7 Most Common House Plumbing Problems

7 Most Common House Plumbing Problems

Did you know that if left unrepaired, a simple leak on your faucet can waste up to 9400 gallons of water annually?

This shows how critical it is to inspect your plumbing system regularly and ensure it is always in its best working condition. Unfortunately, a house fail is bound to happen, especially when it comes to plumbing. An unrepaired plumbing system will not only harm your wallet but also affect the comfort of your house.

From foul smell coming from your kitchen to slow sink drain and mold growth on your walls, these are just some of the signs of underlying plumbing system issues. Read on to understand the most common plumbing issues and how to detect them.

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1. Broken Faucet

Dripping or faulty faucet is one of the most common plumbing system issues. Nearly every homeowner has experienced this at some point and can attest to how irritating the dripping sounds can be.

Besides the discomfort, a dripping faucet results in a significant water loss, pushing up your bills, hence money wastage. The primary cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out or dislodged washer.

While you can quickly repair a dripping faucet with basic DIY skills, you should consult an expert plumber. The professional will disassemble the faucet to detect if there are further underlying issues.

2. Water Heater Problems

Water heater problems are among the easy-to-spot house problems. Imagine getting to the shower early in the morning, ready to take a warm bath. But shock on you, you’re hit by freezing water. Or you notice discolored water and noises coming from the heater.

Water heater issues are, in most cases, a result of leaks. The strange noises result from sediments or a broken valve.

In some instances, you can spot and troubleshoot the problems yourself. But in case of significant issues, you need professional help. Water heaters are complex, and miscalculating the problems could endanger your household.

Take your time to look for a plumber you can fully trust and rely on to solve the issue. Check out tips for choosing a plumber to help you select a plumbing system professional that will meet your needs.

3. Clogged Shower Drain

The thought of showering in a flooded bathroom is such a turnoff. The issue results from a clogged shower drain whereby the drainage takes too long to drain water after a shower or a bath.

This house plumbing system issue happens when the drain is blocked up by soap or hair residuals. You can use vinegar or baking soda to unblock the drain. But that only works in case of a minor blockage.

If the DIY method fails, let an expert come in for a thorough cleaning. The professional plumber has the ideal tool, which is the plumber’s snake or a plunger to clear the drainage.

It is also best if you prevent the issue beforehand. You can do so by buying a drain guard to prevent soap and hair from getting to the drain.

4. Slow Draining Sink

Sinks are critical for an efficient home. A blocked sink drain can be frustrating, especially when cleaning. A clogged drain may also cause awful smells in the kitchen and washroom, and if left unchecked for a long time, it could affect other areas in your house.

Again, you can treat the blocked sink with vinegar or baking soda. But the most recommended method is to let an expert use their specialized tools to get rid of the hair, soap, and other residuals causing the blockage.

Note that using baking soda and chemicals to unclog the sink could damage the pipes, primarily when used repeatedly. They should therefore be avoided.

5. Running Toilet

A running toilet will drain your wallet. Hundreds of water gallons will be lost, not to forget the frustrating experience after using the toilet.

The main culprit behind a running toilet is a broken flapper valve. The valve is responsible for controlling water passing from the tank to the bowl. Running toilets could also result from sediments in the bowl, which hinders efficient flushing and filling.

If you notice an unexplainable rise in water bills, you should consider inspecting the toilet for faulty valves or stuck sediments and let an expert solve the issue for you. 

6. Water Pressure Issue

Among the common old house plumbing system issues is low water pressure. The problem starts low and gets worse over time based on the cause.

Whichever the case, low water pressure results in time wastage when cleaning stuff, taking a shower, or collecting water for use.

Water pressure problems result from the main water pipe. It could also be that you have a leaking pipe within your home.

You can troubleshoot the issue by switching off all the taps and check if the water meter is counting. If you realize a change on the meter when the fixtures are off, it means you have a plumbing leak. The other potential cause of low water pressure is sediment and mineral build-up in pipes and faucets.

7. House Fail Due to Water Backup

Water backup is a nightmare in most homes. For starters, you have to deal with foul-smelling and nasty water.

Moreover, the system issue is super expensive to fix. If your toilets, sinks, and drains are not draining water, this is most likely your problem.

The complexity of the problem depends on the location of the blockage. For instance, if it is on the central system, it means that you cannot do anything about it unless the responsible water company fixes it. Nonetheless, if the blockage is in your property, it is your problem, and you should contact a plumbing company to fix it.

Improve Your Home’s Comfort and Efficiency by Troubleshooting Plumbing Problems

A minor house plumbing problem can turn into a nightmare if left unrepaired for long. Inspecting the plumbing system regularly is the key to prevent a house fail and save money. You will be able to spot issues and have them repaired before they get out of hand.

Check out more home care and remodeling tips here on our site.

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