The average household leak wastes 9,400 gallons of water each year, according to estimates. Common plumbing issues that go unchecked can be quite costly and might come back to bother you when you most need water. It’s a pain to turn on the shower and never get hot water.
The trouble with common plumbing issues is that they might go undiscovered for quite some time. When the problem reaches a critical stage, we are slapped with a massive bill. Don’t allow a plumbing problem to ruin your day; instead, plan ahead and avoid it.
Is it necessary to hire a plumber or is it possible to fix it yourself? Do you have the necessary time, money, and patience to complete the task? This can be determined by a variety of factors, including prior experience and financial constraints.
These are the most frequent plumbing issues that homeowners should be aware of. Follow our tips to make an informed repair decision.
Broken Faucets
Insanity is often associated with the sound of a leaking tap. The constant, rhythmic tone imprints itself on your mind. Even when you’re not at home, you start to hear it. In a year, one drip per second equals 2600 gallons. As your water bill rises, so does your patience. Don’t be concerned; get the drip addressed by obtaining a proper diagnosis. In most cases a drip is the related to common plumbing issues.
O-ring That Has Been Worn Out
Replacing the O-ring is a simple and inexpensive remedy. A tiny rubber ring that attaches to the stem screw. It aids in the retention of the handle. This ring wears out over time when the handle is pushed and pulled. You’ll notice a leak at the base of the handle at some point.
Old Cartridges
The aerator is another major source of leaks over time. This is the mesh filter located at the spigot’s end. Mineral deposits choke the aerator over time. As it clogs, water pressure will be lost, putting stress on the seals and gaskets. Replacing these every couple of years is a good idea.
Valve Seat/Washer Issues
The valve seat and washer are located between the faucet and the spout and keep it in place. A leak at the spout can occur if these connections wear out or become loose. Mineral deposits, which corrode the valve seat, are typically to blame.
You can also have issues if the washer you placed isn’t the right size. Friction loosens the washer and allows water to pass through if the seat isn’t precise.
Pipes That Are Leaking
Pipes account for the majority of plumbing issues, particularly in older homes. The majority of pipes nowadays are constructed of PEX. However, copper pipes can still be found in many ancient structures.
Under typical circumstances, copper is stronger than PEX. Copper, on the other hand, does not react well to temperature variations. Copper will break as a result of the expanding and contracting, while PEX flexes.
Corrosion is also a problem with copper pipes. Copper pipes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep to keep them from leaking. Learn how to winterize your pipes, no matter what material they’re made of.
Toilet Problems
Toilet leaks are frequently overlooked but are often related to common plumbing issues. An internal leak in the tank is water down the drain rather than a visible mess on your floor. If you don’t catch it, it’ll be money down the drain. A toilet that is constantly running might waste hundreds of gallons every day. The rubber flapper is one of the most common offenders. They may lose their shape and fail to seal the tank adequately.
The chain that connects the flapper to the flapper can also become twisted. The flapper would not be able to sit flush on the bottom as a result of this. Fortunately, replacing the flapper is a simple and inexpensive procedure.
The full flushing system can be purchased for less than $20. You may also use food coloring to do a toilet leak test at home.
Hose Bibb That Has Been Worn Out
The normal hose bibb isn’t designed to survive numerous seasons. This is especially true if you reside somewhere where winters are bitterly cold. Because of the temperature difference, the hose bibb will lose its integrity and crack.
Your hose will leak all over the place if this happens. A leaking hose bibb can waste hundreds of gallons each month in silence. Purchase a heavy-duty frost-proof brand if you want to prevent having to replace them frequently over the life of your home.
Clogs And Partial Clogs
Clogged pipes are another common source of frustration for homeowners. Toilets that are clogged are rather simple to fix. The most severe clogs may necessitate the use of a pipe snake or a specialist, but otherwise, plunge away.
Clogged sinks and drains, on the other hand, can be a different matter. It’s tempting to reach for drain cleaners when things get really nasty. Please do not pour these hazardous trash bottles down the drain.
They sometimes work, but they’re often no match for the stuff that might clog your drains. Sure, there’s hair, soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Toothbrush brushes, toothpaste caps, and toothpicks will just sit there.
A drain catch should be installed in your sink to give easy access to anything that tumble down the drain. If you can’t get in touch with it, you should contact a specialist.
Sump Pump Issues
When there is a lot of heavy rain or snow, sump pumps tend to fail. To avoid future sump pump failure, you’ll need to perform a lot of routine maintenance. You should also look into how it is set up.
A pump that has been placed incorrectly will work harder and eventually fail. Sump pumps can potentially be ruined by power outages. Consider rethinking your watering situation as an alternative to employing a sump pump.
The first step is to realign gutters so that water drains away from the foundation. It’s a good idea to slant your surrounding foundation to redirect water away. To aid irrigation, you may wish to re-level any patios, decking, or concrete surfaces.
