What Are The Most Common Plumbing Problems

A man fixing a kitchen faucet.

There are many benefits that come with homeownership. There are also many potential issues that can arise as a result of owning a home. One of the least thought of parts of a home is its plumbing. That is until there is a problem. Since most plumbing fixtures are mostly out of sight, many people allow small issues to grow into larger ones. For instance, a slow draining sink may not seem like a big issue, until it is totally clogged.

When owning a home, it is important to keep an eye on small issues and have them repaired as soon as you notice any issues. If you are not comfortable with inspecting and/or making small repairs on your own, it is recommended that you work with a reputable plumbing contractor like the ones at LeadingEdge. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your plumbing issues will be handled quickly, efficiently, and by a professional. Listed below are some common plumbing problems that most homeowners deal with and how to recognize and potentially repair them.

Slow Drains and Clogs

Slow draining sinks, tubs, and showers are usually caused by a partial blockage within the drains. In the kitchen, it may be due to congealed fat or pieces of food. In the bathroom, it may be caused by hair or soap. If a sink is clogged or draining slowly, it is recommended that you use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a plunger to clear the blockage. In some cases, a plungers snake may be necessary. It is not recommended to use chemicals such as Draino as this can cause serious long term damage if used too often.

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Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets may not seem like a big deal. However, it left unchecked your faucet could be leaking away hundreds of gallons of water every year. This will undoubtedly affect your water bill. Dripping faucets are typically caused by problems with the internal washer. It can be fixed by most homeowners with the right tools and a quick DIY video online.

Running Toilet

Ever use the bathroom, only to hear it still running hours later? If so, you are likely dealing with a running toilet. If not fixed, your toilet could be losing up to 200 gallons of water every day. This will certainly have a major impact on your water bill. The issue is typically caused by a broken flapper.

There are toilet repair kits available that make this a relatively easy fix. In some cases, it may be caused by sediments in your toilet or silent leaks. To check for leaks, put dye into the upper tank of your toilet and check to see if it leaks into the bowl without flushing.

Water Heater Issues

Cold showers are never fun. Water heater issues can be caused by many issues. Unless it’s something simple like a pilot light going out, it is recommended that you connect with a plumber to diagnose and fix any issues.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be a symptom of a much larger problem like broken or leaking pipes. However, it could also be the result of built-up sediment in your aerators. If this is the case, you can easily soak your sink aerators in vinegar. If there is low water pressure in your shower, then you will need to either soak your shower head or totally replace it.

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