Common Residential Plumbing Issues to Avoid

Plumbing issues in your home are inconvenient and frustrating, especially because they can waste gallons of water and tack extra money onto your utility bills. The best residential plumbing services will diagnose issues with your plumbing and even catch problems before they become more serious issues.

Here are some of the biggest plumbing pitfalls to avoid. 

Constantly Running Toilet

Leaks in your toilet may be harder to catch, because unlike faucets and more visible pipes, they don’t leave behind puddles or water stains. Instead, the water goes down the drain. This water waste is hard on both your wallet and the planet. 

The flapper inside your toilet tank is a small piece of rubber, but it has the important job of sealing the tank when the toilet isn’t flushing.

If this piece gets damaged or is aged, it could stop sealing the tank and cause it to keep draining continuously. Sometimes, fixing this problem is as easy as adding a replacement flapper.

Other issues may involve an overly long refill tube that fills the toilet with water too often. If the float in the toilet tank is too high, the tank will continuously be overfilled and cause water to leak into the bowl. 

Usually, this problem can be solved by replacing parts inside the toilet tank. If that doesn’t solve the issue, it may be something more complex that needs a professional touch.

Lack of Hot Water

There’s nothing worse than running out of hot water during a shower. If you’re having troubles with your water heater, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common plumbing issues in homes.

Sometimes, water heaters stop working because the pilot light has gone out. This can be caused by any number of things, from a damaged thermocouple to a lack of combustible air near the heater. It’s best to have a plumber diagnose the problem to avoid it happening again.

Another potential cause is a buildup of sediment in the water tank. Over time, the minerals in hard water can cause a clog that leads to slower water flow. This can be fixed with a thorough cleaning done by a professional.

Hot water heaters sometimes need to be replaced. Most professionals suggest replacing your heater after 8 to 10 years of use.

Sediment buildup, rust, and age can all damage a heater to the point that a new one is needed. 

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are annoying, wasteful, and one of the most common plumbing issues around. There are a few potential causes for a dripping faucet.

The o-ring on your faucet seals water inside the pipes, preventing leaks. Over the years, however, the rubber can wear out, letting water escape from the seal and causing drips or puddles by the faucet.

This usually happens as a result of natural wear and tear. Fortunately, this issue is relatively cheap and easy to fix.

Sometimes, the spout on the faucet is the actual cause of the leak, and even a new o-ring won’t be able to create the tight seal necessary. In that case, you may need to replace the faucet itself.

Another potential cause is an old or clogged aerator. The aerator is a filter at the end of the faucet spout, and it is designed to give you an even, smooth stream of water. Over time, the mesh of the aerator gets clogged by minerals from hard water. It may need replacement. 

Low Water Pressure

Most of us have experienced the frustration of low water pressure as we try to wash our hands or shower. It slows down basic household tasks and ruins the pleasure of a shower.

On some occasions, this issue is caused by buildup in the shower head or faucet. The easy solution to this problem may involve replacing or cleaning these parts.

Some of the potential causes of low water pressure are more serious. Clogged pipes can stop water from flowing freely through pipes as it normally does, causing a trickle of water instead of a full stream.

Sometimes, this issue requires professional plumbing services. Low water pressure may mean there’s a leak somewhere releasing water from your pipes. 

Leaky Pipes

Leaks in pipes are common, but they can also cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. The leaks can spread to your walls or floor, leaving behind water damage. Over time, mold and mildew can accumulate and pose a health hazard.

Most of the time, pipes leak from the joints between them. Corroded pipes, sealant issues, and excessively high water pressure can all cause leaks. Outside factors like tree roots and shifts to the foundation of your home can also cause pipes to leak.

Whatever the cause, leaky pipes are an issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. Replacing pipes is a job best left to professional plumbers, because of the complexity and the potential for other, related problems.

If leaky pipes are left unaddressed, they can damage your home and, at worst, result in a burst pipe and flooding. You can avoid needing an emergency plumber by scheduling a timely repair instead.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a very common plumbing issue, and they tend to get noticed right away. It usually shows up as a slow-draining sink or shower.

If just one drain is draining slowly, the issue is likely limited to just that drain. Clogs can be caused by buildup that happens over time, or else a foreign object blocking the drain. These can be resolved relatively easily, in most cases.

Sometimes it’s possible to remove the blockage and clear the drain yourself, but in some situations you may need a plumber to bring in professional equipment to deal with serious clogs.

Another possibility is a clog that affects multiple drains throughout the house. That can signal an issue with your sewer line, and that should have your immediate attention. Problems with the sewer line can result in sewage backup, so make sure to hire a professional plumber as soon as possible to avoid that possibility. 

Regular plumbing repair and maintenance will help you avoid serious problems down the line. Contact us today to set up an appointment for plumbing services. You can rely on us for emergency services any time of day and any day of the week, so call our team at Bobby Blue Plumbing today.