The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing issues are par for the course for most homeowners. Depending on how long you’ve lived in a place and the maintenance of your plumbing works, you may face issues with leaky faucets and pipes. However, some plumbing problems are more likely than others. Here are the five most common plumbing problems and what you can do to overcome them.

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets can be a messy and expensive problem. They will undoubtedly impact your water bill; these water droplets add up! The water can also cause further damage to the pipes, especially if they are made of metal.

There can be several causes of a dripping faucet. The easiest to deal with is either a worn-out O ring or washer, which is replaceable. If the cause is improper installation or corrosion, you might need to call a professional to take a look at it.

Leaky Pipes

Pipes that leak can be a pretty huge problem. Just like with faucets, any leaks are going to hike up your water bill and waste a lot of water, which is not great for the environment. The longer leaky pipes are left to leak, the more damage they will do to the structural foundation of your home.

Some of the common causes of leaky pipes are:

  • -Water pressure
  • -Clogged pipes
  • -Corrosion
  • -Incorrect laying
  • -Cracks in the seal or the pipes themselves
  • -Damage at the joint

Each of these problems has a different solution: replacement of the faulty product, re-laying, or resealing the cracked seals. Some plumbing repairs may require some expertise, which is why it may be a good idea to call a professional.

Leaky Toilets

Is your toilet running? Better go catch it! Because this is where the water wastage multiplies exponentially. You could be wasting up to 200 gallons of water a day.

Common causes of running toilets are:

  • -Refill tube problems
  • -Corroded toilet handles
  • -Flapper seals or flush valves that have worn out
  • -Flapper chains that are not sized correctly

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain, whether it’s your sink, shower, or bath, can lead to a lot of problems when water doesn’t drain fast enough. The cause is usually either soap scum and dirt or hair. If it’s a kitchen drain, the clog is more likely to be food remnants and grease.

The best way to unclog a drain is to use a plunger or a plumber’s snake. Other methods include using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. In extreme cases, a chemical clog remover may be used but only as a last resort because it can damage the pipes over time.

You can avoid this problem by using a drain guard that will catch whatever is causing the clogs.

Low Water Pressure

If the water pressure in your home is low, it will make every water-related activity a challenge. Here are some of the causes:

  • -Water leaks
  • -Corrosion
  • -Clogged drains or sewers
  • -Blocked sewer lines

If your home is suffering from any of the above plumbing problems, don’t let the problem get worse. A plumbing professional like those at A-1 Services has the experience needed to quickly take care of the issue. Contact us to get a quote and fix all your water woes.