10 Most Common Plumbing Problems

If you own a home, it is only a matter of time before you encounter a plumbing issue. There are some issues that occur as fixtures and systems age or with normal use of equipment. Other issues can be caused by the maintenance or lack of maintenance and use of some systems. These are some of the most common issues that you may encounter and their causes:

Faucets Dripping

You are lying in bed, trying to sleep and you start to notice the faucet dripping. At first you can ignore it but then it becomes more annoying and starts to keep you up all night long. This can because caused by a worn-out o ring or washer and the replacement of those is simple and affordable. If the dripping is caused by corrosion or the fact that the faucet in installed incorrectly, that can be a more expensive issue. Dripping faucets can use a large amount of water over time and it is important to have them repaired quickly so your money does not go down the drain.

Leaking Pipes

You may have leaking pipes caused by a lot of different issues such as corrosion, damage, cracked pipes or seals, massive water pressure, incorrect pipe laying or clogs. No matter what the cause of your leaky pipes, you should repair it as soon as you discover the problem because the damage that can result will be more costly than a simply plumbing repair.

Toilet is Running

Running toilets are not only annoying but also expensive! If your toilet is running it can lead to up to 200 gallons of water being wasted per day. If your toilet is not refiling properly, there may be issues with worn out flapper seals, valves, flapper chains that are the wrong size and corrosion in the toilet handle.

Water Pressure is Low

If you have low water pressure it can be really frustrating to try to have a shower or to do anything that requires water. Most of the time your low water pressure is due to a larger plumbing problem such as a water leak, a blockage in your sewer line, corrosion in your pipes, clogged drains.

1. Hose Bibb Leaks

It is common to see a hose bibb leaking in the spring or the summer. Generally during the colder months hose bibbs are not protected and may crack or leak. It is a good idea to purchase a frost proof bibb which lowers the incidence of future leaking.

Drains are Clogged or Slow to Drain

If your drain is clogged it could be many foreign objects including hair, soap or grease. If you do not address your drainage issues it can lead to serious health issues and plumbing problems in the future. Regular drain cleaning can be the answer to preventing drainage issues. If one drain is clogged or slow, the problem is only with that particular drain; however, if there are multiple slow drains then you may be experiencing a problem with your sewer lines.

Break in Water Line

Water lines are most vulnerable when the temperature drops. If your water line is leaking, then a frost can cause it to fail or break completely. You only need a small hole or crack in your pipe that can cause it to split. You should inspect your water line and examine all of your pipes for cracks. If you have an old water line this can save you a great deal of money when it comes to leaks. If you experience serious damage in your home, it can become very expensive, very quickly.

Failure of a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are placed to prevent flooding where the water table is higher than a basement in a home, for example. If your sump pump fails, it could be due to many different issues, including:

• Clogged drainage pipe

• Improper installation

• Massive amount of water running through the system (after a storm, for example)

• Switches are frozen/stuck

• The pump is old and failing (more than 10 years old)

No Hot Water

There is nothing worse than having a cold shower or trying to wash dishes with cold water. A hot water heater has a life span of between 10 – 12 years, depending on the manufacture and quality. The main issues that occur with hot water heaters including:

• Buildup of corrosion or sediment.

• Improper installation.

• Loose electrical connections.

• Failure of the heating element.

• Unit too small to support the needs of the home.

If you notice a hissing sound near your hot water heater, this is usually an indication that the tank is leaking and is failing. It is important to shut the water off to hot water systems immediately and cut the power to it too. Call a plumber on an emergency basis to deal with this issue, it is not something that can wait.

Sewer Issues

If your sewer system is clogged or backed up, then your drains may become clogged. If you flush your toilet and it overflows without a clog, then this is a good indication that your sewer has an issue. You should have your sewer lines checked and cleared by a licensed plumber to keep it functioning correctly.

Whether you have small issues or large ones, it is important to deal with plumbing problems as and when they occur. If you let these issues go for too long with out the attention they require, it can lead to much more expensive issues in the future.

Images from Refined Plumbing

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