10 Most Common Plumbing Problems & Ways To Solve Them

You don't recognize how much you depend on your plumbing until it breaks down. Knowing the most common plumbing issues and remedies will help you decide whether to reach for your toolbox or when to engage a plumber.

Here are some typical plumbing issues that all homeowners should know:

Dripping Faucet

The most obvious drawback of a dripping faucet is that it wastes water. If a faucet drips once every second, the cumulative drips per day will be 86,400. You could squander large quantities of water despite having a slow-drip tap.

That extra water can lead to rust spots within pipes and other installations. It could thus result in even more leaks, some of which may go undetected until the damage escalates.

Replace the O-rings with new ones to repair the dripping faucet and prevent the accompanying issues. However, this solution might vary based on your type of faucet. 

Running Toilet

A running toilet may waste more water than a leaking faucet. For example a small lavatory wastes roughly 20 to 30 gallons daily. If a few rapid handle jostles don't deter your toilet from running, you need to call a plumber. This problem is among the most affordable plumbing services, and a cheap plumber can assist you.

One of the primary causes of running toilet water is a worn-out stopper. When changing a toilet, it's advisable to replace the entire inner workings too. You will not need double service calls if you take this approach.

Clogged Toilet

Clogged toilets are inconvenient. They overflow and produce a foul odor with waste spraying on the floor. Worse, they could show a far more severe problem than you might think: a damaged septic system.

Clogged toilets, fortunately, aren't always a sign of lousy plumbing or approaching disaster. They should be apparent after a few vigorous plunges. Even yet, sometimes you will want the services of a plumber. An example is when you have water or sewer backs up in several spots throughout the house, showing something is wrong.

Slow or Clogged Drains

Slow drains are among the most prevalent problems over which people seek the assistance of a professional plumber. These issues frequently arise for the same reasons that clogged toilets do.

Slow drains may only require a small amount of drain cleaning, but in most cases, you'll need to call in reinforcements. The primary issue with drainage clogs is that the obstructed pipes are beneath plaster or drywall. To get to them, you'll have to do a little digging.

Water Heater Not Working

Water heater issues may necessitate the help of a plumber, a natural-gas expert, an electrician, or a combination of all three. Here are possible problems that are associated with water heaters:

• The water heater flooded the surrounding environment because of faulty valves.
• Corrosion or rust in the tank obstructing water circulation
• Bacteria have infiltrated the tank, causing the water to stink.

However, the most typical issue with a water heater is its failure to live up to its potential, providing either insufficient or no hot water.

On the other hand, you cannot fix a leaking water heater. It's past its prime, and you should replace it.

Leaky Pipes

When deciding whether or not to hire a plumber, most people think about leaking pipes first. A leaking pipe below the sink, leaking toilet pipe, or any other line within your home could be the culprit. Apart from causing overflowing and clogging, the water from leaky pipes that run through walls can contribute to structural damage. Water from leaky pipes rots wood, rusts metal, and when stagnant it becomes the perfect breeding environment for bacteria and disease-transmitting insects.

A competent plumber will not focus only on advising you on the need for repair. He will go the extra mile to repair areas with apparent plumbing problems and those with hidden signs behind the hallway's drywall.  

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a great inconvenience even when not using the shower. Maybe the utility has reduced water pressure, which you may quickly test utilizing a pressure gauge. Another possibility might be that you have issues in your home. Check several spots one by one to see if the low pressure is present throughout the house.

Make sure your water valve is working correctly. It may be only partly open. Run every faucet and showerhead to check for low pressure and note it. If there is only one low-pressure point, something is somehow stopping that fixture or group of pipes. If your entire home has low pressure, one or more central lines likely have plumbing issues.

Main Water Line Break or Leak

Water main breaks can be of two types. One kind of a water main break is when there is a leak and the other type is when the water supply line from the public main to your house breaks. The leaking and breaking problems are mostly caused by aging plumbing systems because with time the metal pipes become susceptible to rust.

It's not your problem in the first scenario but the responsibility of your municipality to correct this. With the latter, you're the one who's in charge. Main water line breaks necessitate the services of top experts and are not DIY projects.

Leaks in the water main are slightly less dangerous, but they still demand prompt attention. They have the potential of becoming water main breaks if left unattended. They, too, necessitate heavy machinery and excavating.

Sewer Line Issues

While water mains deliver water to you, plumbing systems return it to the source. Simple clogs cause the majority of sewer line problems. If you flush things down the toilet that don't belong, such as the misleadingly labeled "flushable wipes," you'll eventually get a sewer clog. Even though you might not be willing, you may still require the services of a professional plumber to clean the lines.

On the other hand, Sewer main pipes may need to be replaced in some circumstances, especially in older homes. To avoid breaking up your landscape, you could opt for a trenchless drain repair service.

Wet Spots on the Lawn

Stagnant water and wet spots on your lawn might be minor or catastrophic. Minor grading issues can result in pools that aren't very harmful until the grade slopes back toward the home; if it happens, the problem is similar to that caused by broken downspouts. Septic systems that are leaking or otherwise damaged, leaking sewage mains, and even leaking water mains are all significant issues. It is better to deal with all these as soon as possible to avoid becoming complete disasters.

The best part is that you can avoid or quickly resolve all these plumbing problems before they become big problems. Be mindful of any warning signs your plumbing may be providing you about potential issues. If you require assistance, contact a professional plumber who will assist you in restoring the correct operation of your plumbing system.