Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them

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Plumbing issues can be a major inconvenience for homeowners, causing everything from minor leaks to major flooding. When you need water the most, the cost of fixing plumbing problems can add up quickly. It’s terrible to turn on the shower and have the water stay cold.

Most plumbing problems don’t show up right away, which is a major issue. In extreme cases, we receive a hefty invoice. Don’t allow plumbing problems to ruin your day—be proactive and take precautions.

Fortunately, many common plumbing problems have simple solutions that homeowners can handle on their own. To avoid costly plumbing repairs, familiarize yourself with these most frequent plumbing issues.

Here are some of the most common plumbing issues and how to fix them:

1. Problematic Faucets

Popular culture associates irrationality with leaky faucets. Your subconscious hears the hypnotic beat. Imagine a drip every second wasting 22 gallons of water every day. Diagnose and fix the dripping faucet to save water and money.

• Wearing washers or O-rings can cause faucet leaks. 
• Aerators also leak taps. Mesh filters the spigot’s end. Mineral deposits eventually jam the aerator. Clogging lowers water pressure and strains pipe seals and gaskets. Change these at least every few years.
• The valve seat and washer are between the faucet spout and body. If these connections loosen, the spout may leak. Mineral deposits again cause valve seat corrosion.
• A misfit washer might also cause issues. If the seat is rough, friction dislodges the washer, letting water through. 
• Turn off the faucet, remove the handle, and replace the worn pieces to fix it.

2. Leakage in the Pipes

The majority of plumbing issues, especially in older homes, are related to the piping. Copper pipes can still be found in many older structures. Copper may crack under the stress of expanding and contracting temperatures. Copper pipes also corrode just as easily. Copper pipes require constant care and attention to avoid leaks. 

3. Issues with the Bathrooms

It’s not uncommon for toilet leaks to go undetected for a long time. Water that leaks from within the tank disappear without leaving any visible trace on the floor. You’ll be flushing money down the toilet if you don’t stop this leak.

• A running toilet might waste hundreds of liters of water every year. Rubber flappers often break. They may distort, making tank sealing inefficient.
• The flapper’s chain sometimes tangles. The flapper couldn’t lie flat on the floor. Simple and affordable flapper replacement is the solution. 
• Just replacing the flushing system would cost £20.

2. Leaky External Tap or Hose bibb 

Regular hose bibbs don’t usually last more than one growing season. If you reside in an area that regularly experiences freezing temperatures during the winter, this is especially important to remember. Because of the drop in temperature, the hose bibb will break and leak.

• Get a heavy-duty frost-proof brand if you don’t want to keep replacing them over the years.

4. Clogs and incomplete clogs 

For homeowners, nothing is more aggravating than dealing with clogged pipes. Fixing a clogged toilet is a simple task. Except for the most stubborn obstructions, you should be good to go with just a plunger.

• A drain catch can help you retrieve items from the bottom of your sink quickly and easily. In the event of inaccessibility, expert assistance should be sought.
• You may also use a plunger or a snake to remove the blockage. For a more severe blockage, call a professional plumber.

5. A Basement Pump

Sump pumps break under heavy rain or snow. Sump pump maintenance prevents breakdowns. Checking installation is also advised. Uninstalled pumps work harder and wear out faster. Sump pumps can fail in power outages. Rethinking your irrigation system may be a sump pump alternative.

• Realigning the gutters so water flows away from the house’s foundation is the first and most important step.
• Sloping the ground around your house’s foundation to channel rainfall is worthwhile. 
• Re-level patios, decks, and concrete for irrigation.
• This may appear expensive, but it might save you a lot of money by preventing sump pump maintenance or replacement.

7. Cold Showers

A water heater that suddenly stops working can be a rude awakening. Without hot water, taking a shower is not enjoyable unless the temperature inside the house is high. A hot water heater has a recommended lifespan of 8-13 years, but this can be shortened with carelessness.

• Anode rods prevent corrosion; however, they wear out over time. Older rods promote tank to rust.
• Hard water minerals may collect in the tank’s sedimentary layer. Sediment can choke pipes and lower water pressure. Professional cleaning prevents water heater troubles.
• Water heater heating components need periodic cooling to avoid depletion. Adjust water pressure as needed. High water pressure shortens the water heater’s lifespan.
• If the water heater breaks, using it will get harder. High-temperature water smells like rust. Water may take several minutes to heat up. Crackling or popping sounds require prompt correction. All leaks are the same. Gas and electric heater safety differ.
• Check for these issues outside while it’s on.

8. Problems in the Sewer System

When sewers become clogged, the resulting stench can be nauseating. Sewer debris can back up into houses and businesses.

Throwing something in the toilet without thinking could be dangerous. Fibrous makeup and face wipes take too long to disintegrate. These will form bathroom concrete with other ingredients.

Food can also clog drains. Don’t flush food waste. Consider how often you use your garbage disposal.

A residence near huge trees might also cause sewage concerns. Large trees can break or squeeze sewer lines. This often requires a plumber’s diagnosis.

• It’s the sewer line if the toilets act like they’re clogged, and the sinks collect water.
• It is strongly suggested that only a professional plumber perform any work on the sewer line. 
• When it comes to sewer issues, prevention is key.

9. Main Waterline Burst

The wintertime frost poses the greatest risk to the water lines. Frost can completely crack a water line that is already leaking. A pipe can burst open at the size of a pinhole.

The foundation or structure of your home could be ruined by water, which could lead to financial ruin.

• It’s a good idea to check for leaks and cracks in your water pipes to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line. This could save you a ton of money if you have an older home with a leaking water line.

10. Insufficient Water Pressure

Low pressure is, next to a dripping faucet, the most common source of annoyance in the average home. Low water pressure reduces the comfort of taking a shower and makes it difficult to wash dishes. 

• A new showerhead or faucet may be all that’s needed to restore normal pressure.
• In all other circumstances, the water pressure may need to be adjusted at the valve or pipe levels. This could be a warning sign that you have a leak that you aren’t aware of.
• If the water pressure problem persists after checking for the aforementioned issues, you may need to call a professional.

Fixable Plumbing Issues

In conclusion, many common plumbing issues can be easily fixed by homeowners. Regular maintenance and checking for leaks can help prevent some of the common issues. Remember that preventing the problem is better than fixing it.

Make sure to do the following before attempting any do-it-yourself fixing:

• Before you do anything else, turn off the main water valve.
• Don’t skimp on quality; invest in the right equipment.
• You should not wear anything that you care about having stained.
• If you’re stuck, it’s best to consult a plumber for help.

If you’re having any of these plumbing issues, we hope you’ll take care of them right away. A minor problem, such as a leak or clog, can rapidly become a major one. 

However, if you are not comfortable working on your own plumbing, it is best to call a professional plumber at Easefix. Our qualified plumbers have the knowledge and experience to fix the problem correctly and quickly.