Common Residential Plumbing Issues and How to Prevent Them

Plumbing plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and functional home environment. A well-maintained plumbing system is essential for daily living. However, plumbing issues can occur unexpectedly, causing potential damage to your property.

In this blog post, we discuss some of the most common residential plumbing problems and provide valuable insights on how to prevent them.

Clogged drains

Clogged drains are perhaps the most prevalent plumbing issue homeowners face. They can occur in sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets due to the accumulation of hair, soap residue, food particles, and other debris. To prevent clogs and the need for pipe-fix plumbing services, consider the following:

·       Use drain screens: Placing drain screens over sinks and showers helps catch hair and larger particles before they enter the drain.

·       Avoid pouring grease: Grease and cooking oil can solidify in pipes, leading to clogs. Dispose of these materials in the rubbish bin instead.

·       Conduct routine cleaning: Flush the drains with hot water with vinegar and baking soda mixture to prevent buildup.

Leaky faucets

Leaky faucets are incredibly wasteful. Drip by drip, litres of water can go to waste with a dripping faucet. Common causes of leaks include corroded parts, worn-out seals, and faulty installation. Prevent leaks by:

·       Conducting prompt repairs: Address even minor leaks immediately to prevent them from worsening.

·       Conducting regular maintenance: Replace worn-out seals and gaskets periodically to keep faucets functioning.

·       Ensuring gentle handling: Avoid forcefully turning off faucets, which can damage internal components.

Running toilets

Your water bill can skyrocket due to unnecessary water wastage of a running toilet. An imbalanced float mechanism or faulty flapper valve typically causes this problem. Prevent running toilets by:

·       Checking the flapper: Ensure the flapper valve is sealing the flush valve. Replace if worn out.

·       Adjusting the float: Check that the float is set to the correct water level to prevent continuous water flow into the toilet bowl.

Burst pipes

Burst pipes can damage your property and belongings. Freezing temperatures, corrosion, or increased water pressure are often the root causes of this residential plumbing problem. Prevent burst pipes by:

·       Ensuring proper insulation: Insulate pipes in cold areas of your home to prevent freezing during winter.

·       Conducting regular inspections: Monitor the condition of your pipes and address any signs of corrosion promptly.

·       Maintaining moderate water pressure: Excess water pressure can strain pipes. Use a pressure regulator to maintain safe levels.

Water heater issues

Water heaters are essential for daily activities like bathing and cleaning. Problems with water heaters can lead to cold showers and discomfort. To prevent water heater issues:

·       Conduct routine maintenance: Flush the water heater tank yearly to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency.

·       Check the pressure valve: Test the pressure relief valve periodically to ensure it's working correctly.

·       Set the right temperature: Adjust the water heater temperature to prevent scalding and optimise energy usage.

Sewer line backups

Sewer line backups can result in slow drains, foul odours, and sewage overflow in your home. Tree root intrusion, grease buildup, or foreign objects can cause this issue. Prevent sewer line backups by:

·       Not flushing non-flushable items: Dispose of non-flushable items in the sanitary bin.

·       Managing tree roots: Regularly trim trees near sewer lines and consider root barriers to prevent intrusion.

We hope these tips help you handle your plumbing and other issues. After taking care of quick fixes, let a specialist handle the rest of your residential plumbing to ensure it's in the best condition.