This may appear to be costly, but in the long run, it might save you thousands in sump pump maintenance and replacement.
There Is No Hot Water
It’s a harsh morning to discover your water heater isn’t working. Cold water showers with no hot water aren’t fun unless your house is toasty inside. A hot water heater should last 8 to 13 years, but if you’re not attentive, that time can be reduced short. Fortunately most hot water problems are caused by common plumbing issues.
Rust And Corrosion
The enclosures placed around water heaters are only as good as the heaters themselves. You’ll have a better start if they’re inside the house. The water heater, on the other hand, can develop problems with the elements over time.
Anode rods prevent corrosion from developing, however their effectiveness deteriorates over time. The rods rust as they age, and the tank can corrode as well.
Build-Up Of Sediment
Hard water contains a variety of minerals that can settle to the tank’s bottom. This silt can clog pipes and limit water flow as water is pumped into the house. To avoid irreparable damage to the water heater, you’ll need to hire an expert to clean it.
Size And Pressure Are Insufficient
Not all water heaters are suitable for every home. A smaller heater is required for 1-2 bedroom apartments than for a 4-5 bedroom home. In fact, if your heater is little and needs to be used for a long time, it will not last long.
A water heater’s heating elements require regular cooling cycles to avoid a shortage. You’ll also want to ensure the water pressure is set correctly for your needs. A water heater’s lifespan can be shortened if the water pressure is too high.
What To Look Out For
If your water heater isn’t working properly, you’ll notice various problems while using it. When using hot water, the water will have a metallic or rusty odor. Your water may take more than a few minutes to heat up.
Take a glance outside while it’s on if you detect any of these problems. Any strange crackling or popping indicates that it needs to be repaired right away. The same can be said for leaks of any size. Take the appropriate measures based on the sort of heater you have, whether it’s an electric or gas system.
Sewer Issues
This is perhaps one of the most difficult plumbing issues to diagnose. Sewer systems can become clogged, resulting in foul odors. When your sewer line becomes clogged, it can obstruct all of your drains.
When every flush acts like a clog and your sinks begin to pool water, you’ll know it’s the sewage line. All sewer line repairs should be handled by a licensed plumber. When it comes to sewer problems, prevention is the best practice.
Draining The Funds
Keep an eye on what you’re flushing. Some face and cosmetic wipes are too fibrous to break down quickly enough. These elements can and will be used with “other” materials to make toilet concrete. Sewer jams can also be caused by food. It’s not a good idea to flush food down the toilet. If you have a waste disposal, limit how frequently you use it.
Scrape food down there slowly, rather than hurling your entire plate down there, even though it can chew through it. Larger chunks of food can get past the garbage disposal and cause a clog in the sewage system. Also, keep an eye on the grease.
Greasing down the drain is a risky business. It’s possible that it’ll go down as a liquid and then solidify afterwards. If necessary, run hot water for a few minutes afterward to verify it’s clear.
Trees
If your house is close to a large tree, you can have sewer line issues. Sewer lines can be pushed, broken, and squeezed by the roots of huge trees. Without the help of a skilled plumber, this can be a tough problem to diagnose.
Break In The Water Line
Winter frost is the most serious threat to water lines. If you already have a little leak in your water line, the frost can completely damage it. A small pinhole-sized crack is all it takes for a pipe to split.
It is worthwhile to inspect your water line to ensure that all pipes are clear of cracks. This might save you thousands in significant breaks and leaks if your water line is older. The cost of repairing water damage to your home or foundation could be prohibitive.
Water Pressure Is Inadequate
Low pressure is probably the most unpleasant problem in most homes, aside from the leaky faucet. Showering is less fun and washing dishes is a chore when the water pressure is low. A new shower head or faucet can sometimes solve the problem of low pressure.
Low water pressure may need to be corrected at the valve or pipe level in all other circumstances. If you have a leak that you are unaware of, this could be a warning sign to pay attention to. After you’ve checked for all of the other issues stated above, you should be able to fix the low water pressure issue.
You Can Handle Plumbing Issues
We wish to underline that plumbing is a difficult task for the typical person. Most people dislike getting their hands dirty in order to solve their problems. However, there are a few remedies that you can make without making matters worse.
If you’re going to try any DIY methods on the internet, please sure to follow these steps:
- Before you do anything, turn off the main water supply.
- Don’t skimp on the necessary tools and parts.
- Wear nothing that you don’t want to get dirty.
- If you don’t understand something, call a plumber for help.
Summary: Common Plumbing Issues
The average household leak wastes 9,400 gallons of water each year, according to estimates. Common plumbing issues that go unchecked can be quite costly and might come back to bother you when you most need water. It’s a pain to turn on the shower and never get hot water.
The trouble with plumbing problems is that they might go undiscovered for quite some time. When the problem reaches a critical stage, we are slapped with a massive bill. Don’t allow a plumbing problem to ruin your day; instead, plan ahead and avoid it.
If you have any questions about common plumbing issues contact me today.