6 Most Common Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues are quite common and can happen to every household or building. Some issues are minor and entail only quick fixes while others are more serious. For the latter, the repairs are also major, the extent of the work is wide, and the expense is more costly.

But plumbing issues aren’t to be neglected. When you’re lucky enough to be facing only yet a minor plumbing issue, give it attention as soon as possible before it worsens. Prevention is also better than cure, and this begins with coming to terms with some of the most common plumbing issues you may ever come across.

For your awareness, here are six of the most common plumbing issues:

1. Slow Draining Sink

When you experience sinks that are draining slower than their usual course, the problem may be due to a blockage. On the surface, you can unclog the drains by removing obstructions yourself or using a store-bought draining liquid. If this still doesn’t work, then the blockage may be deep within the pipeline. Only an expert blocked drains plumber Sydney and others can properly fix that problem.

With clogged drains, remember that it’s not good to use commercial cleaners frequently. The store-bought commercial cleaners you rely on are only a temporary fix. So, if the problem persists and repeatedly happens, it’s a sign you need a more permanent solution.

2. Dripping Faucets

When you turn off a faucet knob or switch it off, water isn’t supposed to leak. So, when it does, your dripping faucet can now be classified as a plumbing issue. While only a minor problem, dripping faucets have to be addressed as soon as possible. The reason for this is they can be wasteful. If you keep your faucets that way, you aren’t just wasting water but you’re also increasing your water utility bill.

There are generally two main causes for dripping faucets:

• * For more minor concerns, it may be due to a worn-out O-ring or washer
• * For more severe drips, your faucet is too old that it’s already corroded

If replacing the worn-out O-ring or washer doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time for you to call a plumber to help address the issue.

3. Leaking Pipes

If you’re living in an old house, then leaking pipes is a problem you’ll frequently experience. For older buildings, the pipes are made of copper. Newer buildings today have pipes made out of PEX. While copper pipes are generally stronger than PEX pipes, the former also performs poorly under extreme temperatures. In four-seasoned countries where the weather can go in opposite extremes, copper will break. PEX, on the other hand, will simply flex.

If you’re consistently experiencing leaky pipes at home, it may be a good investment to change your old pipes to PEX pipes.

4. Running Toilet

The toilet is one of the biggest contributors to water wastage in a household. On average, running toilets can waste up to 200 gallons a day. This statistic alone should prove to you that when one of the early signs of a running toilet shows, have it addressed by expert plumbers right away.

Some of the most common causes of a running toilet include:

• * Corroded toilet handles
• * Refill tube problems
• * Improperly fitted flapper chains

5. Clogged Bath Or Shower Drain

Like your sinks, the bath or shower drain is meant to run fast. If you find your shower area or bath getting flooded after use, you may be having a clogged bath or shower drain. Especially in bathrooms used by females in your household, this plumbing problem is expected. Falling hair is the number one culprit of clogged bath or shower drains.

Like sink drains, you can fix this problem by unclogging the drains from the outside. A pipe cleaner does the trick. You can also try pouring commercial drain cleaners. You can also take the proactive approach of installing a drain guard to catch the hair.

If the problem still occurs, call a plumber. Clogged bath or shower drains can easily worsen when not given proper attention.

6. No Hot Water

For households with a heating system, it can be frustrating to one day wake up without hot water coming out of your shower or faucets. This isn’t just a matter of comfort. In the colder months, hot water is a necessity.

If you have a poor-quality water heater, it may need to be replaced. On average, a good one can last around five to ten years. If you’re experiencing problems frequently before that timeframe, it may be best to have another brand.

Conclusion

If your water bill has gone up quite a lot in the past month, perhaps you’re going through a plumbing problem. Water wastage in a building or home can be largely attributed to unsolved and undetected plumbing problems. Those problems are both costly and can be a serious cause of concern. With the list of plumbing problems, you should now be more aware of when you may be going through one in your household. If you’re unsure how to address the problem, always call expert plumbers for help.