or toilet. One experienced firm of Plumbers Buena Park explains that hair, food, fluff, oil, and grease are often the culprits which form the blockage. These things wash down the drain every day and eventually can form a solid lump that prevents water from going down.

The best solution is always to prevent clogs from forming in the first place by being careful about what you put down the sink. Never pour oil or grease down the sink after cooking. Instead, dispose of it in your food recycling or in a container in your trash. You can also fit strainers onto your plug holes so that they catch debris before it gets washed down the pipes and can cause a clog.

2. Leaky Pipes and Faucets

Leaky pipes and faucets are usually not a major issue but they can be annoying with the constant drip drip drip of water. One drip of water a second from a leaky faucet is equivalent to almost two hundred showers and this can add up on your water bill. The main reason why pipes and faucets leak and drip is usually just old age. They become stiff, torn, or come apart at the connections. This happens naturally so it is usually just keeping an eye on everything to replace broken parts as required. You can also try turning your taps more gently and also reducing the water pressure when you take a shower as this may help to extend the life of the various parts.

3. Problems with your Water Heater

Water heater problems can be terrible, especially on cold winter mornings when it is time to take a shower. As well as your water failing to heat up, other telltale signs of water heater problems are drips, leaks, discolored water, or strange noises coming from the machine. There are various causes of water heater problems such as the buildup of sediment or mineral deposits from hard water.

It may be possible for you to fix the problems yourself, but it is often worth bringing in a professional plumber as there are potential complications and even possible dangers. To prevent water heater problems from occurring in the first place, you should have the tank inspected and flushed regularly to clear out sediments and to check for leaks.

4. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is very annoying but it is very common, particularly in older homes. This problem can suddenly arise or you may notice the water pressure decreasing day by day. How quickly the water pressure drops depends on the causes and these will also dictate the possible solutions. In newer homes, a drop in water pressure may be a sign of a break in the water mains, so check with your neighbors if they are having the same problem.

Another reason for low water pressure can also be a leaky pipe somewhere in your home. If this is the cause, you will need to turn all the faucets off, and then check to see if the water meter ticks up after a few hours. Mineral and sediment build-ups can also cause a drop in water pressure so you may want to consider installing a filter to prevent any blockages.

We all take the plumbing systems in our homes for granted, and it is only when there is an issue that most of us pay them any attention. There are many problems that can arise with your plumbing but fortunately, many of them are easy enough to fix. If you are experiencing any of these four problems, try out the solutions suggested in this article and you may be able to fix them yourself.