Common Plumbing Repairs We See All The Time
Clogged drains, water leaks, burst pipes, running toilets, and water pressure issues are the most common plumbing repairs we have dealt with daily for more than 11 years as plumbing experts in Melbourne. We understand the frustration and inconvenience of plumbing issues every homeowner feels every time we pick up that phone and talk to them.
Though inevitable, we have no choice but to deal with these home damages. Either you DIY or perform a quick fix to manage the damage.
In this blog, we’ll share the most common plumbing problems and practical solutions to help you tackle them head-on.
Why Plumbing Repairs Should Not Be Ignored?
Plumbing problems are frequently the unwanted guests that might throw off the balance in our houses. You may find it easy to ignore or put off plumbing repairs, from small leaks to bigger issues like trampoline drainage issues, burst pipes, or low water pressure.
Ignoring these concerns, however, can set off a series of events that could affect your day-to-day existence and cause more costly and substantial property damage.
Preventing Further Damage
A minor leak or a slow drain could soon become a significant issue if ignored. Ignoring plumbing repairs can worsen the problem over time and cause structural damage to your home’s walls, flooring, and other components.
Growth of Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew grow best in environments with persistent moisture from leaks or water buildup. These present health dangers, may cause more structural problems, and require expensive cleanup procedures.
Increased Water Bills
Water waste is frequently the outcome of unresolved plumbing problems. Long-term financial effects of leaks, leaking toilets, or broken faucets can be attributed to increased water costs. By taking quick action to fix these issues, you can reduce your utility costs.
Compromised Indoor Air Quality
Plumbing problems can lead to damp and mouldy environments, which can lower the air quality in your house. This can worsen residents’ allergies and respiratory problems, which could have been prevented with prompt repairs and resulted in health difficulties.
Maintaining Property Worth
A house that is kept up well is a great asset. Ignoring plumbing issues might lower your home’s overall worth. Plumbing problems that are concealed or evident may put off potential buyers when it comes time to sell, which lowers the value of your house.
Avoiding Emergency Situations
Emergencies related to plumbing, including burst pipes, can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Maintaining your home well and making timely repairs can help detect any problems before they become emergencies, giving you peace of mind and reducing stress.
Most Common Plumbing Repairs We Deal Lately
As plumbing experts, we’ve noticed certain trends in the repairs homeowners have recently faced. We begin to realise that these plumbing repairs have become so common that homeowners can often navigate these issues more efficiently with the right understanding of how to address them.
So, with that, we will share the common plumbing problems and their causes and provide insights on how you can tackle them effectively.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common problem for homeowners, causing frustration and disruption. It can occur in sinks, showers, or tubs, often resulting in slow drainage or standing water, so it’s important to understand the causes and address them promptly to prevent further complications.
Cause: Clogged drains continue to be a frequent issue, caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, or even foreign objects in pipes.
Solution: Routine drain maintenance, involving drain guards and periodic cleaning, is key. In existing clogs, effective remedies include plunging or utilizing a drain snake to clear the obstruction.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are more than an inconvenience – they can lead to significant property damage, mould growth, and increased utility bills. Identifying and promptly addressing water leaks is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing system.
Cause: Aging pipes, corrosion, or deteriorating seals contribute to water leaks, leading to potential water damage and increased utility bills.
Solution: Swift identification and repair of leaks are critical. This may involve patching small leaks with epoxy or, in more severe cases, replacing sections of pipes. We strongly advise you to ask for professional help when replacing pipes, especially in complex or hard-to-reach areas. Attempting to replace pipes without the necessary knowledge and tools can lead to unintended complications, potentially causing more damage and costing you more in the long run.
Burst Pipes
Dealing with burst pipes is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Burst pipes can cause severe water damage to your home, leading to structural issues and potential health hazards like mould growth.
Cause: Factors such as freezing temperatures, ageing pipes, or excessive water pressure can lead to the catastrophic issue of burst pipes.
Solution: Preventative measures like winterizing pipes and maintaining proper insulation are crucial. When a burst occurs, call for emergency plumbing service right away! Professional plumbers have the expertise and tools to assess the situation, address the burst pipe, and implement necessary repairs or replacements. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to burst pipes, so don’t hesitate to reach out for expert assistance to protect your home from further harm.
Running Toilets
A running toilet might seem minor but can lead to water waste and higher utility bills.
Cause: The flapper, fill valve, and flush handle can all cause a running toilet. The flapper can wear out, leading to a continuous leak. A faulty fill valve can cause the tank to fill continuously, and issues with the flush handle can result in water continuously flowing into the bowl.
Solution: Inspect the flapper for wear and proper sealing, and consider replacing it if necessary. Check the fill valve for proper function and replace it if it is old or damaged. Adjust the chain length connecting the flush handle to the flapper for proper movement. Clean or replace the flush handle if debris or corrosion affects its performance.
Water Pressure Issues
Experiencing water pressure issues can be a daily frustration. Whether your water flow is too weak or too forceful, addressing water pressure problems is essential for a comfortable and functional home.
