5 Common Plumbing Issues & How To Avoid Them

Ever had the water from your shower turn cold suddenly? Or have experienced the horror of an overflowing toilet? We all face these plumbing problems that can cause a real mess. But we can avoid this trouble with regular check-ups and identifying minor issues early. 

It’s about knowing what to look out for and how to handle it. And when things get too harsh, there’s always help available. Plumbing experts are ready to step in and fix any plumbing issue, making your life much easier. They’re just a call away for any plumbing trouble you might face.

Here we will discuss 5 common plumbing issues with prevention tips. Let’s begin!

1. Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems. This problem may seem minor, but it can lead to wasted water, increased bills, and potential damage to your home. A faucet may leak for several reasons, such as a worn-out washer, a damaged valve, corrosion, or improper installation.

Even though a leaky faucet may seem like a small problem, it can be tricky to fix if you’re not a plumbing expert. It is where the professionals at Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air come into play. With their extensive expertise and hands-on experience, they can identify the root cause of the leak and provide an effective solution. Whether it’s a simple washer replacement or a more complex valve issue, you can count on them to fix it quickly and efficiently.

How to Avoid

To prevent faucet leaks from happening in the first place, here are a few tips:

• Regular Inspections: Make it a routine to check all faucets in your home for any signs of leakage. Early detection can save you a lot of trouble later on.

• Proper Installation: If installing a new faucet, ensure it’s done correctly. Improper installation can often lead to leaks.

• Quality Faucet Parts: Invest in quality faucet parts. Cheaper, low-quality parts can wear out faster, leading to leaks.

• Regular Maintenance: Get your plumbing system serviced regularly by professionals like Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air. They can spot potential issues and fix them before they escalate.

2. Slow Draining Sink

A slow-draining sink is a common plumbing problem many homeowners need help with. This issue occurs when the water takes longer than usual to drain out. A partial blockage that restricts water flow is the cause of it. The culprits include a buildup of food scraps, grease, hair, and soap scum that accidentally fall into the sink.

How to Avoid

To prevent slow-draining sinks, follow these tips:

• Avoid Dumping Grease or Oils: Grease, oils, or fats should never be poured down the sink as they can solidify and cause blockages.

• Install a Drain Strainer: A drain strainer can catch debris like food particles and hair before they go down the drain.

• Regularly Clean Your Sink: Regularly cleaning your sink with natural cleaning agents can help clear the drain.

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Always dispose of solid waste in the trash can rather than the sink.

3. Clogged Bath or Shower Drain

A clogged bath or shower drain is a common yet frustrating plumbing problem. It arises when hair, soap scum, and mineral buildup accumulate over time. They prevent water from flowing freely down the drain. 

How to Avoid

To prevent clogged bath or shower drains, consider the following tips:

1. Install a gutter guard: A great way to prevent issues with your gutters is by installing a gutter guard – it’s easy and effective! Before going into the drain, this filter collects hair and other debris.
2. Clean Regularly: A habit you should develop is cleaning your shower faucet regularly. It could involve manually removing hair and other contaminants before employing a secure drain cleaner to dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits.
3. Limit oils and bath salts: Relaxation through oils and bath salts is popular, but be wary of potential drain blockages caused by accumulation. Cleaning your tubes thoroughly afterward is essential if you use them.
4. Proper garbage disposal: Solid waste and insoluble materials should never be disposed of down your bathroom or shower drain. Wipes, cotton, and feminine hygiene products are among the included items.

4. Running Toilet

Running toilets are a common issue. It can cause you to waste a lot of water and increase your utility bills. This problem occurs when water from the tank continues to flow into the bowl, usually due to a malfunctioning flapper valve. This valve controls the amount of water from the tank to the bowl. A broken fill tube or an inadequately sized float that fails to signal when to close the fill valve are two potential causes of the issue.

How to Avoid

Here are some tips to stop running toilets:

• Check it regularly: Consume and separate your toilet fittings regularly. It includes flappers, fill valves, floats, and overflow tubes.

• Correct Float Height: Ensure the float is set at the right height. If it rises too high, water will flow into the drain pipe, and the filter will remain in operation.

• Use quality materials: Always choose high-quality parts when replacing toilet fixtures. It can help prevent future leaks.

5. Leaking Pipes

Leaky pipes are a serious and common water issue. Here are some possible reasons for Pipe leaks:

1. Corrosion: Over time, pipes can corrode and become wet.
2. High humidity: High humidity can put a lot of stress on your pipes and fittings. They can be cracked or moved.
3. Temperature changes: large changes can cause the pipe to expand and contract. It can cause cracks and leaks. 
4. Blockages: Severe blockages can increase pipe pressure, eventually leading to leaks. 
5. Incorrect pipe reinstallation: Improper pipe alignment during installation may result in future leaks. 

How to Avoid

You can prevent pipe leaks by doing regular maintenance and checking for potential problems: 

1. Regular inspection: Inspect your pipe for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. 
2. Adequate water pressure: Ensure your home’s water pressure is safe to avoid unnecessary pressure on your pipes. If you need help checking this, hire a professional. 
3. Insulate: Remove water from your pipes to prevent frost and water damage, especially in hot areas of homes. 
4. Avoid low drains to avoid blockages. Regular drain cleaning can also help keep your pipes clean.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water problems such as leaking faucets, slow sinks, clogged toilets, running toilets, and leaking pipes can give one a headache. Still, with some knowledge, prevention tips, and professional help, these issues can be avoided. Remember, you can solve minor problems; some still need a professional. Upgrade your home’s plumbing; When in doubt, call the experts! That’s the secret to a worry-free home.