10 Most Common Plumbing Problems & How To Fix Them

Plumbing, the frequently unnoticed hero of our homes, carefully supports our morning showers with cool water and effectively transfers rubbish out of sight.

However, like any complex system, plumbing can experience difficulties. But don’t worry! There are effective ways to fix plumbing issues.

We will walk you through the ten most common plumbing problems homeowners confront and how to resolve them.

Obtaining expert assistance is the best way to protect your safety and property from further damage when repairing complicated or common plumbing problems.

What Typically Causes Plumbing Problems?

Understanding the underlying causes of typical plumbing issues can assist you in avoiding them in the first place.

While some problems result from normal wear and tear over time, others result from inappropriate use or poor maintenance.

Here’s a closer look at the common plumbing problems and their solutions:

1. Clogs

A clog is the root cause of many plumbing issues. Clogs can easily disrupt your daily routine, whether caused by hair in the shower drain, food particles in the kitchen sink, or toilet paper. 

Break apart and remove the obstruction with a plunger or drain snake. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they might damage the pipe.

Simple solutions are available for minor clogs in your shower, sink, or toilet. To avoid aggravating serious clogs, call a plumber for assistance. 

2. Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets are so frequent that finding someone who hasn’t had this problem is difficult. A leaky faucet’s constant dripping isn’t only inconvenient and wasteful. Usually, worn-out washers or seals are to blame for leaks.

Replace the faucet’s worn-out washer or O-ring. If the leak persists, consider replacing the entire faucet. This common plumbing problem repair will save you from unnecessary costs. 

3. Running Toilets

A toilet that keeps running after you’ve flushed it is not a hassle but can also increase water bills. Flapper valves or fill valves that fail are frequently to blame.

Adjust or replace the flapper and fill the valve to stop the constant running. Use a toilet repair kit found at any hardware store for a simple remedy.

4. Low Water Pressure

Aerator mineral buildup, a concealed leak, or a fault with the main water supply can cause low water pressure.

Clean or replace the aerator in faucets and showerheads. Check for concealed leaks and, if necessary, seek professional assistance.

5. Leaking Pipes

If not immediately fixed, leaking pipes, whether caused by corrosion, shifting foundations, or temperature fluctuations, can cause water damage and mould growth.

Depending on the severity of the leak, you might need to repair the pipes, replace the damaged portion, or patch the leak with epoxy.

6. Slow Draining Sinks

Sinks that take time to drain are most likely the result of an accumulation of soap scum, hair, or grease in the pipes.

Clean away the accumulation of debris by removing and cleaning the sink stopper. To prevent future obstructions, consider utilising a drain strainer.

You can use a plunger, baking soda and vinegar, a chemical clog remover, or a plumber’s snake to clean a clogged sink. If the problem persists, seek help from a professional plumber to avoid further complications.

7. Water Heater Issues

Sediment buildup, a broken thermostat, or a faulty heating element can all cause lukewarm water and weird noises in water heaters.

Turn off your hot water system safely to prevent injuries or accidents. Check the thermostat settings, flush the water heater to remove debris, and repair broken parts as required.

If it keeps going out whenever you try to light it, contact a professional; a deeper problem may need to be fixed.

8. Rubbish Disposal Trouble

Problems with rubbish disposal can result from improper use, including grinding fibrous or hard debris, which can cause a stuck or broken rubbish disposal.

Before attempting to locate the cause of the block, ensure that the waste disposal is entirely switched off. To avoid harm, turn off the garbage disposal power. Only then should you attempt to reach inside to see if any little objects are obstructing your disposal unit.

You can manually twist the disposal’s flywheel with an Allen wrench to clear clogs. If you cannot locate the source of the obstruction, seek a plumber’s services. The jam is most likely deeper within the unit.

9. Sewer Line Blockages

Tree roots, dirt, or foreign objects can block sewer pipes, resulting in sewage backups and foul odours. Contact a licensed plumber for safe and efficient blockage removal with a sewer snake or hydro-jetting.

10. Gas Leaks

Faulty appliances are frequently to blame for gas leaks. You should immediately address them because they could seriously harm your family’s health. If you believe your devices aren’t working properly, watch out for gas leak indicators. 

Licensed plumbers have the skills to deal with gas leaks and safeguard your house. Call a professional gas leak plumber when you find a leak in your home.

Conclusion

While you can address many common plumbing issues with do-it-yourself remedies, it’s crucial to recognise your boundaries. 

It is best to contact a professional plumber for larger repairs and emergencies. Attempting difficult maintenance without the proper knowledge can result in further damage and expensive repairs down the road. 

Regular upkeep can also help prevent these problems from worsening, such as checking for leaks and clearing drains. 

Resolving plumbing problems promptly and seeking professional assistance when necessary can keep your home’s plumbing system working smoothly and your stress levels low.

You can always get on the line with Link Plumbing in Sydney to fix various plumbing issues, from the simplest to the most complicated ones. Our quick plumbing solutions are available 24/7.

Say goodbye to clogged drains, leaky faucets and backed-up sewers today with our expert plumbers!