Plumbing. It’s one of those things we generally take for granted, until it starts creating problem. For example, a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a water heater that’s not working. All these are common plumbing problems that every home owner must be aware of.
While these problems looks so big, but can be solved with some DIY hacks. You don’t always need to call a professional for easy things. You should be smart enough to fix these common problems on your own.
In this post, we’re diving into the top 10 plumbing problems that are pretty common to happen at any time. And, don’t worry, we’re not going to use professional plumbing jargon. Instead, we will keep it super simple, practical, and, most importantly, easy to follow.
So whether you’re dealing with a plumbing issue or just want to prepare yourself upfront, this post have got you covered with the easy-to-follow fixes and all the guidance you need.
10 Common Plumbing Problems With Fixes
No doubt, plumbing issues can be a real pain. But most of them are quite easy to fix if you know what’ you’re doing’s happening and what you need to do.
While, consulting a professional plumber is always a good approach, however, many common problems don’t require an expensive plumber.
With a bit of DIY and a step-by-step guide, you can easily fix these issues yourself and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
1. Leaky Taps
Ah, that leaky tap that constantly sounds “drip-drip-drip” is the most annoying thing. It also keep wasting gallons of water – and, if not inspected on time, this could go even worse.
But, what’s the cause of a leaky tap? Well, generally it’s a worn-out washer or O-ring inside the faucet which is culprit. These tiny rubber parts helps turn the tap, and over time, they just worn out.
It’s actually pretty simple to fix and won’t take much of your time. First, turn off the water supply (if you don’t want to flood the floor). Then, grab a wrench, pop off the handle, and take apart the faucet to remove those washer or 0-ring. If the washer’s looking worn, or the O-ring’s lost its shape, replace them with new ones.
Now, pop everything back together, turn on the water, and habibi – it’s fixed.
2. Blocked Drains
There could nothing be as frustrating as kitchen sink slowly turning into a mini swimming pool. A blocked drain is one of those common plumbing worst issues you never them to happen.
In most of the cases, drainage gets blocked due to hair, grease, food bits, and soap scum.
Fixing it is quite easy and don’t necessarily require a professional. Get a plunger, give it a few solid forces inside the sink, and see if you can get things drained. If that doesn’t work, a drain snake (or auger) can reach deeper into the pipes and break up the blockage. It might sound a bit confusing, but trust me – it’s not as scary as it sounds, and it most of the time solves the problem.
3. Boiler Issues
There’s nothing worse than having a cold shower, just because your boiler has decided to stop working. Generally, the issue is something simple like the pilot light going out or low water pressure or maybe an issue with the thermopile.
If the pilot light is off, just follow your boiler’s manual to relight it. If it’s low pressure, topping it up using the valve is usually fixes the problem,
But if that doesn’t fixes the problem, it could be due to a faulty thermostat or a more complex issue, in which you need a boiler repair service.
Bathroom layout
Sometime, it’s not the plumbing issue but the structural issues that creates bigger plumbing issues with time. Most commonly, it’s due to the structural errors in bathroom or shower.
A poorly designed bathroom can make plumbing issues a big problem. In such cases, you will need a professional constructor or expert such as bathroom fitters in bolton.
A few adjustments can make a big difference in your bathroom.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can make these simplest tasks, like washing dishes or taking a shower a big deal. But why does water pressure goes low? Well, it generally happen due to either a clog in the pipes or a pressure regulator is damaged.
The fix is quite easy and can be done on your own. For mineral buildup, try cleaning the aerators and showerheads with a vinegar soak. This helps clear the gunk. If that doesn’t work, check pressure regulator and adjust or replace it.
In some cases, you may even need to call in a plumber to get this fixed.
Running toilets
A running toilet is one of those common problems that can happen during any season of the year. But, the question is why is this running though?
Generally it’s due to a worn-out flapper valve. It basically a component that controls the water flow that runs through the tank to the bowl, and when it gets old or damaged, it creates leaks.
