Plumbing systems are among the greatest inventions in history. It’s hard to imagine living without one, but you will have to experience that if your system fails. All homeowners have to deal with plumbing issues at one point or another, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of significant problems.
These 10 common plumbing issues can affect any homeowner, often with little warning. Without regular plumbing maintenance, your system is at a higher risk of experiencing them.
10 Common Plumbing Problems and Potential Causes
We’ve compiled some of the most common plumbing issues for homeowners. They range from minor annoyances to potential disasters if they’re not fixed promptly.
1. Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are not only annoying, but they can also increase your water bill and cause waste. Worn-out washers and O-rings could be to blame, or someone may have installed the faucet incorrectly. Corrosion can also cause a faucet to leak.
2. Low Water Pressure
When you turn on your shower and only a dribble comes out of the showerhead, this indicates a decline in water pressure. Low water pressure is a sign of another plumbing issue, such as pipe corrosion, a hidden leak, or mineral buildup from hard water clogging your pipes.
If you notice low water pressure in your home persists, contact a plumber to address the problem immediately.
3. High Water Pressure
High water pressure is on the opposite end of the spectrum. While it may not seem like an inherent problem, too much pressure can put extra strain on your pipes and could cause them to burst. Signs of high water pressure include leaky pipes and banging sounds when you flush the toilet or turn off a faucet.
4. Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes require immediate attention because of the risk of bursting. A burst pipe can cause massive damage to your home and plumbing system.
Some of the most common causes of leaky pipes include:
- Clogs
- Corrosion
- Poor installation or laying processes
- High water pressure
- Joint damage
- Cracked seals
5. Running Toilets
We’ve all had that awkward moment when the toilet won’t stop flushing. Common causes of a running toilet include:
- Refill tube problems
- Worn-out flapper seals or flush valves
- An improperly sized flapper chain
- A corroded toilet handle
When this happens, your first instinct might be to flush it again, but doing so can cause the toilet to overflow or sustain additional damage. Instead, check to see if the flapper or chain needs adjusting. If those aren’t the issue, call a plumber for a thorough inspection.
6. Slow or Clogged Drains
Slowed or clogged drains can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in bathrooms and kitchens. The drain might get clogged with soap, hair, or foreign objects. In the kitchen, large pieces of food or trash can block the water from moving through the pipes.
Multiple clogs can indicate an issue in your sewer line. But no matter the cause, it’s essential to have clogs cleared as soon as possible to prevent water and waste from backing up into your home.
7. Water Heater Issues
When your water heater stops working, you may realize it when it’s time to shower, and the water is ice cold. Various issues can cause water heater problems, such as:
- Corrosion
- Poor installation
- Heating element failures
- Sediment buildup
- Loose or broken electrical connections
If you can’t see an obvious solution to the problem, it’s best to call a plumber to avoid causing further damage.
8. Sump Pump Failure
A sump pump prevents water from accumulating in your basement. But if it fails, you could end up with extensive damage to your home that’s costly to repair. Sump pump failure may occur if the unit gets overloaded with water, has clogged discharge pipes, or has a stuck switch.
9. Downspout Issues
Your home’s drainage system relies on gutters and downspouts to transport and discharge moisture that accumulates on the roof. But a clogged, disconnected, or damaged downspout could allow water to seep into the foundation and cause significant damage. You might notice that your basement walls appear to sweat or the lower level of the home feels damp.
10. Sewer System Backup
A sewer system backup is one of the most unpleasant plumbing issues on the list. No one ever wants to deal with sewer waste, and repairing the damage caused by a sewage backup is expensive and messy.
A backup usually occurs as the result of a blockage, so keep an eye out for signs of a clog, such as slow-moving drains or unpleasant odors. A plumber can locate the blockage and clear it.
What Takes Place During a Plumbing Maintenance Check
One key to avoiding these common plumbing problems is having your plumbing system inspected regularly. A qualified plumber may perform a visual inspection, as well as use a camera to look for signs of issues.
A visual inspection involves looking at the various components to determine whether any problems exist, such as corrosion or leaks. A camera inspection provides evidence from hard-to-see areas, like the inside of a pipe or a sewer line.
A professional plumbing maintenance service typically involves an inspection of the following:
- Sump pumps
- Water heaters
- Water filtration systems
- Water storage tanks
- Water fixtures, drains, and supply lines
- Sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers
- Exposed plumbing throughout the home
- Outdoor plumbing and sewage lines
When Should You Schedule a Maintenance Check?
The best time to schedule regular plumbing maintenance is spring or fall. During the hot summer months, people often use more water, putting additional stress on their pipes and fixtures.
In the winter, the risk of frozen pipes increases. Water that remains in the pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst. When the water melts, you’ll end up with a messy situation in your living space.
During your routine inspection, a plumber can ensure your water heater is working and check for signs of weak or damaged pipes. Based on their findings, they can perform any necessary repair or replacement services before winter hits.
Get Routine Plumbing Checks with Airco Service
Regular plumbing maintenance can keep your system flowing properly and prevent significant damage to your home. Plus, it’s a worthwhile investment because it prolongs your plumbing system’s life while avoiding expensive disasters.
If you’re in Oklahoma, you can count on Airco Service to take care of your plumbing system. We provide plumbing services in Tulsa, OKC, and other parts of the state. As a trusted local plumbing services provider, we’re available 24/7 for emergency service.
Contact Airco Services to schedule a maintenance check today! You’ll be happy you did.
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