Cause: Mineral buildup from hard water can restrict water flow and cause low pressure in pipes. Undetected leaks and lost water can also decrease water pressure. A faulty pressure regulator can lead to water pressure that is too high or too low. Sediment buildup in the water heater can affect its efficiency and decrease water pressure. Additionally, partially closed water valves can lead to reduced water pressure if they are not fully open.
Solution: Inspect your home for visible leaks and consider hiring a professional plumber for hidden leaks. Clean faucet aerators to improve water flow, check the pressure regulator for proper function and flush the water heater regularly to remove sediment. Ensure all water valves supplying your fixtures are fully open to maintain proper water pressure.
Faulty Water Heaters
Dealing with a faulty water heater can be a major inconvenience, especially when hot water is essential for daily activities. Identifying the issues and taking appropriate action is crucial for restoring the functionality of your water heater.
Cause: Sediment buildup can affect heating efficiency and cause overheating in water heater tanks over time. A faulty thermostat can result in inadequate heating or water that’s too hot and may cause frequent on-and-off cycles. Corrosion of the anode rod can compromise the tank’s integrity and lead to water quality issues. A leaking tank indicates internal damage and requires immediate attention to prevent water damage to the home. Malfunctioning pressure relief valves can cause leaks and affect the overall performance of the water heater by disrupting pressure regulation inside the tank.
Solution: To maintain your water heater, regularly flush the tank to remove sediment and improve efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for flushing. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly, and consider replacing it if it is malfunctioning. Check the anode rod for corrosion and replace it if it is heavily corroded. Inspect for leaks and address them promptly. Test the pressure relief valve and replace it if it doesn’t operate correctly.
Dripping Faucets
Just like any other plumbing issue, a dripping faucet is a minor nuisance. Still, it can lead to water waste, higher utility bills, and the aggravating sound of constant dripping. Understanding the causes and taking steps to fix a dripping faucet is essential.
Cause: The most common causes of a dripping faucet are worn-out washers, damaged O-rings, corroded valve seats, and loose parts. Washers create a seal to prevent water from flowing when the faucet is turned off, while O-rings create a watertight seal in the faucet’s stem. Corrosion of the valve seat can cause leakage. Over time, various faucet components can become loose due to wear and tear, leading to a persistent drip.
Solution: To repair a faucet, first turn off the water supply. Then, remove the handle and inspect the internal components. Replace the worn washer and check the O-rings for damage. Inspect the valve seat for corrosion and tighten any loose parts. Finally, reassemble the faucet in reverse order.
Sewer Line Problems
Sewer line problems refer to issues with the underground pipes that carry wastewater from your home to the main sewer system. Detecting and addressing these issues promptly is important to prevent significant damage to your property. Extensive damage can occur if these problems are not dealt with quickly.
Cause: Tree roots infiltrate sewer pipes, causing blockages and pipe damage. Older pipes of materials like cast iron or clay corrode and deteriorate, leading to cracks and leaks. Accumulation of debris, grease, and other materials causes blockages in the sewer line, leading to slow drainage or backups. Over time, sewer pipes may sag or form bellies, creating low points where waste can accumulate and cause blockages.
Solution: Professional inspection using specialised cameras can pinpoint sewer line issues. Remedies may include root removal, pipe repair, or, in severe cases, replacement to restore proper functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular use of chemical drain cleaners can lead to pipe damage over time, so it's best to avoid them. When it comes to normal drain maintenance, think about utilising them sparingly and using other approaches.
An abrupt drop in water pressure, unexplained water pooling, odd noises, and obvious pipe damage indicate a burst pipe. If you believe a pipe has burst, shut off the water supply and get expert assistance.
Suppose you have significant problems with your water heater, such as leaks or broken parts. In that case, you should get professional plumbing help. Attempts to do it yourself could cause more harm.
While it's challenging to entirely prevent tree roots from infiltrating sewer lines, strategic tree placement, regular inspections, and the use of root barriers can help minimize the risk.
Conclusion
Even with the suggestions listed above, we remind you to avoid attempting to handle complicated plumbing problems, including significant pipe repairs or sewage line difficulties, on your own. Because plumbing systems are complex, doing do-it-yourself repairs without the necessary skills and equipment can result in more damage and expensive outcomes.
Ask for the help of a professional plumber if you are experiencing severe or persistent plumbing problems. We professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to efficiently identify and resolve plumbing issues, guaranteeing a long-lasting and dependable resolution.
Remember, your home’s plumbing is a crucial component that requires proper care and attention. Regular maintenance, prompt identification of issues, and professional assistance are key to keeping your plumbing system in top condition.
If you’ve followed our advice and are still dealing with plumbing challenges, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber. They are here to help, providing peace of mind and ensuring your home’s plumbing functions smoothly. Your comfort, safety, and the longevity of your plumbing system are worth the investment in professional assistance.