To fix a running toilet, first, turn off the water supply and flush. Remove the tank lid and check the flapper – if it looks cracked or warped, replace it with a new one (they’re super affordable and available at any hardware store).
While you’re doing it, also check the chain that’s connected to the flapper. If it’s slacked or tangled, a quick adjustment might can fix the issue.
Water heater issues
Water heater issues are a common and yet the frustrating problem. The cause could be anything from a thermostat setting or to a serious broken heating element.
If your water isn’t heating up, you might have a bad setting in thermostat that just need some adjustment. Or, if you’re getting lukewarm water, there could be a buildup of sediment in the tank.
To fix the problem, check if the thermostat is off, it’s a quick and easy adjustment. Just change the temperature to a desired setting. And, that should most probably fix the heating issue.
Moreover, if you suspect sediment buildup, try flushing the tank to clear things out. You can do this yourself by draining the tank and flushing it with water until it runs clear. If the problem is with the heating element, you might need to call in a professional to replace it.
Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes is the biggest problem when it comes to plumbing disasters, and they can cause some serious damage if left unchecked.
It generally happens due to the frequent change in temperature. When pipes are exposed to cold air, especially in non-insulated areas like basements or attics, the water inside can freeze, causing it to expand and put pressure on the pipes. That pressure can lead to cracks or, worse, bursts.
But, how do you fix that frozen pipes? First, turn off your water supply to prevent any leaks. Then, using a hairdryer or space heater, gently heat the frozen section of pipe.
Never use an open flame (trust me, you don’t want that risk). Once the pipe starts to thaw, you can check for any cracks or leaks, and if everything looks good, turn the water back on.
To prevent freezing pipe in future, make sure to insulate the water pipes, especially those with non-insulated areas. Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install, and it can save you from such freezing issues.
Faulty Water Pressure Regulators
A faulty water pressure regulator can create plumbing issues without you even realizing it. If your water pressure feels weak or fluctuates frequently, you must check your water pressure regulator.
This little component is responsible for maintaining the water pressure in your pipes, so when it fails, you’ll notice the difference.
Fixing it is simpler than you might think. Start by finding the regulator, typically near the water meter.
Next, check the pressure with a gauge – if it’s too high or low. If you see it’s too high or low, the regulator needs a replacement.
To to replace the regulator with the new one, turn off the water supply, remove the old regulator, and replace it with a new one.
Sewer Line Problems
Sewer line problems are one of those issues that can create big plumbing issues later. If you’ve noticed bad odors coming out from your drains, or slow-moving toilets, or even worse, sewage backup in your basement, there’s a chance that your sewer line is clogged or damaged.
Whatever the reason, a damaged sewer line can create some serious situations. If you let it go for too long, you might find yourself facing an expensive repair.
If you suspect such problem in your plumbing system, it’s best to call a professional plumber, as dealing with a damaged sewer line is not a DIY stuff.
They’ll likely perform a some better inspection to exactly know the issue. Depending on the level of damage, repairing cost can range from just a simple cleaning to a full replacement.
Plumbing Maintenance Tips
When it comes to plumbing issues, it’s generally happen due to irregular maintenance. In the hustle bustle of our daily life, we often forget to give them a check.
That’s why a little routine maintenance can seriously avoid costly repairs in your plumbing system. Think of it as a plumbing “checkup” for your home, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Start by regularly inspecting your faucets and pipes for leaks, as even a small drip can turn into a major problem over time. Make sure you keep your drains clear by avoiding grease and obstacles that can cause blockages.
And don’t forget your water heater! Remember, flushing it once a year helps prevent sediment buildup and ensures it’s running efficiently.
Conclusion
Plumbing problems may not always be bigger issues, but they can cost too much if not noticed on time. Most of these issues are easy to prevent or fix. Whether it’s a leaky tap, a clogged drain, or a irregular water pressure , many common plumbing problems can be fixed without the need for a professional plumber.
