7 Most Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

Plumbing problems arise in different sorts and sizes, from fixable issues to major expensive repairs. It can be a dripping faucet, a clogging toilet, a significant pipe leakage, and many others.

Today in this article, we discuss seven common plumbing problems and ways to fix them. Using these methods, minimal problems can be easily prevented and fixed.

7 Most Common Plumbing Problems

The seven issues faced in a regular household are:

1. Dripping Faucets,
2. Slow Draining Sinks,
3. Clogged Bathroom or Shower Drains,
4. Running Toilet
5. Leakage in Pipes,
6. Sewer System Backup, and
7. Faulty Water Heater.

Below we discuss the points mentioned above in brief.

Dripping Faucets

It’s the most common issue in every household, and almost everybody has experienced it. It’s not just the problem is irritating, but it also raises the water bill. A dripping faucet means loss of gallons of water in a year.

This problem is usually found in the internal washer where the pipes have become stiff, worn, and torn. The issues can be easily but require the appropriate plumbing tools like a slide wrench and pliers, to name a few.

Slow Draining Sinks

The problem generally arises when there is a clog in the kitchen or bathroom sinks. The drains may be lodged with hair, small objects, and food wastes that cause the draining slower.

It can be easily fixed by a plunger, pouring vinegar and baking soda into the sink, or by chemicals. If the problem isn’t taken care of in its early stage, the drain will completely be blocked.

Using Chemicals

1. Read the instructions in the package 0f the chemical and use just the right amount,
2. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves,
3. Don’t mix the chemicals unless directed to, and
4. Pour the chemical down the drain.

Clogged Shower or Bathroom Drain

Shower drains in bathrooms usually get clogged with hair and grease of soap. The blockage can be cleared by using a toilet plunger or apply the same steps as above.

How to use a toilet plunger?

1. Apply petroleum jelly at the edge of the suction pads of the plunger,
2. Ensure the toilet is filled with water for the plunger to be submerged, and
3. Apply rigorous force.

Running Toilets

Running toilet means loss of 200 gallons of water daily. In such a case, first, check the faulty flapper valve that controls the water passing into the tank from the bowl.

It can also be caused by sediments forming which affect the flushing and filling. It can be fixed with toilet repair kits available at regular hardware stores.

Leakage in Pipes

Leakage in pipes can damage floors and furniture, and the dampness it leaves invites bugs, mostly cockroaches. Leaks usually occur at the joints.

Smaller leaks can be fixed by applying tapes, fillers, and compounds.

Leaks are most common in winter when water freezes and expands, causing the pipes to burst.

Preventing Pipes from bursting in Winter

• Allow the cold water to drip from the faucet continuously, and
• Set the thermostat temperature at the same for both day and night.

Sewer System Backup

Sewer system backup is very nasty and a nightmare. The smell from the sewer is unbearable and inconvenient. If the household is suffering from multiple drain clogging and running toilets, then the backup is the problem.

Three main causes of this problem are:

1. First, the primary sewer is clogged,
2. Tree roots might have got inside the drainage pipes, and
3. Lastly, the main sewer may have collapsed and damaged.

Fixing this issue depends on the position of the blockage. If it’s within your property, you need to hire a plumber to fix the pipes. If it’s on the road, then the water supplying company should fix it.

Faulty Water Heater

This issue is not noticed until you step into the bathroom for a shower, and the water suddenly turns cold. Several reasons can lead to problems in the water heater.

The main light might have gone out, and you might have to witch it on manually. Sediments formed at the base of the tank can also cause the problem. The thermostat might also be faulty.

In most cases, usually, a professional is required to fix problems related to a water heater.

For problems related to plumbing and pipes, please contact, icareplumbing.com.au.