Clogged toilets, drains, and leaky faucets are nuisances.
These plumbing issues are more common than most homeowners realize. They range from minor to severe and can happen due to normal wear and tear, improper use, lack of maintenance, and aging fixtures.
Many people don’t call professionals for assistance. DIY solutions may fix the problem; however, they are often temporary and don’t last long. If you aren’t sure of the cause or how to deal with them, it is best to leave the plumbing repair to the professionals.
7 Plumbing Problems Homeowners Should Watch Out For
Avoid plumbing system problems by learning about common plumbing issues you might encounter. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners should be aware of:
- Slow or Clogged Drains
Clogged drainage systems can cause water to back up or drain slower than usual. You can attempt to clear the blockages on your own. If the blockage clears, it might not be as severe as you think. However, it could be one of the signs of plumbing problems.
Don’t wait until a disaster happens right in front of you. It is best to have experts inspect your drains. There may be soap scum, hair strands, food particles, or small objects blocking your pipes.
- Clogged Toilets
Something blocking your toilet if the water bubbles up, backs up, and overflows. This is one of the common plumbing problems that can reoccur and worsen over time. Toilets that don’t flush properly are frustrating and can make house guests panic.
Although you can use a plunger to clear the blockage, it doesn’t always work. If you successfully clear the clog with a plunger, call professionals to inspect the situation afterward. There is nothing worse than going to the toilet and finding it doesn’t flush thoroughly.
- Leaky Faucets and Pipes
It isn’t pleasant to find out you have an expensive water bill even though you didn’t change your water consumption habits. Leaking water pipes or faucets often lead to higher utility bills.
You might use hardware sealants available at most hardware stores to repair your leaky faucets or lines, but they don’t guarantee a leak-free repair. You might not even find the source of the leakage, especially if they’re underground or behind your walls.
Licensed plumbers know how to fix plumbing problems, accurately locate the source of the leak, and perform the necessary repairs.
- Running Toilets
Running toilets waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. Broken toilet handles, incorrectly sized flapper chains, and weathered flapper seals or flush valves are some of the common causes of running toilets. Don’t attempt to replace these if you don’t know how to do it properly; call expert plumbers to do it for you.
- Low Water Pressure
Do you remember ever getting ready to shower or wash dishes and finding out that your water pressure is low? It’s usually one of the common plumbing problems in older homes. However, it may also happen in newly-built homes. Low water pressure can occur at any moment, making the situation even more frustrating.
Low water pressure can happen if your main water line is not working correctly or your pipes are damaged. Broken, corroded, or leaky water pipes could also be the cause. Fix this problem with the help of plumbing professionals.
- Sewer Backups
A sewer backup is the most unpleasant thing; it can happen quickly if most of your toilets or drains are not functioning properly. Backups don’t smell so good and often come with sewage that may endanger your health and safety.
It is impossible to fix this plumbing problem with a DIY plumbing repair. Expert plumbers can help you avoid this unpleasant problem and costly water damage repair; all they need is your immediate call.
- Problematic Water Heaters
Instead of hot, refreshing water, you are greeted with freezing liquid ice. You might have a plumbing emergency if your water heater is not letting out hot water. The plumbing issue could be severe if you have a water heater with low water flow or no hot water supply.
Other common plumbing problems that the water heater can cause are:
- Water discoloration
- Sediment buildup
- Dripping water
- Unusual noises
- Rust or corrosion
- Broken valves
- Unpleasant smells
Water heaters can last between 8 and 13 years. However, improper handling and use reduce their lifespan. You can fix some plumbing problems yourself. For example, you could relight the pilot or replace the heating element of an electric heater.
Corrosion, sediment buildup, and rust are challenging issues that will require professional help. You should also be aware that leaking water heaters cannot be fixed and must be replaced.
Key Takeaway
Slow-draining or clogged toilets and drains, leaking faucets and pipes, running toilets, low water pressure, and sewage backups are common plumbing problems many homeowners should watch out for.
One of the best ways to prevent these problems is to maintain your plumbing system regularly. However, many homeowners believe it to be costly. They don’t realize that repairing these problems is more expensive than regular maintenance.
Be smart. Have plumbing experts in Denver maintain your plumbing system and save yourself from the stress and the hassle of dealing with plumbing problems.
