8 Most Common Plumbing Issues to Be Aware Of
When owning or renting a home, plumbing issues may occasionally arise. Common plumbing issues might be caused by how particular systems are used and how effectively they are maintained, while some problems are brought on by obsolete fixtures or the wear and use of equipment.
According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an American home can average waste more than 11,000 gallons of water annually from running toilets, leaky faucets, and other home problems. Every year, homes nationwide leak more than 1 trillion gallons of water.
At Chas Roberts, we have a full-service plumbing department that offers 24-hour emergency service. All our plumbing professionals are trained and certified. Read more to discover the eight most common plumbing issues our skilled technicians at Chas Roberts deal with on a day-to-day basis, and what typically triggers them.
Here are the 8 most common plumbing issues that could arise in your home:
1. Dripping Faucets
A leaking faucet is an issue that, if left unattended, might develop into a serious issue.
What causes a dripping faucet?
The three most frequent causes of leaky faucets are rust in the valve seat, a loose O ring, or worn-out washers or gaskets. Most of these common issues can be detected and fixed easily with most faucet repair kits but could turn into a much larger problem if not resolved correctly.
When to call Chas Roberts?
Call us right away if you see large pools of water behind a pipe or a faucet that won’t stop dripping.
2. Leaky Pipes
Homeowners must comprehend the possible harm that a leak can cause. If not fixed, it can produce wastewater, which would encourage unwelcome odors, dampness, and mold within your house and cause many unwanted health problems for your family.
What causes a leaky pipe?
Leaking pipes can be caused by broken seals, clogged lines, corrosion, damaged pipe joints, and more.
When to call Chas Roberts?
If left unresolved, leaky pipes can cause a lot of unwanted damage to walls, ceilings, carpets, and wooden floors. The issue should be taken care of immediately.
3. Low Water Pressure
When your water pressure is reduced, everything will take longer and become more of a chore, including taking a shower, cleaning dishes, and washing your laundry.
What causes low water pressure?
There may be a break in the main water line. Small leaks can also be the cause of low water pressure. Another cause can be buildup or debris in your pipes.
When to call Chas Roberts?
There isn’t much you can do aside from reporting the issue if a water main break is thought to be the cause. If your pipes have leaks or buildup that is causing low water pressure, you should hire a plumber to identify where they are and get it fixed.
4. Running Toilet
A running toilet can be frustrating to listen to, but it can also cause significant problems while running up your water bill.
What causes a running toilet?
When it comes to a running toilet, there could be many possibilities on why it is happening, including the float height needing to be adjusted, the flapper may be leaking and needs to be replaced, or the refill tube needs to be shortened.
When to call Chas Roberts?
Although there are toilet repair kits available, it is recommended to consult a Chas Roberts expert to avoid any chance of inflicting additional costly damages if you are not accustomed to repairing toilets.
5. Problems with the Water Heater
Your water heater is essential for taking warm showers, washing your dishes, and many other tasks around the home. When a water heater has problems, it may be leaking water, making strange noises, or it may have water on the ground around it.
What causes a water heater issue?
Your hot water heater could just be old, and needs replacement, it may have buildup, or it may be a bad gasket, etc.
When to call Chas Roberts?
If your hot water heater is having issues, it is best to let a plumbing professional take care of the problem. Chas Roberts can provide water heater assessments, installs, and can also provide recommendations.
6. Backed up sewer system
As a result of a blockage or damage, wastewater may not properly flow away from your property.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 500,000+ miles of sewage systems across the country are, on average, over thirty years old. The rise in sanitary sewer backups, flooded basements, and spills are partly a result of more residences being linked to sewage systems already in poor condition.
What causes a backed-up sewer system?
A backed-up sewer system can be causes by old sewer systems, tree roots in the sewer system or a blockage.
When to call Chas Roberts?
Every six to ten years, have a professional inspect your sewer system. Professionals will search for cracks, blockages, and indicators of deterioration. The sewer lines will be cleaned and snaked.
7. Blocked garbage disposal
You can quickly identify the warning symptoms of a clogged garbage disposal. The disposal unit may be clogged if it is unable to grind up food waste and flush it through the drain.
What causes a clogged garbage disposal?
Bigger food items should always be thrown in the trash to avoid clogging your garbage disposal. Before cleaning or doing an inspection on your disposal, always turn off the power switch to avoid serious injury. You can use a plunger or a natural cleaner to see if the buildup unclogs.
Or get your hands dirty! Reach down the disposal to see if anything is blocking the blade. You can also try manually turning the blades, but in some cases, you may need a wrench. Be sure the power switch is off before this is done.
When to call Chas Roberts?
If none of the above techniques work, it may be time to call in a professional.
8. Clogged drains
Clogged drains are one of the most commonly noticeable plumbing issues. Drains become clogged when something partially or completely jars in the drain, allowing some or no water to escape.
What causes a clogged drain?
There are many causes of a clogged drain including, food or buildup clogging a kitchen drain, a clogged toilet, or hair accumulating in the shower drain.
When to call Chas Roberts?
There are many solutions to unclog a drain, including home remedies, store-bought chemicals, a plunger, and many more. Still, if the problem keeps arising, it may be a more serious issue, and, in that case, it is best to call a plumbing professional to find the root of the problem.
Conclusion
All the common plumbing issues stated above can be prevented and/or easily fixed before they become more significant. Be aware of the clues your plumbing might give you to avoid major problems.
Chas Roberts is the largest HVAC and plumbing provider in Arizona and has been family-owned and operated for over 75 years. Contact us for reliable, quality service.
