Common Plumbing Problems that All Homeowners Experience

It is inevitable for homeowners to encounter plumbing problems. While some of these issues may stem from the natural wear and tear of fixtures or the general use of plumbing equipment, others may result from improper usage and maintenance of particular systems.

With their extensive knowledge, O Plus Plumbing can assist with common and uncommon plumbing issues. We can provide solutions for the most frequently occurring problems, as well as offer explanations of the reasons behind such issues and suggest potential remedies.

1: Leaking Faucets: The Annoying Plumbing Issue

A faucet that leaks constantly can be a source of annoyance, wastage, and financial burden. This issue is often caused by a worn-out washer or O ring, which can be easily replaced. However, corrosion or improper installation of the faucet can also be the underlying cause of the problem.

• To determine the potential cost of the constant drip, consider utilizing a drip calculator.
• If replacing the washer or O ring doesn’t resolve the issue, seek the assistance of professional plumbers to diagnose the problem.

Fix Your Leaking Faucet

To replace a worn-out washer or O-ring causing a dripping faucet, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply that leads to the affected faucet.
2. Remove the handle and the nut beneath it.
3. Take out the old washer or O-ring and replace it with a new one.
4. Reassemble the faucet parts, turn on the water supply, and check for any leaks.

If the drip persists, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, and it is advisable to seek the help of a professional plumber. Alternatively, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on fixing a leaking faucet.

2: Leaking Plumbing Pipes

Experiencing leaky pipes is a prevalent plumbing problem that can happen to any homeowner. There are various causes of leaky pipes, such as:

• High water pressure
• Improper pipe installation
• Corrosion of pipes
• Damage to pipe joints
• Cracks in seals or pipes
• Persistent clogs

How to Fix This Plumbing Problem?

To resolve this plumbing problem, the solution would depend on the underlying cause of the leak. If the issue is due to persistent clogs or high water pressure, adjustments to the plumbing system or specialized equipment may be necessary to clear blockages or regulate water flow. On the other hand, if the problem results from corrosion, joint damage, or cracks in pipes or seals, replacement of the affected parts may be necessary.

To accurately diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action to effectively repair the leaky pipes, it is essential to seek the assistance of a professional residential plumber.

3: Another Common Plumbing Problem: Running Toilets

Running toilets are a common plumbing problem that many homeowners often ignore. Did you know that a continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day? This amount of water waste is significant! The plumbing problems that frequently cause running toilets include:

• Worn-out flapper seals or flush valves
• Flapper chains that are incorrectly sized
• Problems with the refill tube
• Corrosion of toilet handles

How to Fix Your Running Toilets?

The appropriate solution to address this prevalent plumbing problem would depend on the underlying cause of the issue. Typically, adjusting or replacing one or more of the following components can resolve the problem:

• Flapper seal or flush valve: If the flapper seal or flush valve is worn-out or damaged, it may need replacement.
• Refill tube: A running toilet can also be caused by issues with the refill tube, such as blockages or a poorly positioned float. In such cases, adjusting or replacing the refill tube can be necessary to resolve the problem.
• Flapper chain: An improperly sized flapper chain can prevent the flapper seal from closing correctly, leading to continuous water flow into the toilet bowl. This issue can often be solved by adjusting or replacing the chain.
• Toilet handle: The flush plumbing mechanism can malfunction due to corrosion of the toilet handle, resulting in a running toilet. Replacement of the handle may be necessary.

It’s best to ask a plumber for help to find out what’s causing the problem and figure out the best way to fix a running toilet.

4: Experiencing Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a common issue affecting how well your plumbing system works. It could indicate other plumbing issues like corroded pipes, hidden water leaks, clogged drains or sewers, and damaged or blocked sewer lines.

How Can You Fix This Plumbing Problem?

To resolve this common plumbing problem, it’s important to identify the root cause of the problem. Here are some general steps to follow:

1. Make sure the water pressure regulator is set correctly.
2. Inspect all visible pipes, valves, and faucets for leaks.
3. Check for clogs in pipes, faucets, and showerheads that could be causing the low water pressure.
4. If you’re unable to identify the cause of the problem, it’s best to seek the help of a professional plumber.

5: Having Problems With Hoses Bibb

A leaking hose bibb is a common plumbing issue that can occur during spring and summer due to damage caused by cold winter weather. To prevent this issue, investing in a frost-proof hose bibb is advisable, which can reduce the risk of future leaks.

6: Clogged Drains are The Most Common Plumbing Problems

Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that should be addressed promptly to avoid future costly damage.

If left unresolved, clogged drains can cause health hazards and result in more significant and expensive plumbing problems.

When you have slow or clogged drains at home, the solution depends on the cause of the problem. If it’s only in one area, it may be due to a buildup of debris that can be cleared through regular cleaning. However, if you have multiple slow or clogged drains, it could signal a more serious problem with your sewer line. It’s important to call a professional plumber if you notice this, especially if the issue starts with your lowest drains, to prevent a sewage backup and related health hazards.

How to Get Rid of Your Clogged Drains?

While plungers or drain snakes can fix minor clogs, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber for persistent or widespread clogs. Trying to resolve severe clogs yourself may worsen the situation or harm your plumbing system. Moreover, using chemical drain cleaners, a popular DIY solution, can damage your pipes and create additional issues later on.

7: Sump Pump Failures and Problems

Sump pumps can stop working for different reasons, such as problems with the pump or outside factors. Some reasons for sump pump failure include a stuck switch, too much water after heavy rain, clogged pipes, wrong installation, and old age. If a sump pump is ten years old, it might be more likely to fail.

Solution for Sump Pump Failures

The solution for sump pump failure depends on the specific cause of the problem. Some common steps you can take to fix the issue include checking for power supply issues, clearing any clogs in the discharge pipes, testing and cleaning the float switch, and replacing any worn-out parts. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.

8: Water Heater Problems

Another typical plumbing problem in households is a malfunctioning water heater, which can turn into an emergency if it fails to provide enough or any hot water.

Water heaters can experience various issues that cause problems, such as:

1. Using the wrong size or type of system
2. Improper installation
3. Heating element failures
4. Corrosion or sediment buildup in systems
5. Loose or broken electrical connections.

How to Fix Your Water Heater Issues?

1. Verify power supply: If you have an electric water heater, ensure that it is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. For gas heaters, confirm that the pilot light is lit.
2. Inspect the thermostat: If the water temperature is not hot enough, adjust the thermostat accordingly. If it still doesn’t heat correctly, the thermostat may need replacing.
3. Examine the heating element: If the water is not heating up at all, there may be an issue with the heating element, and you may need to replace it.
4. Look for leaks: Check for leaks in the tank or the pipes leading to and from the water heater. If any leaks are found, consider replacing the affected parts.

It’s advisable to seek the assistance of a licensed plumber to identify and resolve any issues with your water heater if you’re not confident in troubleshooting or repairing it yourself.